Sage predicts AI & finance shift for mid-sized firms
Sage has set out three themes it expects to influence mid-sized business performance in 2026, with a focus on AI automation, industry-specific software and a larger strategic role for finance teams.
The comments come from Dan Miller, EVP of Financials and ERP at Sage. They outline how the software supplier expects organisations in the mid-market to respond to economic uncertainty and rapid shifts in technology.
Automation Focus
Miller said businesses will put greater emphasis on automating routine tasks. He said connected workflows will sit alongside automation as firms link processes across finance and operations.
"AI-Powered Automation & Connected Workflows: Manual processes drain time and limit performance. In 2026, mid-sized businesses will accelerate adoption of AI-powered automation and connected workflows to automate repetitive tasks and surface predictive insights," said Dan Miller, EVP of Financials and ERP, Sage.
The prediction places AI inside core business functions rather than treating it as an add-on. Miller said finance and operations teams will see wider use of AI features in day-to-day work.
"This goes beyond efficiency by giving leaders back the one thing they need most: time," said Miller.
Miller also linked automation to a change in how teams allocate effort. He said staff will spend less time on reactive work and more time on longer-term planning.
"With AI embedded across finance and operations, teams can shift from reactive work to strategic innovation, driving high performance at scale," said Miller.
Vertical Software
The second theme centres on sector-specific products. Miller said mid-sized firms will look for software suites that reflect the realities of particular industries, rather than relying on broadly designed systems.
"Industry-Focused Solutions for Agility: Generic systems can't keep up with sector-specific demands," said Miller.
He expects more packaged systems that combine financial and operational tools for specific sectors. He cited manufacturing, construction and professional services as examples of industries where tailored suites will gain attention.
"Expect a surge in vertical suites that integrate financial and operational workflows, tailored to industries like manufacturing, construction, and professional services," said Miller.
Miller said businesses will frame technology selection around resilience and the ability to react to changes in markets and supply chains. He also linked the trend to growth priorities among mid-sized firms.
"These solutions will enable resilience and agility, helping businesses adapt quickly to disruption and capitalize on opportunities for growth," said Miller.
Finance Role
The third theme positions finance as a more central function in business decision-making. Miller said finance teams already sit close to the data that indicates performance and risk.
"Finance Leading the High-Performance Era: By its nature, finance sits in a place in the organization where they have deep insight into what will drive success," said Miller.
Miller said that position will matter more in 2026. He said finance leaders will use forecasting and integrated data when advising on decisions.
"This makes it key to growth in 2026," said Miller.
He also said AI tools will affect planning cycles and decision speed. The shift, he said, will change how finance teams define their role inside organisations.
"Finance teams will leverage AI-powered forecasting and integrated data to guide decisions with confidence and speed," said Miller.
Miller said finance leaders will spend less time on cost control and more time on performance. He described that shift as a move towards a more proactive stance from finance in mid-sized organisations.
"This evolution from cost control to high performance will empower finance leaders to play offense and lead their organizations into the future," said Miller.