When organizations invest in a Corporate Performance Management (CPM) platform like OneStream, the goal isn’t just to modernize—it’s to create measurable impact. But the reality for many finance teams is that the path to ROI is often blocked by underutilized features, incomplete implementations, and poor user adoption.
This article explores what separates the finance teams seeing real return from those still stuck in spreadsheet chaos. Drawing from the CPM Customer Success podcast and client experiences, we’ll show how a unified CPM platform—paired with the right partner—can turn OneStream into a growth engine.
Why ROI Often Goes Unrealized
Even with a powerful platform like OneStream, many teams struggle to demonstrate value post-implementation. The root causes usually come down to three issues:
- Poor Implementation Scope
Without aligning the platform to the organization's true needs, teams often miss the mark on configuration, integration, and extensibility.
- Low User Adoption
If users don’t understand the system—or don’t trust it—they revert to legacy tools and manual workarounds.
- Lack of Follow-Through
A “set it and forget it” approach rarely works with complex platforms. Continuous optimization is essential.
This was the case at IPS Corporation before they partnered with Nova Advisory for a strategic reimplementation.
“We had OneStream—but only one user, and they were in IT. It wasn’t scoped right, and no one was really using it.” — Gabby Morales, Global Financial Systems Manager, IPS
From Missed Opportunity to Strategic Win: The IPS Story
After joining IPS, Gabby Morales knew something wasn’t right. OneStream had been implemented, but it wasn’t being used. No adoption. No extensibility. No strategic return.
Working with Nova Advisory, Gabby led a full health assessment to evaluate what had gone wrong—and what needed to change. From there, the team embarked on a structured reimplementation that redefined how IPS used the platform.
What changed:
- More than 50 users were onboarded to the platform
- Month-end close processes were migrated into OneStream
- Task Manager was deployed to improve accountability
- Help desk functionality was added for user support
- Forecasting and budgeting processes were consolidated in-platform
As a result, the platform moved from being a technical tool used by IT to a strategic solution used by the entire finance function.
“Now our teams are using OneStream for close, forecasting, budgeting—everything. It’s a completely different experience.” — Gabby Morales
The Tools That Drive ROI
OneStream’s platform offers a broad range of capabilities, but two stood out in IPS’s journey:
- Extensibility: This allows business units to operate at the detail they need while corporate maintains control and consistency. For global organizations, it’s essential.
- Capital Planning: Available through the OneStream Solution Exchange, this solution helps organizations align capital investments with long-term financial strategy—bringing visibility and governance to one of the most complex areas of finance.
By implementing both, IPS was able to automate manual processes, align operational drivers with financial outcomes, and deliver insights that were previously impossible to access.
Real Results: From One User to Full Financial Strategy
The impact of reimplementation was significant:
- Month-end close centralized in OneStream
- Automated workflows and approvals using Task Manager
- A dedicated OneStream help desk to support user requests
- Forecasts and budgets completed within the same system
- A shift in culture—from siloed, manual processes to proactive, collaborative finance
“We started with one user. Now we have over 50 in the platform. And it’s not just about usage—it’s about the way we plan, execute, and make decisions.” — Gabby Morales
Final Word: You Can’t Get ROI from a Tool You’re Not Using
ROI doesn’t come from licenses. It comes from strategic use, ongoing adoption, and a platform that actually works for the people using it.
If your OneStream implementation isn’t producing measurable results, it may be time for a health assessment—or a reimplementation that aligns the platform with your team’s real needs.
Nova Advisory helps finance teams go beyond implementation and into transformation—ensuring every feature, workflow, and data stream supports long-term financial strategy.
Ready to make your OneStream investment count? Let’s talk.
