Happenings Feb 14, 2025

    In this issue:

• National Day Spotlight
• Customer Spotlight
• Managed Service Tip
• Acumatica User Tip
• Leadership Tip
• Events, Blogs, Movies
• Webinars, Community

The purpose of a newsletter is an opportunity for the ASWi team to provide you and the rest of our clients with information on all the new ASWi an Acumatica related things (or “happenings”) that you may not otherwise be aware of.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with any/ all of your team. Pease let me know if anyone on your team who would like to be added to the mailing list for the next issue and removed.

You can always have a look at back issues of Happenings on ASWi’s web- site at: https://aswiblog.wpengine.com/category/customer-newsletters/

“Wisconsin’s a special place.” Brett Favre

Rich in copper, lead, forest and fertile farmland, Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to reach Wisconsin while seeking a Northwest passage to China.

A mining boom, not fur trading, led to the nickname “The Badger State”. The miners burrowed into the hillsides much like badgers for shelter instead of setting up more permanent homesteads.

By the turn of the century, the state became known for its dairy farms and synonymous with cheese. Mining, dairies, and breweries grew one after the other as an influx of German immigrants in the 1850s brought a new brand of dreamers.

Enjoy National Wisconsin Day by enjoying some of their food products or, better yet, visit some of their fantastic natural resources (ice fishing, skating, etc.).

The story behind the pictures:

On the left is my resident Badger alum and I about to watch the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team compete in the Final Four more than a minute ago. On the right is our client The Electrician, Inc. team outside their Verona, Wisconsin facility.

You might live in Wisconsin if…

• Someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don’t work there.
• You have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Wisconsin.
• You find –20F “a little chilly”.
• A “brat” is something you eat.
• You think ketchup is a little too spicy.
• There are 7 empty cars running in your local Mill’s Fleet Farm’s parking lot .

ASWi is very humbled, privileged, and proud to be able to serve some of the most innovative organizations in the country as their trusted advisor business systems and managed services.

Today, I want to highlight Think Power Solutions.

Founded in 2013 , Think Power Solutions, LLC is headquartered in Plano, Texas. They provide Construction Management, Engineering Services, Storm Response and more to electric utility customers in 19 states across the United States.

Think Power Solutions has been consistently rated as a Great Place to Work, with over 90% employee satisfaction.

Did you know that insider threats account for nearly a third of all security breaches?

The good news is that there’s a simple yet powerful approach to mitigating these risks: The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP).

What PoLP Is
The Principle of Least Privilege is a security strategy that ensures employees, systems, and processes only have access to the data and resources they absolutely need to do their jobs – nothing more, nothing less.

This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have tool in the fight against insider threats, accidental or intentional.

How PoLP Reduces Insider Threats
1. Limits Damage from Compromised Accounts
If credentials are stolen, hackers are restricted to minimal access.

2. Prevents Accidental Data Breaches
Reduces the chance of unintentional changes or exposure of sensitive information.

3. Eases Compliance Requirements
Many frameworks, like NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC, recommend PoLP as a best practice.

4. Simplifies Monitoring
Fewer access permissions make it easier to track and identify unusual activity.

Steps to Implement PoLP
• Audit Current Access Levels
Start by reviewing who has access to what.

• Create Rol-Based Access Controls (RBAC)
Define roles and assign access permissions based on job requirements.

• Adopt Just-in-Time (JIT) Access
Temporarily grant higher access only when absolutely necessary.

• Enforce Regular Reviews
Conduct periodic access audits to ensure permissions are up-to-date.

• Use Automation
Tools like privilege access management (PAM) systems can help enforce and monitor PoLP policies effectively.

Remember
PoLP isn’t a “set it and forget it” solution. It requires ongoing adjustments and vigilance to ensure your organization remains secure.

Please let our Customer Success Manager Keith Wood know (keithw@ASWiUS.com, 717-581-1226) if you would like to learn more about implementing PoLP in your organization.

Acumatica ERP supports Multi-Company Setup,

Consolidation Hub & Intercompany Trx
Acumatica Cloud ERP supports Multi-Organization Setup, Consolidation Hub, and Intercompany Transactions through its Financial Management module. Below is an overview of where these features are configured and managed in Acumatica:

1. Multi-Organization Setup (Multi-Company / Multi-Branch)
Acumatica allows you to configure multiple legal entities or branches within the same tenant.

Where to Set It Up?
• Navigate to Configuration → Organization → Companies (CS101500) to create multiple companies.

• Go to Configuration → Organization → Branches (CS102000) to create multiple branches under a company.

Key Features:
• Supports multiple legal entities within the same tenant.
• Each company can have separate financials & chart of accounts (optional).
• User-based security roles restrict access to specific companies or branches.
• Shared master data (customers, vendors, employees) is optional.

2. Consolidation Hub (Financial Consolidation)
Acumatica provides financial consolidation for companies w/ multiple legal entities.

Where to Set It Up?
• Navigate to Finance → General Ledger → Companies (CS101500).
• Use Finance → General Ledger → Inter-Company Accounting (GL104500) to configure consolidation.
• Use Finance → General Ledger → Consolidation (GL304500) to set up reporting ledgers and data mapping.

Key Features:
• Consolidates financials from multiple companies into a single reporting entity. Supports different base currencies (automatic currency conversion).
• Uses Consolidation Ledger to manage eliminations and adjustments.
• Data can be manually or automatically imported from subsidiaries.

3. Intercompany Transactions
Acumatica supports automated intercompany transactions, allowing transactions between different companies or branches.

Where to Set It Up?
• Navigate to Finance → General Ledger → Inter-Company Accounting (GL104500).
• Set up Inter-Company Account Mapping to define accounts for transactions between companies.

Key Features:
• Supports automatic due-to / due-from journal entries.
• Enables intercompany sales and purchases between entities.
• Allows shared vendors/customers between multiple companies.
• Works with Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and General Ledger (GL).

Palletization is a critical factor in freight shipping, directly impacting costs, efficiency, and product safety. Poor palletization leads to wasted space, damaged goods, and increased shipping expenses. For businesses managing high-volume shipments, leveraging a transportation management system (TMS) with palletization optimization (such as FreightPOP) can improve freight efficiency, automate packing decisions, and enhance overall logistics performance.

Benefits of Effective Palletization
1 Lower Freight Costs
Freight carriers calculate costs based on weight, dimensions, and space utilization. Inefficient palletization can result in higher charges due to excess space usage or dimensional weight pricing. Properly stacked pallets minimize unnecessary freight expenses and optimize trailer space.

2. Minimized Product Damage
Incorrect stacking and insufficient load securing can cause goods to shift during transit, leading to damage claims and costly product losses. Using the right stacking techniques, securing loads with stretch wrap or strapping, and selecting quality pallets help protect shipments.

3. Faster Handling and Transit Times
Well-organized pallets allow for quicker loading, unloading, and warehouse processing. This reduces labor costs, improves efficiency in distribution centers, and minimizes delays in the shipping process.

4. Sustainability and Waste Reduction
Optimizing pallet configurations helps reduce packaging waste, minimize unnecessary shipments, and lower carbon emissions, enabling businesses to contribute to a more sustainable supply chain.

Palletization Best Practices
1. Select the Right Pallet Size
The standard pallet size in the U.S. is 48” x 40”, but depending on shipment needs, alternative sizes may be more effective. Choosing the appropriate pallet dimensions ensures efficient space utilization and prevents overhanging freight that could lead to damage or additional fees.

2. Use Optimal Stacking Techniques
• Column stacking provides greater vertical strength by aligning boxes directly on top of one another.
• Interlocking stacking offers additional stability by alternating layers but may reduce weight capacity.
• Heavy items should be placed at the bottom to maintain balance and prevent tipping.

3. Secure the Load Properly
• Stretch wrap tightly secures shipments and prevents shifting.
• Strapping or banding reinforces heavier loads, reducing movement during transit.
• Corner boards & edge protectors prevent damage by strapping pressure.

4. Comply with Carrier Requirements
• Keep palletized shipments within carrier height and weight restrictions to avoid additional surcharges.
• Ensure labels and barcodes remain visible for seamless scanning & tracking.
• Avoid overhanging freight, as it can lead to rejections or damage during transport.

5. Leverage a TMS like FreightPOP for Palletization Optimization

by Keith Lubner

In today’s dynamic business environment, change is not just an inevitability; it’s a strategic imperative. Effective leaders are those who not only recognize the need for change but also possess the skills to initiate and sustain it.

Get change right and your organization accelerates past its competitors. Get it wrong and you flounder.

1. Establish a Clear Vision
The foundation of any successful change initiative lies in a clear and compelling vision. Leaders must articulate a vivid picture of what the organization aims to achieve.

This vision serves as a guiding light, providing direction and purpose to all stakeholders involved. It should be communicated in a way that inspires and motivates the team and used continually to reinforce the importance of the change.

Phrases like “picture us in one year” (or whatever timeframe you desire) help people create the imagery in their minds of the results of the change.

2. Communicate Clearly
Open, honest, and transparent communication is paramount during times of change. Leaders must keep the lines of communication open, ensuring that all team members understand the reasons behind the change and how it aligns with the individual’s and organization’s goals. Additionally, leaders should provide regular updates on the progress of the initiative. This builds trust and fosters a sense of inclusion among team members.

3. Empower People
Successful change initiatives involve the active participation of team members at all levels of the organization. Leaders should empower their teams by involving them in the decision-making process and seeking their input and feedback.

This not only generates a sense of ownership but also leverages the collective intelligence and experience of the team, leading to more robust and sustainable solutions.

4. Anticipate Resistance
Change often triggers resistance, as it disrupts established routines and may evoke feelings of uncertainty or fear. In short, people don’t want to let go of their status quo because, in their minds eye, it’s not safe.

Effective leaders anticipate this resistance and proactively address it. They engage with team members to understand their concerns, provide reassurance, and offer support and resources to facilitate the transition.

By acknowledging and validating these feelings, leaders can turn potential detractors into advocates for the change.

Leaders also find “bell cows” in their team, ie. people who are embracing the change and who can “lead by example”.

5. Leaders Must also Lead by Example
Leaders must embody the change they seek to implement. This involves not only advocating for the change but also demonstrating it through their actions and behaviors.

When team members see their leaders fully committed to the new direction, they are more likely to follow suit. Leading by example creates a culture of accountability and reinforces the importance of the change initiative.

6. Celebrate Wins – Big AND Small
Recognizing and celebrating small wins along the way is crucial for sustaining momentum and motivation. Leaders should take the time to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of their team members, no matter how incremental.

This not only boosts morale but also reinforces the belief that progress is being made and that the change is worth the investment. People must emotionally feel good about the change.

7. Provide Ongoing Support and Resources
Change often requires new skills, tools, and resources. Leaders must ensure that their teams have access to the training, mentoring, and resources they need to navigate the transition successfully.

This includes providing ongoing learning opportunities and creating a supportive environment where team members feel comfortable seeking help and guidance.

8. Monitor Progress and Adapt as Needed
Change is a dynamic process, and leaders must be prepared to adapt their approach based on feedback and evolving circumstances. Regularly monitoring progress and gathering feedback allows leaders to make necessary adjustments and course corrections.

A trick here is for the leader to seek out the opinions of their team members. People feel valued when their opinions are sought and it helps envelope
them into the change process that the leader seeks.

Be An Agent of Change
Embracing these strategies not only positions leaders as catalysts for positive transformation but also ensures that their organizations remain agile, competitive, and poised for long-term success in an ever-changing world.

It’s not easy to make change happen, but it’s a requirement of all leaders in today’s world.

Nearly every weekday, a motivational quote is posted on X/Twitter by @ASWiDelivered and on LinkedIn by @ASWi.

• “I care only about knowing more than yesterday.” Walt Disney
• “I like the impossible because there’s less competition.” Walt Disney
• “Keep going now matter what.” RF Lewis
• “Being different isn’t a bad thing.” JK Rowling
• “In life, you are either buying or selling” S. Uddin