CorPlan attains IBM Platinum status for Planning Analytics

CorPlan has reached Platinum Partner status in IBM's Partner Plus programme for Planning Analytics, a tier IBM positions as its highest level for partners delivering data and AI solutions.

The New Zealand-based consultancy works with organisations on budgeting, forecasting and planning projects using IBM Planning Analytics and related IBM data platforms. Its approach centres on specialisation in IBM software and consistent delivery.

Founded by Matthew Hill and Nick Potts, CorPlan began as a New Zealand-focused business linked to the Cortell Group, which has operated in Australia for more than 15 years. CorPlan opened a New Zealand office in 2020 and has worked with public, private and not-for-profit clients.

Partner tier

IBM describes Platinum Partner status as recognition for expertise, sales performance and client satisfaction in data and AI solutions work. CorPlan reached Gold partner status by 2021, according to the company.

The move to Platinum comes amid continued interest in financial planning and analysis tools, as organisations seek tighter control over planning cycles and reporting. Delivery models have also shifted in recent years, changing how planning platforms are deployed and consumed across different organisations.

Potts pointed to broader accessibility in planning systems than in earlier market conditions. "That's probably among the biggest changes we've seen over the years. Where IBM Planning Analytics is the world leader when it comes to large-scale deployments, it is now well within reach and well suited to medium and even small organisations," he said.

Local focus

Hill said the company decided early to align closely with one vendor and build depth in its tooling rather than spread effort across multiple platforms.

"From the beginning, we recognised that the vendor landscape can be messy. By choosing the best, then learning everything we possibly could about the technology offered by IBM and contextualising that for our clients, we have established a reputation as the go-to experts for anything Planning Analytics, Cognos Analytics, IBM SPSS Statistics, and Watson applications," said the founder.

CorPlan and the Cortell Group have delivered IBM Planning Analytics to more than 700 organisations in Australia and New Zealand over time, according to the company. That footprint includes large deployments as well as work for mid-sized and smaller organisations.

IBM Planning Analytics sits within IBM's portfolio of analytics and planning products. It is commonly used for driver-based planning, forecasting and management reporting, supporting finance-led planning and operational planning in areas such as sales, workforce and supply chain.

IBM view

IBM New Zealand cited delivery execution and partner development as factors behind the Platinum recognition.

"CorPlan has our full support for continued progression as an IBM Platinum Partner. Over the years, CorPlan has consistently demonstrated a high level of technical excellence, customer focus, and strategic alignment with IBM's vision. These qualities clearly reflect the standards expected of a Platinum Partner, and we've seen CorPlan's team repeatedly prove their capability to deliver successful outcomes across complex projects, leveraging IBM technologies to create measurable value for clients," said Mark Payne, IBM NZ Partner Executive.

He also pointed to certification and partner contribution within IBM's ecosystem.

"Their commitment to continuous improvement, certification attainment, and thought leadership within the IBM ecosystem underscores their dedication not only to the partnership itself, but to the broader success of our shared customers," Payne said.

Hill described the status upgrade as both a target and a validation of the company's vendor strategy.

"As FP&A professionals, we're always aiming at delivering outcomes for our clients and setting targets for ourselves, and this is definitely one," said Hill. "It's not only affirmation from the vendor we chose to align with from the early days, but also the highest confirmation of our commitment to getting the most out of IBM's technology for the benefit of our clients."

CorPlan expects to continue expanding its Planning Analytics work in New Zealand, with an ongoing focus on budgeting, forecasting and planning programmes across finance teams and operational departments.