In the heart of Austin, Texas, Smokey Denmark stands as a testament to the enduring tradition of producing premium smoked sausage, briskets, and other smoked meat products. As a family-owned and operated company since 1964, they’ve held fast to their commitment to quality, blending time-honored recipes with modern food processing equipment to consistently improve their offerings.

Founder Albert C. “Smokey” Denmark once remarked, “Quality products have few real competitors.” This philosophy has driven the company to not only produce exceptional meats but also to provide unparalleled customer service. Their values are rooted in the “Golden Rule” principle, ensuring fair dealings with others. With over 48 years of operation, Smokey Denmark has maintained an impeccable work ethic and sound business practices while creating high-quality products that satisfy every palate.

However, like any business, Smokey Denmark faced its share of challenges. One significant hurdle was the complexity of managing fluctuating meat costs, which were critical to their financial stability. Additionally, they had to comply with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act), which mandated stringent lot control for all food companies.

Assessing Their Challenges

To overcome these challenges and modernize their financial management, Smokey Denmark turned to a trusted AccountMate business partner. With a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement, Smokey Denmark embarked on a journey to implement a new company-wide software system.

The first major step in this transformation was the installation of AccountMate SQL Express, which addressed their core accounting requirements. This software, coupled with additional tools like Food Manufacturing Conductor and Bassets Fixed Asset System, provided a comprehensive and flexible financial management solution.

Key Improvements

One key improvement was the overhaul of meat order placement and tracking. Functionality was introduced to support catch weight processing, allowing customers to order in one unit of measure and be invoiced based on per-pound pricing, simplifying cost management.

Addressing the Bioterrorism Act’s lot control requirements, Smokey Denmark employed Food Manufacturing Conductor to track all raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods by lot and vendor number. This enhanced traceability enabled employees to monitor processes, maintain records, and swiftly identify and resolve quality issues, reducing waste and downtime.

For managing their fixed assets, Bassets Fixed Asset System was invaluable. It calculated depreciation, ensuring accurate cost control and tax savings, crucial for a business relying on specialized food production equipment.

Sophisticated reporting tools integrated with AccountMate allowed Smokey Denmark to monitor asset, sales, inventory, and production data in real-time, complying with government audit and inspection requirements. This streamlined their operations and instilled confidence in handling third-party audits, mock recalls, and unscheduled inspections.

Outcome and Results

The result of this technological overhaul has been nothing short of remarkable. Smokey Denmark now has a comprehensive front-to-back business management solution that captures data accurately and allows them to manage their business effectively. They continue to uphold their family tradition of producing premium meat products while embracing modern financial management practices for future generations. Smokey Denmark’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring values of quality and tradition. By embracing modern financial management solutions, they have not only preserved their legacy but also positioned themselves for a successful future in the ever-evolving food industry.

Want to speak to one of our highly-skilled business professionals about what AccountMate can do for your business? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537.

In the world of business, success often hinges on the ability to adapt and evolve. For West Memphis Fence & Construction Co., Inc., a family-owned company established in 1967, this mantra has been at the core of their journey. Specializing in a wide range of fencing solutions, including chain-link, ornamental iron, custom wood, and PVC, West Memphis Fence serves both residential and commercial clients. They don’t stop at permanent fencing; they also provide temporary rental fencing for construction sites and crowd control at events.

What sets West Memphis Fence apart is their unwavering commitment to customer service. Stephen Bius, Vice-President of the company, emphasizes that it’s more than just a job for them; it’s their family’s name and reputation on the line with every project they undertake. This dedication is reflected in their experienced team and a fleet of trucks, bobcats, and compressors, allowing them to bid on over 100 jobs each day.

The Challenge: Streamlining Job-Costing

West Memphis Fence faced significant job-costing inadequacies that made accurate bidding a cumbersome task. Their old, proprietary system required hours of manual labor to put together quotes, considering various factors such as material, labor, sub-contractor costs, and project specifics like fence type, class, size, and location. Government projects added complexity, demanding certified payroll tracking. The inefficiencies and limitations of their system were affecting their bottom line.

The Solution: A Technological Makeover

To tackle these challenges head-on, West Memphis Fence turned to a trusted AccountMate partner. They decided to implement AccountMate SQL, chosen for its scalability and open architecture, which could adapt to their specific business needs. AMBR Technologies also introduced JobCost, a comprehensive job costing system integrated seamlessly with AccountMate.

The technology makeover began with an overhaul of the job tracking and bid process. JobCost allowed detailed and efficient bid generation, with real-time cost tracking and comparisons to estimates. It facilitated compliance with certified payroll requirements for government projects and streamlined employer payroll tax data, overhead costs, and hours worked tracking.

Another hurdle West Memphis Fence faced was managing multiple customer ship-to addresses. JobCost logic was modified to save ship-to addresses for previous jobs, simplifying the management of repeat jobs.

The Results: Efficiency and Growth

With industry-specific solutions for job costing and AccountMate as their financial software backbone, West Memphis Fence achieved impressive results. Their sales revenue increased by 20% over 12 months, all while avoiding the need to hire additional office personnel. AccountMate’s open architecture, scalability, and seamless integration with industry-specific programs provided the foundation for West Memphis Fence’s technological growth.

West Memphis Fence & Construction Co., Inc.’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptation and embracing technology to overcome challenges and drive growth. With a commitment to excellence and the right tools at their disposal, they continue to build a legacy of success in the fencing industry.

Read the full case study here.

Want to speak to one of our highly-skilled business professionals about what AccountMate can do for your business? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537.