Strategic Insights

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BUSINESS
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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.

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/

11 min
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/

20 min
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/

20 min
06/11/2025

31: Tailored Tools & Trusted Partners: Enhancing NetSuite with Strategic

This week on Strategic Insights, senior NetSuite consultant Kate Emrick shares how Strategic Information Group supports clients beyond implementation. She breaks down the benefits of choosing a partner over going direct, emphasizing Strategic’s “partner for life” approach and long-term support. Kate highlights customer-driven extensions like EZ Assets and BillFinity, which streamline fixed asset management and recurring billing. She also dives into customer care plans, built to evolve systems alongside client goals. For life sciences, Strategic offers tools like e-signatures and vendor certification tracking to boost auditability and compliance. With deep expertise and a client-first mindset, Kate shows how Strategic delivers tailored, secure, and future-ready NetSuite solutions. 00:00 Welcome to Strategic Insights 01:01 A Day in the Life of a NetSuite Consultant 02:16 Kate’s Journey to NetSuite 04:28 Choosing a Partner Over Direct 06:40 The Value of Extensions 09:29 Customer Care Plans Explained 12:32 Tailored Support for Growing Businesses 14:04 Innovations on the Horizon 17:21 Ensuring Compliance and Validation 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/

18 min
05/07/2025

30: Maximizing NetSuite: Strategic’s Approach to Client Success

Caleb Wilson, NetSuite Account Manager at Strategic Information Group, breaks down how Strategic supports both partner of record and non-partner of record clients—regardless of where they purchased NetSuite. From managing renewals and upsells to offering tailored support packages, Strategic acts as an extension of the client's IT team, ensuring their NetSuite platform evolves alongside their business. Strategic’s customer care programs include health checks, release impact reviews, and annual business process reviews. These services, paired with proactive account management, help clients maximize ROI and improve satisfaction—even transforming struggling NetSuite implementations into success stories. Learn more at strategic.com. 00:00 Introduction to Strategic Insights 00:34 Caleb’s Role in NetSuite 02:05 Understanding Partner vs. Non-Partner Clients 03:34 Passion for Client Relations 04:43 Optimizing NetSuite for Clients 05:38 Success Stories: Transforming Client Experiences 07:06 Strategic Tools and Services 09:08 Proactive Support and Continuous Improvement 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/

11 min
04/09/2025

29: Global Compliance, Simplified: Strategic’s Validation Solution

In this episode of Strategic Insights, host Andrew Makl is joined by Amy Vasquez, Senior Solutions Architect, and Brian Brown, Senior Validation Consultant at Strategic Information Group. They introduce Strategic’s new continuous validation service, designed to help SaaS solution users maintain compliance amid frequent software updates. This proactive program ensures customers stay ahead of regulatory requirements across industries. Amy and Brian share how Strategic partners with clients to monitor changes, assess risks, and streamline validation. The approach supports global compliance standards while easing the burden on manufacturers. With a forward-looking roadmap, Strategic’s continuous validation program evolves alongside clients’ growth—helping them remain competitive, compliant, and ready to adopt the latest innovations. 00:00 Introduction to Continuous Validation 00:44 Meet the Experts: Amy Vasquez 03:35 Meet the Experts: Brian Brown 04:47 The Evolution of Validation Practices 05:30 Understanding Continuous Validation 08:09 Partnering for Success 10:01 Navigating Release Changes 12:41 Risk-Based Approach to Validation 16:00 The Future of Continuous Validation 18:49 Looking Ahead: Growth and Adaptation

22 min
01/15/2025

28: Strategic's Journey and Future with Mike Cook

In this episode of Strategic Insights, host Andrew Makl is joined by Mike Cook, SVP of Global Sales and Marketing for Strategic. They explore the company's rich history, ambitious plans for 2024, the exciting expansion into Europe, and their innovative sales, support and full service approach. Tune in for a comprehensive look at Strategic's past, present, and future! Show Links Learn more about Andrew and SIG'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/ Mike Cook - SVP of Global Sales and Marketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-cook-8a56b083/

23 min
12/11/2024

27: Cutting-Edge Solutions for Life Science: Insights from 123Go

Join host Andrew Makl as he talks with Suzy Reno, President and CEO of Strategic, and Dominic Rea, founder of 123Go, about the transformative new tools tailored for life science organizations under the latest GAAP requirements. Learn how their partnership is introducing cutting-edge solutions like the problem manager and data sync tools, and how these innovations are addressing integration challenges and delivering real value to customers. Show Links ________________ Learn more about Andrew and SIG'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/ Suzy Reno - President, CEO Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzy-reno-9739758 Guest Links Dominic Rea - Founder - 123Go Website: https://www.123go.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicrea/

21 min

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.

Creator

Speakeasy Podcast Network
Years Active

2023 - 2025
Episodes

34
Rating

Clean
Copyright

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Strategic Insights