AI, ERP, and the Future of Manufacturing Finance

In this inaugural episode of Finance and Manufacturing, hosts Stephen Rosenthal (CEO of DocLib) and ERP expert Grant Ludema discuss the evolving world of ERP systems, manufacturing leadership, and how finance teams can adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. They explore Grant's global ERP experience, Stephen’s journey from medical device sales to tech founder, and the role of AI, analytics, and curiosity in modern manufacturing. Whether you're in the weeds of implementation or guiding strategic change, this episode is packed with insights.

Timecodes

• 00:00 – Welcome to Finance and Manufacturing
• 01:00 – Grant’s global ERP background and consulting career
• 04:30 – ERP system transitions and NetSuite implementation
• 07:30 – ERP implementation roles, change management, and best practices
• 12:00 – Evergreen ERPs and how the pandemic changed deployments
• 15:00 – On-site vs. remote ERP implementations: when presence matters
• 19:00 – Stephen’s journey: from trauma sales to DocLib CEO
• 25:00 – Entrepreneurship, team-building, and leadership lessons
• 30:30 – Advice for innovators inside manufacturing companies
• 33:30 – Curiosity in clients and personas in ERP leadership
• 36:00 – Where manufacturing is headed: tech trends and real use cases
• 40:00 – AI, blockchain, and the future of back-office automation
• 44:00 – Final thoughts and what’s next on the podcast

Resources:
Connect with Stephen Rosenthal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-r-rosenthal/

Connect with Grant Ludema on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-ludema-06a7156a/

Want to know more about Doclib? https://doclib.net/

Want to know more about Crowe? https://www.crowe.com/