Fortis Reveals Persistent Cash Flow Challenges for SMEs

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Fortis Payment Systems, a leader in embedded payments for software providers and ERP systems, has released new findings from its latest research, "Signal: The B2B Finance Report," which highlights the persistent challenges faced by finance leaders in managing cash flow and the urgent need for modernizing payment operations. The report, based on a survey of 100 senior finance professionals at small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) across the U.S. and Canada, conducted in Q3 2026, reveals that nearly three-quarters (72%) of finance leaders believe modernizing payments would significantly help address their cash flow challenges. However, only 21% report having modernized and effective payments infrastructure in place.

Cash flow remains a major concern for businesses, with 61% citing high Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) as a top working capital concern, while 59% point to a lack of real-time cash visibility. These issues are exacerbated by outdated payment systems and manual financial processes, which can contribute to delayed collections, limited cash visibility, and mounting pressure on working capital. The research underscores the importance of better-connected payment systems and greater automation, particularly in areas such as invoicing, where manual work can contribute to payment delays and cash flow challenges.

Finance leaders also face significant barriers to automation. According to the report, 75% cite the difficulty of integrating automation with existing systems and tools, while 64% point to organizational inertia or a preference for maintaining current processes, despite their limitations. For CFOs, the challenge of improving automation extends beyond any single technology. Financial operations often span multiple systems, departments, and payment methods, making it difficult to streamline processes and access accurate, timely financial data. Improving system connectivity and infrastructure can help address these challenges, with artificial intelligence (AI) offering additional opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity.

The consequences of inefficient financial processes can be significant. For example, 10 days of DSO represents approximately $1.37 million in receivables for a business with $50 million in annual credit sales. High DSO isn't just a result of customers paying late; the delays often start within a company's own financial processes. Invoices going out late or containing errors that lead to disputes, as well as manual reconciliation and payment matching, can leave cash sitting unaccounted for. Much of this is within a company's control. By improving invoice accuracy and automating these processes, finance teams can accelerate collections, gain a clearer picture of their available cash, and free up working capital that's already been earned.

As finance leaders look ahead to 2027, the findings highlight differences between organizations that have established the infrastructure and processes needed to improve financial operations and those still working to modernize. These efforts are also helping to reshape the role of the CFO, who is increasingly expected to help shape the technology investments and strategic decisions that drive business growth and long-term competitiveness. The report, "Signal: The B2B Finance Report," is based on a survey of 100 senior finance professionals at SMEs across North America, conducted in Q3 2026. Respondents included CFOs, finance directors, and other senior finance professionals, with 90% based in the United States and 10% in Canada. Participating companies reported annual revenues ranging from $1 million to $100 million and represented industries including professional and field services, construction, wholesale and distribution, manufacturing, and agriculture.