Last month, Erik Neilssen represented DataBlend at the Information Technology Alliance (ITA) Spring Meeting in Memphis, TN. Below are a few of his takeaways from the event.
The conference was a great experience. I made a point to attend sessions tailored to both client accounting services (CAS) and value-added reseller (VAR) audiences—despite the different tracks, the key themes were strikingly similar. There's a clear industry-wide focus on the ERP of the future, with an emphasis on leveraging AI to drive growth, innovation, and operational efficiency.
On the VAR side, much of the conversation centered on the "ERP of tomorrow" and the evolving expectations around system integration. A key takeaway was the growing recognition that no single ERP can meet every need of a modern organization. As a result, a robust iPaaS (integration platform as a service) solution is seen as essential. Seamlessly connecting disparate systems is critical to ensuring clean, reliable data across the applications businesses rely on most.
On the CAS side, there is still a gap in how integration and automation can bring value to clients and their practices. DataBlend is an easy solution that can help bridge the gap and allow applications to talk to one another. However, I was proud to see DataBlend listed under Business Process Automation—one of only three solutions mentioned. Even more validating: DataBlend ranked second overall, finishing behind only "nothing," which reinforced what we've long believed—our biggest competition is still manual processes.
During a Q&A, I had the opportunity to ask the room: "How many of you actively measure or account for the manual tasks your teams perform when evaluating tools to improve productivity and capacity?" There were no raised hands. That moment opened the door to several great follow-up conversations with CAS managers later that evening.
In particular, Mike Smith at LBMC approached me and shared that he thought the people in the room were missing the point. DataBlend is a prerequisite to employing AI. Without automation of the Business Process, AI wouldn't know what to do with the data.
This was my first ITA Meeting, and I look forward to joining again in the fall.