Insights for inventory businesses

What we learn fixing Cin7, QuickBooks and the financial operations underneath growing inventory businesses.

259 articles // page 10 of 22

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

When to Rebuild (Versus Tweak) Your Cin7 Setup

In this article, I address the common issue of Cin7 implementations not fully delivering on their promise and guides product-based businesses on whether to tweak their existing setup or undertake a more significant rebuild. I argue that a poor initial setup often leads to significant operational and financial issues, suggesting a controlled rebuild (stopping syncs, running stocktakes, archiving noise, reviewing product lists, documenting processes, and reconnecting systems cleanly) is often the necessary path to achieve a functional and trustworthy Cin7 environment. I provide three key questions to help businesses determine if a tweak is sufficient or if a rebuild is required for clarity, control, and confidence.

Pierre GoldieMay 2, 20253 min read

Systems and Software3PL

From Implementation to Impact: What Most ERP Setups Miss (And How Ops Can Bridge the Gap)

Most product businesses treat ERP implementation—like Cin7 Core—as a finish line. It’s not. It’s the starting point. In conversation with Christo (Fiskal’s COO and former ERP implementer), Jaco unpacks why so many ERP rollouts stall post-go-live. The core issue? Lack of operational integration. ERP systems are often implemented without real input from the teams who’ll actually use them. The result is bad data, broken reporting, and a disconnect between operations and finance. Without a feedback loop that ties daily activity to system configuration, ERP becomes a record-keeping tool—not a decision-making engine. Christo’s view is blunt: clean data is the system. If your stock isn’t right, your margins won’t be. If your POs aren’t closed, your financials are fiction. For ERP to deliver value, it must reflect how your team works—and your team must be trained to work with it. At Fiskal, the goal isn’t to “go live.” It’s to stay live, week after week, with accurate data driving real insight. That’s why ERP must be treated as a living system—continuously refined, with ops and finance pulling in the same direction.

Jaco RoetsMay 2, 20252 min read

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

Odoo vs. Xero: Which is the Best Fit for Your Business? Part 5

In this final part of my Odoo vs. Xero series, I wrap up by comparing compliance, support, and cost. Based on my analysis, I find that Xero stands out for its user-friendly interface, making it a great fit for smaller businesses needing straightforward accounting, though it often relies on third-party apps for more advanced collaboration, multi-step approvals, or integrated project management. On the other hand, I see Odoo offering a more comprehensive, integrated suite with highly detailed user permissions, strong built-in tools like Chatter for real-time collaboration, and robust, customizable workflow and task management through its native modules. While Odoo's ERP structure provides superior scalability for high transaction volumes and extensive customization possibilities, I conclude that this flexibility generally requires a steeper learning curve and potentially more development resources compared to Xero's simpler, off-the-shelf approach.

Pierre GoldieApr 30, 202516 min read

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

How to Build a Finance Function for a Scaling Product Business

In this article, I outline a strategic approach to building a finance function for scaling product businesses, emphasizing the importance of understanding core operations first, then integrating finance processes with a focus on automation, and finally leveraging deep-dive Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) with validated data for effective decision-making, drawing inspiration from Mark Cuban's philosophy of system independence.

Jaco RoetsApr 30, 20252 min read

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

Tariffs are a Test You Can't Cheat: What Product Brands Must Get Right Now

In this article, I argue that current tariffs are not just a cost issue but a stress test revealing the operational weaknesses of product businesses relying on disconnected systems and poor data visibility. I emphasize the need for connected financial and operational data, channel-aware reporting, and robust financial planning (FP&A) to build resilience against market volatility, offering a path for businesses to gain control over their data and decision-making.

Pierre GoldieApr 30, 20253 min read

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

Role of the Ecomm Accountant

In 2025, the ecommerce landscape is booming, with online sales reaching new heights. However, this growth brings unique financial challenges that can overwhelm business owners. Hiring an ecommerce accountant is not just a smart move—it’s essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring long-term success. This overview explores why ecommerce businesses need specialized financial help, the roles of different professionals, when to seek assistance, and the benefits of partnering with an expert.

Pierre GoldieApr 29, 20255 min read

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

Odoo vs. Xero: Which is the Best Fit for Your Business? Part 4

In this part of my series comparing Odoo and Xero, I dive into user experience, workflow management, and scalability/customization. Based on my analysis, I find that Xero stands out for its user-friendly interface, making it a great fit for smaller businesses needing straightforward accounting, though it often relies on third-party apps for more advanced collaboration, multi-step approvals, or integrated project management. On the other hand, I see Odoo offering a more comprehensive, integrated suite with highly detailed user permissions, strong built-in tools like Chatter for real-time collaboration, and robust, customizable workflow and task management through its native modules. While Odoo's ERP structure provides superior scalability for high transaction volumes and extensive customization possibilities, I conclude that this flexibility generally requires a steeper learning curve and potentially more development resources compared to Xero's simpler, off-the-shelf approach.

Pierre GoldieApr 24, 202514 min read

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

Odoo vs. Xero: Which is the Best Fit for Your Business? Part 3

In this part of my Odoo vs. Xero series, I compared their multi-currency, inventory/COGS, and automation/integration features. I found that Xero is better for small to medium-sized businesses that need frequent exchange rate updates, while Odoo is more suitable for larger businesses that require a comprehensive ERP system with detailed reporting. Xero offers a user-friendly approach to basic inventory needs, but Odoo's advanced features are better for complex operations. For automation and integrations, Xero focuses on accounting-specific tasks with a wide range of app integrations, whereas Odoo provides broader ERP automation and more customizable integrations.

Pierre GoldieApr 23, 202510 min read

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

Odoo vs. Xero: Which is the Best Fit for Your Business? Part 2

In this second in a five-part series, I compare Odoo and Xero's accounting modules, focusing on Sales & Invoicing, Purchases & Accounts Payable, and Reporting & Analytics. Xero excels in speed and ease for invoicing, payment gateway integration, and user-friendly reporting, making it ideal for smaller businesses. Odoo offers deeper customization, robust automation, multi-level approvals, and extensive reporting capabilities, suited for larger or complex businesses needing ERP integration. Ultimately, Xero prioritizes simplicity and scalability, while Odoo provides depth and flexibility for demanding business requirements.

Pierre GoldieApr 16, 202512 min read

Systems and SoftwareEcommerce

Odoo vs. Xero: Which is the Best Fit for Your Business?

In this first in a five-part series, I delve into a comprehensive comparison of Odoo and Xero's accounting functionalities, concentrating on their General Ledger and Chart of Accounts, along with their Bank Feeds and Reconciliation capabilities. I evaluate the flexibility and customization options each platform offers for their chart of accounts, the simplicity of their setup processes, and their effectiveness in managing multiple entities and consolidated accounts. Furthermore, I scrutinize the dependability of their bank feeds, the efficiency of their transaction matching, and their support for local banks. My findings indicate that Odoo provides superior flexibility and depth for intricate accounting demands, especially for multi-entity management, whereas Xero excels in user-friendliness, swift setup, and efficient bank reconciliation, rendering it perfect for straightforward bookkeeping and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Pierre GoldieApr 14, 202514 min read

Systems and Software3PL

Mastering Change with the FISKAL Framework

In this blog, I discuss the inherent difficulty of implementing change within organizations, noting the common three-phase resistance pattern of being closed to the process, defensiveness, and stubborn reluctance, which contributes to a high failure rate in change programs. Introducing the FISKAL framework (Foundation, Inspiration, Skills, Kick Off, Application, and Longevity) as a step-by-step guide to increase the success rate of change initiatives. This framework emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear "why," creating buy-in, providing adequate training, setting a roll-out date, supporting real-world application, and ensuring long-term adoption through reinforcement and cultural embedding.

Jacobus RoetsApr 8, 20252 min read

Systems and Software3PL

How to use data analysis to see if your team is using your systems effectively

In this blog, I emphasize the importance of actively monitoring software usage within a team to ensure effectiveness, advocating for a data-driven approach rather than relying on assumptions. I outline key metrics to track and suggest methods for accessing this data. Then I detail how to establish benchmarks for "good" usage and interpret usage trends to identify areas for improvement. Ultimately, I advocate for using data analysis to gain an objective understanding of system adoption and effectiveness.

Christo KleinhansApr 5, 20253 min read