GrowthPath Skill Repository
Looking for specific skills to address a problem right now?
To help, here is a list of specific skills GrowthPath can make available internally on short notice.
IT & System Skills
The use of logos on this page is not intended to imply endorsement or any relationship to the products concerned. GrowthPath is a fully independent service provider and technology recommendations are based on best fit.
Cloud Accounting and ERP
- Xero Partner
- Neto Partner
- Unleashed Partner
- Saasu Partner
- Dear Inventory Partner
GrowthPath is experienced at configuration, conversion and integration with these apps.
Intranet and Web Application Development: web2py
Tim Richardson is one of the seven global project members listed in the 2014 Edison Awards nomination of web2py.
web2py, winner of the 2012 InfoWorld Technology of the Year and various other awards, is an extremely high-productivity Python-based open-source web-framework, highly optimised for responsive design and database backends. See more here: www.web2py.com
Systems integration and web-based APIs
GrowthPath transforms business insight and delays replacing IT systems through the magic of connecting systems. It brings huge efficiencies and even more importantly, very interesting insights into how customer behaviour feeds through to margins and costs. We work with VBA for legacy systems and Python for web-based integration. See below for specific experience.
Ecommerce and POS
GrowthPath has written a complete Accpac / Sage ERP interface for Shopify, which handles payments, refunds, returns and two-way inventory management. The interface is built in Python, and communicates to Shopify via its API. Communication with Accpac is also in Python, built by using the Win32 COM library, leveraging Accpac's VBA-automation model (in Python). We are also experienced in Shopify front-end development, and are experts at Shopify SEO.
Neto
Kounta
MYOB: Performance, migration, data conversion and reporting
Articles on GrowthPath and on Tim Richardson's personal site are highly referred to. We are experts at optimising MYOB performance, particularly in terminal server installations and in business pushing MYOB to its limits. We are also highly skilled at data migration when moving away from MYOB, building on the SQL interface to MYOB. More of our MYOB content
Our skills with extracting and consolidating data means that use data mining for new insights, much better reporting.We can also help with multi-company data, and we once earned a 98% remission regarding a five-year GST audit from the ATO because of our skills in consolidating data spread over multiple MYOB files.
Medical Director and Pracsoft: Advanced profit analytics for private cosmetic medical clinics
We have extensive experience in data-mining and deriving incredible patient insights from MD and Pracsoft.ERP and Accounting system implementations
GrowthPath has migrated around ten entities from MYOB to Accpac (as Sage ERP was known). We have also assisted with MYOB EXO, SAP and MFG/PRO conversions. We are experts at configuration and data migration. These are two areas where vendors often cut corners or simply look for cookie-cutter solutions. Tim Richardson's professional experience in years of systems implementations, including vendor negotiation, will make sure your system implementation shines, starting from a performance-oriented design of segments through to careful migration of data, particularly when moving from distinct MYOB files to a multi-entity ERP configuration. These migrations have significant challenges in aligning charts of account, handling duplicate customers and vendors, and in migrating sensible intercompany positions.
Sage ERP
While working on nearly ten Accpac migrations, we've developed some advanced skills in Accpac (Sage ERP) integration. Accpac is blessed with a free and very comprehensive API which substantially cuts down the cost of system integration. It's designed to be coded in Visual Basic, but this has limitations. GrowthPath has developed sophisticated and powerful integrations using Python. Using Python, we have integrated stock systems, webstores, online payment providers, web2py internet and intranet apps, and medical billing systems.
Other API experience
We have integrated with the APIs of Saasu and Xero for migration of data, bulk data changes, inventory uploads and enhanced reporting.
We have integrated with Vision 6 for automated EDM based using CRMs and customers databases stored elsewhere.
Our experience with Kounta relates to accounting integration and reporting.
We have interfaced Infusionsoft with HCN Pracsoft, Sage Accpac, and with MessageNet SMS.
Excel, Business Intelligence, data mining
Cashflow and Finance
An insight into our broad range of real-world finance skills, earned during years of working in business as financial controllers, finance directors and CFOs.
True cash-costs
The single biggest enabler of opportunity-based growth is connecting true cash costs to a configuration, quote or tender-pricing tool. This can be a quick project. It involves investigating your costs and discovering true variable and overhead costs, understanding the correct time horizon based on the decision timescale of your customers, and some tools which provide margin insight wide into the organisation (Excel is usually great for this). It's incredible what a difference this can make when facing a fast-changing market.
Financial projections and models
We've made countless financial projections and models for hospitality, logistics, professional and medical services, manufacturing, online retail and online services.
Our models are always scenario-based and linked to a few drivers for easy "what-if" analysis. We produce integrated multi-year cashflows, P&Ls and Balance Sheets, and the models are always developed and signed off by a qualified accountant (CPA or CA). We produce projections for government permits, grants, skilled migration, loan applications and equity raising. Our models are tuned to the target audience; the requirements differ. Our models are closely tailored to the specifics of each business: the outcome is standard.
For situations where the model needs to influence sophisticated readers, we spend time developing drivers and scenarios which are influenceable and closely linked to the specific market and competitive differentiation of the business. Our experience in raising equity and debt for SMEs means we know what we're doing.
For business owners looking to steer their business towards profit and cashflow targets, our approach is the first step to managing the business on the handful of indicators which really matter.
For regulatory requirements such as government permits, licences and skilled visa requirements, our approach is more conservative and traditional.
ATO GST Audits
GST audits are highly reliant on data presentation. Our ability to rapidly find, processes and consolidate data across multiple databases such as MYOB combined with our tax experience can earn big remissions (98% in one large audit).
Bank Covenant Reporting
Is your bank concerned about pending covenant breaches? We can help build confidence via good three-way cashflow forecasting, corrective plans and analysis proposed in a way bank risk-management appreciates.
Simplified Forecasting (one-page forecasting)
Today's business environment produces a lot of information. SMEs tend to focus too much irrelevant details, and there is too delay in vital information. Successful large companies have been dealing with information overload for years. They know the solution is to simplify, which brings focus, speed and releases finance people to focus on decisions affecting the future. We can quickly introduce radically simplified and faster forecasting & reporting using basic technologies you already have.
Make-or-buy analysis, Capital investment decisions
With years of global experience in manufacturing ranging from metal working to processes at the edge of quantum physics and with large-scale supply chain and sourcing restructures, GrowthPath offers highly effective support for make-or-buy, investments and M&A decisions. Our decision making-models are closely linked to key influenceable factors. Our work is based on a very strong understanding of theoretical financial concepts which is convincing to potential investors, but the tools are designed to be used by busy board members and directors.
Pre-acquisition and divestment preparation
If you're planning to sell your business or divest part of it, talk to us about preparing the business properly to maximise your result. We will help make sure the buyer's due diligence process runs smoothly and avoids surprises, and we're experienced at preparing results and forecasts to increase your price.
Tender pricing and profitability analysis
GrowthPath's Tim Richardson has quoted and managed the profitability of global contracts with large retail chains, including very complex discount structures, and large contracts with government bodies and utilities. He is an expert in developing tools and methods to deliver razor-sharp pricing very quickly, which has proven to be a vital edge in winning good business.
Closing speed increases
Billion dollar companies get month-end results only a few days after month-end. That's mainly because they want to; getting there is a process of introducing efficiencies, automation, strict rules about cutoffs, and eliminating irrelevant activities.
Why bother? There are two huge benefits. Total reaction time of the business improves dramatically. Perhaps the biggest benefit to a fast closing is the allocation of your accounts team to focus on the future. If it takes two weeks to close, that's half of the team's total capacity spent on looking backwards, a huge loss.
Bookkeeping, Payroll and Business Support
GrowthPath has two bookkeepers. One is very experienced with MYOB, large SMEs and substantial payrolls. The other is strong in the cloud accounting packages Saasu and Xero, and is more suited to smaller businesses. They operate under supervision of registered tax agents and legally allowed to offer BAS-related services.
Online cloud accounting: selection and migration
Online bookkeeping packages are taking off. However, they generally do not yet have the full functionality of Myob and QuickBooks, and they vary in what they do offer. For example, Saasu has an inventory module; Xero not. Functionality gaps can easily be solved via plugging in to external modules, but the cost adds up.
Our bookkeepers have migrated MYOB to both Xero and Saasu.
GrowthPath Clients
GrowthPath works with mature businesses who are migrating to cloud ERP. Why?
- Legacy ERP is end of life
- Need to integrate e-commerce, CRM
- Want a simpler system
- Better reporting and insight
GrwothPath specialises in advanced integrations, custom automations and complex data conversion.
Legacy systems that GrowthPath has converted from:
- Netsuite
- MYOB Account Right (all versions, including Macintosh, and Australian, New Zealand and Singapore data files)
- Apparel 21
- Sybase
- Attache
- ODOO
- Prism
- System 2000
- Arrow
- Inhouse systems
- Sage ERP/Accpac
- A variety of SQL Server-based ERPs
GrowthPath has strong expertise in Dear Inventory, Unleashed, CIn7, Xero, Zoho Reports, Zoho CRM, Capsule CRM, Zoho Reports, Shopify, Neto and many different cloud APIs. We have also written custom integrations with corporate reporting, data warehouses, payroll systems and purchasing.
Some clients
Client | Name | Description | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
DJ City | DJ City implemented Dear with another consultancy, but came to GrowthPath for some advanced automation/ DJ City is a multi-site retailer with B2B and B2C online channels, with 500 to 1000 orders a day across all channels. | GrowthPath enhanced the WooCommerce integration to allow click and collect across the national retail network. Then, we enhanced the Starshipit integration to allow automatic routing of advanced orders and automatic picking of orders in stock, and then we provided automation to split orders across multiple sites according to certain rules, allowing B2C order fulfilment to use stock from the main warehouse and retail outlets, for faster customer service. This removed hours of work in order processing. | |
Canton Tea | Canton Tea is a UK-based speciality tea manufacturer. | GrowthPath implemented Dear and Xero, and built a 3PL interface which handles batch and production control integration with the 3PL, a specialised requirment, using the GrowthPath Application Server and our advanced Dear automation library. Later, GrowthPath build a custom Shopify and Xero integration as the B2C operation was moved to a JV, requiring import of Shopify orders to be drop-shipped, with an automatic invoice sent to the JV Xero. | |
Blue Mountain Co (RainHarvesting) | A Netsuite conversion to Dear and Xero. | GrowthPath enhanced Dear with a product configurator that writes BOMs into Dear. GrowthPath also integrated with freight management, leverage the GrowthPath Application Server and our Dear automation library. BMCO manufactures and source custom-manufactured products for advanced rainwater harvesting. The main markets are Australia, NZ and USA. BMCO sells online, to installers and into large EDI-based trade wholesalers, such as Reece, Tradelink, Mitre10 and Bunnings | |
Metro Global | Metro Global is a Singapore-based leading provider of Hospitality Management solutions, conducting operations in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America | Moved multiple entities in Asia Pacific from Sage X3 to Xero, plus built integrations with various corporate payroll and front-end systems | |
Bliss & Reels | Australia's largest Industrial and Production Machinery Supplier and Distributor. Serving wide-range of industries with world-class equipment | Moved from Arrow to Dear Inventory, Xero and Zoho Analytics | |
Koodak Jewellers' Supplies | Australian wholesalers and retailer of professional jewellery tools, equipment and supplies | Moved from legacy accounting systems (two) to Xero + Shopify | |
Tea Tonic | Australian wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers of organic teas | Moved from legacy accounting systems to Dear, Xero + Shopify | |
RJ Living | Australian furniture business, mostly B2C, sourcing locally and overseas | Moved from pure Neto/Xero to Cin7/Neto/Xero for better customer service, stock control and margin insights | |
Spirit Retail | Spirit Retail is a Singapore & Malaysian distributor, wholesaler and retailer of various international footwear brands (such as FitFlop, Rockport). | GrowthPath converted from legacy ERP to Xero/Cin7, and from Vend to Cin7 POS (at more than 10 retail and deptarment store concession locations, and growing). Integrated with Shopify, with a pending integration with Lazada | |
Prime Creative Media | Prime Creative is a large Australian media agency. | Migration to Xero from Mac version of Xero. | |
Olga Berg | Olga Berg is an Australian fashion designer, wholesaler and with B2C distribution in Australia and New Zealand | Migrated to Cin7/Xero from Apparel 21. 3PL and EDI integrations (Myer & DJ), also Inconic Marketplace and Shopify | |
GardenBeet | GardenBeet is an Australian importer, manufacturer and installer of artificial plant installations. | GardenBeet uses Dear Inventory/Xero/Shopify (B2B and Shopify POS) | |
<private> | <Private> is a UK/Irish-based furniture importer and B2C retailer, which does not want to be identified. | Complex migration to Cin7/Xero from custom legacy systems. GrowthPath also added advanced order promise-date functionality to predict fulfilment dates based on order combinations, current stock and known incoming stock | |
1300TempFence | 1300TempFence is an Australian construction services and hire business with multiple brands, and depots around the country | Dear Inventory Cloud ERP. Migration from two MYOB files into one Xero/Dear Inventory solution. Custom integration with Zoho CRM to support exchange of quotes and customer details | |
Woodpecker | Woodpecker: Heating and cooling, on the Mornington Peninsula and SE Melbourne. | Growthpath wrote an automated extract from two MYOB files into Zoho Reports for management reporting | |
Oblica | Oblica imports European fireplaces | Migrated from ODOO and Mac MYOB to Dear Inventory and Xero | |
Yumbah | Abalone farmer, processor and exporter. Based in South Australia but with farms around Australia, large exporter | Migrated to Dear & Xero for processing facility and four financial entities. Setup Capsule CRM. | |
Satara | Furniture and homeware wholesaler, South East Asian sourcing. | Migrated to Cin7 and Xero from MYOB. | |
Vincent Vegetarian | Food importer, wholesaler and retailer, based in Melbourne. | Conversion from MYOB to Dear Inventory/Xero. GrowthPath built a Pepperi Integration and custom support for product ordering | |
Macspred | Manufacturer of agricultural chemicals such as herbicides and fertilisers | GrowthPath migrated from the legacy ERP system (Attache) to Xero + Dear, and then selected and integrated a cloud CRM to support the national sales force. | |
Chef Works | ChefWorks Singapore & Malaysia, hospitality supplier (uniforms, equipment) | Migrated from Singapore MYOB to Dear inventory. GrowthPath wrote a custom Capsule CRM integration, and an integration into the head office procurement system | |
Extend Medical | Specialist Australian medical importer of surgical kits for joint replacements | Conversion from MYOB to Dear Inventory/Xero. | |
Clifford Wallace | Hospitality staffing, Australia | Xero, & integration with in-house billing software | |
LittleLinen | Baby products wholesaler, designed in Melbourne, global supply chain sold worldwide. | Xero & Uneashed, Unleashed feed to Zoho Reports | |
Innovative Chemicals Group | Speciality chemical and industrial processes Boston, USA, supplier of Rebound Ace via California Sports Services. | Automated data extracts from two MYOBs for daily corporate reporting. | |
Victorian Cosmetic Institute | Multiple private medical clinics, Melbourne Australia | CFO services. Accpac integration with Shopify, Medical Director, Pracsoft and Zoho Reports. | |
GMS Pacific | Australian and NZ importer and wholesaler of specialist pre-press and post-press consumables and machinery for various specialised printing processes | GrowthPath migrated from the legacy Prism ERP system to Xero + Dear Inventory, Capsule CRM integration |
Other Clients
California Sports Surfaces (e.g. Rebound Ace), Melbourne.
Crown Resorts & Casino Group. In-house professional development program (in conjunction with CPA Australia).
VR Distribution (Adelaide), online retail of physical media. GrowthPath converted VR Distribution to Xero, and worked with the dev team to build integration with the in-house inventory management system, Adelaide.
Gambier West Brake and Hydraulic Service. Serving the logistics industry. GrowthPath helped the business evaluate integrated cloud solutions.
Australian Clothing Company (Melbourne). Manufacturer and wholesaler of uniforms, workwear, sporting apparel. GrowthPath migrated the business from MYOB to Xero + Dear Inventory, and will integrate the online channel.