Technology in Practice

Power Curbers, a thriving industrial manufacturing company, values both efficiency and stellar customer service. Several years ago, the company realized they would need to replace their legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with a modern ERP that included the features they would need to continue their growth. Like many organizations, Power Curbers noticed several warning signs that spurred them to investigate migrating to a modern ERP. If you suspect that your company might be ready to look at faster, configurable solutions, ask yourself the following questions: Are we using disconnected applications that don’t meet all our company’s needs? Are we still doing some crucial tasks offline without knowing whether or not they could be completed more quickly and accurately online? Do current employees express frustration with processes made necessary by our current ERP? Power Curbers turned to Net at Work for guidance as they evaluated several ERPs, and ultimately chose one that had a proven combination of features for their industry. With Net at Work’s assistance during their implementation, Power Curbers was successfully invoicing within a week of going live with their new ERP. And as they fully implemented their modern ERP, the company was able to shave nearly half an hour from its order entry process, change their old processes to new inventory management that helped them overcome supply chain challenges, and gain more reliable access to its business management solutions. To help your organization decide if now is the time to look at fresh solutions to your current and future challenges, we’ve identified 11 top warning signs that every company should watch for, and 11 gains that your organization could see after migrating to a modern ERP. Download the list today and learn to recognize when your current enterprise resource planning (ERP) system needs to be replaced by a modern, configurable solution that can help your team work smarter and faster.

Employer Challenges in Field Services As a company that provides field services, your organization is dedicated to dispatching the right person with the right skills, parts, and tools to the right place at the right time to service your customers. And that means different things in different industries. Field services is a far-reaching industry operating in a wide variety of markets. But in a broad context, it involves dispatching technicians (who can be contractors or employees) to customer locations in order to repair, maintain or install crucial components for other businesses, families, and individuals.  But like many industries, field services is plagued by a shortage of skilled employees. Recently, a comprehensive report by FieldAware stated that the impacts of this shortage include:  42% of employers surveyed report a reduced ability to serve their clients, reduced competitiveness, and reduced productivity  30% reported increased turnover  26% reported lower staff morale  25% needed to offer higher compensation to recruit or retain staff  The Field Services Employee Perspective The most recent Gallup State of the Workplace Report found that $8.9 trillion (approximately 9% of the global FDP) was lost in 2023 due to low employee engagement. And employees across many industries, including field services, report that their low engagement is due to factors such as few development opportunities, frustrating manual procedures, little opportunity for innovation or higher-level thinking, and technology that is not optimized for their jobs.  Workers in field services face unique challenges that can be either hindered or helped by technology. For example, managers may find themselves without the necessary up-to-date information to assign jobs efficiently; they may be using outdated technology that gives them little visibility into their teams’ locations and work status. Or they may be using manual processes for workflows, daily job reports, timecards, and other important tasks that could be automated. All of this adds up to lost productivity, lower profits, and higher employee frustration.  Most Common Day-to-Day Challenges for Field Services Organizations  A day-to-day view of the most frequently reported challenges includes:  Scheduling, including low utilization (less than 80%), slow response time, limited visibility of the team, and the need for repeated follow-ups  Compliance and Safety, which is often handled by manual processes  Managing inventory in the field, including stock losses, billing issues, low first-time fix rates, and delays in parts requests  Asset management and history knowledge, including extra time spent locating assets (and time calling the home office for information), time searching for assets, and no asset history in the field where it is often needed urgently  Paper-based systems in the field, resulting in delays in paperwork back to the home office, time spent managing customer disputes, and no real-time visibility in the field  Limited metrics and insights from the service team, leading to slow decision-making, poor resource planning, lost revenue, and lost customers  Addressing Labor Shortages with Practical Solutions to the Most Common Challenges  To start, leadership can address the challenges outlined above by streamlining as many processes as possible. An important first step is to assess your company’s current business processes and find those that include a high number of manual steps that could be automated.   Some of the most impactful processes to begin streamlining can be identified in Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. In these functions, there are often many opportunities for eliminating manual data entry, such as collecting payments, billing, data analysis, and intercompany transactions. And streamlining these and other processes gives your employees more time to tackle more interesting, higher-level, and innovative tasks that can help them remain deeply engaged members of the team.  Solutions to outdated manual processes come in the form of modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms that can address common challenges by:  Streamlining scheduling and dispatch – A modern ERP for field service operations can easily assign jobs and match resources based on skills, location, and availability.  Improving field visit outcomes – With a modern ERP, technicians have access to real-time customer data, asset history, and service records needed to complete work efficiently.  Increasing customer satisfaction – Through better access to data, field services companies can deliver timely services and solve customer problems in one visit.  Reducing costs – Better utilization of technicians can cut overtime costs, and centralized inventory management increases first-time fix rates and reduces inventory loss.  Improving business performance management – By leveraging data from a single system, you can make better informed decisions and gain deeper insights.  Allowing perpetual inventory tracking – The real-time data available from a modern ERP can be used for automatic notifications when stock falls below a certain threshold and can even be configured to place orders automatically.  Scalability – All of these functions can be scaled up as your organization grows, priming you for further expansion and reducing the need for new employees in the face of continuing labor shortages.  Additionally, better data and automation processes can help your organization more easily add employees in the specific departments where they are most needed, helping your hiring processes become as impactful as possible.  A Modern ERP Helps Create a Culture of Digital Innovation Anyone who has undergone an ERP implementation knows that it can be a daunting endeavor, but a skilled technology advisor can help your company avoid many pitfalls both during and after the implementation itself. Technology advisor services can include consultation tailored to your company’s needs, including helping you make the most of your modern ERP by adopting new practices that will create a culture of digital innovation. Three of our top recommendations for creating such a culture include:  Looking for ways to utilize the cloud, AI and automation technologies that are included in your modern ERP.  Employees who appreciate the innovation and efficiency that are made possible by the new ERP can be the foundation of a digital innovation committee that identifies potential issues that can be addressed via technology before they become pressing problems.  Invest in skills development and training programs. These programs create the internal corporate advocates that your organization needs to enhance its reputation, thus helping strengthen your recruiting and employee retention.  Encourage innovation from all employees. As previously mentioned, frontline workers are usually the most likely to quickly recognize opportunities for change. If your businesses can motivate and tangibly reward innovation, this will go a long way to helping you stay at the forefront of your market.  The adoption of a modern ERP can empower everyone in your business to grow and develop. Ultimately, the best solution will be the one that most closely meets your company where you are now and has the proven ability to grow and scale with you for many years to come. 

Keeping up with rapid change in the distribution industry is no easy feat. As your business grows and customer demands evolve, you will likely grapple with challenges around expanding into new markets, managing complex supply chains, and defending your bottom line against disruptive competitors. How can you future-proof your distribution operations? The answer lies in developing a leadership pipeline and technology infrastructure that are equally forward-facing. Your company can have the most feature-packed ERP system money can buy, but without leaders who can harness its potential, you are just scratching the surface of its benefits. Conversely, building your leadership dream team and putting them at the helm of an outdated and disconnected system will stifle that potential. It’s about striking the right balance – nurturing digital-era leadership talent in lockstep with modernizing your technology ecosystem. Identifying Future Leaders for the Digital Era What defines a future-ready distribution leader? Deloitte suggests they are part of a team “with the skills that can evolve with the rapid pace of change.” This might include traits such as: Digital/tech savviness: The next generation of leaders need more than just tech literacy. They need an innate curiosity about emerging technologies and a willingness to experiment. Data-driven decision-making: With data coming in from all corners of your business, leaders must be able to extract insights and allow those insights to drive their actions. Change management capabilities: Transformative initiatives like ERP implementations require leaders who inspire teams and skillfully navigate organizational resistance. Strategic mindset: Your future leaders should have the business acumen to connect technology investments with long-term growth objectives. Assessment Methods Tailored for the Digital Age Identifying these future leaders is easier said than done. Traditional assessments may not give you a full picture of candidates’ potential impact in today’s digital landscape. It’s time to get creative: Use data-driven assessments: Analytical reasoning tests and structured interview questions can help to evaluate candidates’ decision-making ability and comfort with viewing data objectively. Explore problem-solving and innovation skills: Discuss case studies to challenge candidates’ innovative thinking and application of digital tools. Observe tech proficiency: Discuss the candidate’s knowledge of technology solutions. Experience or even curiosity can give insight into their appetite for experimenting with new technologies. There are many resources to help you define your candidate testing program, both online and through companies that assist in placement and recruitment. Upskilling Leaders with the Right Technology Framework Once you’ve assembled your leadership dream team, the real work begins – empowering them with the tools and skills to drive your distribution business into the future. Leveraging ERP for Leadership Development A modern ERP system is the ideal training ground for developing well-rounded leaders. With comprehensive data at their fingertips, your team can: Gain greater visibility into your organization’s functioning: Dynamic ERP systems break down organizational silos, allowing leaders to understand cross-functional processes and interdependencies. Make data-backed decisions: Strong reporting and analytics capabilities transform an ERP into a virtual leadership training ground for honing data-driven decision-making. Enable knowledge continuity: A modern ERP serves as a system of record, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer during leadership turnover. Building Digital Competencies An ERP implementation alone won’t magically produce tech-savvy leaders. You’ll need to invest in developing core digital competencies: Hands-on ERP training: From basic transactions to advanced reporting and workflow automation, ensure that your leaders can maximize your system’s potential. Data literacy – Equip your teams with the analytical skills to transform raw data into actionable insights. Exposure to complementary solutions: Familiarize leaders with other critical solutions like CRM (Customer Relationship Management), BI (Business Intelligence), and process automation platforms. Better still, select an ERP that can seamlessly integrate these functionalities. Fostering an Innovation Culture Aligned with Modern ERP With the right leadership pipeline and technology infrastructure, you can cultivate an innovative, future-focused mindset across your distribution organization. Empowering Data-Driven Leadership Your new ERP system can become a goldmine of insights waiting to be tapped. Encourage leaders to: Expand data access: Provide self-service reporting capabilities that empower teams to explore data independently. Experiment, learn, and refine: Encourage a culture of data-driven experimentation, where leaders test hypotheses and refine strategies based on results. Recognize data-backed wins: Celebrate and incentivize process improvements and innovations built from effective data analysis. Measuring Impact and Nurturing Digital Talent Any leadership development and technology initiative is an ongoing journey, not a one-and-done project. Regularly assess the results of your efforts: Track leadership program metrics: Monitor outcomes like retention, internal promotions, and succession planning effectiveness. Measure gains in process optimization: Quantify productivity boosts, cost savings, and customer experience uplifts resulting from your tech-driven process improvements. Evaluate innovation outcomes: Review the results of data-driven experiments and pivots – both successes and failures are learning opportunities. Invest in Continuous Professional Development Provide ongoing ERP certification paths and learning opportunities. Support obtaining credentials or degrees in data literacy certifications. Create mentorship opportunities pairing rising leaders with seasoned leaders to delegate training and ensure unwritten knowledge is passed down. The Future is What You Make It Distribution has become increasingly competitive. A powerful and dynamic ERP system coupled with a succession plan pipeline filled with forward-thinking leaders are crucial for your company’s survival. By tightly aligning your leadership development with comprehensive technology modernization, you’ll be well-equipped to capitalize on new opportunities and set your business up for success now and in the years to come.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is a tiered system designed to assess and improve the cybersecurity readiness of organizations within the defense industrial base. This system can be compared to a roadmap with distinct levels, each requiring specific cybersecurity practices and controls. Additionally, CMMC 2.0 is an ongoing effort, encouraging the industry to continuously strengthen its cybersecurity posture or the overall status of your cybersecurity readiness.  “It’s not just about ticking boxes and matching security acronyms,” says Tyler Bower, Practice Director and cybersecurity expert from Cloud at Work. “It’s about building a secure environment that ultimately satisfies requirements by leveraging both your existing, and the inclusion of new security measures in a coordinated way.” In a recently released whitepaper, produced in partnership with Smart Industry, we explore the implications of CMMC 2.0 and outline a path to achieve and maintain compliance with minimal disruption. The paper covers many relevant topics such as: The opportunities of CMMC 2.0, such as an enhanced security posture, increased trust with partners, and a potential competitive edge The myth versus realities of CMMC 2.0 and debunking common misconceptions How CMMC 2.0 compliance can be a catalyst for much-needed upgrades Click here to download the whitepaper or contact us to discuss your organization’s specific cybersecurity needs.

Distributors are facing a growing number of labor challenges, including worker shortages, difficulty recruiting high-quality candidates, retention of current employees, and others. In a 2022 Baird-MDM survey, 26% of respondents stated that labor and productivity issues were the biggest risk for their business—almost as big of a concern as competition in their markets. Consequently, many distributors are assessing every corner of their business to find ways to be more effective, and some realize that a modern ERP can help them thrive even in an era of rapid change. “An investment in business process automation is one of the fastest ways to improve efficiency and productivity across every department. Automation reduces the repetitive and monotonous tasks human have to do by relegating those tasks to software, which usually means a better experience for customers, reduced error rates, improved compliance, and lower stress for teams.” Juan Perez, EVP and CIO of Salesforce “How Automation Drives Business Growth and Efficiency”  Our recent webinar, “Thriving in Change: How to Navigate Labor Challenges with Digital Solutions,” produced in partnership with Modern Distribution Management (MDM), sheds light on how today’s distributors can best utilize a modern ERP to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and create a culture of digital innovation to attract higher-quality job candidates.  “Streamlining processes is about making your business more efficient and effective,” says Chris Cleary, Acumatica Practice Director with Net at Work. “A recent Net at Work customer realized a 25% increase in efficiency across all departments after their Acumatica implementation. Subsequently, the customer added three new locations and went through three acquisitions with the addition of only two finance team members, thus increasing their profits through efficiency gains.” Through this webinar, distributors can learn about:  The recommended types of modern digital tools for impactful streamlining of processes How to measure the impact of employee engagement and retention efforts How to create strong implementation and maintenance plans that will continue to enhance productivity How AI can complement the work of your staff, speed up processes, and give employees more time to work on fulfilling tasks that lead to better engagement Watch and listen to “Thriving in Change: How to Navigate Labor Challenges with Digital Solutions” or contact us to discuss your organization’s specific needs.

In the world of optical design, The McGee Group stands out with a half-century legacy. This family-owned business from Marietta, Georgia, continues to grow with a nationwide presence that’s known for its innovative and high-quality eyewear products. At the core of their nationwide success has been an effective use of technology in managing complex operations. A Brief Foray Into New Territory The company’s history with Sage X3 spans over a decade, but a push for change led them to consider another leading ERP application. “Sage X3 always served us well,” Weston McGee, CIO at The McGee Group, explains, “but we were swayed by promises of simplicity in integration with the other ERP.” The new course, however, revealed some unexpected shortcomings. Jay Couzins, The McGee Group’s Director of Sage X3 Optimization, recalls, “It couldn’t deliver what Sage X3 can without requiring us to purchase additional add-ons.” Returning to a Trusted Solution Acknowledging the need for a scalable, extensible, and flexible ERP system that would allow them to take control of the entire business, The McGee Group decided to recommit to Sage X3. They engaged Net at Work to enhance and align the system with new business initiatives. “They have the country’s largest and most talented Sage X3 team among technology consultants,” Couzins notes. “I call them the rock stars of the X3 world.” “We see near unlimited possibilities. We’re leveraging our technology to better connect with the world. With Net at Work’s help, we’ve been able to break through barriers, focus on what matters, and incorporate innovative, sustainable business practices.” Jay Couzins, Director of Sage X3 Optimization, The McGee Group Streamlining Operations Through Customization In collaboration with Net at Work, The McGee Group has been able to customize Sage X3 extensively, integrating it with specialized applications such as EyeRepo. Couzins shares, “With Sage X3, we don’t need to bolt on functionality — we can build it. It’s a comprehensive platform for business management and development.” Navigating Updates with Expertise The partnership has also ensured that the company’s investment in customization doesn’t hinder their ability to upgrade. “That’s not the case with Sage X3. Net at Work guides us skillfully through every update,” Couzins explained. This aspect has been pivotal in maintaining a modern and responsive IT infrastructure. The Advantage of Versatility and Expertise Net at Work’s involvement with The McGee Group extends beyond the ERP. When confronted with performance issues, Couzins recalls a time when the source of the problem was elusive: “Net at Work investigated and correctly identified an issue with our hardware, which our managed services provider had missed.” Looking Ahead with a Renewed ERP Strategy Excited about the future, The McGee Group is now leveraging technology to streamline and innovate. A new B2B website integrated with Sage X3 is set to automate order entry and open new sales avenues. “We see near unlimited possibilities,” said Couzins, underscoring the company’s direction towards tech-driven connectivity and innovation. Solidifying the Foundation for Future Growth Reflecting on their journey, McGee explains, “The right partner makes the difference. Net at Work supports us through our growth.” Couzins concludes with a nod to the robustness of their chosen ERP, “We tried another ERP, but came back to Sage X3. I think it’s one of the best-kept secrets out there.” Download the full Net at Work success story to read more about The McGee Group’s pathway to operational excellence.

If you are a healthcare financial professional looking to learn more about the latest technology, sharpen your skills, and network with your peers from around the country, join us at the annual MGMA Focus Financial Conference. This year’s event, which takes place in San Diego on April 25-27, will bring attendees and experts together to discuss the financial challenges in today’s healthcare landscape. Highlights of the conference will include sessions on:  Billing, coding, payer contracting and financial strategies using the latest tools and techniques  Streamlining financial processes to enhance patient care while ensuring financial stability  Improved financial management technologies, methodologies and best practices   Navigating the ever-evolving healthcare landscape   Visit the MGMA Focus Financial Conference website to register and to view the full schedule, including session topics.  If you’ve already registered and are planning to attend, please contact us or stop by booth 210! We’d love to connect with you at the event. 

Since 1979, Polycoat Products has transformed from a modest industrial coatings manufacturer to a multi-entity powerhouse. Today, the company boasts over one million square feet of manufacturing space, a vast distribution network, and a robust workforce dedicated to continuous innovation. A strong partnership with Net at Work and the power of Sage X3 underpins Polycoat’s journey of expansion and technological investment. The Perfect Fit for Future Growth Polycoat’s story of technological evolution began a decade ago when the end-of-life of its previous ERP system coincided with the company’s ambition to scale. With just two locations but with a vision for exponential growth, Polycoat needed a scalable and robust ERP solution. Net at Work’s expertise with Sage systems made them the ideal guide for Polycoat’s next chapter. The recommendation to adopt Sage X3 was strategic, recognizing the platform’s fit for process manufacturers and its vast scalability potential. “Look for a partner, not a vendor. The technology itself is important, but it’s only effective when deployed by a knowledgeable team. Sage X3 is a great piece of technology, and it’s even better in the hands of a partner like Net at Work. I’ve seen what they can do firsthand, and I’d choose them again.” H.K. Sharma, VP of IT, Polycoat Products A Relationship Beyond Expectations H.K. Sharma, the Vice President of IT at Polycoat, praises the company’s long-term relationship with Net at Work. The partnership, much like Polycoat’s own expansion, has grown and evolved while maintaining a high level of personalized service. “Like us, they’ve also grown tremendously over the years,” Sharma says. “I was initially worried that our service level would drop as a result of their growth, but that has definitely not been the case. Year after year, they continue to exceed our expectations.” Efficiencies Realized Through Technology The impact of Sage X3 on Polycoat’s operations is profound. Workflow efficiencies and electronic data management cut the audit process from a few months to a few hours. This dramatic improvement is a testament to the system’s stability and the company’s ability to scale from two locations to ten, integrating all manufacturing, distribution, and accounting processes seamlessly within Sage X3. Polycoat’s ability to process over thousands of transactions weekly through Sage X3 is a powerful indicator of the system’s pivotal role in the company’s expansion. Continuous Innovation for Competitive Edge With Net at Work’s assistance, Polycoat is pioneering new customer engagement models, including a self-service portal and web store. These innovations empower customers and streamline staff workflows, exemplifying Polycoat’s dedication to leveraging technology smartly. The company plans to extend its proactive stance on innovation by exploring Net at Work’s library of Sage X3 customizations, looking for ideas to drive additional efficiencies. A Strategic Move to Subscription With Net at Work’s guidance, the company transitioned from a perpetual license model to a subscription model — a change that promises significant cost savings. This strategic foresight is indicative of the careful planning and expert advice that characterizes the partnership. A Lesson in Choosing the Right Technology Partner Sharma’s advice to companies on the brink of technological partnerships is clear. “Look for a partner, not a vendor. The technology itself is important, but it’s only effective when deployed by a knowledgeable team. Sage X3 is a great piece of technology, and it’s even better in the hands of a partner like Net at Work. I’ve seen what they can do firsthand, and I’d choose them again.” Read the full Net at Work success story to read more about Polycoat’s pathway to operational excellence.

I was fortunate to have two days in Phoenix last week attending the Prophix Live conference.  It was one of the only times I have been to a conference without any colleagues from Net at Work and it was a very worthwhile experience.  Being on my own pushed me out of my comfort zone to network and speak with a lot more new people than usual without the home-base comfort of hosting a Net at Work booth or event. The morning sessions at the conference delivered Prophix-specific messages but also two keynotes on AI and the shift of the finance and accounting department from a tactical to strategic role within the organization. Some of my take-aways: To achieve growth in GDP, the US will need to focus on more productivity; without adding significantly more people, the only way to achieve consistent growth is the same number of people producing more output. The finance office will need to know much more about the business. To provide more value, it should know how the business runs and broadly what are the business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.  In a room of hundreds of accounting professionals, I was surprised to see relatively few hands up when asked who would consider themselves comfortable with the operations of their companies. Prophix urged the room to have a more creative mindset.  They challenged the attendees to get the monthly close to under 5 days (most admitted to needing 10 days) to free up more time for providing the business strategy and more long-term value. One of the keynote speakers warned the crowd that too many finance and accounting professionals spend too much time in their comfort zones.  She said that controlling expenses is not enough—everyone at the company needs to be actively contributing to how they grow the business.  The finance teams should be engaging in more brainstorming before rushing to solve issues.  Focus on the business’s competitive advantage to justify higher margins.  Think about business value and what problem are you really trying to solve. Change in every business will be required to grow in the new GenAI economy.  You will need the trust of your people to get them to step out and change with you: Give them visibility and opportunities, Acknowledge employees’ contributions Have their back and don’t point at them They need to feel you have their best interest in mind all the time Most companies, including software publishers, don’t yet have clear strategies for and policies on GenAI.  The biggest barrier is not the AI technologies but the security and privacy of data. Because data quality is key to any automation, machine learning, and AI, data specialists are now much more common in the finance department.  Only a small number of attendees have implemented or are planning to add a Chief Data Officer (CDO), most of these resources currently report in to the CFO. Data quality is driven from the top down – if the top executives don’t enforce good policy and prioritize data, it won’t be seen as important. Inspiration and effort come from the bottom up – the acumen of the people entering, scanning, and interacting with data need to ensure quality. The big move from reports to dashboards has been underwhelming for many.  Companies are realizing that some dashboards are simply more colorful reports providing little improvement to intelligence or decision-making value. The next AI-enabled generation will focus on pushes and alerts based on your requirements and associated risk tolerances. At lunches, I met with a variety of people over some great food.  The general vibe of the attendees was cautious optimism.  They love the Prophix product and would like to see more verticalized content and contextual assistance.  They understand the push to providing more value with AI coming soon but they don’t see it happening at the speed that the analysts and media are preaching.  Only about 50% of the people I met would allow a self-driving car to take them anywhere.  I learned that Phoenix is one of the only cities in the US to have a fully autonomous car service, Waymo; very cool for about 50% of us. I’m very interested to hear from you about how you have seen AI changing your department or business over the last 12 months.  Have you moved beyond some of the traditional AI-tools like AP automation or order entry OCR? Thanks for being a client of Net at Work!  I hope you find this post helpful.  As always, please reach out with any comments, questions, or feedback.