The strength of an integrated computer system

Creating an integrated computer system is a significant asset for any business looking to streamline the management of its resources and data. But why is that? Eddie Darac from BSP Management shares his thoughts on the matter and the journey that led him to embrace this model.

Whenever I walk into Apple stores, I'm always impressed by how they operate. My last visit was to shop for headphones, and I appreciated my experience when I approached the representative with my product. He immediately scanned my item with a phone, asked for my details which he could easily retrieve (CRM connected to emails). The item was automatically deducted from inventory (ERP), and the attendant explained that when the inventory level reached a certain low threshold, an automatic order was placed. He then asked if the invoice could be sent to my email address (Accounting and Paperless Office), and everything was settled.

In my opinion, this is the perfect example of how a business should be managed. All systems communicate with each other; a series of rules and automations are set so that human intervention is minimized. The result is astounding.

In 2010, Steeve Darac, the founder of BSP Management, was working for another company. One of his clients wanted shared calendars, which would require selling a server and Microsoft Exchange for a total bill of between $8,000 and $12,000. My brother then suggested offering Google Calendar for $5 a month without buying a server. The management refused; BSP Management was born. We wanted people to know what's possible in the "cloud."

We also had many requests for CRMs. After the first happy customers, we started to get requests for a complete system that communicates within the cloud. We slowly integrated the missing systems to manage a complete business. We chose to follow this model because we felt that systems communicating with each other were the future of computing. We also had to have a paperless system in addition to enabling mobility (cloud computing).

Throughout my career, I've faced two major challenges that every IT professional dreads: firstly, the effective management of organizational change, and secondly, the seamless integration of various computer systems. When the goal is to develop a holistic system that ensures a smooth and efficient link between all the essential components of a business – including but not limited to marketing, customer relationship management (CRM) encompassing sales, enterprise resource planning (ERP) covering inventory, project management, timesheets, and much more – as well as accounting, mastering the art of system integration becomes imperative.

Even more crucially, anticipating and meticulously planning to overcome resistance to change, an almost inevitable phenomenon, is necessary to ensure a smooth transition that is accepted by all stakeholders involved.

Adopting an integrated system is not just about the technology; it's about reshaping organizational practices, improving employee competencies, and transforming company culture. Clear communication and tailored training sessions are essential to help each team member understand the benefits and adopt the new workflows.

Moreover, collaboration across departments is significantly enhanced thanks to seamless data sharing and optimized processes. This not only reduces errors but also fosters innovation by making real-time information readily available.

The result was astonishing: It allowed several businesses we work with to increase their revenue without the need to hire more staff. Some companies even managed to drastically reduce their operational costs thanks to automation and better resource utilization. This enabled them to focus on higher-value activities, such as product innovation or customer service.

I believe that successful businesses of the future must follow this model if they want to continue to be competitive. It is a strategic choice that not only meets current demands but also lays the groundwork for future opportunities.

In conclusion, an integrated computer system is not merely a technological tool; it is a transformation engine that redefines how a business operates and creates value for its customers.