Digital Supply Chain Talk for SME's

Send us a textSummary In this episode, Matt Flanagan breaks down one of the biggest patterns BlueHub sees across projects: rushing into new systems without proper preparation.Drawing on real examples from recent client work, he explains why most projects don’t fail because of the software — they fail because the groundwork isn’t done.Matt covers the decisions that should be made before speaking to vendors or consultants, the realistic timelines for change, and what good preparation actually looks like.Key themes this episode: • The rush to change – why pressure and pain drive bad decisions • Building requirements – what your current system does well and where it falls short • Setting realistic timeframes – why 30 days isn’t enough • Involving the right people early – ownership, capacity and alignment • Vendors vs consultants – understanding who does what • The importance of clean data and cross-vendor coordinationListen if you’re: • Planning to change systems in 2025 • Feeling pressure to move fast but unsure where to start • Involved in scoping or leading an implementation projectNext up: Episode 3 – Post-Go-Live Drift: Keeping Momentum Once the System’s Live.Connect & resources: 🔗 Follow Matt Flanagan on LinkedIn 🔗 Visit bluehub.co.uk for insights and future sessions 🔗 Register for the BlueHub Cin7 Core 2025 Features Review webinar Your host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textSummary After almost a year away from the mic, Matt Flanagan returns with a new season of On the Ground — shorter, sharper episodes sharing what the BlueHub team are really seeing inside UK product-based businesses.In this opener, Matt recaps a busy year: a new BlueHub HQ, a partner award at the Cin7 Summit in Denver, the Xero Roadshow, and dozens of conversations with manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and e-commerce teams.One theme stands out everywhere: choice without clarity. The ecosystem has exploded — Shopify, Xero, Cin7 Core, 3PLs, AI tools — all powerful, but increasingly overwhelming for businesses who don’t have clear requirements, ownership, or selection criteria.Matt outlines the key pain points BlueHub are seeing on the ground and previews how future episodes will unpack each one in practical detail: • Ecosystem overwhelm – more options, less clarity • Poor preparation before change • Misalignment after growth • Post-go-live drift • Ownership & educational gaps • Integration and data fracture • Vendor sprawl & lack of platform strategyListen in if you’re … • Exploring new systems or integrations and unsure where to start • Already live on Cin7 Core or Xero but not getting full value • Feeling the weight of too many tools and too little directionNext up: Episode 2 – Preparing for Change: How to Get It Right Before You Start.Upcoming webinar: Join Matt Flanagan and the team for the BlueHub Cin7 Core New Features Review for 2025 – a 45-minute live session covering the latest updates, what they mean in practice, and how to make them work for you. 👉 Register hereConnect & Resources: 🔗 Follow Matt Flanagan on LinkedIn 🔗 Visit bluehub.co.uk for insights and future sessionsOutro: “Until next time — build systems that scale with you, not against you.” Your host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textIn this episode of Digital Supply Chain Talk, hosts Matt Flanagan and Callum Wagstaff discuss their experiences at the CIN7  Partner Summit and other recent events. They share insights on networking, product updates, and the importance of personal connections in the digital supply chain space. The conversation highlights key developments in CIN7 's offerings, including AI integration and intelligent document recognition, and reflects on the value of community engagement among CFOs and industry partners. The episode concludes with thoughts on future events and the importance of building relationships in the industry.TakeawaysConnecting personally enhances collaboration and understanding.Attending events provides insights not available through marketing.Product updates at CIN7 were more cohesive this year.The altitude in Denver affected our energy levels significantly.CIN7 Pay will allow payments directly within the inventory system.Intelligent Document Recognition will save time for businesses.AI integration in CIN7 will help make informed decisions.Networking is as valuable as product information at events.CFOs play a crucial role in project success and clarity.Community engagement is essential for ongoing industry relationships.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Event Overview03:00 Insights from the CIN7 Partner Summit05:59 Key Product Updates from CIN7 11:57 Exploring AI and Intelligent Document Recognition17:54 Networking and Community Building24:11 Reflections on CFO Engagement and Reporting30:03 Conclusion and Future EventsIf you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to get in touch. https://bluehub.co.uk/contactYour host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textIn this conversation, Matt Lowry from ApprovalMax discusses the history and features of the approval workflow software. ApprovalMax was founded in 2014 and is integrated with accounting systems like Xero, QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, and CIN7 Core. The software allows for multi-step, multi-tiered approvals and provides visibility and traceability in the approval process. It also offers features like fraud detection and OCR. The product is flexible and can be accessed through a web app, mobile app, or Slack integration. Onboarding and support are available through a free trial, sales representatives, and a 24/5 support team. Takeaways: ApprovalMax is an approval workflow software that integrates with accounting systems like Xero, QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, and CIN7 Core. The software allows for multi-step, multi-tiered approvals and provides visibility and traceability in the approval process. ApprovalMax offers features like fraud detection and OCR, and it can be accessed through a web app, mobile app, or Slack integration. Onboarding and support are available through a free trial, sales representatives, and a 24/5 support team.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:30 Overview of ApprovalMax 07:38 Integration with Accounting Systems 11:24 Sales and Implementation Process 13:48 Integration with Other Systems 17:27 Addressing Hybrid Work Environments 20:23 Ease of Use and Daily Impact 23:43 Onboarding and Support 29:39 Getting in Touch with ApprovalMax If you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to get in touch. https://bluehub.co.uk/contacthttps://approvalmax.com/Your host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textIn this conversation, Matt Flanagan and Stuart Hurst discuss the benefits and challenges of using cloud accounting, specifically focusing on the Xero platform. They highlight the scalability of Xero and its ability to cater to businesses of all sizes, from small start-ups to multinational companies. They also emphasise the affordability of Xero compared to other accounting software. The discussion touches on the importance of process review and mapping when integrating inventory systems and e-commerce platforms with Xero. They stress the need for proper planning and forecasting to avoid overwhelming Xero and the importance of involving the team in the change management process. Finally, they discuss the common challenges of scaling on Xero and offer advice on overcoming them, such as bringing in additional apps and having a long-term vision and plan.In this conversation, Stuart Hurst and Matt Flanagan discuss the importance of understanding the cultural and people aspects of implementing new systems. They emphasise the need for analysis and optimisation of systems to get the most out of them. They also highlight the challenges of keeping up with frequent software updates and the need for regular reviews of system usage. The conversation touches on topics such as the impact of system changes on job roles, the importance of accurate data for reporting, the challenges of multi-currency transactions, and the significance of data quality and consistency for effective reporting.TakeawaysXero offers scalability and can cater to businesses of all sizesXero is affordable compared to other accounting softwareProper process review and mapping are crucial when integrating inventory systems and e-commerce platforms with XeroInvolving the team in the change management process is important for successful implementationPlanning and forecasting are essential to avoid overwhelming Xero as the business scalesHaving a long-term vision and plan is critical for effective scaling on XeroUnderstanding the cultural and people aspects is crucial when implementing new systemsRegular analysis and optimisation of systems are necessary to maximise their benefitsFrequent software updates can pose challenges, and regular reviews of system usage are importantMulti-currency transactions require careful consideration and the right toolsData quality and consistency are key for effective reportingChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:04 The Scalability and Affordability of Xero08:30 Integrating Inventory Systems and E-commerce Platforms with Xero11:02 The Importance of Process Review and Mapping13:25 Involving the Team in the Change Management Process15:36 Planning and Forecasting for Successful Scaling on Xero19:11 The Cultural and People Aspects of System Implementation19:35 Optimising Systems for Maximum Benefit20:04 Challenges of Frequent Software Updates21:03 The Importance of Regular System Usage Reviews23:02 Accurate Data: The Foundation of Reliable Reporting24:21 Navigating Multi-Currency Transactions29:13 Data Quality and Consistency for Effective ReportingKeywords accounting, Xero, scalability, affordability, inventory systems, e-commerce, change management, scaling, system implementation, system optimisation, software updates, system usage review, job role changes, accurate data, multi-currency transactions, data qualityStuaYour host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textTom from PeopleVox discusses warehouse management and the challenges brands face when scaling up their fulfillment operations. He explains that the triggers for considering a warehouse management system (WMS) include the need for more efficiency, reducing warehouse labour costs, and improving inventory accuracy. Tom also highlights the importance of timing and planning when implementing a WMS, as it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the implementation. He emphasises the value of working with a WMS provider who understands the pain points and goals of the business. Peoplevox specializes in warehouse management systems for e-commerce businesses. They offer nine different picking methods to improve warehouse efficiency and handle data management. The system is particularly beneficial for larger brands with high turnovers and complex operations. Returns are a significant challenge for e-commerce brands, and Peoplevox helps streamline the process. They also provide ongoing support and customer success to ensure clients are getting the most out of the system. The implementation process involves an initial call, tech stack review, software demonstration, and proposal. Peoplevox charges an implementation fee and a monthly fee that is only realised once the client is live and benefiting from the system.TakeawaysWarehouse management systems (WMS) can help brands improve efficiency, reduce labour costs, and achieve accurate inventory management.The triggers for considering a WMS include the need for more efficiency, reducing warehouse labour costs, and improving inventory accuracy.Implementing a WMS can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the implementation.Working with a WMS provider who understands the pain points and goals of the business is crucial for a successful implementation. Peoplevox specializes in warehouse management systems for e-commerce businesses, offering nine different picking methods to improve efficiency.The system is particularly beneficial for larger brands with high turnovers and complex operations.Returns are a significant challenge for e-commerce brands, and Peoplevox helps streamline the process.The implementation process involves an initial call, tech stack review, software demonstration, and proposal.Peoplevox charges an implementation fee and a monthly fee that is only realised once the client is live and benefiting from the system.Chapters00:00Introduction03:12Overview of Warehouse Management and PeopleVox07:06Triggers for Considering a Warehouse Management System09:32Challenges in Scaling Up and Moving Warehouses14:14Timing and Planning for a Successful WMS Implementation19:00Optimising Warehouse Efficiency20:27Streamlining Returns22:13Incorporating Tactile Investment into E-commerce24:12Exploring Peoplevox's Content and Offerings25:34Diverse Brands Utilizing Peoplevox26:29Integration with Other Systems31:09Ongoing Support and Customer Success32:30Implementation Process of PeoplevoxPeopleVox - https://www.peoplevox.com/Thomas Bennett - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-bennett-570667b3/Your host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textIn this conversation, Matt and Callum discuss various BlueHub projects they have been working on, including a lighting manufacturer, a sports apparel company, a beauty manufacturer, and a gaming device manufacturer. They highlight the importance of staying up to date with system updates and features, as well as the challenges of managing warehouses and integrating with 3PLs. They also emphasise the need for businesses to feel the pain and see the value before investing in new systems.TakeawaysStaying up to date with system updates and features is crucial for maximising the benefits of a software system.Managing warehouses and integrating with 3PLs can be complex and require careful consideration of processes and integrations.Businesses need to feel the pain and see the value before investing in new systems.The size of a business does not necessarily determine its readiness for implementing new systems.The implementation process can take time and should be planned and prioritised accordingly.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Project Overview04:46 Improving Processes for a Lighting Manufacturer08:48 Challenges of Managing Warehouses and 3PL Integration12:05 Refresher Training for a Beauty Manufacturer19:09 Account Review and System Setup for a Multi-Entity Business21:19 Implementing Systems for a Gaming Device Manufacturer25:46 Timing and Value in Implementing New Systems27:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKeywords projects, lighting manufacturer, sports apparel, beauty manufacturer, gaming device, system updates, warehouses, 3PL integration, pain points, valueYour host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textDavid Tuck, co-founder and CEO of Mayday, discusses their mission to streamline the month-end closing process for finance teams using Xero. Mayday offers a suite of products including Balancer, Recharger, and Brag, which automate inter-company balances, recharging costs and revenues, and bank reconciliations across multiple entities. Tuck highlights the growing need for month-end automation as businesses scale and the challenges faced by in-house finance teams. He also emphasizes the value of the Xero ecosystem and the importance of building a tech stack that meets the specific needs of each business. Mayday has also created a community called CFO TechStack, providing content, community, and events for in-house finance leaders using Xero.TakeawaysMayday offers products that automate month-end processes for finance teams using Xero, including inter-company balances, recharging costs and revenues, and bank reconciliations.The Xero ecosystem provides a range of apps and solutions that can be customised to meet the specific needs of each business.In-house finance teams can benefit from building a tech stack that streamlines their processes and reduces manual work.CFO TechStack is a community created by Mayday that offers content, community, and events for in-house finance leaders using Xero.Get tickets to their Stack event in September - https://stacked.cfotechstack.com/Chapters00:00Introduction03:05David Tuck's Background and Journey as an Accounting Tech Entrepreneur06:12The Problem Mayday Solves: Month-End Automation for Finance Teams09:05The Growing Need for Month-End Automation in the Xero Ecosystem13:05The Challenges of Pricing and Anchoring in the Xero Ecosystem16:16The Rise of Multi-Entity Businesses and the Need for Solutions19:23Building a Community for In-House Finance Leaders: CFO TechStack23:43Demystifying the Xero App Ecosystem with Mayday's App Map29:06Geographical Reach and Community Engagement35:03Future Plans for Mayday and the Importance of Revenue Recognition38:08Closing Remarks and Contact InformationDavid Tuck - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuckdavid/Mayday - https://www.getmayday.com/CFO Techstack - https://www.cfotechstack.com/Stacked Event - https://www.cfotechstack.com/stackedYour host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textElspeth from A2X discusses the history and benefits of the A2X software, which helps e-commerce businesses streamline their accounting processes. A2X was started by two Amazon sellers who realised the need for a solution to handle complex Amazon accounting data. The software consolidates data from various e-commerce platforms and integrates with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks. It eliminates the manual processing of reconciling sales, expenses, and taxes, providing accurate financial insights quickly. A2X offers onboarding support, training resources, and a global support team to assist users.TakeawaysA2X helps e-commerce businesses streamline their accounting processes by consolidating data from various platforms and integrating with accounting software.The software eliminates the manual processing of reconciling sales, expenses, and taxes, providing accurate financial insights quickly.A2X offers onboarding support, training resources, and a global support team to assist users.The software is particularly beneficial for sellers on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Shopify.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of A2X05:50 Core Features and Benefits of A2X08:03 Integrations and Expansion of A2X13:25 Real-Time Integration and Data Accuracy16:12 Onboarding and Support Options for A2X Users18:17 A2X’s Growth and Global Presence22:14 Impact of Brexit on E-commerce and A2X’s Role25:09 Getting in Touch with A2XKeywords A2X, e-commerce, accounting, software, integration, reconciliation, financial insightsElspeth Cordray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elspeth-cordray-micb-442603182/A2X - https://www.a2xaccounting.com/Your host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk

Send us a textExciting times! Find out about our upcoming launch of our new podcast 😀What it's about?Who it's for?Where you can listen/watch it?What's next?See you in the next episode.Your host is Matt Flanagan.Got a question for him reach out at enquiries@bluehub.co.uk