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This is Going to Hurt (a Little)

ERP systems are expensive in more ways than one. Beyond the initial expense measurable in dollars, there are expenses such as the distraction and organizational stress an ERP system can require. Implementing an ERP system is akin to major organizational surgery, which may hurt. And, like major surgery, there should be a good reason for it. The value of an ERP system forms the ‘why’, and the why should be clearly and widely understood. 

Value

There are key areas we’ve seen an ERP system provide tremendous value for our customers:

Centralized Data Management

ERP systems provide a centralized database that consolidates and organizes data from different departments and functions. This allows for easy access, sharing, and analysis of information, enabling better decision-making, improved collaboration, and a holistic view of the organization’s operations.

Process Automation and Efficiency

ERP systems automate repetitive tasks, standardize processes, and eliminate manual data entry and redundant workflows. This increases operational efficiency, reduces errors, and frees employees’ time for more value-added activities. It also enables faster and smoother information flow across the organization.

Improved Planning and Resource Allocation

ERP systems provide tools for resource planning, production scheduling, inventory management, and procurement. With real-time visibility into inventory levels, demand, and supply chain data, organizations can optimize resource allocation, minimize stockouts, reduce lead times, and improve production planning.

Enhanced Decision-Making

ERP systems offer advanced reporting and analytics capabilities that provide meaningful insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) and business metrics. Decision-makers can access accurate and up-to-date information, generate reports, and perform data analysis to make informed decisions promptly. This promotes data-driven decision-making and helps identify areas for improvement or strategic opportunities.

Regulatory Compliance

ERP systems often incorporate features and controls to ensure compliance with industry regulations, financial reporting standards, and data privacy laws. These systems can help automate compliance processes, generate audit trails, enforce security protocols, and support regulatory reporting, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.

Scalability and Adaptability

ERP systems are designed to support organizations’ growth and changing needs. They provide scalability to accommodate increased data volumes, user loads, and organizational expansion. Additionally, ERP systems can be customized or extended with add-on modules to address specific industry requirements or unique business processes.

While implementing an ERP system requires significant investment in resources, time, and training, its value in improved efficiency, better decision-making, and streamlined operations can be substantial. It enables organizations to optimize their processes, enhance productivity, and gain a competitive edge in the market. 

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Get in touch with us!  At Ascendex, “Excellence” is one of our core values, and we would be honored to apply this mindset to help you find value on your ERP journey.

Becky Brister

Operations, Finance and Administrative Lead

Accomplished operational and digital transformation consultant in finance, supply chain and operational software/systems in Manufacturing, Finance, Distribution, Retail and Supply Chain Management. Served on both sides of large ERP system/software initiatives and implementations brings tremendous value as a trusted partner committed to helping make sound decisions from sourcing options through implementation. Decades of experience and learning with small and mid-sized businesses moving them to the next level of operational efficiency and revenue grow. She has recently entered the world of board member of non-profit organizations and love supporting them with her vast experience.

Outside the Office

Becky is passionate about her family, which includes 7 very active grandchildren, and she attends as many of their activities as she can. She and her husband of 45 years have an awesome group of friends they love to travel with. Home and product design is a place she finds fulfilling.

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Renee Ramler

Administrative Assistant

Renee has re-entered the workforce after many years of home educating her six children. She previously worked as the sole administrative assistant at her church for several years.  It was there she fell in love with serving others and assisting the needs of a core leadership team. She has a passion for helping others achieve their goals.  

Outside the Office

Renee enjoys cooking, walking and is an avid reader. If she can do all of that at her family cabin while entertaining friends, her bucket is full! 

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Jamie Anderson

Operations & Administrative Support Professional

Jamie comes to Ascendex with 8 years of experience in Human Resources in a variety of support roles. Having worked for both large corporations and a small family business she knows how to get the job done. Prior to joining Ascendex, Jamie took a break from her career to start a family. As Operations & Administrative Support Professional, she wears many hats contributing to the daily operations of the Ascendex business including HR, Accounting, and Operations. 

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resources and a Minor in Psychology from St. Cloud State University.

Outside the Office

You will see her running…after her 3 very energetic and busy boys! She loves being her family’s biggest cheerleader, especially in the bleachers and on the field. She has a passion for serving others and enjoys home organization.

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John Bird

Director of Data and Business Intelligence

John has over twenty years of enterprise systems expertise. John has a breadth of experience across ERP and Data and Business Intelligence. He has played lead roles in implementations and integrations, from ERP implementations of Workday, PeopleSoft, and Oracle to Big Data Analytics with Amazon, Hadoop, and other BI-related tools. 

John’s career has allowed him to work with General Motors, Mayo Clinic, Norstan, Farstad Oil, Campus Crusade, Pentax, Thomson Reuters, Express Scripts, and Castlelake—just to name a few. He has been a COO of a Legal Software Company and has led implementations of BI solutions as well as ERP applications.

Education

John completed a BA in Mathematics from Bethel University, Software Engineering Development Program through EDS, PMP certification, and is in the process of completing a Big Data Analytics master’s degree from San Diego State University

Outside the Office

John loves family time with his wife, seven children, eight grandkids, and two Irish setters, woodworking, and smoking whatever can fit on a Recteq!

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Benji Borner

Managing Director, Innovation & Leadership Services

Accomplished business-savvy Technology Executive with a global background serving multiple industries. Broad experience in driving business value, strategic planning, leadership, process improvement, P&L responsibility, and execution. Regarded as a strategic thinker with a high business acumen that delivers to commitments in complex enterprise environments. Strong analytical and problem-solving thinking skills with the ability to drive positive change. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that authentically builds high performing teams while inspiring collaboration and loyalty. Utilizes technical aptitude along with a thorough understanding of business operations, finance, and relationships to drive value and deliver results

Education

  • Bachelor’s degrees in Business Management from St. Cloud State University with a minor in Computer Information Systems.
  • Masters degree in Software Engineering from the University of St. Thomas.

Outside the Office

I’m passionate about supporting and coaching my kids in their activities, whether it’s on the hockey rink or the baseball field. I love spending time on the water, unwinding at the cabin, and prioritizing my physical and mental well-being. I also thrive on engaging in meaningful conversations that spark new ideas. If I’m off the grid, chances are you’ll find me in the yard—either perfecting our backyard rink or meticulously tending to the landscape.

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Brandon Maciej

Amplify Practice Lead & Shareholder

Brandon leads the Ascendex Data & BI practice and has spent over eighteen years leading organizations through operational change and technology transformation. 

Brandon’s career has included consulting roles at Wipfli LLP, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the U.S., and UnitedHealth Group, a Fortune Five healthcare organization. He has vast experience in multiple industries, including manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, financial services, professional services, technology, and government. Brandon is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and his skillsets include change management, business intelligence, strategy, and technology implementation.

Education

Brandon received two bachelor’s degrees (Entrepreneurship and Marketing) from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota and a Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Villanova University.

Outside the Office

He enjoys boating and serves as the President of the Schmidt Lake Improvement Association. He is an avid sports enthusiast with season tickets to the Twins, Gopher hockey, and Gopher football. His favorite sports are soccer (go Loons!) and football (go Vikings and Gophers!).

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Matt Bochnicek

CEO, Founder

Matt leads Ascendex and founded the business in 2016. He has spent his career of over two decades in the fields of technology, strategy, innovation, and growth. Matt provides strategic direction and leadership for the business and serves as a management consultant or engagement leader on critical projects. Before Ascendex, Matt was a consulting partner in one of the most prominent accounting and consulting firms in the U.S., where he launched and led the Twin Cities consulting practice, one of the largest in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area. He was also a member of the consulting division’s executive leadership team. Matt has worked with hundreds of organizations ranging from emerging businesses to some of the largest corporations in the world. He has significant experience in many industries, including professional services, financial services, manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, technology, logistics, and government/public sector. Matt is consistently active on non-profit boards and foundations, currently serving on the board of directors and executive committee for a non-profit where he recently completed a two-year term as board president. He is also an adjunct faculty member and venture center business advisor for the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Matt is a former Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree and is a speaker, panelist, moderator, and competition judge in various capacities in the Twin Cities. 

Education

Matt received an MBA (Strategy, Finance, & Marketing) from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree (Economics & Political Science) from Creighton University.

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Kathryn Kvas

Director of Solutions

Kathryn has over a decade of expertise spanning across strategy, technology, operations, M&A, data and analytics, change management, and business development. Kathryn’s career has included consulting roles at Wipfli LLP, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the U.S., and UnitedHealth Group, the largest U.S. healthcare organization. Prior to joining Ascendex, Kathryn was a Director of Business Development & Analytics for a $500M+ annual revenue business within UnitedHealth Group. Her industry experience includes: technology, manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, financial services, professional services, and government. 

Education

  • Two bachelor’s degrees (Operations Technology Management and Finance, Investment, & Banking) from the Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin—Madison.
  • Excel certification from the Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin—Madison.
  • Six Sigma Green Belt from Villanova University.

Outside the Office

When not at the office you can find her enjoying any and all outdoor activities: long walks with her dog, paddle boarding, volleyball, skiing, golf, and tailgating in the fall…If you notice, there are a few Gopher alumni on the team, and Kathryn being a Badger alum can promote a variety of heckling within the office.

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Matt Leirdahl

Director of ERP

Matt’s 10+ year career has included consulting roles at Wipfli LLP and RSM US LLP, two of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the U.S. He has a vast background in ERP and supply chain technologies across industries, including food and beverage, life sciences, discrete manufacturing, and retail. In addition to ERP expertise, Matt has extensive knowledge in business intelligence, integration design, custom development, and change management.

Education

Two Bachelor’s degrees (Entrepreneurial Management and Management Information Systems) from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.

Outside the Office

When not hard at work for his clients, Matt can be found in the tailgate lot at the University of Minnesota, the hardware store for his new DIY project, watching whatever NFL game is on TV, or tending the smoker on his back patio.

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Haylee Morgan

Technology Consulting Manager

Haylee’s career began as a consultant at RSM US LLP, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the U.S. Following her time at RSM, she worked for the Texas based technology consulting firm, Rand Group. She has a vast background in ERP and supply chain technologies across industries, including food and beverage, and retail. She is a Microsoft certified consultant in Supply Chain Management, Finance, and the Power Platform.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and a certificate in Computer Science from the University of Georgia, Athens.

Outside the Office

Haylee is a proud Georgia Bulldog, the first of her kind here at Ascendex. When she’s not cheering on the dawgs or hard at work, you can find her playing pickleball, doing yoga or spending time with family!

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