Core Associates
Embracing Connected, AutomatedWorkflows

An extensive amount of information often gets tossed between the field and the office, particularly in businesses that manage construction projects. Constant splutters of information, such as paperwork associated with invoice processing, create resource strains and more manual, data-centric chores. Eleven years ago, Core Associates recognized the need to provide a solution for this prevalent challenge and developed a product that solved the manual and time-consuming task of AP (Accounts Payable) processing. The solution, TimberScan, created ripples of innovation in the rather stagnant processes of the construction industry by enabling clients to overcome hurdles such as handling a higher volume of payables, and complex rules of invoice approvals. Core Associates became successful in helping companies shatter the process barriers and set a new benchmark for document automation in the construction world. Over the years, and as technology becomes more and more integrated into business operations, Core Associates remains focused on a bigger picture: solving multiple complexities through innovative technology.

In a recent interview the CEO of Core Associates, Frank Grenci talked about the company’s history, the evolution of their product offerings in tandem with their client’s changing needs, factors that differentiate them, and future ventures.

Please give us a brief overview of Core Associates?

In response to one of our client’s past need for AP automation and invoice imaging, we built our first solution more than a decade ago. With changing times, that need has evolved and so has our product stack. We have expanded our offerings to include not only AP automation but also full content management, and cloud-based solutions that simplify workflows such as purchasing, inventory, payroll, and credit card reconciliation to name a few. Integrating the systems into our client’s ERP solutions has made the entire process, whether in the field or office, faster and more streamlined.

Could you walk us through your solution portfolio based on its methodology and benefits involved?

Core Cloud Systems, our cloud-based product, is a single platform with multiple solutions that creates electronic forms and applications. Core Cloud Systems, or CCS, makes capturing and transferring data from the field to the office much easier. We have created a seamless process wherein any form or document pertaining to tasks assigned to a field manager— from credit card transactions to payroll—can be easily compiled and sent across the office.

The collected form or document can then be directly sent to our client’s server for further action and the captured information syncs automatically into their ERP solution. Additionally, our systems can manage their inventory. From purchasing materials to inventory management, to collecting invoices, and all the way to signing the last check, our system carries out all the functions efficiently and consolidates them in one place. The majority of our clients start CCS right out of the box, but the system is customizable to the specific requirement of a client and can be tailored to their needs. Furthermore, we offer specialized training that empowers clients to fine-tune their CCS instance according to specific requirements and objectives.
The success and recognition we have received from the construction industry have helped us to gain the attention of organizations who want to collaborate and connect with us. One such partner is Acumatica, which is a popular, cutting-edge cloud-based ERP system. They selected us to integrate with them as they recognize and admire the experience we bring from the construction world. This collaboration has piqued the interest of enterprises that are eager to adopt the product, which is appropriately named AcumatiScan.

Could you please cite one or two case studies on how you have enabled clients to overcome their hurdles and attain desired outcomes with your solutions?

One of our clients who help renovate apartment buildings needed to create a centralized system that could manage different tasks involved in the process. One such task was installing cabinets in each apartment. With CCS, we provided a customized system that included the lists of potential employees working on the project, the material required for the cabinets, the purchase invoices, and the list of inventory items. It allowed them to streamline the entire process, right from PO creation and material receipts through the accounts payable process.

What according to you are the differentiating factors that give Core Associates a competitive edge?

We are completely dedicated to our clients and driven to deliver solutions that cater to the varying needs of companies with unique requirements. We are always on the quest to fine-tune our offerings based on our customers’ voice. Our employees and staff are equally focused on fulfilling our clients’ needs. Since we are a virtual company, we work in a way that will not inconvenience our customers; we provide 24/7 and 365-day assistance to them.

What does the future hold for your organization? Any footprint expansion plans or platform enhancement strategies that you can shed light upon?

We are actively working to expand our cloud-based systems to align with the rising demand for automating time-consuming tasks for data-dependent businesses. Though our primary clients are in the construction industry, our partnership with Acumatica has opened new possibilities for us. We are also creating new connectivity with other solution packages where it makes sense for our users. Our product has applications across other industry verticals, and we plan to expand our business to serve them as well.