A Gartner report reveals five critical lessons from 133 real-world implementations

In today’s enterprise landscape, where agility and efficiency are paramount, the invoice-to-cash (I2C) process has emerged as a critical lever for driving financial health and operational excellence. Yet, as many corporate controllers and finance leaders know, implementing an I2C application is not just a technology decision – it’s a transformation journey.

A recent Gartner Peer Insights report, synthesizing lessons from 133 enterprise reviewers, offers a rare and valuable window into the lived experiences of those who’ve navigated this journey. As someone who works closely with product teams and enterprise clients, I found the report both validating and illuminating. It reinforces what we often see in the field: success in I2C transformation hinges not just on the software, but on the strategy, people and processes behind it.

Here are five key takeaways from the report – and how forward-thinking leaders can turn these lessons into strategic wins.
 

1. Start with strategy: Plan, assess, align

The most cited lesson? Prioritize planning and process assessment. Too often, organizations rush into implementation without fully understanding their current situation or aligning stakeholders on future goals. Peer reviewers emphasized the importance of realistic timelines, stakeholder engagement and iterative requirement gathering.

My take: Treat the planning phase as a strategic investment. Use it to define detailed requirements for all use cases, align on KPIs and resource allocation, and build a shared vision. This isn’t just about avoiding delays – it’s about setting the team up for success.

2. Think beyond features: Evaluate integration holistically

Another recurring theme was the need to evaluate module integration – not just at the surface level, but deeply and holistically. Reviewers warned against fragmented systems where modules don’t talk to each other, leading to manual workarounds and data silos.

My take: Integration is the connective tissue of a modern finance stack. When evaluating vendors, go beyond demos. Ask about real-world interoperability, data flow and how the system scales with your business. Involve subject matter experts early to ensure alignment with your enterprise architecture.
 

3. Train for adoption, not just implementation

Training was another area where hindsight brought clarity. Many reviewers wished they had invested more in interactive, role-specific training. The goal isn’t just to “go live,” but to ensure users are confident, capable and committed.

My take: Training is change management in action. Make it engaging, contextual and continuous. Leverage vendor-led sessions, but also create internal champions across impacted and adjacent functions who can support peers post-launch. And don’t forget to test thoroughly – especially integrations with legacy systems.
 

4. Clean your data before you automate

Data quality emerged as a make-or-break factor. Several reviewers admitted they underestimated the effort required to cleanse and validate data before automation. The result? Propagated errors, inefficiencies and rework.

My take: Automation is only as good as the data it runs on. Before you digitize, sanitize. Conduct a data audit, establish governance policies and involve IT early. This isn’t just a technical task – it’s a strategic imperative that impacts everything from cash flow to customer experience.
 

5. Don’t skip change management – double down on it

Finally, the report underscores the importance of IT support and change management. Reviewers who invested in these areas reported smoother transitions, higher adoption and better outcomes. Start with proof-of-concept or low-risk workflows to automate and monitor performance, and then tackle broader bodies of work.

My take: Change management isn’t a checkbox; it’s a continuous process. Communicate early and often. Set expectations. Celebrate quick wins. And most importantly, listen. The best implementations are co-created with the people who use the system every day.
 

Final thoughts: From insight to impact

What I love about this Gartner report is that it doesn’t just highlight what can go wrong; it offers a roadmap for doing things right. These peer insights are invaluable to any organization embarking on an I2C transformation.

As product leaders, we have a responsibility to build not just great software, but to achieve great outcomes. That means partnering with our clients to plan strategically, integrate intelligently, train effectively, manage data rigorously and lead change with empathy. Because at the end of the day, technology is only as powerful as the people and processes it empowers.