The Future-Focused CFO

We’ve worked closely with finance leaders across the manufacturing and distribution sectors for years – and one thing is clear: growth is always on the agenda. But growth doesn’t look the same for everyone…

For some businesses, it means unlocking efficiencies in existing processes. For others, it’s about stepping into new markets, launching new products, or preparing for scale. Whatever the vision, the common denominator is insight. Because confident decisions require clarity – and clarity comes from good data, smart tools, and trusted peers.

So, we asked ourselves:

1. What keeps today’s manufacturing CFOs up at night?
2. Where are the untapped opportunities?
3. And what can Innov8 do to help?

Sage spoke to finance leaders and combined their real-world experiences with their own expertise helping businesses implement Sage 200 and Sage Intacct. The result? Practical guidance for modern CFOs navigating change.

Mind the Gap: Where Manufacturing CFOs Are Being Held Back 

The manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly, but many finance leaders are still stuck in reactive roles. Compared to their peers in other industries: 

• CFOs in manufacturing are 10% less likely to be involved in operational decisions. 

• They report lower levels of strategic influence within the boardroom. 

• And only 24% say they’re satisfied with their work-life balance.

In short, the gap between what finance leaders could be doing – and what they are doing – is wider than it should be. And it’s not just a business issue, it’s a people issue too.

A modern finance function needs more than number-crunching. It needs tools that empower strategic thinking, collaboration, and smarter, faster decisions. That means real-time data. Configurable automation. And systems that don’t just support the business – but evolve with it.

Automation Isn’t Optional Anymore 

Despite being highly automated on the shop floor, many manufacturers still rely on outdated or manual processes in the finance office. That’s a problem. 

• Only 60% of manufacturing CFOs believe more than half their finance processes could be automated. 

• Just 51% are actively adopting technologies like automation, AI, or machine learning – well below the cross-sector average.

The reality…Businesses that delay digital transformation risk falling behind.

But by embracing automation: 

• You create time – for strategy, innovation, and leadership.

• You connect data – for cross-functional collaboration and faster, better decisions. 

• And you future-proof operations – by giving teams tools that scale.

Enter Innov8

At Innov8, our approach is to help manufacturers and distributors unlock the full potential of Sage systems – whether that’s Sage 200 or Sage Intacct.

Our customers don’t want a one-size-fits-all platform. They want a solution that reflects their reality: complex supply chains, mobile sales teams, multi-site operations, tight margins.

Our InnRange, includes solutions such as Innvan for mobile sales, Innware and Innstock for warehouse operations and Realitex for textile operations – all designed to extend Sage into the heart of your operations – wherever that may be. It’s about enabling everyone to work smarter: from warehouse staff to finance leaders.

When real-time data is shared across departments, everyone gains visibility. When reports are self-serve and dashboards are user-friendly, everyone can make faster decisions. And when cloud-native systems underpin your processes, flexible working becomes the norm – not the exception.

Your Next Step: Make the Plan

If your business is experiencing growing pains, operational bottlenecks, or strategic blind spots – you’re not alone. But you don’t have to figure it out alone, either.

Here’s how, together with Sage, Innov8 help finance leaders drive transformation:

• Modernise with the right ERP 

We’ll help you implement a scalable, cloud-first, hosted or self-hosted system tailored to the needs of manufacturers and distributors – with minimal disruption and maximum impact.

• Bridge the gap between finance and operations 

With connected data and custom workflows, you’ll have full visibility from the warehouse to the boardroom – and make smarter decisions, faster. 

• Reclaim time for strategy 

We automate the repetitive, so you can focus on the forward-thinking. That means better forecasting, better collaboration, and more headspace for what really matters. 

• Prioritise your people 

With flexible tools and mobile-ready systems, you empower teams to work efficiently – wherever they are. That’s good for morale, retention, and performance.