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SA Innovators 2021 - Surviving the pandemic with the help of technology - Recap
Advance Business Consulting held its SA Innovators 2021 focusing on Innovation and Digital Transformation. This years event focussed on how three business leaders tackled the pandemic and how technology can be part of the solution in dealing with disruption.
Welcome to the recap of Innovators 2021, our second event focussing on innovation and digital transformation in South Australia.
This year was a little different! Disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years has affected every business in some way and technology has been a part of the solution in helping businesses to operate and survive.
Challenges can lead to new opportunities and we heard of some bold decisions that had a big impact on business operations.
This year we also added a live stream to the event to allow people to watch the presentations from anywhere, including guests from interstate and you can watch the recording above or by clicking here.
Our speakers included local business leaders:
Andrew Bullock - Managing Director at 1834 Hotels
David Smith - Manager Corporate Services at Meals on Wheels SA
Peter Crescitelli - Manager – Technology & Information Security at MIGA
Emcee and panel discussion led by Troy Forrest - Managing Director at Strategy Road
A few of the key takeaways:
Andrew shared how he was able to reduce the complexity of his business, improve business intelligence reporting with automation and this has enabled 1834 Hotels to separate themselves from their competitors.
David explained that implementing an Intelligent Information Management System allowed his group to digitise their financial model, saving his business $50K per year while increasing efficiency and security.
Peter detailed how he has been able to move the legal arm and Operations arm of his group to a paperless system. This has allowed his business to have a foolproof auditing system which is extremely important for anyone in a heavily regulated environment.
Panel discussion introductions by John-Paul | Director at Advance Business Consulting
Here at Advance, we have been working with clients for over 20 years to help them integrate data, provide insights with leading BI tools and automate processes with content management.
if you would like to know how we can assist you, get in touch with us here or:
(08) 8238 6500
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of using an Intelligent Information Management System, you can watch a short video below about M-Files, a key technology we use internally and a foundation to managing content and digitising any business.
A little more about the speakers:
1834 Hotels
Andrew also leveraged the disruption to implement a new core business system during an interrupted period in the accommodation industry. 1834 Hotels also strengthened business intelligence to automate reporting, freeing up staff from manual spreadsheets and found new insights from daily agile reports and dashboards.
Meals on Wheels SA
David was also able to simplify and streamline financial processes to improve efficiency and compliance. Meals on Wheels automated a manual business process to enable a robust system for processing accounts payable invoices and volunteer reimbursements. This also delivered transparency and an audit trail. The new business process has reduced duplication and has made the role of Branch Treasurer much less onerous.
Medical Insurance Group Australia
Peter and the team at MIGA further digitised manual paper-based processes across their Claim Management and Accounts Payable business functions to deliver efficiency and compliance for MIGA. The operational efficiencies have delivered a great customer experience for internal & external stakeholders. MIGA’s strategy will continue to look into optimising these processes and expanding document management to other areas of the business.
Troy Forrest leading the panel discussion.
A lot of good discussions prior and post event.
Our event was held at Electra house, live-streamed using www.streamadelaide.com.au
For any further information regarding SA Innovators 2021 or how Advance can help implement a successful digital process in your industry, get in touch with us here.
Build Apps quickly to unlock efficiencies | Intrexx: A Low-code Development Environment
People often ask, what is a low-code development environment and why do we use Intrexx for our own apps at Advance as well as for our clients.
People often ask, what is a low-code development environment and why do we use Intrexx for our own apps at Advance as well as for our clients.
What is a low-code environment?
These environments are for people in need of quickly building apps and employing visual development environments and automated links to back-end systems, APIs, databases, other systems or data sources. They are designed to make it comparatively easy for people to design, build, and launch apps and solve business problems.
How to describe Intrexx
Intrexx is a complete low-code development environment which at its core contains:
A data integration platform
A process automation engine
A responsive end-user interface builder for both web and mobile applications
Intrexx allows developers to build applications faster by leveraging pre-built data and application connectors, a drag & drop process builder and UI designer.
What can you build with Intrexx?
Data integration systems. Read, transform and write data from and to multiple sources using pre-built connectors, or develop your own.
User-focused applications which integrate cross-departmental digital workflows.
Customer and supplier extranets.
Benefits of Intrexx
Reduce the number of applications and systems employees need to use. Break down silos and streamline workflows.
Accelerate entry of data and access to information. Combine information and workflows from multiple sources.
Build, innovate and change. New applications can be built and deployed in 20% of the time taken using traditional coding methods.
Zero deployment client access, users can immediately start using applications in any browser or phone without needing software to be deployed.
Platform agnostic - development environment runs on Windows, OSX or Linux reducing the cost of entry. Cloud options are also available where a local environment isn’t available.
Summary: Designed to make it relatively easy for people to design, build, and launch applications quickly, without having to worry about the nuances of underlying operating systems or scalability requirements.
Examples of projects we have built
1. Customer portals to allow users to place orders, view transaction history and communicate with suppliers. The key benefit of using Intrexx, was the speed of development, the ability to rapidly change the user interface based on customer feedback and the ability to integrate with a number of existing legacy systems.
2. Financial processing applications. Accounts Payable (AP) processing is an area which often varies between businesses. Many off-the-shelf AP automation systems are complex to configure as approval processes can be quite unique. Intrexx allowed us to integrate with multiple systems, email notifications and provide an easy interface for users to view and approve requests.
3. Data entry and integration portals. In many businesses, we find that users are using multiple systems; even so, there may be data which is missing between these systems or not consistent between them. In such cases, we have found Intrexx to be able to provide a unified view of the data and allow users to enter additional data as required.
4. Systems integration applications. Intrexx provides a structured and rapid platform to allow the integration between existing applications.
5. Internet of things – Intrexx can subscribe to IoT services that gather IoT endpoint data. We’ve used Intrexx to display real-time sensor data in production scenarios and provide process visibility to operators.
You have the data, use it. Low-code platforms and ECM solutions can help here. As mentioned above, inputs from e-forms like an expense claim or a leave request can be connected to a workflow to automate the approval for such requests. Rules can be applied and a query against a database can automatically check if an employee has the leave entitlement they are requesting. If that leave is available, the system sends an approval that can be completed by a manager from their mobile device. This saves time and provides instant approvals with self-service applications.
Want to know more? Leave your details below and an expert will get back to you.
Digital Transformation | 5 Step Practical Roadmap For Digital Transformation
Leading digital transformation and data science experts like Bill Schmarzo say that Digital Transformation should be EVERY organisations’ #1 strategic business initiative.
We have been working with client’s to digitise manual processes and automate tasks to unlock efficiencies and a to create a better customer experience. These are the early steps in starting digital transformation. Below is a practical guide on how you can implement digital transformation in your business. 5 things that will have a big impact and accelerate innovation.
Process automation and improving efficiencies are at the core of digital transformation. Organisations must be more vigilant than ever in remaining innovative and future-proofing their businesses. This is critical in remaining profitable and competitive.
On average, “digital masters” are 26% more profitable than their peers according to George Westerman, Principal Research Scientist with the MIT Sloan Initiative on the Digital Economy and author of Leading Digital: Turning Technology Into Business Transformation.
Like to speak to us about what we can do for your business? Reach us here.
Digital Transformation Defined
There are many definitions of digital transformation. Think of it as a shift in philosophy. Digital transformation will allow an organisation to quickly adapt to new changes and opportunities through making the most of technology.
It is the process of using digital technologies to create new or modify existing business processes and culture to deliver a better customer experience.
Digital transformation marks a radical rethinking of how an organization uses technology, people and processes to fundamentally change business performance. Digital masters do two things better than other companies: identifying digital ways to change their businesses, and building leadership capabilities to drive transformation, according to George Westerman.
As employees, our everyday work life is filled with digital technology and yet the reliance on manual, paper-based processes and systems is still huge. We know what we know, and sometimes miss the opportunities provided by today’s platforms to improve our business operations. Simple fixes that capture data electronically, autmoate processes and provide new insights. The real value is in acting on the data we collect.
5 Tangible Steps to Transform your Business.
Step 1. Centralised Document Management
Today I spent close to an hour looking for a document. I wanted to use a file i’d created which had a lot of historical data and a good process document for a project we completed around business intelligence. For some reason, I didn't save this document to our document repository (M-Files) and it's lost somewhere on 1 of the 6 devices I use regularly. In contrast, I was able to collaborate with our marketing manager on an event plan and save my changes to his document. All with version control and from my mobile phone because it was saved in the repository.
Centralised document management is powerful, and it can be simple and quick to deploy.
Enterprise Content Management enables:
A central place for documents
Powerful search
Collaboration on documents, sharing and co-authoring
Security - Only the right staff see particular documents and you have digital copies
Eliminate duplicates
Workflows to automate processes
Version control and easy to restore documents without needing IT
Step 2. Digitise Paper Forms
Unlock efficiencies by digitising files. Reduce errors, lower risk and open the door for process automation and new insights.
Think of the new employee onboarding process for HR as an example. There are lots of forms, social media policies, privacy policies, payroll information and so on. All of this is repeatable when a new employee joins or leaves the organisation.
Instead of paper forms, you can easily create digital versions that work with mobile devices and enable your new staff hit the ground running, instead of getting up to speed for a week or more before they can contribute to your business. Apply digital forms to repetitive processes.
Did you know that even some of the largest vendors of software products still needed their employees to send in paper receipts for expense claims? Not all vendors embrace their own technology and someone has to physically validate the receipts and there was no way to efficiently pick up on duplicates or fraud. Smarter organisations like the Australian Tax Office now use predictive analytics tools to pick up on anomalies and provide new opportunities to detect fraud.
Did you know that you can quickly digitise paper forms using affordable platforms? Low-code, drag and drop platforms like Intrexx make it easy for virtually any employee to create e-forms which work on mobile devices and they can be plugged into a workflow to automate a manual process like an expense claim or a pricing request approval.
3. Automate Processes
You have the data, use it. Low-code platforms and ECM solutions can help here. As mentioned above, inputs from e-forms like an expense claim or a leave request can be connected to a workflow to automate the approval for such requests. Rules can be applied and a query against a database can automatically check if an employee has the leave entitlement they are requesting. If that leave is available, the system sends an approval that can be completed by a manager from their mobile device. This saves time and provides instant approvals with self-service applications.
4. Connect to Business Systems
Data collected from e-forms will be more valuable if it is connected to a business system. For example, the accounts receivable process (AR) will work more efficiently if invoices are connected to an accounting or ERP system like Xero or SAP. Workflows will automate a process and make it more efficient. Invoices can be automatically scanned, routed to the next step of the approval process, fields can be prefilled and the invoice can be sent to the right person to sign-off and complete the transaction. Connecting business systems will enable a holistic view and opportunities for better reporting.
5. New Insights. Analyse and Act on New Opportunities.
Digital transformation creates new data and the value realised when you can analyse and action it.
Take advantage of opportunities created by new views and a fresh perspective.
Centralising documents increases efficiency and enables productivity. The opportunity for better collaboration and process automation through workflow is now possible.
Digital forms save time and let you capture, automate and analyse data trapped in paper documents. Risk and compliance is improved with access to digital documents and if someone leaves the organisation, you still have control over valuable intellectual property.
You can transform the way your business operates with what you have achieved through digitising your business and developing digital processes. Electronic document management platforms and electronic forms provide access to operational data you can report on.
Analyse the data and look at trends, issues or opportunities to increase revenue. The reporting functionality of platforms has come a long way and should provide with a good baseline view for analysis. You can connect the data into operation dashboards or automate reporting using any of the major business intelligence (BI) and visualisation tools which are very powerful and affordable.
Digital transformation reduces administrative tasks and that directly helps staff to focus on their core job and higher-value tasks.
Summary
Digital transformation is all about efficiencies. Capturing data in digital forms enables automated processes and workflow. This is a key output from digital transformation and will transform the way a business operates. Digital transformation will help make a business smarter through new insights, leaner with increased efficiencies and more secure through reduced risk and improved compliance.
True digital transformation is a new way of thinking and applies to the whole business. In practice, you can start small and get some wins with things like digitising paper forms or implementing a central document repository. A phased approach will help you demonstrate what is possible and show a tangible result that is truly transformative. A better way of doing things that not only improves efficiency but also improves employee's job satisfaction by reducing the low value, repetitive tasks.
Want to know more? Take a look at the videos below or speak to us about how other companies have transformed their business. One small process can make a huge impact. Reach us here. We have been working with clients to get the most out of their technology for over 20 years.
Want to know more? Leave your details below and an expert will get back to you.
Like to speak to us about what we can do for your business? Reach us here.
Digital Transformation | Innovators 2019 Kick Off Event - Recap
Advance Business Consulting held its SA Innovators 2019 Kick Off Event last Thursday evening, focusing on Innovation and Digital Transformation within various industries. Key speakers on the night included Elyse Mitani, Graham Berry (Mitani Group), Michael Auciello (Chemist King & PharmPack) & Julien Berteraut (Intrexx).
Advance Business Consulting has been helping companies build their technology advantage for over 20+ years. With the growth in data, an opportunity exists to gain new insights and leverage operational efficiencies - A better, automated way of doing things. Organisations must be more vigilant than ever in remaining innovative and future-proofing their businesses. This is critical in remaining profitable and competitive.
Last Thursday, Advance held its SA Innovators / 2019 Kick Off Event, showcasing the road to success a handful of clients have achieved through Innovation and Digital Transformation.
The forum provided an opportunity for everyone to share their challenges and journey in digitising their business and processes, where to start and some unexpected findings along the way.
Inspirational and engaging discussions with key speakers from local and global industries; including Elyse Mitani, Graham Berry (Mitani Group), Michael Auciello (Chemist King & PharmPack) & Julien Berteraut (Intrexx).
Abby Brown (Intrexx) & Nik Villios (Advance)
Graham Berry & Elyse Mitani (Mitani)
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE EVENT:
John-Paul from Advance kicked off the event with an overview on digital trends for 2019 and an introduction to some of the projects and clients that Advance has worked with in recent years.
Mitani is the name behind many of Australia’s leading food manufacturing brands and a key part of their supply chain. They started a project in 2014 in an effort to improve document sharing in their R&D Department.
Over the last 4 years Mitani have continued to expand their digital workplace footprint and now utilise a central document management system, automated workflow and timely audit and compliance system. A business system used across the entire organisation to drive continuous improvement and insights into the business. A link to Mitani’s presentation has been included below.
Michael Auciello (Chemist King / PharmPack)
Michael Auciello delivered an interesting talk about the development of PharmPack Solutions, an online platform for medication ordering, prescription management and real-time communication between clients, care facilities, healthcare professionals and the pharmacist. PharmPack is another South Australian innovative business with a vision to make the medical ordering and fulfilment process as simple, easy and error-free as possible. Michael's journey provided his views and experience of where to begin when moving from a manual paper based process and some of the challenges common to all projects.
Finally Julien Berteraut from Intrexx spoke about the digital landscape we live in today, some interesting data points and examples of how clients in Europe and in Australia are using platforms like Intrexx to create web-based applications for automated workflows, electronic forms and the powerful impact of portals.
Intrexx is a cross-platform integrated development environment for the creation and operation of web-based applications, enterprise portals and intranet portals. Julien is experienced in digital transformation and has worked with many different clients based in Europe and globally. A link to the Intrexx presentation has been included below.
Julien Berteraut (Intrexx)
Over 100 new and existing faces filled the Electra House venue on the night, highlighting the popularity and appetite for digital innovative transformations. Advance would like to once again thank all the speakers and guests who made the event a huge success.
For any further information regarding the SA Innovators 2019 Kick Off Event, or how Advance can help implement a successful digital process in your industry, get in touch with us here.
