Building Blocks to Building Profit: Manufacturing Software Implementations

While there are many iconic lines from the movies, one resonates more than others with accountants and their manufacturing clients: “If you build it, he will come.”
In the manufacturing scenario, the “build it” refers to the software used to streamline the accounting function, while the “he” is metaphorically linked to a company’s bottom line.

However, the company did not optimize its systems with new technologies all alone. It had the help of a tax and accounting firm or software consultant who understood the software solution’s capabilities … and enough about the client to ensure that the installation went smoothly and the work was completed on time.

Conversations Lead to Software Solutions
Working with manufacturing clients to implement technologies requires a different approach than working with clients to provide assurance services or complete a tax return. Most firms and consultants talk to a defined process to produce consistent results.

“The process begins with a Summary Needs Assessment conversation to determine who is involved with the system, as well as the complete list of issues — either the problem the company is trying to solve or results they want to produce,” says Kevin Cumley, president of Forepoint LLC. “We then help them prioritize the issues, and focus on those that will deliver the highest value or ROI by solving. Once we have agreement at a high level, we then do a more detailed assessment on those needs.”

Based in Helena, Mont., with offices in Washington, Wisconsin, Oregon and Hawaii, Forepoint provides business application software for small- to mid-sized companies with a focus on accounting, ERP, project management, human resource and CRM solutions. Cumley recently partnered with Irene Bushnell of Anderson Zurmuehlen and Co., P.C. (azworld.com), a firm also based in Helena, to produce the new QuickBooks Conference Kit, a turnkey conference package for tax and accounting firms, Intuit Solution Providers, QuickBooks ProAdvisors and others interested in hosting their own QuickBooks Users Conference. He considers the initial conversation with clients very subjective.

“Generally speaking, there is no ‘one best program’ because many products can deliver an effective solution,” says Cumley. “Our approach is to first identify the needs, and then determine if we have software that will provide a solution. Key factors, such as a knowledgeable and experienced implementation team, solid scope of work, and effective project management, play a critical part in the equation. Ultimately, the proof is a successful project as defined in a scope of work and a happy client.”