Nidac Security Pty. Ltd. is a multifaceted security business that was founded in Melbourne in 1964. Nidac is the longest running commercial manufacturer of security products in Australia and has a long and enviable history in the manufacture and distribution of some of the best security products available on the market today. Nidac has received several design and product excellence awards throughout the years and distributes its product range throughout Australia and the Southeast Asian region.
Drivers for Change
As Nidac experienced growth and diversification, the need for more powerful internal systems became increasingly clear. The company had relied on Arrow Financials for many years, but with expanding operations and the desire for continued success, it became clear that improvements in internal accountability and operational efficiency were essential. General Manager Tristan Hast recognised the critical need for a modernised financial management system to support and sustain this growth. “Our goal was to refine management reporting and explore ways to integrate our financial systems with an e-commerce platform, ultimately driving new sales opportunities and improving overall efficiency,” she explained.
Hast envisioned the e-commerce platform as a new and dynamic sales channel that would significantly expand Nidac’s reach into international markets. Beyond merely improving sales, the company looked to streamline customer order processing and payment systems, aiming for a more efficient and customer-friendly experience. “I was particularly focused on finding an accounting solution that would integrate smoothly with the e-commerce systems,” Hast added. The vision was not just about keeping up with the current pace but positioning Nidac for long-term success in a highly competitive industry.
The Solution
Implementing a major system like Tencia required careful planning and a comprehensive understanding of the company’s objectives. This wasn’t just about software installation; it was about aligning the technological capabilities with the future direction of the business. “We took the time to evaluate our business model, analyse our strengths and weaknesses, and align our future goals with the capabilities of the software,” said Hast. After a thorough assessment, Nidac decided to partner with their trusted Arrow Business Partner, whose deep understanding of Nidac’s operations and long-standing relationship made them the ideal choice for guiding this critical transition.
During the early stages of the transition, Nidac encountered some initial challenges and teething issues, as is common with any major system overhaul. However, the company was never left to navigate these challenges alone. “Our Arrow Business Partner was outstanding throughout the process,” said Hast. “They were transparent and honest, which allowed us to manage our expectations effectively. Their support ensured that any issues were promptly addressed, minimising disruptions and keeping the project on track.”
The Results
With specific business goals in mind, Hast and her team worked closely with their Arrow Business Partner and e-commerce implementation partner to achieve their desired outcomes. Tencia Connect was the key application used to integrate Tencia with the e-commerce front end, acting as a crucial link between the online store and the back-end financial system. This integration allowed for seamless connectivity, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors. Customers could now easily browse products, place orders, check order status, and make payments online from anywhere, significantly enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. “The special pricing features in Tencia have been particularly beneficial. We can set special prices and discounts for individual customers, and these automatically sync with the e-commerce site,” Hast noted. “This has freed up time for us to focus more on our core business instead of administrative tasks.”
Nidac’s international operations required effective management of foreign currencies, an area where Tencia provided significant advantages. “The Foreign Currency feature in Tencia has been a game-changer for us,” said Hast. “It allows us to generate Foreign Exchange Profit and Loss reports quickly, improving our ability to manage currency fluctuations and enhancing our financial oversight. This has been particularly important as we continue to expand our international presence, giving us the tools we need to navigate complex global markets with confidence.”
Another feature that proved invaluable was Tencia’s Bill of Materials functionality. “Given our specialised needs, Tencia’s Bill of Materials feature was a perfect fit. It integrates seamlessly with other parts of the system, ensuring that data updates flow through to stock management and other areas without the need for redundant data handling,” Hast explained. This level of integration not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors, ensuring that all aspects of the business are synchronised and operating efficiently.
Confidence for Future Growth
The implementation of Tencia has brought about significant improvements for Nidac, positively impacting the company’s financial performance and operational efficiency. “These advancements have not only improved our bottom line but have also positioned us for continued success,” said Hast. “We are committed to leveraging Tencia’s capabilities as we pursue new business opportunities and strive to enhance our customer service. The success we’ve seen so far gives us confidence in our ability to continue growing and adapting to the needs of our customers and the market at large. As we look to the future, we will keep exploring new ways to optimise our processes and harness the full potential of Tencia, ensuring that Nidac remains a leader in the security industry for years to come.”
