How Automation is Transforming Business Operations

In the latest episode of The Digital Roast Podcast, Christchurch Branch Manager and podcast host Ranae Dodds sits down with two experts to explore how automation is changing the way businesses operate — particularly in the IT space. This episode is packed with real-life insights from Anne Howie, a specialist in Accounts Payable automation, and Alex Ball, a seasoned IT solutions consultant with over 20 years of experience working with ERP systems and clients across multiple industries.

Whether you are a part of a growing business or an established enterprise, automation is becoming an essential part of how modern IT services deliver results — and this episode dives into the “why” and “how.”

Spotting the Inefficiencies in Business Operations

Anne shares that many businesses still rely on manual AP processes, such as printing invoices for approval or storing physical folders of documents — a huge pain point for businesses trying to scale efficiently.

“Approvals can get stuck. Paper piles up. These delays cost time and productivity,” Anne explains.

By shifting to automated IT solutions, businesses can:

• Reduce the risk of errors

• Minimise paper use

• Cut down month-end processing by days

• Improve accuracy and audit readiness

All of these improvements contribute to more streamlined IT services and happier finance teams.

Double Data Entry: A Common IT Pain Point

From a technical perspective, Alex highlights how double data entry is still one of the most common inefficiencies across industries — even among tech-savvy IT companies.

“If data is being entered in more than one place, there’s risk — both in time and accuracy,” says Alex. “That’s where automation becomes a powerful solution.”

He shares real examples of clients that have:

• Automated website-to-ERP integration for live – stock updates

• Connected sales orders directly to freight systems

• Eliminated costly reconciliation delays

Each use case shows how businesses can benefit from integrated IT solutions that reduce rework and boost productivity.

What Should You Automate First?

Not all processes are ideal for automation — at least not immediately. So how do you identify the best place to start?

Anne’s rule of thumb:

“Any task that’s repetitive and done the same way over and over — that’s a great candidate.”

Alex agrees, adding:

“First, get the process working manually. Then automate it. Don’t try to automate a broken process.”

This kind of thinking is what sets leading IT companies apart — the ability to match real business needs with the right IT services and solutions.

Real Business Impact: More Than Just Saving Time

While the initial promise of automation is usually time savings, the long-term impact goes deeper.

Anne shares how clients have been able to:

• Finalize month-end reporting faster

• Chase outstanding invoices more efficiently

• Improve staff satisfaction by reducing repetitive tasks

“With automation, our clients are freeing up time to focus on more strategic work. They’re no longer bogged down with manual entry,” she adds.

It’s this shift — from operational to strategic — that’s helping businesses get the most value from their IT services provider.

The Evolution of Automation 

Both guests reflected on how business automation has evolved in the last decade. What started as basic data entry automation has now expanded into:

• Fraud detection features

• Cross-platform integrations

• Supplier verification through national databases

“Modern systems now flag suspicious invoices and validate supplier bank accounts. It’s no longer just about efficiency — it’s about trust and data security,” Anne says.

These advancements are a testament to how IT solutions providers like Focus Technology Group are helping clients stay ahead of the curve.

In Summary 

Whether you’re trying to streamline internal processes or explore smarter IT solutions, this episode of The Digital Roast offers valuable takeaways for business owners, finance leaders, and IT managers alike.

As Ranae puts it:

“It’s about using technology to streamline, secure, and future-proof your business — while freeing your people to focus on what matters most.”

Check out the full episode:

Streaming now on Spotify

Watch it on YouTube

Looking for expert IT services or automation advice?
Get in touch with our team to learn how Focus Technology Group can help you implement the right IT solutions for your business.