Most companies still treat working capital as a tactical fix – patching up cash flow with manual processes and fragmented data. But a preview of the upcoming Working Capital Leadership Report shows a clear shift: leaders are using automation and integrated data to turn working capital into a strategic growth engine.
Early findings from the 2025 survey:
- Manual processes and poor data integration are holding companies back. Nearly 50% cite inefficient processes as their top challenge, and only 10% have fully integrated, real-time data across finance, procurement and operations.
- Forecasting is still lagging. Over half (52%) rely on semi-automated systems with manual inputs, and almost a third (31%) still use spreadsheets. Just 4% have fully automated, real-time forecasting.
- Automation is advancing, but slowly. 40% report moderate automation (like RPA), but 23% have none at all. No respondents claim advanced AI-driven automation yet.
- Funding is diversifying. 20% of companies now source liquidity from multiple funders, including non-bank partners, while banks still anchor 62% of working capital programs.
Why does this matter?
- Companies that move from tactical fixes to strategic integration report faster cash conversion cycles, better forecasts and stronger supplier relationships.
- Working capital champions use data-led decision-making, cross-functional collaboration and executive sponsorship to drive measurable business impact.
Bottom line:
The future belongs to those who automate, integrate and collaborate. Tactical tools solve today’s problems; technology, data and multiple funding sources unlock tomorrow’s growth.