Improving performance: these are the most important factors in companies

Improving performance and becoming more resilient despite the coronavirus crisis - this is currently on the agenda for all companies. In view of the complex situation, optimising business processes is essential. In the "Performance Improvement Strategy 2024" study, our experts use survey results to analyse which value levers are particularly relevant for companies now and in the future.

For the study, we asked 250 managers from the German economy for practical insights. Among other things, the participants were asked: Are measures planned to improve performance? Are they already being implemented? Why were they initiated? Which areas of the company are in focus? How should individual influencing factors be assessed - and where is the greatest potential in the short, medium and long term? The answers are presented and categorised graphically in the study.

• The intensity of competition and the market entry of new competitors is the most common reason for planning and implementing measures to improve performance. Difficult financing conditions and the shortage of skilled labour follow in second and third place.
• Process automation using artificial intelligence and other technologies was the most frequently realised and planned measure to improve performance. It is the top measure for nine out of ten respondents. Larger companies are ahead of smaller ones when it comes to implementation.
• Process automation, including robotics, is also recognised as having by far the greatest potential and the greatest complexity when it comes to implementation. Big data and data analysis is the technology category that, according to the respondents, contributes the most to increasing performance in the company.