Start: Q2/2027
Publication: Q4 2027
Region: Global Research
Authors: Dr. Christian Fuchs and Robert Tischler

Volatility has become the norm in planning, rather than the exception. Many organizations recognize that they need to transform their planning processes, and they see AI as the most important lever for planning more efficiently. Meanwhile, vendors are promising AI agents, predictive forecasts, anomaly detection, and self-adjusting plans. In practice, however, many teams are still working on the basics: data, skills, processes, and responsibilities. The question of how AI can support achieving these efficiency objectives remains unanswered.

This BARC survey examines which planning tasks are measurably improved by AI, from data preparation and scenario analysis to commentary and reporting. It also analyzes how much autonomy successful organizations grant AI and how far they trust its results. Additionally, it examines which responsibilities organizations have defined for data, processes, and AI output. Building on previous BARC evaluations, the survey provides an updated view of the market by analyzing the progress made since then. The survey looks at what sets successful organizations apart, including their skills, data foundation, governance, and technology support. Readers will gain an independent, empirical benchmark of where AI is helpful for planning under uncertainty and where it is not.

Core questions: