We recently surveyed CFOs and finance executives in the manufacturing and distribution sectors to study how the pandemic has impacted their businesses. Among key insights, we learned that finance leaders are realigning their 2022 priorities to meet changing business needs.
While top priorities varied heavily by industry in terms of actual ranking, US finance executives surveyed consistently identified the following 5 key areas of focus for 2022:
1. Investing in eCommerce and digital transformation technologies
Over half (51%) of total respondents agreed that investing in eCommerce platforms and digital transformation initiatives is of top of mind this year. This is especially critical to the US Food and Beverage industry respondents (69%). It makes sense as lockdowns and restricted trade continue to hinder business growth, organizations are opting to take their trading operations into the digital space.
2. Managing working capital, cash flow, and inventory costs
At 40%, managing working capital (vs. investments), cash flow, and rising inventory costs rank as the second-highest CFO priority for 2022. With logistical pressures currently placed upon supply chains, companies have noted that the costs of inventory management have the potential to rise to unforeseeable levels. Managing cash flow and margins remains a key objective for US finance leaders, based on our survey in 2020, 2021 and now into 2022.
3. Improving visibility into performance
In times of crisis, companies require greater real-time visibility of their operations to pivot and manage accordingly. It’s no surprise that 33% of US survey respondents ranked improving visibility a top area of focus as we continue to navigate the business in a sea of uncertainties. Increased business visibility can be achieved with modern software like ERP and a digital strategy, preventing problems such as overruns, bottlenecks, downtime, poor employee or machine performance, and excessive scrap.
4. Managing governance and risk
At an overall response rate of 30%, CFO respondents agree that managing governance and risk is a critical focus area for 2022. This is especially important to 44% of Food and Beverage and Industrial Machinery and Equipment manufacturers as rapid changes, unpredictability, and increased regulation and compliance requirements continue to impact businesses on a global scale.
5. Addressing an over-reliance on spreadsheets
Eliminating manual processes is key to staying competitive, and 22% of finance leaders agree that now is the time to address an over-reliance on spreadsheets. The predominant industry ranking this area of focus is Furniture and Fittings, at 46%. The risk of running a manufacturing or distribution business with inefficient or misaligned financial information is far too great to ignore, and a 360-degree ERP software solution is a must.
These key insights into areas of financial focus are just the tip of the iceberg. Download the manufacturing CFO survey report for a global view of how the pandemic has impacted manufacturing and distribution, and the role of the CFO. I’ll be back with another blog that closely examines key phenomena, prominent trends, and best practices as we navigate the “Next Normal.
