Technology in Practice

Effective financial management is crucial in the healthcare industry, yet fragmented systems often complicate operations. Advanced accounting software, like Sage Intacct, can help organizations overcome the challenges of legacy technologies.  Not only do modern solutions make key financial data more accessible, but they work in tandem with clinical information to drive decision-making and improve cost transparency. With a more cohesive technological ecosystem, providers can exchange information between core platforms for a truly streamlined healthcare accounting workflow.  In this blog, we’ll explore the pressing need for integrated technologies and how Net at Work can help organizations unleash the full power of Sage Intacct.  The growing demand for modern healthcare solutions It’s an open secret that recent times have seen a marked rise in the pace of digital transformation. In fact, per McKinsey, organizations in all industries accelerated their adoption of new digital technologies by several years during the global COVID-19 pandemic.  Of course, the healthcare industry is no different. Many providers have invested heavily in information technologies, like electronic health records (EHRs), and other innovative tools to improve patient care and administrative efficiency.  Yet, some researchers argue that, despite these efforts, healthcare “lags behind many other industries” in its overall digital transformation. Why? According to a study by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), the primary challenge is a lack of interoperability.  Per the survey of 132 CHIME members: Roughly 60% of respondents use between 50 and 500 point solutions to manage healthcare operations, including finances.  About 25% use at least 151 solutions.  88% say working with that many disparate IT systems and applications complicates their job.  Most respondents acknowledged that compatible solutions would lead to cost savings, reduce burnout, and streamline operations.  In short, many healthcare organizations rely on disparate systems for different functions — patient records, billing, payroll, etc. — which silos data in isolated platforms.  The challenges of isolated information systems Fragmentation prevents a holistic view of the organization’s financial health, making essential accounting processes all the more difficult. Without integrated systems, tracking costs across departments becomes cumbersome, leading to inefficiencies and potential overspending.  For example, disparate technologies can result in duplicated efforts and inconsistencies in billing and collections, delaying revenue recognition and causing cash flow issues.  These challenges grow exponentially for multi-entity businesses. Combining financial data from different systems at numerous locations for reporting and analysis is time-consuming and prone to error. Thus, providers can’t access accurate and timely information, which hinders operational decision-making.  Critically, data silos also inhibit alternative payment models, which require comprehensive data about patient outcomes, costs, and operational efficiency. A lack of visibility can make data collection and analysis complex, complicating the transition to value-based care (VBC).  Why can’t healthcare solutions share patient data? Providers cite interoperability with other solutions as the top pain point of their third-party tech stacks, but EHR integration is a close second. The problem is that many platforms aren’t compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), meaning they aren’t certified to secure protected health information (PHI).  That’s why if healthcare organizations are to continue their digital transformations, they must do so through a HIPAA-compliant and cloud-based solution. Why the cloud? Because legacy on-premise systems demand physical installation and regular maintenance. They don’t update in real time and aren’t scalable for growing operations.  These drawbacks aren’t just costly, they also put PHI at risk. Without automated updates, platforms can miss key security updates that patch vulnerabilities.  The streamlined power of Sage Intacct Fortunately, technologies are available to help organizations bring their digital journey to the next level with customizable, purpose-built capabilities. Take Sage Intacct, for example.  Sage Intacct is the only mid-market healthcare accounting software that’s HIPAA-compliant. In fact, the publisher will demonstrate its commitment to data security by signing a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with healthcare providers. BAAs put the legal liability of protecting PHI on Sage, but more importantly, they allow the platform to process clinical data.  This capability enables cost tracking and financial performance management. In turn, providers can align costs with the total cost of care delivery, empowering them to monitor financial health more accurately and bill patients more appropriately for the actual care provided. Moreover, instant access to this information means they can quickly make informed decisions in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.  Plus, Sage Intacct automates critical financial management processes such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and cash management. This reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and ensures timely and accurate financial transactions. Being a cloud-based solution, the platform also offers scalability to accommodate the growing needs of healthcare organizations. It supports multiple entities and locations, making it suitable for both small practices and large healthcare systems. It simplifies multi-entity consolidations, enabling users to generate combined financial statements from one comprehensive interface.  Bottom line: Sage Intacct can yield tangible business results. For instance, when senior care management company Personal Healthcare implemented the platform, it successfully: Reduced monthly close from one week to one day. Saved over 400 person-hours annually. Avoided $80,000 in annual salary costs.  How to simplify your Sage Intacct implementation The healthcare industry desperately needs an integrated technology stack to enhance financial accounting. However, implementing a platform like Sage Intacct can be a difficult task.  From data mapping and validation to user training and platform customization, numerous variables can slow down and complicate the process. Even with in-house IT resources, a successful implementation demands specialized knowledge and niche expertise. That’s why most providers trust Net at Work to simplify the journey from start to finish.  As a dedicated technology advisor, we can understand your organization’s needs from a holistic standpoint. With a range of accounting solutions, we evaluate each system to identify the best fit for your unique business requirements. That way, you won’t be locked into a platform that’s incompatible with the rest of your core technologies.  Ultimately, Sage Intacct is a tool. But Net at Work is a partner that will help you implement that tool to its fullest potential. For more information, explore Sage Intacct for healthcare accounting today.

From groundbreaking product announcements to insightful keynotes and networking with industry leaders, Acumatica 2024 was packed with valuable insights and a clear vision on how their technology will help businesses build the future together. Seventeen Net at Work employees and more than 40 current customers met for this year’s event, held in Las Vegas to learn not only about Acumatica’s industry-leading solutions, but also to learn from each other. At Booth #506, they also had opportunities to make and learn from new friends from all over the Acumatica community. Among the highlights of the 2024 Summit was the announcement of the Acumatica 2024 RI release, which is now available in beta to current Acumatica customers. The product’s new features include enhanced AP (Accounts Payable) Bill capabilities, access to distribution requirements planning functionality, the general availability of Amazon entirely in Acumatica, and many more. Another highlight was an award the Show and Sell contest—congratulations to Ralph Ceccarelli and Marshall Beranek (pictured here with Acumatica executives) for their 3rd place finish! “The commitment to customer success and community was palpable, a vision and focus that truly sets Acumatica apart,” says Chris Cleary, Acumatica Practice Director. “Now we’re excited to apply what we’ve learned and continue our partnership with Acumatica to deliver excellence.” Contact us to talk to a technology expert about what Acumatica can do for your business.

Wholesale Distributor Realizes 25% Efficiency Gain with Move to Acumatica. Midway Industrial Supply has been a stalwart in the industrial sector for nearly six decades, serving the Mid-Atlantic region through the supply of power transmission and industrial products and repair services. In an industry that’s traditionally slow to embrace change, Midway continually innovates, growing through strategic acquisitions while striving to keep its operations lean and efficient. So when its outdated on-premise ERP began negatively impacting operations, Midway was ready to make a change. The company recognized the timing was right to replace Infor FACTS with a modern, cloud-based ERP — Acumatica Cloud ERP — and turned to its long-time technology partner, Net at Work, to make it happen. Gearing Up for Growth   “We were ready to move the business forward by taking advantage of a next-generation, cloud-based ERP application,” explains Richard Swank, Midway’s CFO. “Infor FACTS had been around for nearly 30 years. We had a lot of performance and network issues that zapped productivity. Also, we wanted a more agile, modern solution that would make it easier to roll out to new entities and provide us with better insights across the organization.” Midway considered other ERP applications before zeroing in on Acumatica. “Net at Work recommended Acumatica as an ideal replacement for FACTS. We’ve trusted Net at Work with our technology for decades, and their recommendation carried weight,” adds Swank. Modifications to Fit, Not Foil, Updates One challenge Midway faced with its previous ERP system was extensive customization, which resulted in challenging — and therefore infrequent — software updates. But Acumatica’s highly configurable platform alleviates this pain point. Midway can make most of the changes and adjustment they want in Acumatica through simple configuration adjustments. Midway also has access to Net at Work’s library of Acumatica enhancements through its Customer Experience Plan. In addition, the Net at Work programming team has built several customizations that add specialized functionality, but none of these modifications impede the company’s ability to update the software. “We update every year without issue,” notes Swank. ROI Powered by Greater Efficiency Since implementing Acumatica, Midway has made three acquisitions and opened three new locations while hiring only one new finance department employee. The efficiencies gained with Acumatica led to substantial growth without increasing overhead costs. “We’re growing bigger but remain lean,” Swank says. “Much of that is because of the efficiencies we’ve gained with Acumatica. We can achieve things with the software we never considered with the older application. With Acumatica, every single process is more efficient. I would estimate that overall, we’re seeing a 25 percent gain in efficiency. That alone helps pay for the software.” Supporting Data-Driven Activity Midway’s remote sales teams have direct access to a customized Acumatica dashboard, providing instant access to key performance indicators, informative graphs, and detailed reports. It’s a simple yet impactful change that allows sales teams to spend more time with customers and less time searching for data. Midway Industrial Supply’s transition to Acumatica Cloud ERP has been a resounding success. The product’s flexibility and strong partnership with Net at Work have empowered the organization to scale efficiently, achieve significant gains in efficiency, and streamline operations across its distributed organization. Download the full Net at Work success story to read more about Midway Industrial Supply’s next-generation transformation.

Technology is crucial in today’s healthcare industry, but few platforms are as essential to business success and patient care as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and accounting software. Not only do they democratize information, but they also streamline processes across the organization. In this guide, we’ll explore the power of ERP for healthcare industry institutions and how it can unlock transformational benefits for your practice. What is healthcare ERP and accounting software? Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for healthcare are comprehensive software solutions designed to manage and integrate the key operations of healthcare organizations, including finance, supply chain, human resources, and patient management. Unlike an electronic health record (EHR) system, which primarily focuses on clinical data and patient care, ERP systems cover a broader range of back-end operations, like hospital accounting. EHR systems are integral to capturing, storing, and managing patient-specific clinical information, while healthcare ERP systems help streamline processes, optimize resource use, and improve operational efficiency. As the healthcare industry evolves, ERP software has quickly become a must-have part of the technology stack. Why do providers need a healthcare ERP solution? Many healthcare organizations still rely on outdated financial accounting solutions that don’t integrate with other key systems in their practice. In fact, according to a 2021 survey, 73% of the healthcare industry uses legacy technology. This leads to manual reporting processes, which are time-consuming and prone to human error. Not only does this make financial analysis inefficient, but it also creates undue risk. Healthcare providers who can’t effectively track costs also can’t identify operational changes that could improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, both parties suffer the consequences. Likewise, this lack of access to real-time data creates a competitive disadvantage when attempting to respond quickly to the dynamic conditions of the healthcare sector. For example, the shift from fee-for-service to the value-based care (VBC) model requires immediate financial visibility. Why? Because VBC transfers risk from the payer to the provider. When healthcare professionals enter VBC contracts, they must understand the total cost of providing care to different patient populations. Otherwise, their reimbursements could be significantly less than operational costs. However, many organizations lack the seamless insight required to analyze costs appropriately. Disparate systems and data sources — particularly server-based legacy systems that are no longer actively updated or enhanced — are too cumbersome to integrate. They also often lack modern functionality and design, making for a poor user experience. In combination, these difficulties create a fractured view that inhibits access to the right data at the right time. The result? Providers can’t associate clinical data from their EHR with financial data in their accounting system. Fragmented data silos like this make it nearly impossible to calculate the true cost of patient care, especially in real time — which is the level of detail needed to understand the value of alternative payment models (APMs). Fortunately, that’s where a healthcare ERP system comes in. Modern ERP solutions can help overcome these obstacles by: Automating administrative tasks, reducing manual data entry, and improving cross-departmental information flows. Optimizing inventory levels, streamlining supplier interactions, and managing human resources more effectively. Simplifying compliance with reporting standards, healthcare regulations, and patient privacy laws — most notably, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Integrating with clinical systems to ensure operational decisions are informed by patient records, care priorities, and outcomes. How does healthcare ERP work? Healthcare ERP systems function by centralizing data from various departments, allowing for real-time access and decision-making from one holistic view. They also enforce standardized procedures across the organization, ensuring consistency and compliance with healthcare regulations. ERPs typically feature modular designs, where each module addresses a specific area of operation, such as finance or supply chain management. They automate routine tasks — like billing or scheduling — to reduce human error and manual intervention. Although each ERP solution is unique, all fall into three categories based on how it’s deployed in a healthcare business: 1. On-premise ERP systems With an on-premise solution, the ERP system is hosted and managed directly at the healthcare facility using the organization’s owned infrastructure. This approach affords more control over data and modules and doesn’t require an internet connection to function, making it a good choice for businesses looking for data security, compliance, and customization. However, on-premise systems also require significant upfront investment. Not only does that include the cost of hardware and software, but also installation, maintenance, and support. Additionally, because they’re managed locally, you need a full IT staff with specialized expertise to keep them running smoothly. 2. Cloud-based ERP systems Instead of physically installing it themselves, many organizations opt to leverage the flexibility of cloud-based ERPs. With this approach, vendors host the software on their own servers and license access to it over the internet, allowing providers to use it anytime and anywhere. Plus, they receive automatic updates and dedicated support, reducing the need for in-house resources. As of 2023, 70% of IT professionals in the healthcare industry said their organizations had adopted cloud solutions, with another 20% planning to do so in the near future. According to PwC research, many healthcare leaders have noted measurable results since their cloud migrations: 65% improved decision-making. 58% enhanced customer experience. 53% improved productivity. 53% increased profitability. However, some businesses may be reluctant to relinquish total control over their financial and patient information. Others prefer not to stake their ERP environment on a stable internet connection. 3. Hybrid ERP systems Hybrid systems offer the best of both on-premise and cloud solutions. In this case, a healthcare facility can choose to host and manage certain processes themselves while others are handled in the cloud. This offers them the flexibility to keep sensitive data on-premises while still leveraging the flexible nature of cloud computing. Ultimately, the cost of maintaining a hybrid ERP solution can vary depending on its configuration. Although it’s a more complex approach that requires careful planning, most organizations will have no trouble realizing its advantages with the help of an expert technology advisor. Key components of healthcare ERP systems At a high level, healthcare ERP systems synchronize data through an array of specialized modules. Each module provides a suite of tools to help manage and automate critical tasks. Altogether, they form an integrated ecosystem in which information flows seamlessly between departments. Some of the most essential ERP capabilities include: Electronic health record integration EHR integration is an essential piece of the medical ERP puzzle. When used together, they can augment operational efficiency and bridge the gap between clinical and financial operations. This ensures billing and financial records are directly linked to patient information, enabling accurate and timely invoicing, reducing errors, and improving revenue cycle management. It also facilitates real-time access to comprehensive medical records, thus streamlining administrative processes and leading to better financial decision-making. More simply, alignment empowers healthcare providers to achieve a more cohesive and efficient operational environment. Patient management The patient management module streamlines and automates various aspects of patient care, from admission to discharge. It ensures an efficient workflow, reduces wait times, and improves the overall experience by providing real-time access to patient information for healthcare providers. Additionally, it integrates with other modules such as billing and EHR, facilitating seamless data exchange and enhancing the accuracy of patient records and financial transactions.     Financial management This module oversees an organization’s core financials: billing, invoicing, accounting, budgeting, and reporting. It accurately tracks revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities through a cohesive dashboard, providing a comprehensive view of the organization’s financial health. Critically, it also supports alternative payment models like activity-based costing (ABC) by tracking the direct and indirect costs of patient care (medical procedures, use of medical supplies, staff time, etc.). By allocating these resources accurately to different activities, the module helps identify the total cost of the provider’s services. This enables precise pricing, budgeting, and financial planning. Supply chain management  Like all ERPs, healthcare systems are equally rooted in supply chain management. This module helps organizations manage the logistics involved in procuring, storing, and distributing medical supplies, equipment, and other assets. It ensures the right products are available at the right time, thus optimizing inventory management. This works by tracking inventory levels in real time, automatically reordering supplies, and monitoring usage patterns — thereby preventing stockouts and inefficiencies. Human resource (HR) management This component automates many HR functions, including employee records management, benefits administration, and more. By automating routine tasks, the module reduces administrative burdens, ensures compliance with labor laws, and improves employee satisfaction through accurate and timely payroll. It also aids in strategic workforce planning by providing insights into staffing needs and employee performance, supporting better decision-making and resource allocation within the healthcare organization. Business intelligence and analytics The healthcare sector collects and manages an unprecedented amount of data. By some estimates, healthcare accounts for over 30% of the world’s data volume and is growing faster than any other industry. Business intelligence (BI) is how organizations extract value from raw data. With a BI module, healthcare providers can automatically collect and process information from various sources, transforming it into actionable insights through dashboards and visualizations. By integrating patient records with financial data, the BI module can also generate reports on the cost-effectiveness of various treatments. Quality management In a healthcare solution, “quality management” means ensuring compliance with industry standards while continuously monitoring and improving patient outcomes. It tracks performance metrics, patient safety indicators, and compliance requirements, identifying potential risks and areas for improvement. This module facilitates incident reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans to address quality issues. By providing real-time insights and data-driven recommendations, the quality management module helps healthcare organizations enhance patient safety, maintain high standards of care, and achieve continuous quality improvement. Benefits of healthcare ERP and accounting software There are many reasons why healthcare organizations leverage ERP and accounting systems. Here are some of the top advantages you can expect from the right solution: Enhanced patient care: Integrating clinical platforms, like an EHR, with back-office systems can immediately yield tangible benefits. By connecting the dots between medical and financial data sources, you can ensure real-time access to patient information across departments. Analyzing data in tandem with financial metrics will allow you to spot process improvements that impact patient outcomes and promote operational efficiency. Lower operational costs: The right accounting software can help with allocating indirect costs to the appropriate areas so organizations can understand the entire cost of providing care. In many instances, providers work under the assumption that increasing the number of patients they see or cases they perform will result in a better financial outcome. However, if the cost of performing those services exceeds the reimbursement, they can quickly find themselves in financial hardship. In other words, increased revenue doesn’t always equal profitability. Simplified compliance: With a HIPAA-compliant ERP system, you’ll have a much easier time managing regulations, safeguarding patient records, building trust, and avoiding costly penalties. By deploying a platform built to protect privacy, you can foster a culture of accountability and responsibility in managing sensitive data. Greater financial visibility: The role of the financial suite is evolving from “keepers of the past” to “trusted custodians guiding the future.” ERPs eliminate information silos, thus offering greater insight into financial performance, allowing administrators to make data-driven decisions about staffing, contracts, services, and more. Better yet, granular reporting provides reassurance by helping them understand exactly how decisions will impact the business as a whole. Want to learn more about the power of cutting-edge ERP software? Check out this case study and see how Hawaii Dental Service leveraged Sage Intacct to uplift its business. ERP implementation best practices for the healthcare sector Whether deploying your first solution or choosing a new system, the ERP implementation process isn’t always easy. Let’s talk about a few best practices to point you in the right direction: Work with a technology advisor More than just a vendor, healthcare organizations need a technology partner that will understand their needs from a holistic viewpoint. Unfortunately, many providers lack the in-house resources or technological expertise to select, roll out, and manage the right solution. Oftentimes, they just aren’t aware of their options or how technologies have changed over the years. Or, they may not understand which approach is best suited for their business or how to align ERP implementation with strategic vision — and that’s okay. Their focus is understandably on providing the best patient care, not honing their IT skills. That’s where an advisor like Net at Work comes into play. We meet your practice where it is today, providing a strategic roadmap to your optimal digital transformation. That way, you can focus on patient outcomes while we coordinate the rest. Take a phased approach You must consider many factors before starting the journey. At Net at Work, we suggest a systematic approach that involves assessing your current technology portfolio and creating a framework in alignment with your strategic goals and objectives. This will provide you with a plan that you can use to factor in your budgetary requirements, track performance, and adjust in light of organizational change. Look for a tailored solution Ideally, your partner will offer a range of ERP and accounting solutions so you can decide which solution best fits your unique organizational needs. The last thing you want is to be forced into a system that isn’t compatible with the rest of your technology stack. With Net at Work, we’ll identify the optimal software to match your business landscape. Unleash savings across your organization The healthcare sector is always changing, but ERP systems will always be a vital part of your IT environment. With deep industry expertise and extensive experience, Net at Work can simplify your next ERP implementation and set you up for success long into the future. Learn more about how Net at Work’s portfolio of healthcare accounting software can unlock efficiencies in your organization.

As an Acumatica President’s Club partner and Silver Sponsor, we’re excited to be part of the Acumatica 2024 Summit, which will take place January 28-31 in Las Vegas. We’re even more excited to invite you to visit us at Booth #506 and see how our expert technology advisors can help you maximize the value of your ERP investment. Each year, Acumatica’s Summit is the gathering place for the entire community of customers, partners, developers, and industry analysts to celebrate, discover, and imagine the future of business technology.   At this year’s Summit, Net at Work will highlight two Acumatica-approved ISV solutions: Rental360 – This solution manages the entire rental process, from check-out and delivery to check-in and inspection. Prime FoodService – A module for food distributors, this solution helps streamline inventory, quickly create orders, and improves customer communications. “This year promises to be the largest Acumatica Summit yet,” predicts Chris Cleary, Acumatica Practice Director. “There will be numerous learning and connection opportunities for Acumatica customers across many industries, all designed so that customers can better use technology to supercharge their organizational growth.” In addition to Booth #506, Net at Work will be hosting an exclusive client appreciation event.  So, if you have not yet registered to be at this year’s Summit there is still time. Visit the Acumatica Summit 2024 website for details.   Our team is here to answer any questions, help plan your agenda, and schedule time with anyone you would like to meet.  We look forward to greeting you in Las Vegas! .billboard-blog { background: url('https://www.netatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bg-header-acumatica-summit2.jpg') !important; }

Most industries have successfully weathered widespread disruption for decades, but in today’s digital world the pace of disruption takes place over months, not years. Wholesale distributors across industries are not immune—a recent article by McKinsey stated, “Nearly every distributor is facing disruption as digital natives build upon their successes in B2C to expand into B2B.” Distributors who are preparing for tomorrow’s marketplace understand that customized, modern technology is a key factor in their success. And Next Generation enterprise resource planning (ERP), as part of your unique Digital Operations Platform (DOP)—coupled with our expert advisory services—can help distribution companies like yours thrive amidst near constant change. Talk with an Expert We’d love to connect with you at the upcoming National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Executive Summit. This event is designed to equip distribution industry leaders with the tools, knowledge, connections and strategies to prepare for and thrive during this time of change across industries. Contact us to schedule a personal chat at this exciting event.

Wholesale distributors who strategically adopt a next-generation ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system will have the tools to meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s issues. But those who strategically adopt modern technology, centered around a modern or next-generation ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, will have the tools to meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s issues. In a complimentary webinar hosted by Industrial Supply magazine, a panel of Net at Work technology experts discussed how strategic planning and technology support can help distributors succeed and grow, and gave examples of opportunities for distributors to deepen their value in their channels.  What is a Next-Gen ERP and why is it important? Simply put, a next-gen ERP is an agile, comprehensive technology system—with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system at its center—that can be customized and updated to meet an organization’s needs. Effective next-gen ERP solutions can enable distributors to manage their finances, rapidly modify workflows, maintain and improve profitability, and manage diverse workforces.  The technology solutions are less complex so that workflows can evolve at the speed of business, leverage data inherent in their applications to support more informed decisions and incorporate and integrate cutting-edge technologies to improve profitability.  “A next-gen ERP can evolve over time,” says Chris Cleary, Acumatica Practice Director with Net at Work. “Companies can choose an ERP to sit at the core of their technology system and then pick and choose what the most valuable next steps to digitize are for their own needs. You don’t need to go from 0 to 100 overnight–you can follow a digital plan that a virtual CIO can help you develop.” Technology roadmaps help show the way to future success Eric Sluss, who leads Net at Work’s Fractional CIO & Advisory Services practice, explained that a technology roadmap is a high-level plan that communicates a company’s overall IT strategy and corresponding timelines. And a technology roadmap is not designed to be finished or complete. Instead, it can be reviewed on a regular, ongoing basis, such as monthly check-ins and quarterly deeper dives. “The distribution sector today is extremely competitive,” explains Sluss. “In order to remain competitive and have long-term profitability, companies need to not only play on today’s field but also prepare for what’s coming down the line in the future.” Creating an effective technology roadmap starts with an examination of a company’s day-to-day operations. Says Cleary, “We look to see how legacy systems are impacting a company–are they having data stability concerns? Are they having weekly server resets? Are month-end closes taking 20+ days? Are they still doing everything manually?” And while businesses can build their own technology roadmap, many choose to partner with an experienced partner, particularly one that offers fractional CIO services. AP automation and dynamic pricing: examples of deepening value in the channel Once distributors have a core solution in place, automating their accounts payable (AP) tasks is often one of the next steps they take in their technology journey. The return on AP automation is fast—often within a few days—and the return is quick. For example, businesses can not only often avoid hiring additional finance personnel in a tight labor market, but also can free up their current employees to take on impactful work such as investigating high-risk payments. Distributors often see profits eroded due to manual pricing, so many are shifting to dynamic pricing based on specific time periods, stock levels and other important factors. Dynamic pricing creates additional ordering opportunities by eliminating cumbersome manual processes and bringing in relevant real-time information in a quicker amount of time. “It’ll be distributors who plug into their next-gen ERP correctly that will deepen their value within their ecosystems. While others will continue to struggle with fraud, data errors and mistakes, tech-savvy distributors will be free to develop their competitive advantages as service advisors and customer-centric sources of product information for their manufacturers,” predicts Cleary. For examples of other ways to deepen your organization’s value and details on how to build your organization’s technology roadmap, access the recorded session here.

In this ever-changing digital age, businesses must evolve, and quickly. Digital transformation is an integral part of this essential evolution. While growth minded SMBs have plans on embarking on a digital transformation journey in 2024, many have absolutely no idea how to make it happen. Virtually everyone is familiar with the term “digital transformation,” but most people do not actually know all that it entails. According to The Enterprisers Project, “Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers.” Many IT leaders are embarking on these digital transformation journeys without much guidance, giving into the pressure from software manufacturers to adopt new technological systems without truly understanding them. Even worse, many do so without involving the people in their organization. It is imperative for IT leaders to remember to keep their digital transformations as human-centric as possible. By developing a people-focused digital transformation plan, SMBs markedly improve their chances of making a go of the endeavor. Being successful at such a transformation is highly desirable, for it leads to a healthier bottom line and more loyal employees and customers in the future. A Human-Centered Approach to Digital Transformation The pressure to fill the increasing need for digital experiences is intense. Feeling the heat, many SMBs opt to skip over the human factor as they jump to fill this need. This is a first class ticket to nowhere. According to Bill Rokos, Forbes Councils Member, “It takes more than just the low-hanging fruit of migrating to the cloud, installing new software and replacing analog with digital. It might seem counterintuitive, but the key to success for any organization’s digital transformation is its people.” A Successful Human-Centered Digital Transformation In most successful digital transformations, there are four key checkpoints. Notice how each of them involves people, which illustrates the need for a business to be human-centric through the transformation and beyond. Driving employee engagement. Asking employees for their input into company culture and how to improve it is a vital part of the transformation process because employees who feel heard and valued are much more likely to stay. The future benefit of this improved employee loyalty. Providing the right tools for employees to use is of paramount importance in any digital transformation strategy because it markedly increases efficiency within the business. For example, giving employees low-code/no-code tools will save organizations fistfuls of time and money because employees can focus on creativity, innovation, and enhancing productivity rather than wasting precious time and resources trying to learn how to use a complicated tech device or program. Leveraging data is a vital component of a successful digital transformation strategy because it helps inform business decisions. Using data to make key decisions allows companies to offer enhanced services and experiences for customers, employees, and stakeholders alike. Satisfied people are more likely to be loyal to the company. Setting clear, achievable goals is crucial to the success of a digital transformation, but even more important is making sure that these goals are communicated throughout the organization. Establishing a roadmap and overarching framework will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and fully engaged before, during, and after the digital transformation journey. After all, to quote 18th century poet Robert Burns, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” With all hands on deck from the get-go, success is much more likely to occur. “Involving employees early in the project helps the leadership get insights from the ground,” explains Noel Braganza of Up Strategy Lab. Doing so enables leadership “to shape a truly beneficial digital transformation strategy with a high chance of success.” While a digital transformation is an important strategy for SMBs wishing to keep abreast of technological change and remain competitive, it is nothing without focusing on the people within the organization and the customers it serves. Bottom line? Put people front and center in your business evolution and you are already ahead of the game.

Reduce time spent on analysis and reporting, and make faster, better-informed decisions. The tight and secure integration of Sage Data & Analytics (SD&A) with Sage ERP† ensures the reliability of critical business information, provides business users with coherent insight on enterprise data, supports clear decision-making and fosters continuous cross functional improvement. KEY FEATURES: Installation and Configuration of SD&A in the ZAP Cloud Installation of templates available with the SD&A model Deployment of pre-defined analytics and dashboards with the SD&A model Connection to 1 live company and 1 test company for Sage ERP† 2 seats for remote training sessions with Net at Work Consulting on strategic approach to the product roll-out Up to 8 hours of remote consulting on report design and development to aid customers in creating their own reports. Custom reports created by Net at Work will be provided for an additional fee QUICK START PROCESS: Step 1 – ZAP Cloud provisions SD&A on ZAP Cloud Step 2 – Net at Work validates and installs Gateway to connect to ZAP Cloud Step 3 – Net at Work models your GL and data to configure all the available SD&A templates Step 4 – You attend SD&A training sessions remotely (2 seats) Step 5 – You gain instant insight into all your data †Sage Data & Analytics (SD&A) integrates with Sage X3, Sage Intacct, Sage 300, and Sage 100 ERPs. PRICING INFORMATION: $9,995.00 Fixed Fee For more information, click here or contact us. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE