--- title: "AI in Finance: What Manufacturers Are Doing Right Now" description: See how manufacturers like Meridian, Hornady, and Yaskawa are using AI to streamline finance operations, improve cash flow, and strengthen resilience. image: https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/A%20sleek%2c%20modern%20image%20illustrating%20AI%20transforming%20manufacturing%20finance.%20Show%20a%20manufacturing%20CFO%20or%20finance%20professional%20analyzing%20data%20on%20a%20digital%20dashboard%20filled%20with%20glowing%20graphs%2c%20cash%20flow%20visuals%2c%20and%20AI.jpg --- - [Training & Events](https://www.catalystconnection.org/trainings-events/) [Skip to content](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/ai-in-finance-what-manufacturers-are-doing-right-now#content) [![Catalyst Connection Logo](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-2.png)](https://www.catalystconnection.org) - [Home](https://www.catalystconnection.org/) - About Us - [About Us Catalyst Connection contributes to the growth and vibrancy of manufacturing in our region.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/about-us/) - [Careers At Catalyst Connection, we recognize and treat our people as our most important resource.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/careers/) - [Grants & Cost Savings There are a number of grants and tax credits available to manufacturers in the region.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/grants-cost-savings/) - [Executive Committee & Board of Directors Influential professionals who are committed to driving innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/our-people/) - [Staff Dedicated to helping you reach your full potential and thrive in today’s competitive market.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/our-people/#tab_staff) - [Services](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/) - [People Are You Earning The Reputation As An Employer Of Choice?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/people/) - [Process Are you producing your products in the most efficient means and are you meeting quality standards?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/process/) - [Products Do you have the right products for the market – and the right market for the products that you make?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/products/) - [Technology Are you preparing to become a manufacturer for the 21st century?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/technology/) - Insights - [Blog Our blog is your go-to resource for insightful articles and expert advice on the latest trends shaping the industry.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/blog/) - [Resource Library Curated content covers supply chain, optimization, workforce. Thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/publications/) - [Stats Data-driven solutions empower regional manufacturers, optimize operations, streamline processes, skyrocket productivity.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/stats/) - [Case Studies Case studies show real-world impact on businesses. Discover process improvements, cost-saving, tech adoption, and more.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/case-studies/) - [Webinars Access a treasure trove of valuable resources and insights that will propel your organization forward.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/webinars/) - [Annual Report 2023 This comprehensive report showcases our unwavering commitment to supporting regional manufacturers and driving their growth.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/annual-report-2023/) - [Digital Bridge Podcast Series This series explores the intersections of leading-edge technologies in the manufacturing setting within Pittsburgh’s Industry 4.0 landscape.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/podcasts/) - [Newsletter Stay informed with the latest updates on manufacturing industry trends, tools, and events for insightful knowledge](https://www.catalystconnection.org/newsletter/) - [Peer Network For professional insights, personal advice, or expanding your circle, our Peer Networks provide supportive, meaningful interactions.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/peer-network/) - Grants & Programs - [Click Here To View All to view all available grants and programs](https://www.catalystconnection.org/grants-programs/) - [Explore The New Manufacturing Providing students with real experience in the world of manufacturing.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/grants-programs/#icr-2) - [Making Your Future Addressing the skilled worker shortage and the social and income disparities in Pittsburgh](https://www.catalystconnection.org/making-your-future/) - [AIM Higher Consortium Strengthening the defense supply chain in the Greater Pittsburgh region of southwest Pennsylvania and West Virginia.](https://aimhigherconsortium.org/) - [We Make It Here From robotics and autonomous vehicles to 3D printing, manufacturers are finding new ways to make the next big thing.](https://www.wemakeithere.org/) - [Costs Savings There are a number of grants and tax credits available to manufacturers in the region.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/grants-cost-savings/) - [Contact Us](https://www.catalystconnection.org/contact-us/) - [Training and Events](https://www.catalystconnection.org/trainings-events/) # AI in Finance: What Manufacturers Are Doing Right Now [Financial](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/tag/financial)  |  October 27, 2025 Listen to this blog: AI in Finance: What Manufacturers Are Doing Right Now 3:26 From adhesive compounds to ammunition and industrial motors, manufacturers across the country are proving that artificial intelligence isn’t a buzzword — it’s a practical tool for tightening financial controls, improving visibility, and freeing up time for strategy.   ## 1. Meridian Adhesives Group - Smarter Cash Forecasting in Charlotte For Meridian Adhesives Group in **Charlotte, North Carolina**, AI became a way to see — and plan — more clearly. The company’s finance team was juggling cash across nine U.S. operating accounts, making it difficult to predict liquidity or plan capital expenditures. With an **AI-enabled 13-week cash-flow forecasting model**, Meridian’s CFO now pulls and classifies over **30,000 transactions in minutes** instead of weeks. The system automatically detects trends, seasonality, and anomalies — giving leadership a live view of where cash is moving and when. For small and mid-sized manufacturers, this kind of model isn’t out of reach. Many modern ERP systems already integrate with forecasting tools that use machine learning to spot patterns and improve accuracy over time.   ## 2. Hornady Manufacturing - Automating Accounts Payable in Nebraska At **Hornady Manufacturing** in **Grand Island, Nebraska**, the finance team faced a familiar headache: thousands of invoices from hundreds of suppliers, each in a different format. Matching them to purchase orders and goods receipts ate up valuable staff time and introduced errors. By partnering with **Esker**, Hornady rolled out **AI-powered invoice processing** that reads, matches, and routes invoices automatically. The results: fewer late payments, cleaner audit trails, and a more predictable month-end close. The lesson? You don’t need a massive IT department to start. AI invoice automation platforms are now cloud-based and plug into existing ERP systems — something local manufacturers can adopt quickly to reduce overhead and strengthen vendor relationships.   ## 3. Yaskawa America - Turning Data into Working Capital in Illinois At **Yaskawa America** in **Waukegan, Illinois**, the finance team took a broader view. Using **AI-driven analytics integrated with SAP**, they identified where payments were lagging, bottlenecks were forming, and cash was tied up unnecessarily. The payoff: a **70% reduction in past-due invoices** and shorter days payable outstanding — translating directly into improved working capital and stronger supplier trust. Yaskawa’s example shows that AI isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about enabling finance teams to make faster, data-driven decisions that improve cash flow and resilience.   ## Bringing It Home to Southwestern Pennsylvania For manufacturers in our region, these stories are blueprints. Whether you’re in machining, plastics, or food processing, the opportunity is the same: use AI to make your finance function smarter, leaner, and more strategic. Start small. Automate invoice capture. Test a forecasting model. Audit your payment cycle for delays AI could catch. Each improvement compounds — saving time, strengthening trust, and preparing your business for the next big contract. At Catalyst Connection, we’re here to help manufacturers explore practical AI solutions — not as a tech experiment, but as a business advantage. **Want to talk about AI for your finance team? [Contact us](https://www.catalystconnection.org/contact-us/) to start exploring what’s possible.** [![Catalyst Logo](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/footer_logo_white.svg)](https://www.catalystconnection.org) [info@catalystconnection.org](mailto:info@catalystconnection.org) [412.918.4300](tel:412.918.4300) 4501 Lytle Street, Suite 301 Pittsburgh, PA 15207 - [![Linkedin](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/catalyst-connection/) - [![Facebook](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/CatalystConnection) - [![Twitter](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/madeinswpa) - [![Instagram](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/catalyst_workforce/) - [![Youtube](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/CatalystConnection) ###### Navigate - [About Us](https://www.catalystconnection.org/about-us/) - [Services](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/) - [Grants & Programs](https://www.catalystconnection.org/grants-programs/) - [Contact Us](https://www.catalystconnection.org/contact-us/) ###### Our Services - [People](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/people) - [Process](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/process) - [Products](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/products) - [Technology](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/technology) ###### [Newsletter Signup](https://www.catalystconnection.org/newsletter/) © 2026 Catalyst Connection [Privacy Policy](https://www.catalystconnection.org/privacy-policy) | [Sitemap](https://www.catalystconnection.org/sitemap) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.catalystconnection.org/terms-and-conditions) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Whit Little", "url" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/author/whit-little" }, "dateModified" : "2025-10-27T16:51:41.855Z", "datePublished" : "2025-10-27T16:49:34.000Z", "headline" : "AI in Finance: What Manufacturers Are Doing Right Now", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/ai-in-finance-what-manufacturers-are-doing-right-now", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-2.png" } } } ```