Strategic Insights

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Welcome to Strategic Insights, a podcast brought to you by Strategic Information Group, a 30-year leader in the enterprise software space. Hosted by Vice President of Sales Andrew Makl, this podcast will educate you on the problems businesses face today, and introduce you to the exceptional people who use the power of enterprise solutions to solve them.

  1. 09/03/2025

    34: Scaling Support, Simplifying Growth: Inside Strategic’s TotalCare

    On this episode of Strategic Insights, host Andrew Makl sits down with John Schmidt, VP of Managed Services and Security, to explore the evolution of Strategic’s TotalCare — a holistic, scalable support solution. They trace the journey from fragmented services like application, infrastructure, and EDI support to a single, unified offering that clients can trust for any need, no matter the platform. TotalCare stands out by offering proactive value: structured health checks, business process reviews, and a robust library of training videos. The conversation also touches on the internal security measures that protect client systems, and the rise of Strategic’s Defense Cloud in North America. Most powerfully, clients report smoother operations, faster response times, and deep peace of mind — no more 3 a.m. crisis calls, just a clear path to focus on strategic growth and employee well-being. 00:19 Introduction to TotalCare 01:33 A Day in the Life of John Schmidt 02:44 The Evolution of Managed Services 04:36 What Makes TotalCare Unique 06:07 Scalability and Customization of TotalCare 07:50 Transformational Impact on Clients 09:17 Client Feedback and Peace of Mind Show Links Learn more about Andrew and Strategic's work: strategic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategicinformationgroup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicinformationgroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-information-group/

    34: Scaling Support, Simplifying Growth: Inside Strategic’s TotalCare
  2. 08/06/2025

    33: From Shop Floor to Top Floor: The Fuuz Strategic Advantage

    On this episode, Andrew Makl speaks with Craig Scott, CEO of Fuuz, about transforming manufacturing technology. Craig shares how Fuuz was born from his frustrations as a service provider dealing with disconnected systems. Fuuz bridges the gap between the shop floor and top floor, offering a hybrid platform that simplifies deployments, blends pre-built solutions with customization, and keeps operations running even during internet outages. As Fuuz focuses on upmarket manufacturers, it tackles challenges like aging workforces and safety concerns by integrating AI, machine vision, and connected systems. Its low-code/no-code architecture empowers businesses to tailor solutions without heavy coding, future-proofing operations. With input from its customer advisory board, Fuuz continues adding advanced features like AI-driven tools for non-technical users, helping manufacturers improve data strategy and accelerate transformation. Visit Fuuz.com for more information! 00:19 Introduction to Fuuz and Craig Scott 01:50 The Inspiration Behind Fuuz 03:14 Evolving Market Needs 05:27 Operational Models and Safety 07:50 Fuuz as a Comprehensive Platform 10:01 Future-Proofing Operations 12:23 Customer Advisory Board Insights 14:53 Data Strategy and AI Integration 16:14 The Future of Manufacturing with Fuuz Show Links Learn more about Andrew and Strategic's work: strategic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategicinformationgroup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicinformationgroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-information-group/

    33: From Shop Floor to Top Floor: The Fuuz Strategic Advantage
  3. 07/09/2025

    32: Turning Quality Into a Competitive Edge: Strategic's Path to Growth

    This week on Strategic Insights, host Andrew Makl welcomes Dave Rendel, Senior Solution Architect at Strategic Information Group, to explore why Quality Management Systems (QMS) should never follow a one-size-fits-all model. Dave explains how the best QMS solutions align with each company’s specific goals and challenges, whether cutting recalls or improving delivery performance. Together, they highlight why Strategic’s approach starts with understanding client needs and designing a system focused on long-term success, not just short-term fixes. A strong QMS is more than an operations tool; it is a key sales and retention advantage. Dave and Andrew share how it creates confidence during audits and RFPs, strengthens supplier partnerships, and boosts employee satisfaction. In times of market uncertainty, companies that stay agile and improve their systems are best positioned to attract top talent, win loyal customers, and secure reliable suppliers.   00:18 Introduction to QMS Solutions 01:46 Understanding Client Needs 04:22 Defining ‘Best of Breed’ Solutions 07:19 Quality as a Sales Tool 10:47 Building Relationships Through Quality 12:40 The Impact of Quality on Employee Retention 14:02 Navigating Economic Uncertainty 17:10 Case Study: Kia’s Transformation   Show Links Learn more about Andrew and Strategic's work: strategic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategicinformationgroup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicinformationgroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-information-group/

    32: Turning Quality Into a Competitive Edge: Strategic's Path to Growth

About

Welcome to Strategic Insights, a podcast brought to you by Strategic Information Group, a 30-year leader in the enterprise software space. Hosted by Vice President of Sales Andrew Makl, this podcast will educate you on the problems businesses face today, and introduce you to the exceptional people who use the power of enterprise solutions to solve them.