In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by systems and finance transformation expert Cindy Vindasius to explore why so many ERP implementations fail, and what companies can do to fix that. They discuss the often-overlooked groundwork needed before selecting a system or deploying AI tools, and why jumping straight to automation without strong data and processes is a recipe for chaos. Whether you're planning an ERP rollout or modernizing finance operations, this conversation is packed with practical guidance for long-term success.

Cindy Vindasius is a CPA and MBA with over 30 years of experience guiding high-growth technology and manufacturing companies through complex ERP, finance transformation, and AI-readiness initiatives. As the founder of Vindasius Advisory, she has led 12 ERP implementations, 8 IPO and M&A, and numerous SOX compliance projects. Her clients include industry leaders such as Tesla, Apple, 23andMe, and TenX. Through her ERP Preparedness Master Workshop and executive advisory programs, Cindy helps CFOs and CIOs align systems and processes for scale, resilience, and efficiency.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why 70% of ERP implementations fail and how to avoid common missteps
• What ERP readiness really means, and why it's often overlooked
• How AI-native ERPs compare to legacy systems in real-world implementations
• Why scalable data governance and documented processes are essential
• How Cindy’s ERP Preparedness Master Workshop helps teams succeed

This episode highlights the often-missed foundations of ERP and AI success: preparation, clarity, and scalability. Cindy Vindasius shares the roadmap finance leaders need to transform systems from a source of chaos into a driver of growth.

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance.

AI Readiness Assessment:

Take the free 3-minute AI Readiness Assessment to clearly identify your strengths and weaknesses across Finance and Operations: https://cindy-tooq6nwx.scoreapp.com/

AI First Vendor Evaluation Checklist:

Evaluate smarter and avoid costly mistakes with this AI First Vendor Evaluation Checklist packed with key criteria: https://www.vindasius.com/opt-in

Follow Cindy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-vindasius/

Website: https://www.vindasius.com

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[01:36] – Meet Cindy

[04:33] – ERP Beginnings

[07:43] – AI-Native ERP Landscape

[11:41] – AI in Finance

[15:25] – ERP Readiness Course

[21:36] – Data Migration Issues

[25:53] – ERP vs AI Readiness

[29:44] – Outsourcing Pitfalls

[30:46] – Rapid-Fire & Fun

[32:57] – Closing Thoughts