Technology in Practice

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.

Effective financial management is key in the construction industry, where complex projects, unpredictable cash flows, and stringent regulations create unique challenges. Builders and construction companies need tools designed to address these complexities, ensuring they can manage project costs, streamline operations, and maintain compliance. This blog explores how accounting software tailored for builders can help construction businesses overcome financial obstacles and gain better control over their costs. Accounting challenges in the construction industry Builders and construction firms face distinct financial challenges that set them apart from other industries. Managing these issues often requires more than spreadsheets or generic accounting software. Key obstacles include: Complexity across projects: Construction companies must track costs, payroll, and vendor payments for multiple projects running simultaneously across different locations. Relying on manual systems can make this process error-prone and time-consuming. Cash flow management: Irregular income streams — often tied to progress payments at project milestones — combined with substantial upfront expenses for materials, labor, and equipment create persistent cash flow challenges for construction firms. This imbalance can make it difficult for builders to maintain liquidity, cover day-to-day operational costs, and invest in new opportunities without risking financial strain. Regulatory compliance: Adhering to tax codes, labor laws, and safety regulations requires extensive documentation, which can burden administrative teams and lead to missed deadlines or penalties. For example, compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act, which mandates paying prevailing wages on federally funded construction projects, necessitates detailed payroll records and certified reporting. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, project delays, or even disqualification from future government contracts. Limited visibility: Disconnected systems and manual reporting often result in fragmented data, making it difficult for construction companies to assess profitability or track project performance in real time. Change order tracking: Managing unexpected changes in project scope can disrupt budgets and schedules if not accurately tracked and integrated into financial plans. Communication gaps: Miscommunication between field teams, office staff, and subcontractors can lead to costly errors and delays. For many construction businesses, these challenges stem from outdated technology. Legacy systems and manual processes are not only inefficient but also lack the integration capabilities needed to maintain transparency across projects. Data silos are a particular pain point, preventing teams from accessing accurate insights and making informed decisions. The benefits of accounting software for builders and construction firms According to McKinsey, the construction industry has been among the slowest to digitize. But now, given the above challenges, many are accelerating the transformation process. Per a 2023 survey, the most likely candidates for increased IT spending are document management, project management, and accounting software, with 25% of firms planning to invest in a construction accounting solution.  With a platform tailored to construction company needs, businesses can access the tools to manage their financial operations more efficiently. By automating processes and centralizing data, improve financial management in several key ways: Improved visibility: Enable real-time expense tracking and comparison against budgets, ensuring construction projects stay on track for success.  Enhanced compliance: Simplify audits and stay aligned with local laws using built-in tools for tax reporting and regulatory requirements. Streamlined financial reporting: Automatically generate detailed financial reports, ensuring accuracy and reducing the time spent on manual data collection and document management. Accurate job costing: Allocate costs to specific projects, providing insights into profitability and enabling better bidding strategies for future work. Time savings: Automate repetitive tasks like payroll and invoice processing, freeing up time to focus on growing the business. Construction accounting software: Key features and capabilities Whether you’re a contractor, small business, or large construction company, choosing the right accounting tool is important to your success. However, not all platforms offer the same capabilities.  From accounting features to mobile accessibility, here’s what the best construction accounting software should provide: Real-time job costing Construction accounting software enables you to capture and allocate project costs accurately in real time. This allows firms to assess project profitability as it evolves, making it easier to adjust budgets or refine estimates for future work. By maintaining an up-to-date view of expenses tied to specific jobs, companies can avoid financial surprises and ensure that resources are being used efficiently. Integrated project management A seamless connection between financial data and project timelines is critical for construction firms managing multiple projects simultaneously. Integrated project management tools ensure that all team members — whether in the field or the office — have access to the same data, improving collaboration and decision-making. This integration helps prevent delays, minimizes miscommunication, and keeps projects on schedule and within budget. Payroll management Handling complex payroll structures is a common challenge in construction, especially when dealing with unionized workers, variable wage rates, and certifications. Construction accounting software simplifies these processes, ensuring accurate compensation and compliance with labor laws.  Compliance  Construction accounting software helps firms stay compliant with industry regulations by automating the tracking and management of essential documents, such as lien waivers, insurance certificates, and certified payroll reports. These tools ensure audit readiness and minimize the risk of penalties or project delays by simplifying what would otherwise be labor-intensive processes. Mobile access In construction, much of the work happens on-site, so portable access is essential. Modern accounting software offers mobile capabilities, allowing field teams to update and access project data in real time, regardless of location. This connectivity keeps everyone aligned, improves communication, and ensures that business intelligence is always up to date, even in fast-moving environments. Advanced material management Efficient handling of materials is key to minimizing waste and avoiding delays. Accounting software streamlines procurement and inventory management, ensuring that the right materials are available when needed. By providing insights into usage patterns and costs, these tools help builders optimize processes and maintain tighter control over project expenses. Customer relationship management (CRM) Maintaining strong client relationships is vital in the construction industry. CRM features in construction accounting software provide a comprehensive view of client interactions, from initial quotes to final payments. This functionality helps firms manage expectations, improve customer service, and foster long-term partnerships by keeping client needs and project progress front and center. Seamless integration The ideal platform will work well alongside other business applications. Otherwise, financial data won’t flow smoothly between these solutions, creating silos and visibility gaps.  ​​Take Acumatica Construction Edition, for instance. As a cloud-based solution, Acumatica’s solution integrates with key back-office systems to deliver real-time insights and drive productivity.  How to choose the right construction accounting software provider Selecting the right vendor is critical to ensuring long-term success. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Define your needs: Assess your business workflows and identify the specific challenges you need the software to address. For example, do you need robust project costing tools or enhanced payroll management? Ensure scalability: Choose a solution that can grow with your business, accommodating more projects, employees, or increased complexity. Look for customization: Opt for software that can be tailored to fit your unique processes and industry requirements. Partner with experts: Work with a trusted advisor, like Net at Work, to simplify the selection process and ensure the solution aligns with your business goals. Experienced partners can guide you through implementation and provide ongoing support. Ready to transform your construction business? The construction industry’s financial demands are unique, and effectively managing them requires specialized tools. With a technology partner, builders can confidently implement a solution that meets their needs today and grows with them in the future.  Contact Net at Work to learn how our team can help you transform your construction business with the power of Acumatica Construction Edition.

Several years ago, UniWell Laboratories engaged an implementation partner to replace its legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) software with a powerful, next-generation business management solution that was an ideal fit for its needs. But lacking an internal champion and a strategic plan, the implementation didn’t take advantage of the new software’s powerful capabilities. In fact, UniWell’s initiative initially didn’t get off the ground at all.  Why do most technology implementations fail? Recent research conducted by McKinsey shows that approximately 70 percent of business transformations do not reach the goals set by the organization. The research identified several reasons for this phenomenon, including a need for data-based planning, problems in the transformation execution itself, and a lack of relevant internal experience that can be found in an executive such as a seasoned chief information officer (CIO). “The CIO is focused on driving and growing the business through transformation—they’re the transformation executive, essentially. But many mid-market organizations don’t have anyone in that seat,” says Eric Sluss, a Chief Information Officer with Net at Work’s Fractional CIO & Advisory group. “The organizations that succeed in their transformations, those organizations invest in the expertise needed for their transformations —whether full-time or part-time—to help plan and actually bring their organization through the journey.” Defining a fractional Chief Information Officer Sluss and his team provide fractional CIO (fCIO) resources that help organizations plan and execute digital transformations. These fCIOs are change agents focused on aligning technology strategy with business objectives, developing tactical execution plans, and executing the plans. Their services are tailored to the needs of each organization, and can include developing strategic plans, turning around poor performing projects, building the future IT operating model, and providing software and vendor selection services, and more. When UniWell decided to re-implement their new ERP, they brought in a Net at Work CIO to help manage the project from every angle. When completed, the re-implementation helped optimize the company’s manufacturing, supply chain, and financial reporting processes. A shift in focus yields tangible benefits UniWell’s chief financial officer, Bryan Polozola, says that Net at Work has helped UniWell move from being a purely tactical company to a strategic company. “Tactical companies tend to stay focused on fixing the problems that got them in trouble yesterday,” he explains. “Strategic companies focus on predicting tomorrow’s problems and finding ways to prevent them.” The company’s fCIO advisory services from Net at Work were tailored to their needs, and included industry best-practices, change management, and deep operational insights. Today, UniWell is realizing benefits from their transformation, including:  Achieving 14% year-over-year growth Providing nearly instantaneous MRP reporting Leading to better pricing and terms with new supply chain insights. Supporting proactive workflows with automated alerts from their ERP Other benefits of working with an fCIO can include: Increased efficiency: Improve efficiency by streamlining operations and processes. Enhanced security: Manage and improve the organization’s security and compliance to meet best practices, standards, and industry regulations. Better decision-making: Make better decisions by leveraging technology, data analysis, and strategic insights to inform and enhance strategies and operations. Better program and project outcomes: Deliver better employee experiences by creating change management initiatives to guide employees through the transformation’s impacts. Vendor and technology team management: Better manage technology vendors and services along with developing the internal IT organization. UniWell is now poised for continued growth, and Polozola credits their relationship with Net at Work’s Fractional CIO & Advisory group with much of the success. Polozola explains, “[Our new ERP] is capable of so much, but those capabilities are hidden without experts highlighting it and putting it to work. That’s what Net at Work does. Through their understanding of our business…and technology as a whole, our Fractional CIO is definitely delivering a return on our investment.” Contact us and we will have a Fractional CIO reach out, today!

In today’s competitive construction landscape, accurate and efficient estimating is essential—not only to secure bids but also to keep projects on time and within budget. If you missed our recent live event on Acumatica Construction Estimating, no worries. The full recording is now available. Discover how Acumatica’s advanced estimating capabilities are reshaping the construction industry. The Importance of Construction Estimating Today Accurate estimates are vital for profitable, successful projects and for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. Without effective tools, estimating can become a time-consuming task prone to costly errors. Acumatica addresses these challenges with a suite of features specifically designed to empower construction companies. What You Will Discover in the Recorded Session This in-depth session delves into how Acumatica’s Construction Edition enhances and simplifies the estimating workflow. Acumatica has a simple interface. It offers integration options and real-time data access. This helps your team create estimates more quickly and accurately. Key points covered include:  Efficient Data Management: Easily organize project details, track labor costs, materials, and manage data flow seamlessly across your team. Enhanced Collaboration: Centralize your project data for easy collaboration among estimators, project managers, and other stakeholders. Real-Time Insights: Access accurate, up-to-date data to make well-informed decisions quickly and effectively. Streamlined Processes: Learn how automated workflows can cut down on manual tasks. This lets your team focus on what really matters—delivering quality projects on time and within budget. Customizable Templates: Discover the different customizable estimating templates you can use. These templates can be adjusted to meet your project needs. This helps ensure your estimates are consistent and accurate. Integration with Other Tools: Discover how Acumatica works well with other software, like accounting and project management tools. This creates a connected system that boosts productivity and lowers errors. Mobile Accessibility: Learn how mobile access helps your team work from anywhere. They can update estimates on the go and stay connected with real-time notifications and updates. Reporting and Analytics: Discover how strong reporting features can help you look at past projects. You can find trends and improve your estimating accuracy for the future. By the end of this session, you will understand how Acumatica’s Construction Edition can improve your estimating workflow. This will make your process more efficient, collaborative, and data-driven. Ready to Transform Your Estimating Process? If you’re a construction manager, estimator, or business owner, this session is designed for you! Gain valuable insights into the latest tools and techniques to elevate your estimating processes. Watch the Recorded Session Today!. Take the first step toward a more efficient, accurate, and profitable estimating process with Acumatica. Don’t miss this chance to transform your project outcomes with the right tools—start your journey toward a more profitable future!

As healthcare worker shortages continue to plague medical providers and long-term care facilities, the need to develop innovative strategies to identify at-risk employees is critical. Conquering burnout—while helping to increase retention and productivity—enables healthcare organizations to focus on improving quality of care and patient outcomes while optimizing operational efficiency. At the intersection of employee well-being and digital transformation lies an opportunity to enhance employee interaction. In a recent webinar entitled “Stabilizing Vital Signs of Burnout to Realize Opportunities for Operational Efficiency,” a group of healthcare and technology experts examined how successful healthcare organizations can benefit from the application of Forrester Research’s digital operations platform (DOP) concept, designed around next-generation technology. Early Detection through Data While there isn’t a technology system that’s been designed to solely monitor burnout, healthcare organizations do have access to their organizational data, and putting that data to work is the key to early detection of burnout. The challenge is bringing together this data, particularly when it tends to live in disparate systems like EHR, HR or Human Capital Management, accounting and other systems, to reveal the whole picture.  “When you’re able to link important trends from clinical and operational data, like employee surveys and number of patients seen or increased costs in temporary staffing due to absenteeism, then you can begin to uncover otherwise hidden signs of burnout,” explains Tom Thornton, Practice Director with Net at Work. This is where a relatively new concept of technology architecture can prove invaluable. Defining a DOP and its Applications in Healthcare Organizations A digital operations platform, or DOP, is a term that was originally introduced by Forrester Research a few years ago. It’s the next generation of enterprise resource planning, or ERP, in which it’s more adaptive for healthcare organizations’ fast-changing operational needs, such as dealing with the approach of value-based care and new regulatory measures.  DOP is based on AI (Artificial Intelligence) to support operational efficiency and innovation, such as detecting anomalies within the GL as opposed to relying on staff to identify issues manually. And a DOP is accessible beyond the browser, so organizations can effectively streamline the physical and digital experience for patients, payers, clinicians, and government entities. When considering all the other systems that healthcare organizations use in daily operations – patient scheduling, revenue cycle management, accounting, EHR—think about how much data is held in each of those systems. Each one has the ability to generate reports that are critical in decision-making processes, but how many of those systems have the ability communicate that data cross-platform to provide a holistic view of the organization? How many spreadsheets are you creating trying to tie this information together? How long does it take to get the information you need to make critical decisions? Is the data accurate?  These are all questions that healthcare organizations should be considering when thinking about digital transformation. By eliminating the disparate sources of data, they can facilitate faster, more informed decision-making processes that are necessary to thrive in today’s healthcare landscape.  Learn more about how leading healthcare organizations have streamlined accounting, optimized operations, and maintained compliance while using a next-generation, HIPAA-compliant financial hub, in a related webinar, “Next Gen Cloud Financial Management for Healthcare Providers.”

Will We See You There?  Are you a current Sage customer looking for educational opportunities, especially related to maximizing your company’s productivity and technology investment? Sage Transform, the annual Sage Intacct conference which will take place February 26-29 in Las Vegas, will provide one of the most cost-effective training opportunities for Sage customers to sharpen their skills, learn new features, and understand how Sage Intacct will continue to evolve in the future. Here are a few of the highlights scheduled for this year’s event: Net at Work’s CPSO, Natalie Lemke, will serve as a keynote panelist on an in-depth discussion about Sage Intacct. Our Intacct Practice Director, Tom Thornton, will lead a roundtable discussion on how to engage, grow, and empower board members. Net at Work Intacct Consultant Samuel Morris will co-present a session on how Intacct customers can adopt new ways to organize, track, and improve cost management. Sage Transform attendees will gain visibility to the Sage Intacct product roadmap, learn how to extend their Sage solutions through the marketplace expo, and can register for optional pre-conference hands-on classroom training. Still undecided? Visit the Transform website for the complete agenda and session topics. Our team is available to answer any questions, help you plan your agenda, and schedule time with those you would like to meet. If you’ve already registered and are planning to attend, please contact us! We’d love to meet up with you at the event.

As distributors navigate a rapidly evolving industry and changing markets, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) held this year’s Executive Summit in Washington DC to provide specially developed learning opportunities, new communities for connection, and news of an exciting acquisition. Net at Work attendees at this distribution industry event included Eric Sluss, Daniel Edwards, Mark Norwich, and Elizabeth Humphries This year’s Executive Summit celebrated the news that NAW has acquired Modern Distribution Management, which unites two industry-leading organizations to continue to advocate, teach and create resources for distributors throughout the United States.   The event also unveiled two new NAW communities: the Commercial Growth Community emphasizing sales, marketing, business development, and customer experience; and the Operational Excellence Community for distributors with an expressed interest in operations, technology, people services, and finance.  With the title of “Agents of Change,” many speakers and presentations at this year’s Executive Summit focused on how distributors can flourish in a world where changes can be overwhelming and expensive, and the future is uncertain. Related sessions and themes included:  Useable data for decision-making (as it may affect the ability to identify and take action to adapt and preempt necessary change)  Finding needed talent and using AI and Machine Learning to set your workforce up for success  The factors that affect pricing and how to keep up with them as they change   Net at Work is proud to be affiliated with NAW and thrilled to be able to attend this year’s Executive Summit.   To learn more about how your organization can optimize technology to meet your goals, contact us for a complimentary business health assessment.