So with an operation this size it goes without saying it pays to have your ducks in a row when it comes to the technology and systems required to keep your business humming.
In early 2021 Arataki Honey Hawke’s Bay engaged with Devine Technology as they went about finding a better accounting software for their business. After canvassing several technology companies in Hawke’s Bay, the decision was made to move all of their technology services to Devine at end of 2021.
In order to look deeper into the Arataki-Devine working relationship, we spoke to Andrew Smith, Manager of Planning and Projects at Arataki Honey.
Why good accounting software is a cornerstone of Arataki’s operation.
Good quality accounting / financial software for any business is essential as it makes sure all the numbers are documented accurately with precise reporting tools, which in turn leads to better decision making for the people managing the business.
A key objective for Arataki was to consolidate and simplify their existing fragmented accounting system that was being managed by various providers each playing different roles. Arataki were also generating a huge amount of data right across their business but they had limited access visibility to it.
Says Andrew:
“Other providers we looked at had strengths in one area or another but lacked the ability to manage everything from emails to accounting software and other IT tasks. However, Devine held solid expertise across a wide range of services and that’s why we engaged with them. Subsequently, upgrading our accounting software has vastly improved our ability to see all the numbers in one place, analyse the relevant data, and make better business decisions sooner.”
A painless migration and smooth transition to a new way of working.
Following a thorough discovery of what would best suit Arataki’s operation, Devine offered Infusion and MYOB EXO as the two potential options to meet their needs and objectives, with Infusion emerging as the best option for what they were looking to achieve.
Having been using their existing accounting software for some 20-odd years, there was understandably some nervousness about migrating to a new system. Moving large volumes of data and existing systems to a new platform can be a challenge. Then there’s the loss of familiarity with a system staff have been using for decades. However, Devine ensured the transition was as smooth as it could be with little disruption or anxiety for the Arataki staff.
“The migration and transition turned out to be incredibly straight-forward, well explained, and executed with minimal interruption. We were able to complete training with Devine using the new software ‘offline’, utilising our own data, in the lead up to going live with the new system. This helped us discover how to best use the software while getting up to speed really quickly. The Devine team were also brilliant at showing us how we could maintain existing processes while improving workflow within the abilities of the new software.”
Andrew Smith
Positive business improvement change felt almost immediately.
Once the new accounting software and technology systems were up and running, staff noticed positive operational changes within a few months. This was particularly evident with respect to inventory management as Arataki moved away from storing data in spreadsheets. New customised functionality and the benefits of Power BI Dashboards have also made a huge difference.
“It’s still early days for our new accounting software (8 months v 20+ years) however we’re already seeing some great improvements such as immediate reporting of important information. Our inventory management is also now captured in one place, which greatly improves handling and visibility. And the addition of Power BI has meant reports that used to take a lot of time and manipulation to create from scratch are now automated and arrive daily via email containing key information for our decision making.”
Andrew Smith
Benefits of working with Devine technology and looking to the future.
At Devine, one of the core goals on any project is to make the client’s technology experience smooth from the changes they may need to go through internally through to their ongoing use of new digital tools and systems that ultimately improve the way their business operates and increases their bottom-line.
As Andrew sums things up:
“We’ve found Devine to be an ideal fit for Arataki. When we presented them with our challenges they worked hard to help solve our core issues with new technology and solutions that have really helped enhance our operation and set things up for the future. They’ve also been super quick to respond to any query we have, big or small. Consequently, we now have a steady stream of new technology work lined up with Devine in both the short and long term, as we work together towards a common goal of a fully functional information system that covers the entire Arataki Honey business.”
Arataki Honey online:
Website: www.aratakihoney.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AratakiHoneyNZ