Sage spoke with CFOs from all corners of the world and across a range of industries, and one thing is clear: everyone’s chasing growth. But here’s the catch— “growth” doesn’t mean the same thing for every business. For some, it’s about tweaking a few levers to improve what’s already working. For others, it’s about building those levers from scratch.
No matter what stage you’re at, the key to making the right call is having data that delivers real insights. When you have the facts in front of you, you feel more in control. And when you can tap into what other finance leaders are doing—their wins, their headaches, and their strategies—it’s even better.
Of course, networking to gather those insights can be time-consuming. And let’s face it, time is something most CFOs don’t have in abundance.
Sage recently connected with over 280 senior finance leaders in manufacturing and distribution to find out what’s really working for today’s successful CFOs. Here’s a look at what they uncovered—and how it can help you drive impact in your own business.
Bridging the Divide: The Current Position of Manufacturing CFOs
One of the more surprising findings? There’s a noticeable gap between manufacturing CFOs and their peers in other industries—especially when it comes to being involved in day-to-day operations, strategy, and collaboration with leadership.
For instance, manufacturing CFOs are 10% less likely to be involved in operational decision-making compared to finance leaders in other sectors. They’re also less likely to have a seat at the strategic planning table or collaborate regularly with the C-suite or board.
That’s a missed opportunity—not just for the business, but for CFOs themselves.
Why? Because broader involvement means greater influence. And with only 24% of manufacturing CFOs reporting satisfaction with their job and work-life balance, there’s clearly room for change.
Creating Time Through Tech (Yes, Really)
Let’s talk about automation for a second. Manufacturing may be all about automation on the shop floor, but that mindset hasn’t always made its way into finance and accounting.
In fact, only 60% of manufacturing CFOs say that more than half of their finance processes are automated. That’s well below the 74% average across industries. And just over half (51%) are adopting technologies like AI, machine learning, and advanced automation—compared to 64% elsewhere.
This matters because automation isn’t just about making life easier. It’s about unlocking the data and insights that power faster, smarter decision-making. When you automate routine tasks, you centralize data and connect workflows, creating a rich foundation for analytics, machine learning, and AI.
In other words, automation gives you the clarity and capacity to lead more effectively.
Turning Roadblocks Into Stepping Stones
So why the lag in adoption, especially when the benefits are so clear?
Across the board, CFOs cite the same two barriers: potential business disruption and cost. Understandable—but there’s a growing realization that not modernizing can be even more expensive in the long run. Sticking with outdated systems can mean lost opportunities and falling behind the competition.
If you’re serious about driving change and expanding your strategic role, it starts with having a plan. Here’s how to reframe those challenges into opportunities:
1. Get Future-Ready With the Right ERP
Start with a modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system—one that’s flexible, built for manufacturers, and tailored to the needs of your team. A cloud-native ERP offers easy integration, resilience, and scalability, without the headaches that come with legacy systems.
When choosing an ERP, you’re also choosing a partner. Look for a vendor that understands your industry and is invested in your long-term success.
2. Connect Finance and Operations
Bring financial data and operational insights together. A single source of real-time data creates transparency across departments, encourages collaboration, and helps leaders make decisions quickly and confidently—whether they’re on the shop floor or in the boardroom.
3. Expand Your Strategic Influence
With tools like real-time dashboards, self-service reporting, and intuitive analytics, you can play a more active role in shaping strategy. Becoming the go-to person for insights across your organization doesn’t just boost your impact—it also elevates how others see your role.
4. Support Work-Life Balance Through Tech
One way to keep top talent happy? Give them the tools and flexibility to work smarter, not harder. Cloud-native systems support hybrid work environments and make it easy for teams to stay connected wherever they are.
And when automation cuts down on repetitive tasks, your team has more time for work that’s interesting, strategic, and fulfilling—which can go a long way in improving job satisfaction and reducing turnover.
SDMO: Designed for Modern Manufacturing
If you’re looking for a solution that ties all of this together, let us introduce you to Sage Distribution and Manufacturing Operations (SDMO).
It’s built for small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors who want a simple, scalable platform to grow with them. SDMO helps streamline workflows, connect departments, and surface the data you need to improve efficiency—without overwhelming your teams.
From advanced inventory management to accurate, real-time reporting and easy-to-use materials resource planning (MRP), SDMO empowers your entire organization—from the warehouse floor to the back office.
The Bottom Line
Modern manufacturing CFOs are in a unique position. You’re not just managing numbers—you’re shaping the future of your organization. By embracing automation, leveraging real-time insights, and expanding your strategic role, you’re not only driving performance—you’re creating a better work experience for yourself and your team.
So maybe it’s time to rethink what “success” really looks like—and to give yourself the tools to achieve it. Contact us today or schedule your free consultation to learn more about Sage.