Gartner Finance Survey Reveals CRM Technologies Are Most Valued in the Finance Function

CRM technologies are the most valued in the finance function, according to a survey by Gartner, Inc.

The Gartner survey of 383 finance leaders taken in October 2024 showed that CRM technology, cloud ERP and analytics and business intelligence (ABI) tools were the top three most valued technologies in the finance function, with all three expected to see high levels of future investment (see Figure 1). The findings were shared today during the Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference, taking place here through tomorrow.

"CFOs are increasingly relying on CRM applications to analyse sales forecasts more accurately, using historical performance data to evaluate the likelihood of sales materialising," said Nick Duffy, Senior Director Analyst in the Gartner Finance practice, speaking at the Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference in Sydney today. "The fact that this is the highest valued technology in this survey show CFOs are looking for deeper insight on customer trends that drive financial outcomes." 

Figure 1: Top 10 Most Valued Finance Function Technologies

Source: Gartner (March 2025)

Cloud ERP 
Cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) is establishing a new standard of value, with finance functions keen to tap into the advanced features that tend to be available via subscription model cloud ERP systems.

"It's telling that on-premises ERP was the most discontinued technology in this survey, with almost 20% of respondents planning to discontinue or already having discontinued its use," said Duffy. "On premises ERP is now considered a low-value technology as we see a growing preference for cloud ERP systems."

ABI

Analytics and business intelligence (ABI) tools in finance are used for data visualisation, as well as for data prep, modelling and logic writing analytic tools.

"With a volatile business environment, there's a need to provide faster, decision-ready financial insights to leaders in the business," said Duffy. "Integration with AI capabilities is making this more accessible than ever for finance teams, so these tools rank highly for adoption and future investment currently." 

Gartner clients can read more in the 2025 Finance Technology Bullseye Report. Nonclients can read The CFO Report.

About the CFO & Finance Executive Conference 2025 

Attendees of the Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference 2025, taking place 24-25 March in Sydney, are uncovering the latest finance insights and technology solutions with experts, peers and service providers. Sessions cover how organisations can navigate challenges - such as AI in finance, CFO leadership effectiveness, finance talent management, finance technology strategy and finance transformation leadership. Follow news and updates from the conferences on X using the hashtag #GartnerFinance.

About the Gartner Finance Practice

The Gartner Finance practice helps senior finance executives meet their top priorities. Gartner offers a unique breadth and depth of content to support clients' individual success and deliver on key initiatives that cut across finance functions to drive business impact. Learn more at https://www.gartner.com/en/finance/finance-leaders. Follow Gartner for Finance on LinkedIn and X using #GartnerFinance to stay ahead of the latest expert insights and key trends shaping the Finance function. Visit the Gartner Finance Newsroom for more information and insights.

About Gartner

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) delivers actionable, objective insight that drives smarter decisions and stronger performance on an organisation's mission-critical priorities. To learn more, visit gartner.com.