EP 103: Kurt Keating – Acumatica System Administrator @ MiiR (Podcast)

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Kurt Keating
Location: Lynden, Washington

In this episode, Kurt Keating, an Acumatica System Administrator at MiiR, discusses the recent Acumatica User Group meeting held in Seattle and the importance of community building in the Acumatica ecosystem.

About Kurt Keating (3:25)

Kurt Keating, the featured guest in this podcast episode, serves as the Acumatica System Administrator at MiiR, a notable drinkware company headquartered in Seattle. MiiR distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to sustainable practices and a dedication to giving back to the planet. As a certified B Corp, MiiR actively contributes 1% of its earnings to environmental causes, partaking in the global “1% for the Planet” initiative. MiiR’s core focus revolves around designing and manufacturing its own product range in-house, primarily centered on coffee, beer, and wine accessories. Kurt Keating joined MiiR in April, bringing his wealth of expertise in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, including Oracle, to the company. His role as the Acumatica System Administrator encompasses responsibilities that extend beyond the conventional IT domain, involving various facets of MiiR’s operations and data management.

MiiR’s journey with Acumatica began approximately four years ago when the company transitioned to the Acumatica Cloud ERP system. This move aligned with their vision of streamlined and efficient operations as they sought to enhance their market presence. While MiiR’s revenue stands at around $50 million, they are actively looking to expand their market share, prompting the need for a more robust and capable ERP system. Kurt’s arrival at MiiR marked a crucial step in this evolution, as his extensive background in ERP implementations, honed during his tenure as an Oracle consultant, positions him as a key player in driving efficiency and effectiveness within MiiR’s growing operations. In essence, MiiR’s choice of Acumatica as their ERP solution aligns with their forward-thinking ethos, characterized by adaptability and a focus on achieving comprehensive business objectives efficiently.

The Birth of the Seattle Acumatica User Group (9:25)

The Seattle Acumatica User Group emerged as a response to the growing need for a local community of Acumatica users in the Pacific Northwest region. It facilitates knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among businesses utilizing Acumatica. The user group’s primary aim is to foster connections among like-minded companies in the Seattle area, irrespective of their size or specific industry. By providing a platform for Acumatica users to come together, share experiences, and explore the system’s capabilities, the user group seeks to empower its members with valuable insights and expertise, ultimately enhancing their Acumatica ERP utilization. This initiative underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in building vibrant and supportive communities within the Acumatica ecosystem.

With approximately 20 to 40 attendees, the event boasted a relaxed and informal atmosphere, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration. The success of this inaugural meeting and the sense of camaraderie it fostered underscored the value of local user groups in cultivating knowledge sharing and strengthening the Acumatica community.

Location and Budget for User Group Meetings (14:12)

The location for the Seattle Acumatica User Group meeting was MiiR’s corporate office in Fremont. This choice provided an intimate and welcoming setting for the event. As for the budget, Keating alludes to the possibility of funding future meetings through Acumatica’s regional budget, offering a promising avenue for hosting events at various locations. This financial support aligns with the user group’s vision of expanding its reach and fostering an inclusive community in the Pacific Northwest region, beyond just Seattle.

Next User Group Meeting and Expanding the Community (21:42)

The Seattle Acumatica User Group’s future looks promising, with plans in motion for the next meeting to be scheduled after the Acumatica Summit. The focus for the upcoming session is expansion, both in terms of attendees and content. There is a plan to introduce more structured elements like breakout sessions and industry-specific discussions, ensuring that the meetings become not only social gatherings but also hubs of substantial knowledge exchange and collaborative learning within the Acumatica community. This proactive approach to expanding the user group’s scope highlights the commitment to creating a robust and supportive network for Acumatica users in the region.

MiiR, as a company deeply integrated with Acumatica, actively engages in events like the Industry Leaders Designation program. This initiative signifies their commitment to sharing expertise and collaborating beyond the user group meetings. By participating in these programs, businesses like MiiR contribute valuable insights and collateral, enriching the Acumatica community’s collective knowledge. This active involvement not only elevates individual businesses’ profiles but also strengthens the overall fabric of the Acumatica network, emphasizing the importance of collaborative learning and mutual support within the realm of ERP solutions.

The Benefits of Transitioning to Acumatica (25:30)

MiiR’s transition to Acumatica marked a transformative phase in their operational landscape, providing them with multifaceted advantages. Unlike traditional ERP systems, Acumatica’s flexibility and adaptability allowed MiiR to streamline its processes effectively. One significant benefit has been the ease of upgrades, their most recent one completed in just 3 and a half weeks – a fraction of the time typically associated with ERP upgrades. This quick turnaround not only saved valuable time but also minimized disruptions to their daily operations. Additionally, the freedom from the complexities of managing environments like Dev, Test, and Prod, coupled with a significant reduction in IT overheads, allowed the team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine technical tasks.

Wrapping Up

Kurt Keating’s experience in building the Seattle Acumatica User Group demonstrates the importance of community building within the Acumatica ecosystem. The user group’s informal approach and commitment to knowledge sharing create a valuable resource for local businesses using Acumatica. As the user group expands its reach in the Pacific Northwest, it will likely continue to serve as a platform for collaboration, learning, and networking within the Acumatica community.