Finance teams prioritize automation in response to tariff uncertainties, according to recently unveiled data.
In the dynamic world of finance, automation has emerged as a top priority for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of tariff uncertainties and economic volatility. According to the latest findings from the 2025 Lucanet survey, lack of automation stands out as the biggest operational challenge for finance leaders, with 32% citing it as their top issue [1][3].
Amidst this urgency, a significant gap persists. 28% of finance teams still rely heavily on manual processes, indicating a need for digital transformation [1][3]. This reliance on traditional methods poses operational and strategic challenges, especially when considering that only 10% of finance leaders are fully confident in the accuracy of their financial data[1][3].
Moreover, scenario planning and forecasting remain difficult for over a third (34%) of finance teams, with macroeconomic uncertainty and shifting tariffs adding to the challenge [1]. Automation and AI-driven tools are increasingly seen as critical to improving efficiency, agility, and resilience for finance functions under economic pressure [1][3].
Two-thirds of CFOs are prioritizing digital transformation to future-proof their operations, as revealed by Lucanet's 2025 Finance Leadership Panel Report. In response, Lucanet has launched a new data lake, fed by 300+ ETL adapters, serving as the single source of truth for the Solution Platform. This data lake enables finance teams to receive valuable insights for making well-informed decisions.
The Lucanet AI-infused Solution Platform offers modular, out-of-the-box functionalities for finance teams, including Consolidation & Financial Planning, Extended Planning and Analysis, ESG Reporting, Disclosure Management, XBRL, Lease Accounting, Tax Compliance and Reporting, Banking and Cash Management [3].
Finance professionals see Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an opportunity rather than a threat, with 68% not believing AI will replace their roles. Instead, finance leaders view AI as a tool to elevate their function, freeing them from manual tasks and enabling a more strategic role in driving business growth.
One in five (22%) finance professionals identify a lack of automation as their leading investment priority over the next 12-18 months [1]. The Lucanet Solution Platform provides easy-to-use interfaces and fast-time-to-value implementations, making digital transformation accessible for finance teams of all sizes.
In summary, finance leaders in 2025 are recognizing the need for automation to overcome manual process limitations, improve data accuracy, and better navigate tariff and economic uncertainties. However, many teams have not yet fully adopted these digital transformations, which continues to pose operational and strategic challenges [1][3].
[1] Lucanet World 2025 Survey [3] Lucanet 2025 Finance Leadership Panel Report
1. In the pursuit of navigating tariff uncertainties and economic volatility, finance leaders are recognizing the importance of automation, as almost one-third (32%) cite lack of automation as their top operational challenge [1][3]. Yet, 28% of finance teams still heavily rely on manual processes, a situation that highlights the need for digital transformation [1][3].
