We’ve all been there, and this applies to all businesses whether you are a small accounting firm to as big as the Big 4 — new software rolls out, and suddenly, nothing seems to work right. The first instinct? Blame the tech. But hold on a second. Before you start cursing that shiny new tool, let’s take a step back. Maybe, just maybe, the problem isn’t the technology at all. Maybe it’s the people and processes behind it.

We had a chance to speak with Jack Kay from Clarity Street, a firm that knows a thing or two about getting businesses on the right track and he puts it perfectly: technology is only as good as the team using it and the processes it’s built around. Here’s why you shouldn’t be so quick to point the finger at the tech when things go sideways.

The Easy Scapegoat: Tech Takes the Fall

It’s tempting to blame technology when things don’t go according to plan. “The system’s too complex,” or “It’s not doing what it’s supposed to,” are phrases I’ve heard more times than I can count. But often, the issue isn’t with the technology—it’s with how we’ve set it up or how we’re using it.

If your processes are a mess or your team hasn’t been properly trained, no amount of fancy software is going to fix that. In fact, technology often shines a light on the inefficiencies that were already there. It’s not the villain—it’s just holding up a mirror.

People: The Real Power Behind the Tech

At the end of the day, people are what make or break a technology implementation. You can have the best system in the world, but if your team isn’t on board, it’s not going to do much good. Training is crucial. Your people need to know how to use the tools at their disposal, and they need to be motivated to make the most of them.

But it’s not just about training. It’s also about listening to your team. They’re the ones using the technology day in and day out, and they often have valuable insights on what’s working and what’s not. Creating a culture where feedback is welcomed can go a long way in ensuring your technology delivers as promised.

Processes: The Foundation for Success

Let’s talk processes. If your processes aren’t well-defined or if they’re just plain inefficient, technology is only going to amplify those issues. Before you bring in any new tools, take a hard look at how things are currently done. Are there bottlenecks? Redundant steps? Things that just don’t make sense?

Jack emphasizes getting your processes in order before layering on technology. When your processes are solid, technology can help streamline and improve them. But if they’re not, you’re just asking for trouble.

The Real Fix: Get Your House in Order First

Here’s the bottom line: technology is there to help, not to be the fall guy. Before you start blaming it, make sure your people are well-trained, and your processes are tight. When those elements are in place, technology can do its job—making everything run smoother, faster, and more efficiently.

So next time things aren’t going as planned, take a step back. Ask yourself if it’s really the tech that’s at fault, or if there’s something else going on. Chances are, the answer lies in your people and processes, not in the software.

Final Thoughts

In the wise words of Jack Kay of Clarity Street, “Technology is only as good as the people and processes behind it.” So, let’s focus on getting those right before we rush to upgrade to the latest and greatest tools. Trust me, your tech—and your sanity—will thank you.

If this hits home for you, let’s keep the conversation going. How have you tackled the challenge of aligning people, processes, and technology in your business?

If you want to gain more insights to tackling these, join us on 4th September 2024 at 1 PM as we dive into cutting-edge strategies that will help you ‘Turbocharge Your Accounting Firms’ and elevate your firms to the next level.

🔑 Key Speakers:

Jack Kay from Clarity Street and myself, Christina Francisco.

They’ll share actionable insights on how to leverage technology and offshoring to supercharge your firm’s efficiency and productivity.

Register here!

Hosted by our amazing Michelle Bubke-Lowe, our Head of Global Business Solutions at ADEC Oceania.

See you all there!