I have seven years experience in Sales and Marketing of CRM Software and ERP Applications. Primarily my focus was on the NZ market space working with clients that operated small business. In addition to this, I have worked with distributors, manufacturers, tradesmen, right through to large multi-entity environments such as trades distributors that have up to 500 employees.
My experience in distribution comes from working for a fortune 100 company, managing a 12 million dollar portfolio. I have worked with ERP products like SAP Business One, SAP R3 and a cloud based solution that is very much focused on distribution.
Further to this I have worked with a mid-tier Australian product called PRONTO XI and Netsuite Cloud Based Software I am knowledgeable about, which was focused on two specific areas.
People & Projects
Inventory & Sales
Role at Cin7
My role at Cin7 as a Business Channel Manager is to increase Cin7′s customer portfolio and partnership program while focusing on creating dialogue through the accountant and business advisor channel with a future objective to educate, on-sell and recommend Cin7.
What attracted you to Cin7?
Cin7 was by far and has been the most attractive business application that I have seen. It is powerful, efficient, it is a lightening speed system that creates a solution for a customer in rapid time. Cin7 allows a customer to actually focus on operations rather than just strategy. The operational aspect of the Cin7 solution allows customers flexibility in a way they are able to sell and aims to help grow their business.
What makes a good day?
Engaging with customers, having conversations that dives deep into their business and talks about their strategy, what challenges they face and what options we can put forward to them to improve how they do business.
Our objective is to provide software that generates revenue for the customer and improve the control mechanism of managing their inventory to decrease cost of their business. And so…our aim is to improve the overall profitability of our customer’s business.
Launch of real-time modules designed for factory and warehouse staff.
Cin7 has finally realised one of it’s strategic goals of creating an inventory system that can go where the inventory is. Cin7′s real-time modules started with the launch of their POS in April last month. This enabled staff to take sales orders anywhere with or without Internet coverage on any browser capable device.New Real-time modules:
1. Mobile stock take
Designed to eliminate paper based stock takes. 2. Real-time stock
designed for factory and warehouse floor staff to keep track of stock movements and fulfill sales orders and production jobs.
Traditional inventory systems have been exclusively been updated by admin or accounts staff. Cin7 can now empower front-line, factory and warehouse staff to do their work effectively and work real-time.
After a number of successful installations, Cin7 has added it’s POS (point of sale) offering to the Xero add-ons directory. Xero has been a great advocate for smart add-ons that enhance their core accounting offering.
A seamless POS solution to compliment Cin7’s powerful inventory and manufacturing engine. The retail market is ripe for a solution that has a comprehensive shop floor front-end with a powerful inventory back-end. Cin7′s POS can be set-up and maintained at a fraction of the cost of other traditional on-premise multi-branch retail systems.
What makes Cin7′s POS different is it can work online and offline and can extend it’s reach to floor sales and customer self-service kiosks.http://www.cin7.com/POS
Online accounting packages have progressed a lot in recent years. For a long time, online accounting either came as big expensive packages for corporate users or cheap systems with low functionality for smaller businesses. Now there is a range of accounting software available at all price-points each with varying degrees of complexity, robustness and capability. In fact it has become quite confusing for businesses to decide which package will suit them best because each business has different accounting needs. It is definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. And price is definitely not a good indicator of quality.
Another consideration is that as a business grows, the system capacity needs to grow too and many legacy desk-top or server based packages cannot cope with the extra demands placed on them. Speed and stability can both become an issue and issue means cost.
Some companies look to migrate to established, robust systems such as Sage or Microsoft Dynamics but these are expensive propositions. So, many businesses end up adapting their legacy systems using under-powered, low function packages.
More integration wanted
Besides the accounting functions, more companies are looking to integrate their accounting with other packages to give businesses integrated connectivity and control across each function in the business. From as sales and marketing, purchasing, inventory control as well as accounting, these integrated systems are growing in both availability and affordability.
In effect, smaller companies want an ERP system. These have been extremely expensive in the past but now, thanks to a new player in the market, ERP is not just for big Corporates.
Affordable ERP – really?
We have been looking closely at a new system called Saasu and we are very impressed with it. Saasu caters to Mid-sized and Larger Market organisations. It is easy to use, is cloud-based and is very responsive meaning your online clients can work fast. It allows you to simplify your business process, it allows you to scale operations and add more value through improved client services. In short is an integrated, complete solution instead of a mixed bag of loosely attached packages.
Some of the main features of Saasu include:
End-to-end systems integration
Handles Large Numbers of Transactions with ease.
Sales purchasing, Bank-Feeds, Payroll, Built-in Inventory, Time sheets, eCommerce.
Contacts and document management.
API capability.
Easy integration with legacy systems
API allows Integration into existing preferred software solutions and applications.
Expanding portfolio of add-on applications and products.
Integration assistance from 3rd party technical partners.
Access anywhere plus automated back-ups
Online and Cloud-based so multiple users can have access from different locations simultaneously where internet is available.
Always use the latest version with online updates and no manual installation of software.
Automated safe and secure regular backups behind the scenes.
Communication & Support
Service team is contactable via email or phone depending on your subscription.
Knowledge base is full of helpful documents.
Training Videos available.
Value for money
A fairly-priced package delivering ease of use, security and scalability for small businesses.
You should seriously consider Saasu if you want to reduce cost and increase efficiency with:
Invoice and create transactions at various stages of your sales cycle.
Grow relationships with prospects and clients through a managed sales funnel.
Measure and monitor your business with online management tools.
Reduce costs for bank and accounts reconciliation.
Move to improved payroll systems.
Generate reports and in seconds.
Expand your package as your needs grow with add-on modules integrated and synchronised across the installation.
Improve inventory management with purchasing and supply chain tools.
With Saasu you also get a 30-day, with no obligation, free-trial giving you access to all of Saasu’s features. You pay only when you decide Saasu is right for you.
Before you invest in an accounting package, you need to assess a range of issues including functionality, scalability ease-of-use, access, stability and the cost. In our view so far, Saasu, answers all of those issues and in many cases can provide a positive ROI in a reasonable time-frame. At this stage Cin7 is not integrated with Saasu but we are looking to build that into our expansion schedule over the coming months.
Online Bookkeepers Ltd is an Auckland based One-to-One Xero Trainer for accounting practices in New Zealand, Australia and the United States of America. Focused on prevention rather than cure, Online Bookkeepers Number Nurses ™ services are aimed at self-empowering business owners, providing ‘clean data’ and happy customers.
Taking the medical profession idea a step further, Online Bookkeepers aims to make the business of accounting as painless as possible. With their mix of talented specialists, team-work and speedy, efficient results, clients and accountants alike receive creative solutions that maximise the desired outcomes.
Gayle Buchanan, the owner of Online Bookkeepers sums it up with the comment, “Commitment to clients and accountants is paramount for Online Bookkeepers”.
A keen networker, Gayle is a regular attendee and member of the Accountants Republic Group. It was here that she was first introduced to the Cin7 inventory and reporting software. Mathew Utatoa, Cin7 Business Channel Manager, was asked by David Jessop from DJCA to talk to Accountants Republic about Cin7. The software immediately captured Gayle’s attention which has since flourished into a trusted business partnership.
After decades of experience as a Finance Director gained in several companies, Gayle Buchanan has returned to her love which is smart business process and software that ‘make numbers and business fun’.
Also as a Member of Business Mentors NZ, it became apparent to Gayle that far too many business owners are wasting valuable Sales & Marketing time working in the ‘back-end’ of their businesses when software solutions are available. 18 months ago, Gayle set out to do something about it and so Online Bookkeepers Ltd was born.
“I thought I’d better practice what I’d been preaching” she said.
Within 90 days she had attained Xero Silver level for customers in New Zealand, Chatham Islands and Australia. This quickly led to a nomination for NZ Bookkeeper of the Year at Xerocon 2012 and just this month another nomination at Xerocon 2013.
Since then, Gayle’s work has been recognised on the Xero Blog and a successful 500+ member group on LinkedIn promoting Xero Bookkeepers, add-ons and accountants globally. Xerocon 2013 also featured Gayle’s work with Kirsten Hawke, encouraging more collaboration between accountants and bookkeepers around the world.
Online Bookkeepers focus on businesses wanting to grow, using the best software and above all, companies that know they need a good Chartered Accountant; Mentor and SaaS (software as a service) provider to reach their goals.
Based on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Jill of All Trades is an industry-acknowledged expert in business bookkeeping, accounting, and inventory solutions. Founded in 1989 by Gillian Rossouw, the eponymous Jill of All Trades assists a diverse range of clients in Australasia, the UK, the USA, and South Africa with implementation, management, and training in all aspects of the modern accounting ecosystem.
With 35 years in IT and software training — including over a decade’s experience in resource planning, inventory management, and stock control at the multinational level — Jill of All Trades is now internationally-renowned as an expert in “the world’s easiest accounting system”, Xero.
In 2011 Jill of All Trades was awarded the Xero Knowledge Award for “knowledge of Xero and third-party products, commitment to ongoing training, promoting Xero, and helping other partners”. That accolade was surpassed in 2012 when Jill of All Trades became the first bookkeeper in the world to be awarded Xero Gold Partner status.With ties to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand Gillian was also recognised for her multi-national heritage when Jill of All Trades was nominated and named as a State Finalist in the 2012 NAB Ethnic Business Awards.
Jill of All Trades has flourished thanks to Gillian Rossouw’s disciplined pursuit of education and training.
Gillian’s up-to-the-minute knowledge of online business tools and best practices enables Jill of All Trades to serve its expanding client list by alleviating inefficiencies, freeing up internal resources, and reducing the overall costs associated with accounting systems. And Jill of All Trades services aren’t limited to bookkeeping; the business has established a name for itself through its expertise in integrating disparate software packages to meet client needs, whatever they may be.
The esteem in which Jill of All Trades is held is summed up a piece of client feedback displayed proudly at her website: “Quite simply I don’t know how we ever did without her.”
Testimonial
“While assisting a client business it became clear that their inventory needs deserved a specialist solution. After participating in a webinar to familiarise myself with CIN7′s feature set and get a feel for the potential fit between CIN7 and my client, I contacted CIN7 to confirm specific details and facilitated integration between CIN7 and the client’s existing infrastructure. The arrangement worked well and I have since presented CIN7 to other clients of mine when I’ve seen that CIN7 could help solve their inventory-management problems.”
Being in Business generates a lot of data, and there’s a myriad of software products devoted to handling that data for you. These systems can be significant investments, not just in terms of cash, but also in terms of the time you spend using them. Each time you do your accounts, your investment in these systems becomes greater, as it increases the amount of data that you have invested in the system. Put simply, the longer you use any system, the harder it is to change.
But what if the system that you have does not meet your expectations? Changing systems won’t just mean implementing, and paying for a new system, it could also mean the data-entry of years worth of transactions, receipts, and financial reports.
Ric Thorpe of LiveMigrate has the answer. LiveMigrate is a web service that aims to make the switch-over from MYOB to Xero as easy as possible. A client using LiveMigrate is able to do their part entirely through the website all they have to do is upload their MYOB files. They receive back a confirmation that the files are being processed. Approximately three days later they receive back a Xero ledger that’s fully populated with up to seven years of their data – the data is even checked for accuracy.
Live Migrate does this because, in Thorpe’s opinion, Xero is the standard bearer for SAAS accounting packages. He mentions quite a few reasons why, but chief among them is the user experience. “It’s fantastic how easy it is to use,” he says.
Another factor mentioned is Xero’s ecosystem of partner companies such as Workflow Max, Vend, and ourselves, Cin7. Xero is able to grow its brand, its product and it’s services provided through these other companies, meaning any user using Xero has access to several other services.
As for MYOB, there’s nothing wrong with MYOB, per se; it revolutionised the industry at the time that it was developed, according to Thorpe. It’s simply more for users who are more experienced with the inner-workings of accountancy. A user in an SME, who needs a system that does not require a great deal of learning or time commitment is much better suited by Xero.
Anecdotally Ric shares some “horror stories” about clients being charged upwards of $2000 for a MYOB Xero switch, by accountants who may not necessarily be well-versed in either Xero or MYOB. That won’t happen with the LiveMigrate team, as the team comprises accountants, software partners, technicians, and experts from the SAAS industry. Ric Thorpe himself has been involved with CRMs and web services for the best part of ten years.
If a client is frustrated by the complexity of MYOB, then the switch-over process is going to be very daunting without a product like LiveMigrate. This was the opportunity that was seen by Ric, and the LiveMigrate team – for people wanting to just get on with running their business, LiveMigrate is a fantastic tool for getting the most out of Xero’s simplicity.
You can visit the LiveMigrate website for more information, or follow@LiveMigrate on Twitter for more continuous updates, and news from the LiveMigrate team.
Mybiz expo 2012 Launched on October 14th and ended on the 16th of October.This three day event gave SME’s (small-medium sized enterprises) across the country a platform to showcase their products and created awareness of other businesses which were at the expo from across New Zealand. Not only was this event beneficial to visitors that came to the expo, it enabled exhibitors to learn about the types of businesses that surrounded them and how this would fit their business plans.
For Cin7 this was a brand awareness exercise to showcase an innovative product which is like no other. This was also an opportunity to meet other business providers. A wonderful networking arena to build contacts and spread word of mouth about what Cin7 has to offer. Kohu Roads, accompanied Cin7 to this event. The wonderful compliment of Ice Cream with a twist of Cin7 charm was a combination that awoke peoples curiosity and invited questions. This was a perfect opportunity to show visitors and exhibitors just how Cin7 works. With an Online Demo and Positive Reinforcement from Kohu Roads ice cream It was a way to seize the moment in its entirety.
There are many businesses in NZ and sometimes it is difficult to see what products are the most cost effective and beneficial for the growth of the company as people do not have time to explore options. Mybiz expo recognized this and brought together a variety of different businesses that would work hand in hand with other businesses alike. Sometimes, companies purchase products that may not fit the business needs completely. Events such as Mybiz expo proves to be worthwhile in assessing where and how to save money, time, but not limited to this. It also serves to educate businesses about what is going on in the New Zealand Market and where to go for help. Businesses are always looking for ways on how to work smarter not harder.
Cin7 and Kohu Roads were on the road together at the Mybiz expo and it was a great experience for both entities. Mango Sorbet and Golden Syrup Ice cream drew in the crowds. The Ice Cream was a popular giveaway at the event, many people lined up to try this wonderful tasty product. The curiosity of our visitors was enough to spread word of mouth and many more lined up throughout the day to enjoy the taste of NZ Ice Cream. All in all it was a great experience.
Cin7 follows Engine Rooms passion for helping businesses improve their performance. Engine Room Chartered Accountancy firm, based in Pukekohe is a cloud accounting practice which was established in 2001 for the purpose of supporting NZ businesses and helping businesses in achieving their long and short term goals.
Not only do they have wonderful baking capabilities, but they also are specialists in the use of Xero accounting software. During the cloud expo in Pukekohe in September,Cin7 experienced some first class baking by the staff at Engine Room, where they brought together many different cloud based companies and with a complimentary delightful array of muffins and cakes for everyone. The staff at engine room were amazing throughout the expo and this was testament to the level of care and consideration that they have for their clients and visitors.
Engine Room was awarded the 100% Xero award at Xerocon in 2011 for their commitment to Xero and their cloud based philosophy. Engine Room shares a common focus of passion for helping businesses improve their performance for our National Economy. There is a range of accounting, taxation and business coaching services that is provided by this accountancy firm. With over 25 years of combined experience engine room is fully qualified to assess and improve the performance of a business.
The Philosophy that they follow:
“The significant problems in life cannot be solved with the same levels of thinking with which they were created” – Albert Einstein
By helping business owners focus on up-skilling their thinking to take their business to where they want to be, it only reinforces Engine Rooms Philosophy. Their belief that by businesses performing their best it will create good lifestyles for the owners, generate employment in the community and will assist in sustaining a healthy economy.
When you deal with Engine Room, you are dealing with people that can speak in a language that you can understand. What sets them apart from other accounting firms? Their Strong IT Focus, Expertise in Xero Software and the integration of a range of add on software. So if you want to improve your business performance, Engine Room may just be the answer.
EFTplus is a SAAS service that allows any retail business to run a loyalty program. It combines loyalty program capabilities with data-mining, and e-marketing. The need for this stems from the fact that loyalty programs require a lot of commitment from everyone involved. Customers need to remember their cards, and businesses need a way of processing and collating all of that data – EFTplus solves both of these issues, putting loyalty programs in the reach of SMBs, while also processing the information from the schemes into useful customer data.
Here’s how it works…
EFTplus recognises customers by their eftpos cards – Every time a customer pays with their eftpos card, the transaction is registered – if they’ve shopped there before, EFTplus knows about it, and knows when. The data-mining that we mentioned starts here, as already, at that point, some patterns about the customer’s shopping behaviour will be able to be discerned.
That data-mining, in combination with the loyalty feature make EFTplus a very powerful tool for retailers. When signing up to those loyalty programs, customers can choose to give information about themselves, which further deepens and enriches the EFTplus’s data-mining capabilities. It also allows the business to get to know their loyal customers, and customise specials and deals especially for them.
According to Marcus Hoefliger of EFTplus, that information includes “anything from basic demographics to addresses, to interests.”
Another benefit of this information being gathered is the opportunity for e-marketing – if you know that a particular customer, or group of customers are interested in something, or that they have a particular habit, they can be targeted with special offers via sms or email. And emails addresses for Ee-marketing can be exported into applications like Mailchimp to make that process just a little bit easier.
As for the data-mine reporting, EFTplus offers a UI that’s very user-friendly, and delivers information in the most readable way possible. To protect the customer’s privacy, the data is aggregated, and non-personalised, and presented in the form of graphs and charts. The effect of this is that the information, when presented to the merchant, is very easy to read and draw conclusions from. Good UI design in very important in the SAAS industry, and EFTplus has that in spades.
EFTplus also white-labels their services on behalf of the merchants. The merchants’ brand is what their customers see, whenever they interact with a tools provided by EFTplus. The result is that the tools provided by EFTplus carry the merchant’s brand, ensuring that a customer will always be returning to that brand. The aim, according to Hoefliger, was to create a tool that would allow merchants to have more profitable relationships with their customers.
Hoefliger was able to calculate that EFTplus is able to add, on average, six to nine percent per month on to a merchant’s revenue, and that’s not including the savings in admin from having e-marketing, loyalty programs, and data-mining automated. If you’re interested in learning more about EFTplus, you can visit their website at www.eftplus.co.nz.
