CMS integration named top barrier to digital transformation by 44% of enterprise leaders

Research from Forrit reveals growing strain on legacy CMS infrastructure as organisations face mounting demands on usability, scalability, and compliance

New research from Forrit, the next-generation content management system (CMS) provider, reveals that integration with businesses' existing tools and systems is the most commonly cited barrier to changing or upgrading CMS platforms, identified by 44% of UK enterprise marketing and IT decision-makers. The findings highlight mounting pressure on legacy content systems as organisations adapt to increasing demands across compliance, personalisation, and scalability.

The independent survey of 250 marketing and IT leaders from UK-based enterprises in regulated and non-regulated industries, energy and utilities, financial services, IT, retail, and other sectors (with 10,000+ employees and £500m+ turnover), uncovers widespread limitations in current CMS infrastructure. Integration challenges with other tools and platforms are the most commonly cited issue (38%), followed by difficulties in delivering content across multiple formats and devices (32%), and systems that remain difficult to use, particularly for non-technical users (30%).

The research also shows fragmentation to be a growing concern. Almost two in five (39%) organisations report having multiple CMSs in use, with this complexity itself listed as a barrier to change. Budget limitations (30%) and lack of CMS knowledge (25%) were also cited as key obstacles to transformation.

Security and scalability remain high on the agenda. While 85% of respondents say security is important when selecting a new CMS, 23% flagged their current platform as unsecure or potentially non-compliant. The findings point to growing misalignment between strategic priorities and the operational reality of legacy systems.

Despite these challenges, the outlook is optimistic. Nearly two-thirds of decision-makers said they feel inspired (39%) or excited (24%) by changes in the marketing and technology landscape, particularly about the growing role of AI. However, that enthusiasm is tempered by other factors. The top pressures reported by marketing leaders were:

• Data overload – 43% say the issue isn’t lack of data, but how to act on it
• Continuous adaptation – 41% feel stretched by the pace of change and learning
• MarTech overload – 36% are overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools
• AI deployment uncertainty – 36% struggle to know where generative AI adds valu

Encouragingly, 98% of respondents report some level of collaboration between Marketing and IT, though just 17% say this happens consistently. Two-thirds (66%) agree that closer collaboration and knowledge-sharing between departments would be beneficial.

“It’s clear from this research that CMS infrastructure is under pressure; technically, operationally, and strategically,” said Peter Proud, CEO of Forrit. “With digital experiences becoming more personalised, regulated and data-driven, organisations need a platform that can evolve alongside their needs. Security, integration, and usability are no longer optional; they are the foundations of a scalable digital strategy.”

The research also highlights how CMS selection processes are evolving. 38% of respondents say their organisation chooses a CMS through a combination of internal decision-making and partner advice; pointing to the growing need for alignment between business requirements and technical credibility.

The research highlights a clear demand for CMS platforms that are secure, easy to use, and built to integrate; empowering teams to move faster while staying in control.