CONNECTING DIFFERENT BUSINESS SYSTEMS
A custom integration of an existing ERP and accounting system
Miles IT helped McCollister’s, a single-source logistics services company, get a better understanding of their financials. We developed a systems integration solution that connected their AS400 ERP with their accounting systems, enabling McCollister’s to access accurate financial data in near-real-time.
THE CHALLENGE: GENERATING FINANCIAL REPORTS FAST
Integrating their existing ERP and accounting systems
McCollister’s came to Miles IT with a pressing need to integrate their AS400 ERP system with their accounting system to automate financial reporting. McCollister’s conducts its most important daily business operations via their AS400 ERP system, so the most up-to-date details, statuses, and information reside there.
THE SOLUTION: IMPROVING SYSTEM COMMUNICATION
Building an integration that optimizes data translation
Miles IT assessed the project and decided the best solution was to create an integration that would translate all the flat data coming out of AS400 into transactional data in the accounting system, Striven. This would make the financial data available to McCollister’s in near-real-time using the built-in reporting of Striven’s accounting module. Here are some highlights of the solution we developed for McCollister’s:
- We started with a file that was created every night with thousands of “flat” rows of data related to operations that are processed in the AS400 ERP and then translated into underlying Accounting transactions. These thousands of rows were not in a standard accounting format or structure. We needed to solve this problem.
- The project involved translating and transforming this raw/flat data into appropriate Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) transactions so that McCollister’s could have true transactional financial information available to support its business.
- This transformed data was then sent to Web APIs built into Striven to create and update AR transactions (Invoices, payments, credits, journal entries) and AP transactions (Bills and Bill credits) in Striven, following accounting standards and using the appropriate items and accounts.
- Once this data was imported to Striven, this allowed McCollister’s to utilize Striven’s built-in partner web portal to share financial transaction history with its subcontractors securely.
THE RESULTS: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
Real-time financial data equals better decision-making
Before this project, the client did not have an easy way to present or communicate their financial information without significant effort. They would have to spend a lot of time transforming the data from the AS400 into transactional information that would help them understand their financial numbers. Today, without any intervention, our powerful tool converts the nightly file into hundreds of AR and AP transactions that can be quickly and easily accessed within their accounting system.
Streamlined Systems
McCollister’s now has connected systems with enhanced functionality and capabilities to ensure timely access to financial data.
Business Intelligence
McCollister’s management team can see an accurate financial picture of the company and make smarter decisions to propel the company forward.
Third-Party Security
By using Striven’s portal, McCollister’s can share private financial data with subcontractors securely, improving transparency across the supply chain.
You Request. We Respond. It Gets Done!®
Project Highlights
A diagram of how the financial records go from AS400 to middleware and ultimately to Striven where McCollister’s can run financial reports and provide access to sub-contractors through Striven’s portal.