In this Friday Conversation, we’re joined by Peggy Evleth, Manager at RSM NetSuite Global Practice, and Bryan Dunford, Executive Vice President at Advantus Corp. With David Rowley from RSM as our moderator, Bryan dives into his extensive experience with digital transformations and acquisitions, which have been pivotal to Advantus Corp.’s growth. He explains how embracing new technologies and a strategic approach to acquisitions has strengthened their competitive edge in consumer products. Meanwhile, Peggy shares her expertise in ERP transitions, providing a global perspective on optimizing client solutions and the importance of thoughtful planning for a smooth transformation.

The discussion then shifts to decision-making during major transitions, where leaders often face difficult choices that may affect stakeholders and team dynamics. Bryan discusses how he prioritized Advantus’s long-term goals and customer satisfaction over immediate internal convenience, reflecting on the strategic factors that led to their adoption of NetSuite. He shares his decision to avoid newer platforms like Acumatica due to their risks, noting that sticking with outdated, on-premises systems would have been more costly in the long term. Peggy adds valuable insights into how businesses can avoid the hidden costs of sticking to legacy systems or attempting self-implementation without expert guidance.

In the final segment, Bryan and Peggy explore best practices for successful platform migration, emphasizing the need for dedicated teams, consistent accountability, and proactive change management. Bryan highlights the advantages of training employees on new technologies, which not only drives adoption but enhances retention. He also delves into Advantus’s approach to acquisitions, categorizing targets by their specific needs and discussing the potential of AI in automating ERP processes. Bryan explains how their internal AI policy ensures responsible and strategic use of technology, underscoring the importance of aligning advancements with business goals for sustainable growth.

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