A Door Business System That is Future-Proof

With free open APIs and hundreds of existing integrations to choose from, Iniste4Doors is the only door business ERP that is infinitely extendable. This means that you get to choose a business system that can grow and evolve with your business. That sure beats having to change systems every 5-10 years! 

So what is an open API? 

In the old days (perhaps only 10 years ago) systems used to talk to each other through import/export programs that ran in the background. If you are like most door companies you probably used a QuickBooks or Sage system that had the ability to “integrate” with your service management system. In many cases these “integrations” were cause for a lot of frustration, data corruption, and duplication of records, this is why many companies stopped using the “integrations” over time. API stands for Application Programming Interface, basically it’s a connector that lets different systems talk to each other in real time.  Because of this, data validation between both systems remains in sync and the opportunity for data corruption is, for the most part, eliminated.

Insite4Doors is built on Acumatica, an ultra-modern ERP platform that is continuously adding new integrations, and inviting collaboration between customers, their supply chains, and other specialized software systems. To be successful at this, the platform offers unlimited open APIs and does not charge a fee for the APIs. This flexibility allows door companies to adapt and customize Insite4Doors to meet specific business needs, ensuring a better fit with their unique processes and requirements. It also creates an explosion of other popular technology companies that want to connect to the system and offer their unique solutions to various business challenges. 

Why is this important to you? 

Technology moves fast, and if you think everything is connected today, just wait! Technological advancement is not a linear process; it follows an exponential growth curve. Moore’s Law, which states that the processing power of computers doubles approximately every two years, has been a driving force behind this acceleration. As a result, the capabilities of our devices, the speed of data processing, and the complexity of algorithms have all increased at an astonishing rate. Many older systems fail to keep up and as a result the door companies using those systems become competitively disadvantaged. 

Is underlying technology an issue?

Absolutely! Business systems (ERPs) are not easy to develop, and because of that, many companies surrender to the approach “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, and while that may work for some things it doesn’t work for technology. Systems built on older technologies are more difficult to maintain, customize, and are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation. They also offer limited compatibility with modern systems. Some technology companies in the door industry take the easy way out by repackaging their old systems with new shiny user interfaces, but a quick look under the hood reveals old slow crusty technology. 

How can you keep up? 

You don’t need to be a technology expert, but there are some things that you should be aware of when looking for a new door business system to grow your company:

  1. Cloud-based and Mobile Accessibility: A modern door business system should be cloud-based, allowing for easy access to the system from anywhere, at any time. Mobile accessibility is also crucial, enabling users to perform tasks and access information on any device, ensuring flexibility and productivity in the field. Cloud-based systems also remove IT maintenance, data security, and backup from your plate. Your system should be deployed on a reliable cloud system like Microsoft’s Azure, or Amazon’s AWS. These systems offer 99.95% uptime (which is far more than you could ever get from an on-premise system), and a level of data security that exceeds what is available using an internal network database. It is best to avoid any system deployed on a vendor’s own internal data center unless they can provide rock-solid documentation on up-time and security compliance.

  2. Modern Technology: When evaluating a new system, you want to make sure what you see on the surface reflects the underlying technology. Make sure the database structure is Microsoft’s MS-SQL. This offers the highest compatibility with other modern systems. If you hear the words “proprietary database” run away. You also want a front-end (user interface) built to be accessible through a modern browser like Chrome, Edge, Safari, Brave, or Firefox. If the user interface relies on Remote Desktop, Citrix, or some “client” software that has to be installed on each user’s machine, then you are looking at legacy technology. 

  3. Scalability and Flexibility: Your door business system should be scalable to accommodate the growing needs of your business. It should support expansion into new markets, handle increased transaction volumes, and adapt to changing business requirements. Look for a solution that offers modular functionality, allowing you to add or remove features as needed.

  4. Industry Specific: To be successful the system should offer an industry specific version. The partner or consultant you choose to help implement your system should also have experience in your particular industry. Attempting to implement an HVAC business system or a pluming and electrical business system for a door company will be painful and difficult to support.

  5. Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with other software systems and external applications is vital for data consistency and efficient workflows. Look for built-in APIs, web services, or integration platforms that facilitate seamless data exchange with marketing software, e-commerce platforms, supply chain management systems, and other business-critical applications. This integration promotes data consistency and eliminates silos, providing a holistic view of your operations.

  6. User-Friendly Interface: A modern door business system should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Look for a system that provides a clean and organized dashboards that you (the end user) can customize, easy navigation, and customizable workflows tailored to your specific industry and business processes. The system should also offer role-based access control, allowing users to view and interact with relevant information based on their roles and responsibilities.

  7. Advanced Analytics and Reporting: A modern door business system should provide robust analytics and reporting functionalities. Look for features such as real-time dashboards, data visualization tools, and customizable reports. The ability to generate meaningful insights from your data can empower decision-making, identify trends, optimize processes, and support strategic planning. 

  8. Security and Compliance: Data security is a critical consideration in a modern door business system. Look for robust security measures such as encryption, access controls, and regular security updates. The system should comply with industry-specific regulations, such as GDPR and PCI if applicable to your business. They should have also passed SOC compliance and be able to prove it. 

  9. Total Cost of Ownership: Assess the total cost of ownership, considering factors such as licensing fees, implementation costs, ongoing maintenance, and training. Legacy systems are often user based, meaning that a door company will be forced to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for each user. Most modern door business systems are resource based and offer unlimited users, giving companies the ability to grow without being penalized. Ensure that the ROI aligns with your business goals and budgetary constraints.

By considering these aspects, you can identify a modern door business system that aligns with your organization’s needs, supports your growth objectives, and empowers your business processes with enhanced efficiency and productivity. Let us know if we can help. 

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