Key Code Media Boosts Revenue by 70% with Acumatica Cloud ERP

In the heart of Burbank, California, Key Code Media stands as a nationwide leader in design-build systems integration for audio-visual, broadcast, and production equipment solutions. Founded in 2001, this innovative company has built a stellar reputation by assisting businesses with equipment procurement and the full design and upgrade of facilities, including TV and film production studios, collaborative editing suites, and emergency operation centres. With clients like Microsoft, Walmart, Netflix, and Google, Key Code Media has established itself as a trusted partner for top-tier organisations.

Over the years, Key Code Media established Key Code Education, a specialised institution for educating media experts. They also employed C-7/C-10 engineers to broaden their reach and take on more extensive audio-visual endeavours for government and educational organisations.

However, as the company grew and demand for services soared, Key Code Media’s leadership realised their current systems couldn’t keep up. They needed a more efficient way to manage their projects and financials. This need for improvement drove them to seek a comprehensive solution that could integrate all their processes seamlessly. The search for a better system was about keeping up with growth and maintaining their high standards of service and efficiency.

Challenges Key Code Media Had Before Acumatica

Disjointed Systems

 

Key Code Media relied on several disconnected systems to manage its operations. For accounting, they used Sage 100. They turned to Saleslogix for project management, and Microsoft Excel was their go-to for project coding. These siloed systems made it nearly impossible to get real-time project status updates. As a result, understanding project profitability and expenses became a daunting task. 

Inefficiencies and Manual Processes

Managing multiple systems led to significant inefficiencies. Employees spent a lot of time importing and exporting data manually, which increased the risk of errors. Getting a comprehensive report was difficult and time-consuming. 

“It was challenging to try and make everything work. Just getting a report proved difficult. It was a siloed system, and it took a lot of time to understand where we were as a business,” Chan adds.

Increasing Complexity

As Key Code Media grew and took on larger projects, the complexity of its operations increased. Its existing systems couldn’t handle the higher transaction volumes and the need for more robust project management capabilities. This growth highlighted the limitations of its current setup, prompting the need for a more integrated solution.

Need for Integrated Solutions
 

Key Code Media recognised the need for a single, connected ERP solution. They sought an integrated system for project management, CRM, and robust project coding. Automation of workflows and elimination of manual duplicate entries were also top priorities. Executives wanted an ERP vendor that was technologically advanced and customer-driven. 

Search for a Better Solution

The leadership at Key Code Media began evaluating several ERP systems, including Microsoft Dynamics and Sage Intacct. Despite thorough evaluations, these systems fell short of their requirements. 

“I looked at how they fit our day-to-day operations, such as the functionality they offered and how they designed their workflows,” says Chan. “The sales teams weren’t transparent and would not reveal how the system accounted for drop shipping items that weren’t received in the warehouse or how they matched revenue to the cost of goods sold.” 

This drove them to search for a solution to meet their comprehensive needs.

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Key Code Media’s search for a comprehensive solution finally led them to Acumatica Cloud ERP. The Acumatica team stood out with their transparency and willingness to demonstrate how their platform could address Key Code Media’s specific needs. 

Acumatica’s ease of use and robust functionality impressed Key Code Media’s executives. Chan particularly appreciated the low-code tools and open architecture, which allowed their team to make necessary adjustments without the need for third-party developers. 

“Acumatica doesn’t require you to go to a 4-year school to understand programming before you can configure the software. You can go to Acumatica University and learn how to make small adjustments, like changing the name of a field. It’s fantastic,” says Chan.

This flexibility and a transactional pricing model that supported unlimited users made Acumatica an ideal choice for Key Code Media. For Key Code Media, most of their workforce consisted of engineers who seldom needed to access the ERP system. They only required occasional access for tasks like entering timecards or performing brief system checks. Paying for a full-user license for each of these infrequent users seemed unnecessary. 

Outstanding Results for Key Code Media with Acumatica 
 

Significant Growth During the Pandemic

When the pandemic hit, Key Code Media experienced a surge in growth, increasing its revenue and workforce by over 70%. Acumatica played a crucial role in this transition, providing the tools necessary for seamless remote work. 

“We were able to scale the business affordably with Acumatica and then pivot to working remotely simply by using a browser to access Acumatica,” says Ka Man Chan, CFO at Key Code Media. The centralised access to real-time data allowed employees to respond to customers quickly and efficiently, even during supply chain disruptions.

Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings

Acumatica’s cloud-based solution enabled Key Code Media to avoid the costs associated with new server purchases, hardware support, and maintenance, saving them more than $30,000. Moving to the cloud also allowed the company to eliminate the need for legacy software packages, reducing overall support costs. 

“Acumatica has made us more efficient,” Chan notes. Employees now enter information directly into Acumatica, eliminating the manual data transfers that once consumed hours.

Improved Project Management and Accounting

With Acumatica, Key Code Media was able to unify its project management and accounting processes. Previously, due to their siloed systems, they struggled to track project profitability and expenses. Now, they have real-time visibility into project status, revenue generation, and cost of goods sold. 

This integration has significantly improved their ability to manage projects and make informed decisions.

Futureproofing and Continued Growth

Key Code Media chose Acumatica not only for its current capabilities but also for its commitment to continuous improvement. “Acumatica really knew the market and understood our business and how to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning,” Chan explains. 

The company plans to expand its services, including adding IT consulting, to meet the specialised needs of its clients. With Acumatica, they can easily accommodate additional users and services, ensuring they are well-prepared for future growth. “These efficiencies are helping us to grow the business with Acumatica,” Chan concludes.

Conclusion

Key Code Media faced significant challenges with their disconnected systems and manual processes. These issues made it difficult to track project profitability, manage expenses, and ensure efficient operations. The company’s growth and increasing complexity only amplified these problems. 

By switching to Acumatica, Key Code Media transformed its business. They achieved substantial cost savings, streamlined operations, and gained real-time data access. This unified platform enabled them to scale efficiently and respond to customer needs quickly, even amidst a global pandemic.

How AcuPower Can Assist You

At AcuPower, your business transformation is our specialty. With us as your Acumatica partner, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of services, including consultation, demos, implementation, customization, and technical support.

Your success is our priority. Every solution is tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you’re struggling with siloed systems, manual processes, or the need for real-time data. You can trust our expertise to help you overcome these challenges and achieve your goals.

Book a Consultation with Us
 

Ready to explore how Acumatica can revolutionize your business? Book a consultation with AcuPower. Our experienced ERP consultant, Brendan Mead, will guide you through the process and demonstrate how the platform’s capabilities can address your specific pain points.

For your information, Brendan Mead has 30+ years of experience. He is ready to share his insights on ERP systems he was working with during his long and fruitful career: MS Dynamics, Sage, Acumatica, etc. Feel free to ask your questions during a call with him.

Don’t let inefficient systems hold you back. Contact AcuPower today and take the first step towards a more streamlined, efficient, and profitable business. Book your consultation now and discover the Acumatica Advantage tailored for you.