Best Performing NetSuite/Oracle Solution Provider

WWW.THEENTERPRISEWORLD.COM | AMERICAS EDITION | APRIL 2022 Kurt Johnson, Best CEO PERFORMING NETSUITE/ORACLE Solution Provider Logistics Management That Expertly Integrates With NetSuite







From Editor’s Desk A few decades ago, no one would have imagined that cloud software was going to be the next big thing. And today, here we are looking over at the boom of the cloud software. And the services and advantages of cloud have been such that there isn't a company that can do without the power of cloud. And among the technologies developed, NetSuite was one that stood above all, with the best enterprise resource planning and other applications that give companies what they need to run their business efficiently. This issue of The Enterprise World, Best Performing NetSuite/Oracle Solution Providers features the stories of such companies who with their extraordinary solutions are helping companies run their businesses smoothly. For the Cover Story read about- FreightPop is a cloud-based software founded in 2015 with its base of operations in Lake Forest, California. The company was founded with a vision – “To Simplify and Streamline the Logistics experience for Manufacturers, Distributors, E-commerce, and 3PL's by reducing Friction and Connecting Systems for a Seamless and Optimal Supply Chain.” FreightPoP makes logistics simple with one log-in for all transportation management, including inbound and outbound freight management across parcel, LTL, FTL, ocean, and international air. FreightPOP offers unmatched and seamless integration into their client's current tech stack (ERP, WMS, CRM), Their services offer high configuration capabilities to existing workflows and processes. They hold connections to over 300+ carriers, ERP, WMS, and rate marketplaces, getting the best rates and optimizing shipping processes. This allows them to offer their clients best-in-class services with ease and fool proof precision. SoftClouds began its journey in 2005, with a core mission – “To guide companies through their CRM/CX digital transformation”. They planned to achieve their mission by offering innovative, creative, & consultative solutions. What makes them one of the leading and sought-after solution providers in the industry is their client-oriented vision. They make sure that their team understands the client's vision and goals. This enables them to provide innovative solutions, that incorporate the latest technology, that yields successful results, effective value, and a fluid transformation. They have deployed technology solutions across a wide spectrum of industries from Transportation to HealthCare, Manufacturing to Automotive. The team comprises seasoned experts and highly experienced personnel, thriving on innovation to deliver next-generation solutions that optimize customer experiences. The team was honoured with the most prestigious & coveted “Company of the Year – Stevie Gold Winner Award” in 2020. These factors along with the company's core values and striving for perfection mentality has made SoftClouds, a trusted business advisor, which recommends solutions that best fit your businesses. Since inception in 1991, Harbour Mastery Inc.'s focus has been to provide impeccable logistics support, making sure their solutions exceed client's expectations every time. As there are multiple modes of transport, the scheduling, and communications among the complex web of inter-connected responsible agencies supporting the supply chain is difficult. For example, take a single product produced in a town in India bound for a consumer in Zambia. Scheduling the shipping alone may involve trucking, rail, air, and vessels via private, public and/or commercial carriers. This will involve passage through terminals, storage depots and clearances through customs before it reaches the consumer. At each node along the way, the number of supporting agencies involved will likely number from several to a dozen or more. Harbour Mastery Inc caters to this problem by providing start-to-end logistic solutions. Shalmali Shalmali W.

The Enterprise World, 1985, Henderson Rd, Columbus, Ohio, 43220 Follow Us On: For Editorial Concerns: [email protected] For Sales & Branding Enquiries: [email protected] For Subscription: [email protected] Publisher The Enterprise World Creative Content Editor Shalmali W. Marketing Coordinator(USA) Peter J. PR & Marketing Coordinator James H. Business Development Executive Emily Richards Creative Design Head: Sushant K. Social Media Manager Narendra S. Digital Circulation Manager Amanda V. Digital Marketing Executive Prachi K. This list is NOT a ranking. The companies on listed in magazine serve different aspects of the market, making ranking them in any order except revenue impossible and unfair. We try to bring a perfect platform for business organization to showcase their valued products/ services. Copyrights © The Enterprise World | 2019. All Rights Reserved. The images and content included in this magazine should not be copied, transferred or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronics, mechanical, photocopying, recording, otherwise, without proper permission from The Enterprise World. The Enterprise World solely owns all the reprint rights.

Leaders in Spotlight For the Cover Story read about- results, effective value, and a fluid transformation. FreightPop is a cloud-based software founded in 2015 with its base of operations in They have deployed technology solutions Lake Forest, California. The company was across a wide spectrum of industries from founded with a vision – “To Simplify and Transportation to HealthCare, Manufacturing Streamline the Logistics experience for to Automotive. The team comprises seasoned Manufacturers, Distributors, E-commerce, experts and highly experienced personnel, and 3PL's by reducing Friction and thriving on innovation to deliver next- Connecting Systems for a Seamless and generation solutions that optimize customer Optimal Supply Chain.” experiences. The team was honoured with the most prestigious & coveted “Company of the FreightPoP makes logistics simple with one Year – Stevie Gold Winner Award” in 2020. log-in for all transportation management, including inbound and outbound freight These factors along with the company's core management across parcel, LTL, FTL, ocean, values and striving for perfection mentality and international air. has made SoftClouds, a trusted business advisor, which recommends solutions that FreightPOP offers unmatched and seamless best fit your businesses. integration into their client's current tech stack (ERP, WMS, CRM), Their services Since inception in 1991, Harbour Mastery offer high configuration capabilities to Inc.'s focus has been to provide impeccable existing workflows and processes. logistics support, making sure their solutions exceed client's expectations every time. As They hold connections to over 300+ carriers, there are multiple modes of transport, the ERP, WMS, and rate marketplaces, getting scheduling, and communications among the the best rates and optimizing shipping complex web of inter-connected responsible processes. This allows them to offer their agencies supporting the supply chain is clients best-in-class services with ease and difficult. For example, take a single product fool proof precision. produced in a town in India bound for a consumer in Zambia. SoftClouds began its journey in 2005, with a core mission – “To guide companies through Scheduling the shipping alone may involve their CRM/CX digital transformation”. They trucking, rail, air, and vessels via private, planned to achieve their mission by offering public and/or commercial carriers. This will innovative, creative, & consultative solutions. involve passage through terminals, storage depots and clearances through customs before What makes them one of the leading and it reaches the consumer. At each node along sought-after solution providers in the industry the way, the number of supporting agencies is their client-oriented vision. They make involved will likely number from several to a sure that their team understands the client's dozen or more. Harbour Mastery Inc caters to vision and goals. This enables them to this problem by providing start-to-end logistic provide innovative solutions, that incorporate solutions. the latest technology, that yields successful

12. FreightPOP

CONTENTS 22. Harbour Mastery Inc 38. SoftClouds LLC 32. E Collective Restoration L that Boosts Productivity IC and Well-being T R A O X 26.C Cybersecurity Agency vs In-House





Kurt Johnson, CEO 12 | APRIL 2022

COVER STORY Logistics Management That Expertly Integrates With NetSuite www.theenterpriseworld.com | 13

Logistics management is critical system that integrates expertly to revolution in the Logistics industry and across industries, and, as the NetSuite, one of the most popular ERP one of the best performing NetSuite last few years have reminded solutions for small and mid-size solution providers! us, our supply chains are highly organizations, leads you straight to interconnected and fragile. Delays and FreightPOP. FreightPOP - Daily Logistics bottlenecks cost money and damage Management and Integrations precious customer relationships. FreightPOP is an established leader in Minimizing disruptions through a providing an advanced, reliable FreightPOP offers premier cloud-based robust transportation management transportation management platform supply chain software. Founded in system (TMS) allows businesses to that integrates into NetSuite, business 2015, the company operates out of face risks head-on. And finding a systems, and external partner and Lake Forest, California, and was carrier websites. They truly are a established with a specific vision: 14 | APRIL 2022

COVER STORY To simplify and streamline the logistics FreightPOP connects to over 600+ including a \"plug and play\" NetSuite experience for manufacturers, carriers and rate marketplaces, getting ERP integration. This connection to distributors, e-commerce, and 3PL's by the best rates and optimizing shipping NetSuite enables FreightPOP reducing friction and connecting processes. The TMS is highly customers to seamlessly quote, ship, systems for a seamless and optimal configurable to established workflows track, audit, and report, while pushing supply chain. and processes and in-house apps. all pertinent data back into NetSuite. This creates harmonious processes for FreightPOP makes logistics simple with NetSuite Integration front-end shipping operations. one log-in for all logistics management, including inbound and outbound freight FreightPOP offers unmatched and One of the more valued assets NetSuite management across parcel, LTL, FTL, seamless integrations into customers' customers cite is the ability to push Ocean, and international air. tech stacks (ERP, WMS, CRM), pricing from their eCommerce directly www.theenterpriseworld.com | 15

16 | APRIL 2022

COVER STORY into FreightPOP, with the capability to do Horizon then identified that the Early Success EDI transactions and then generate an ESN market needed the software they and push information back to their developed as the only TMS FreightPOP CEO Kurt Johnson notes customers. solutions at the time were for that one of FreightPOP's turning points enterprise-level companies—and when they first got started was when Another top asset called out is FreightPOP's so, FreightPOP was born. they signed and onboarded Porsche. ability to scale weights, which most FreightPOP gives small to medium- This milestone made them see just how shipping platforms do not provide. sized businesses a way to easily powerful their solution was for FreightPOP can scale weight automatically shop around for high and increasing fragmented supply chains. Kurt adds: and import that data into NetSuite. freight costs and pull fragmented logistical workflows together. “We've grown at least 100% each Initial Challenges of FreightPOP's year for the past four years, making Journey FreightPOP offers an innovative us realize that we created an Expedia and comprehensive solution, for business shipping that really FreightPOP's parent company Horizon providing a one-stop option for all works.” Technology commands and holds 20+ shippers' needs. Their team's years of experience as a top distributor of expertise and countless successful Listening to Shippers' Needs computer equipment. Horizon faced and implementations have stronghold dealt with many of the pain points shippers their position as one of the leaders FreightPOP says shippers continually face, which led them to create shipping of Logistics Management solutions. express a desire to connect outside software to solve those problems for systems to internal business systems themselves. that make operations more www.theenterpriseworld.com | 17

straightforward. FreightPOP's How FreightPOP Goes Above and functionality that incorporates machine development team takes such feedback Beyond learning and AI to help companies ship onboard and delivers innovative, smarter by using their shipping data. affordable, scalable solutions. This is FreightPOP is constantly perfecting its how they work and dominate the software and working on providing Distinguished Leader of FreightPOP market! unparalleled support. They stay on top of technological evolutions and trends A highly advanced and innovative FreightPOP has a passion for customer and regularly engage customers and company like FreightPOP requires an service as seen in customer ratings on partners to incorporate their feedback. exuberant and capable leader to bear its Capterra and G2. These factors propel These efforts help them stay miles flag. FreightPOP has one of the most their growth and make them one of the ahead of the competition! talented and extraordinary leaders at its most sought-after companies providing command in Co-Founder and CEO tailor-made logistics management A terrific example of this is their Kurt Johnson, who has more than two solutions. advanced analytics feature currently in decades of leadership experience. beta. FreightPOP will soon release this 18 | APRIL 2022

COVER STORY Kurt founded Horizon Technology Kurt says: About Freightpop: back in 1996 out of his home and guided Horizon to twenty years of I believe in the Home Depot FreightPOP is a cloud-based consistent growth and profitability. In inverted leadership pyramid. transportation management software that 2005, Kurt was named the Ernst & Essentially, I am at the bottom and makes logistics simple for Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the serve all the stakeholders above, manufacturers, distributors, Ecommerce, Technology category for the southwest and carry the burden of delighting and 3PLs. FreightPOP offers seamless region. FreightPOP is Kurt's sixth start- customers. As we serve those above integration into our customers' current up. Besides his executive us, we are aligned and ultimately tech stack and is highly configurable to responsibilities of business model deliver a great customer existing workflows and processes. With evaluation, talent development, and experience. If we take care of the more than 600 connections, getting the core process improvement, Kurt is employees, they will take care of best rates and optimizing shipping highly passionate about building an the customers. processes is easy. To find out more,visit inspiring culture. freightpop.com. www.theenterpriseworld.com | 19





Business Story Harbour Mastery Inc. Consortium Ambassadors of Logistics and Supply Chain Solutions via Oracle NetSuite The importance of logistics products/services, truly defines agencies involved will likely and supply chain them as a most sought-after team number from several to a dozen or management has always when it comes to providing more. HMI caters to this problem played a pivotal role in the efficient logistics and supply chain by providing start-to-end logistic functioning of any enterprise. A lag management solutions. Globally, solutions. in the supply chain or logistics their clients are highly satisfied process creates cascading negative while leveraging these HMI The complexity of this is implications throughout the capabilities for new levels of staggering and mastery of this network from the producers to enterprise success. challenge requires capabilities at intermediaries and down to the both the macro-global scale consumer. As this network relies on The Company, The Story coupled with micro-focused multiple modes of transportation solutions customized for the needs (shipping, trucking, rail, air, private Since inception in 1991, HMI's of every client involved. To or commercial carriers, etc.), it focus has been to provide conquer this, HMI developed becomes a tedious task to provide impeccable logistics support, cloud-based management systems seamless logistics and supply chain making sure their solutions exceed that seamlessly encompass all support with precision when it client's expectations every time. As aspects of port operations with comes to product handling, there are multiple modes of interfaces to import, export and delivery, support functions and a transport, the scheduling, and storage with truck and rail standardized system to manage it communications among the throughout. Hence was born the all. complex web of inter-connected HMI Consortium in partnership responsible agencies supporting the with four other companies, who Harbour Mastery Inc. (HMI), and supply chain is difficult. For also focus on niche markets in the its consortium approach, has example, take a single product supply chain, transportation, changed the face of the industry produced in a town in India bound cybersecurity, and maritime when it comes to providing for a consumer in Zambia. industries. logistics support. HMI uses the Scheduling the shipping alone may best-in-class technology combined involve trucking, rail, air, and The HMI Consortium constellation with their highly skilled team to vessels via private, public and/or of companies and their senior provide innovative, efficient, and commercial carriers. This will executives have decades of proven solutions to their clients. involve passage through terminals, combined experience in managing Their expertise, years of storage depots and clearances the movement of people and development work and experience, through customs before it reaches products through the global supply coupled with robust technology and the consumer. At each node along chain. software applications in their the way, the number of supporting 22 | APRIL 2022

“Innovation distinguishes between leader and a follower.” -Steve Jobs M George Walters Robin Mitchell Richard Miller Elbert Gene Tindell www.theenterpriseworld.com | 23

Business Story The four other partnered the hands of the community of key role in the HMI Consortium by companies working in sync with interest to book, execute and providing real-time scheduling HMI and forming the HMI monitor arrivals and departure at tools for vessel agents to clearly see Consortium are: logistics hubs of all types drives the on Google Earth the mapping and benefits. MobileDOCK enables the calendar grids. HITC provides - PHAROS Mission Critical destinations to automate, berthing availability required to Solutions streamline, formalize dock make scheduling requests. appointment booking/scheduling, Connecting all their scheduling PHAROS is a combined consulting execution and monitoring from any tools and mapping in seaports with and technology integration internet connected desktop or truck and rail is how they aid the company with focus on developing mobile device. MobileDOCK complete process and work in sync bespoke solutions to solve the eliminates manual processes and with PHAROS and MobileDOCK. toughest operational challenges for provides visibility, allows efficient every client's unique requirements. resource planning, supplier - Electric Energy Corporation PHAROS representatives have management, reduced congestion (EEC) deep experience in multiple sectors and increased security. It is now including ground logistics, supporting all types of facilities The global dimensions of the aviation, and maritime industries. from warehousing, industrial, retail, supply chain have long been the They can tackle challenges across residential, mixed-use, principal challenges that led to the multiple sectors and have delivered entertainment and event venues. In formation of Electric Energy successfully tailored solutions 2020, it was adapted to support the Corporation. EEC has engaged in ranging from Fortune-10 fight against the COVID-19 extensive international work in companies down to small business pandemic by enabling the concept Africa, Asia and the Middle East enterprises. of “delivery distancing” to support over the past 20 years, developing safety of the supply chain network supply chain infrastructure and - MobileDOCK much like social distancing did for establishing international trade consumers. relations. They are now able to MobileDOCK is one of the key connect their current client base technology solution providers in - Head in the Cloud Development with the HMI, the HMI Consortium. (HITC) PHAROS/MobileDOCK, and Head MobileDOCK evolved through in the Cloud consortium in new and extensive industry knowledge and Manufacturing, warehousing and exciting ways. In addition, their the realization that efficient, product delivery challenges led cybersecurity work with entities automated, and controlled access to HITC to create unique scheduling like NASA, the U.S., and other logistics hubs can only be achieved tools that mapped on Google Earth, governments, positions them through moving focus from the hub giving precise details of the supply perfectly to serve any private sector to the shipping community chain, their schedule and actual or national interests in IT security servicing the hub. Placing tools in delivery performance. They play a for their seaport and supply chain 24 | APRIL 2022

enterprises. Moreover, their USP of Harbour Master Inc. and • Fourth, HMI identifies the “plus experience with alternative energy factors that redefine competition factors” that help you improve your projects can also bring new in the markets rules, procedures, and business efficiencies to operations. processes by sharing best practices The Achilles heel in many learnt from dozens of other clients The combined experience and software-based companies in their in the past 30 years. capabilities of the PHAROS, “selling a product” approach is MobileDOCK, HITC, EEC and HMI missing how a “fixed solution” HMI's objective, alongside you, is form the HMI Consortium fails to properly align within an to create a best-fit solution that collectively and help forge new links entire enterprise. That exacerbates serves your enterprise, not deliver a in the global supply chain. the age-old conflicts in most product that you must serve. software-based companies Products/Services Offered between the sales force and Leadership at HMI implementation team. Frequently, HMI adopted the Oracle NetSuite the sales force promises but the HMI and its Consortium are truly ERP as their global supply chain implementation team may not be unique in their offerings, level of platform in 2007 and have developed able to fully deliver within all the service and standards they deliver. over 20 modules to meet a broad other complexity of the enterprise. All the partners work in sync and variety of seaport needs. Its first few This undercuts promises leading to bring out the best not only in their clients, all with unique and diverse unsatisfied clients. respective companies, but the entire needs, provided the foundation to HMI consortium mitigates this risk Consortium capability delivery is a develop the now proven, 12-year in several keyways: total greater than the sum or its track record of success with those parts. Thus, HMI has a leader 20+ unique maritime focused • First, HMI approaches which not only brings out the best modules that can be adapted to any everything from the operational in HMI's team but also leads the seaport or marina setting. Their perspective. How does your HMI Consortium and pushes the consortium members are now enterprise produce and deliver its boundaries of an expert and skilled leveraging this point of integration products and/or services? How can leader. for new supply chain solutions. they help optimize that for greater M. George Walters, CEO at HMI, efficiency, effectiveness, and truly has been serving and leading Together, the HMI Consortium is continuity with the least the team with his efficient currently serving 75+ clients, 35 of disruption? leadership skills, his expertise and them exclusively with NetSuite and thorough knowledge in the logistics adding about 10 new clients per year. • Second, the sales team is field, supply chain management, Their combined current client base is embedded within the etc. His career started in 1982, in the USA, Canada, Australia, New implementation group. If the sales when he started developing Zealand, Qatar, Ghana, Lebanon, team says it can achieve a result, software. As a Floridian, son of a Cyprus, UK and across Europe. They they are intimately engaged with U.S. Coast Guard veteran and son- have several new projects on the the actual delivery and know how in-law of a WWII naval officer, his horizon for 2021-2022, with new they will deliver. love of the sea and the importance product development already of maritime and seaport underway. • Third, they gather the total management is deeply ingrained. picture of your requirements All this inspires him and his team By leveraging the multiple online before proposing a comprehensive alike. His vision for Harbour portals – Employee Center, Customer solution for the whole enterprise. Mastery is to empower this Center, Vendor Center and Partner If you lack a Request for Proposal industry through cutting-edge, Center – HMI provide the entire (RFP) with the details needed, extensible, technology-driven ERP community of supply chain players, HMI will help you identify them management solutions that allow real-time access and essential first so there are very few surprises each client to take their business to communications to effective supply later. the next level. chain linkages. www.theenterpriseworld.com | 25

26 | APRIL 2022

Cybersecurity Agency vs In-House: Which Is Better Suited For Your Business? www.theenterpriseworld.com | 27

Cybersecurity or information technology (IT) security is an essential operation that protects data, computers, systems, and networks from malicious threats and attacks. If you're running a website, you already understand how important it is regardless of the nature of your business. Here are the most common cyberattacks and threats you should know: • Malware – malicious software that destroys devices • Ransomware – encrypts data in exchange for a ransom • Phishing – a fraudulent attack from someone claiming to be a legitimate institution Your entire operations will be at risk of such threats without cybersecurity. You may end up shutting down your business permanently or paying hefty costs to continue your operations. Now, the question is, should you outsource or establish an in-house cybersecurity department? One of the biggest dilemmas when building cybersecurity protocols is whether or not to hire a third-party agency or set up your own IT security team. Both are excellent options capable of protecting your vital data and securing your network's safety. However, it would be best to consider their pros and cons before coming up with a decision. Knowing these elements will help you understand what your business needs. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Hiring A Cybersecurity Agency? Outsourcing is an excellent option for small businesses not capable of establishing their own security commands. If you'd like to know more 28 | APRIL 2022

about this, you may call Lisnic today system when you hire someone. house security operations. It will for cyber security services or visit your Usually, the limitations are on allow you to integrate every tool local security service provider. what was agreed beforehand. You and solution you want without any may also be required to add or problem. However, there are instances when you install software they need to do have to compromise the overall control their jobs properly. Cons: and comply with the agency's agreement. That said, you might want • Risk Of Non-Personalized • Expensive – Establishing your to consider the following pros and cons Services – Although most own cybersecurity operations of hiring a third-party solutions agencies provide tailor-fit requires tons of resources, provider: solutions, some still offer ready- particularly time and money. made services. Therefore, you Moreover, the expenses are not Pros: have to be vigilant and do your something you should ignore, homework about the company especially when you're only • Scalability – One of the benefits before hiring them. If you're not starting your business. Sacrificing of hiring third-party services is careful enough, you'll only waste too much may put other operations their ability to scale your security your time and money for nothing. at risk. protocols depending on your business needs. It's a great feature What Are The Pros And Cons Of • Time-Consuming – Planning an for small businesses aiming to Building An In-House Cybersecurity effective cybersecurity strategy expand. It also offers flexibility at Team? takes time and effort. You need to affordable pricing models. hire the necessary staff to help Establishing an in-house cybersecurity protect your entire system and • Low Entry Expenses – Another team is a good investment for your network from potential threats and great thing about hiring a business's future growth and attacks. cybersecurity provider is its low expansion. It offers flexibility entry costs. Therefore, if you're regarding your cybersecurity system. Final Words running a startup business, you'll However, it will require a lot of get reliable protection without resources to set it up, which most small After going through the discussion spending much. Besides, the businesses and startups don't have. here, have you decided what works outsourcing cost is much lower well with your business? Regardless, than establishing your own Take a look at some pros and cons of the right cybersecurity solution for cybersecurity commands. building your own in-house your company will depend on your cybersecurity operations command: needs and current resources. • Professional And Experienced Services – One of the reasons why Pros: If you're running a small business or a businesses hire a cybersecurity startup, hiring an agency is your best solution is for professional work • More Control – You have more option because you have limited funds skills and ethics. Having control over the entire operations to build your own. Yet if you're looking experienced and skilled personnel of your own cybersecurity forward to the future, establishing your allows you to access knowledge solutions. You get what you want own cybersecurity team will be an and expertise you can't find to include in your system, excellent investment. anywhere else. It will also give including the staff you need. you an additional sense of security, Likewise, you're sure that every knowing that you're working with process remains confidential, so professionals and experts in this none of it will get exposed outside field. your company. Cons: • Integrations – If you have pre- installed cybersecurity software, • Less Control – Understand that an outsourced provider may not be there will be limited access and familiar with what you're using. control over your cybersecurity This isn't a problem if you have in- www.theenterpriseworld.com | 29





TIME FOR FIKA? Collective Restoration that Boosts Productivity and Well-being 32 | APRIL 2022

Frank Theodore Koe www.theenterpriseworld.com | 33

It is a generally known fact that vacations are good for periods, help invigorate and strengthen personal bonds and you. Proven benefits include enhanced mental and contribute to increased productivity in the work place. Enter physical health and improved sleep patterns. Taking time fika. away from work can also have a positive effect on mood while boosting energy, contributing to calming the mind and Fika (pronounced “fee-kah”), is an ingrained Swedish lowering the risk of heart disease. Even the act of planning a tradition that has been in existence for over 100 years. It vacation you can make you feel better. Wouldn't it be great if means to have a daily coffee (or tea or soda) break, usually there was a proven way to take a daily mini vacation from the with cake or other pastries. This notion has a much broader routine of work that would make life better? meaning than the typical American coffee break. Fika is even written into Swedish contracts that every employee is entitled The consequence of not taking time off from the repetition of to have time to gather and socialize with other employees work can result in burnout. This condition was officially during the work day. It is an opportunity to talk and exchange classified in 2019 by The International Classification of opinions about anything and is not restricted to company Diseases (ICD), maintained by the World Health Organization activities or personal work assignments. This act of collective World Health Organizations, as a “syndrome” acknowledging restoration is similar to a brief vacation. It is time for it as a medical condition. Signs of burnout include headaches, employees to remove themselves from their prolonged focus insomnia, depression, anxiety, negativity and chronic fatigue on work and offer their mind a chance to reset. Companies all of which can affect ones personal life. In the workplace such as Volvo and IKEA have embraced fika for many years. these symptoms are associated with poor performance, lower organizational commitment and a rate of higher absenteeism. According to John Duxbury, editor and founder of The lack of work-life balance in the US can pose real SwedishFood.com, “fika refurbishes the brain and strengthens challenges. relationships. And it makes good business sense: firms have better teams and are more productive where fika is Sadly, 212 million vacation days annually in the US are never institutionalized.” It is the act of recharging and slowing down taken. It has been engrained in managers to reward those who for a short period of time. In American culture, self-care ranks do not take vacations. Employees who abstain from taking very low on the list of personal priorities. Keeping ones 'nose days off are seen as being more dedicated and more to the grindstone' is something that is reinforced and consciousness. And there is a fear among some employees that encouraged. This constant and continual push to produce can if a vacation is taken, there is a chance of being laid off. have a reverse effect on productivity and creativity and lay the Others believe that they are too important to temporarily take groundwork for burnout. a break from work because no one can replace them. This is commonly called the “martyr complex.” In fact, a study by We have all had fika moments. It can happen when we are Totaljobs found that 56% of American workers never take a engrossed in a task for several hours that requires our complete lunch break. The study found that 68% of those undivided attention and then move away from it. After a surveyed felt that they had too much to do and could not break, we return to the task with a fresh perspective and better afford to take time away from work. poised to make constructive changes or edits to our work. Daniel J. Levitin, the director of the Laboratory for Music, Fika also contributes to improving social capital. Through the Cognition and Expertise at McGill University and the author ritualized and relaxed fika experience, trust and cooperation of \"The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of are built through a network of shared values, employee Information Overload, wrote in The New York Times that, engagement and inclusion. Socially connected and motivated “giving our brains time to wind down and think about nothing people are more apt to be innovators and stand a better chance at all can provide our moments of greatest creativity and of improving a company's products or services. insight.\"Taking breaks can not only refresh the brain but strengthen relationships. Vacations allow us to reconnect with Taking pauses to distance ourselves from work can be useful those important in our lives. in restoring a sense of wellbeing while refreshing our minds so the time we do spend at work will be more productive and Abraham Maslow and his celebrated Hierarchy of Needs enjoyable. Although the Swedish tradition of fika may be explain the importance of social relatedness and difficult to implement in all business environments throughout belongingness. The need for interpersonal relationships and the world, finding creative ways to construct breaks that go socialization is critical because it helps us see how we fit into beyond grabbing a cup of coffee and returning to a desk may the world with other people. Being able to share our stories be useful. Its benefits can enhance bonds between employees and connect is therapeutic and contributes to a healthy outlook and translate to improved morale and a more constructive that offers us perspective and gives us a sense of place. Time work environment. away from the stressful pattern of work, even for short 34 | APRIL 2022







Brian Friedman GVP - Strategic Global Sales 38 | APRIL 2022

Where Digital meets the Future! As companies push for digital transformation, and the was honored with the most prestigious & coveted “Company marketplace goes online, there are a lot of challenges of the Year - Stevie Gold Winner Award” in 2020. companies and businesses face. This shift towards the internet requires specialists in the field to help migrate your These factors along with the company's core values and business functions seamlessly. striving for perfection mentality has made SoftClouds, a trusted business advisor, which recommends solutions that best When looking for the best in the field, Oracle comes in the top tier fit your businesses. list. Many Oracle partner companies provide resources and benefits to independent software companies, businesses, etc. to The 16+ year journey has endowed the company and its team provide them exceptional services such as CRM, CX, and more. with many accolades and achievements. They received coveted awards and recognitions, such as: “Most Successful In the search for some of the best Oracle partners, we found Companies in America” and made a much-deserved place on SoftClouds LLC. SoftClouds is one of the leading and top- the “Inc. 5000” list of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies performing Oracle partners. They offer comprehensive solutions in the USA three times in a row. with utmost standards and reliability. With their experience in
providing customized architectural solutions plus their status as an SoftClouds's journey, and what pushed them to succeed? Oracle Platinum Partner, they are experts in taking CX to the next level! Since its inception, SoftClouds was built with innovation for the future in mind. Their initial struggle was to find a customer SoftClouds, redefining digital transformation base to embrace their far-sighted vision. As they were one of the most initial entrees in the industry, way ahead of the curve, SoftClouds began its journey in 2005, with a core mission - “To and ready to provide a service of the future! guide companies through their CRM/CX digital transformation”. They planned to achieve their mission by offering innovative, They started working closely with their clients, understanding creative, & consultative solutions. their needs and vision, along with educating them to understand the need for data, customization, and What makes them one of the leading and sought-after solution personalization. providers in the industry is their client-oriented vision. They make sure that their team understands the client's vision and goals. This SoftClouds focused on a better customer experience, enables them to provide innovative solutions, that incorporate the customization, and hyper-individualization that enabled users latest technology, that yields successful results, effective value, and provided a quicker ROI for customers. The customers and a fluid transformation. could see instant results that helped in customer management & interactions, and ROI. They have deployed technology solutions across a wide spectrum of industries from Transportation to HealthCare, Manufacturing to The company offers a fantastic client-centric approach, a Automotive. The team comprises seasoned experts and highly highly technical and experienced team having diverse experienced personnel, thriving on innovation to deliver next- experience across many industries, with a knack for innovation generation solutions that optimize customer experiences. The team and creativity, led SoftClouds to new heights. www.theenterpriseworld.com | 39

It is the team's focus on developing skills, experience, worldwide industry-leading magazines. innovation, and productivity in implementing solutions, which Ÿ Accolades from both clients and partners, most notably the sets them apart from the competition in the market. They have a proven record of loyal and extremely happy customers, Partner of the Year Award from Oracle. which made the industry trust the experts at SoftClouds as the Ÿ Team members are widely recognized and are keynote key to digital transformation. speakers in the industry-leading technology and CX events, This trust also led to client referrals, aiding their growth to like Oracle OpenWorld, IBM Think, etc. provide a high-quality solution as well as building long-term Ÿ Known for innovation in solutions and have won multiple relationships. Also, to evolve and adapt to clients' needs they awards. started making the necessary changes, including technological expansions and process-oriented teams that established Unrivaled service offerings of SoftClouds creative delivery workflows. SoftClouds takes the perspective of the clients as the top This provided SoftClouds with the base to scale into different priority to create solutions, forming the right strategy to solve industries, expanding their offices from the US into India and each problem. They understand that every client's vision and more recently to Japan. All these factors pushed them to business is unique and they aim to offer the best possible succeed and gain immense recognition and a dominant place in solutions to meet their business goals. the industry as one of the best. They highly focus on Oracle CRM/CX solutions like Sales & Factors establishing the long-standing success of Service Cloud, CPQ, Commerce & Subscription Cloud, and SoftClouds B2B Service Cloud providing users with the very best Customer Experience. SoftClouds and its team strive to take Undoubtedly, it is the extraordinary team of SoftClouds that CX to the next level and that is the reason their clients are strongholds the foundation of the company's success. elated by their outstanding, innovative, creative, and tailor- SoftClouds is proud to be an \"employee-focused\" organization made solutions. and stands firm in its belief that happy employees work better, which leads to highly satisfied clients. Their company's progress is built on continuous innovation. They prioritize customer satisfaction and dedicate themselves They believe that keeping up with new and emerging to developing creative strategies that benefit their clients and technology is critical for the company's success. Their their users. innovative, strategic, and creative concepts help them to keep up with the ever-changing technology environment. SoftClouds's fast and efficient solutions delivery is one of their most valuable assets in moving forward with technology, latest The company has grown exponentially in the past 16+ years. trends, and practices. As new technology evolves, so do they, They have received both positive and negative feedback on thus never staying in the now, but always planning, and their road to success and they value them equally. The pushing towards the next horizon! positives boosted their morale and the negatives drove them to do better in all aspects of their business. New additions to the service arsenal of SoftClouds Their approach and view towards the importance of feedback As a forward-thinking technology solutions provider, the team continues to keep them on the right path to success and has always emphasized creativity and cutting-edge innovation. motivates them to lead the learning curve for the industry as This has not only ensured a leading and leap-ahead position in well. the market but also has deepened their relationship with their clients. Here are a few successes since inception: They offer CRM/CX technologies and implementations along Ÿ A high-quality team that is focused on quality & innovative with Digital Transformation expertise solutions; they also solutions. integrate cutting-edge technology such as natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), artificial Ÿ Worldwide office locations increased from 1 in the US to 4 intelligence (AI), and analytics to push the boundaries of offices in 3 different countries (US, India, and Japan). customer experience. Ÿ Over 25+ Awards in the past few years for innovation, solutions, and CX like Stevie Awards, Inc5000, and other 40 | APRIL 2022

Flag Bearers at SoftClouds LLC Brian's views on responsibilities of an entrepreneur The company has not only evolved over the 16+ years of its In Brian's opinion, an entrepreneur is a true jack-of-all-trades journey but so has its team and management. What started as a who is fully responsible for the entire business. To be a leap towards the future, has now become a well-known and successful entrepreneur and a leader, you constantly need to established brand, taking CX and Digital Transformation to the lead and mentor. future. “You must bring the right people into positions and give This belief and dedication towards setting benchmarks in the them the room to grow into themselves and their position. industry and establishing SoftCloud require a team of strong That takes knowing when to direct and when to get out of principles, experience, exceptional skills, and capabilities. your teams' way”, Brian adds. Beyond all of this, the company needs an equally talented, skilled, visionary, and a beacon for all. In comes the Brian finds 'Getting to Yes' to be one of the most interesting management and leadership at SoftClouds, being one of the books and would recommend it to everyone. “All too often we most talented and experts in the field, with an unparalleled look at all the things that can or will stand in the way of vision and leadership that knows no limits. success. Looking at each situation with a different view helps us to see how we achieve our desired results while still Brian Friedman is the GVP - Strategic Global Sales at helping the other party succeed as well”, Brian adds about SoftClouds. the book. Brian got involved in mobile technology during the very early “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” - Oscar Wilde days as the owner of one of the first four cellular retail companies in the US. There was no playbook on how to run this Team and Work-culture at SoftClouds
business, owing to the business's freshness and never tested services. SoftClouds is an organization that places a high value on its employees and considers them to be their most precious assets. He along with his team were writing rules daily. Brain owned They make it a point to involve their employees in every the company for 9 years and saw an opportunity to move element of the business, to give them a sense of ownership. cellular retailing to eCommerce. This was long before everything was available for purchase online and his team built They have an open-door policy that encourages everyone to a platform to enable the purchase of cellular phones and services express their thoughts and ideas, and some of their best ideas online. have come from within. Gratitude jars, workplace celebrations, and team-building exercises are among the activities they have All the major operators thought they were doing something in place to recognize and reward their accomplishments. crazy. They ended up with all of them as their customers and one of them acquired the platform. This not only provided him All these factors push the team to strive harder and push for with an experience that is far to match up and much less excellence in everything they do. Their coordination and sense underestimate it. He's been in, with, and around in technology of responsibility towards the company and its clients make ever since, and moved to SoftClouds 5 years back, contributing them truly unique and unmatched in the industry. to its staggering growth. Brian's take on the competition in the market. Brian has been one of the most precious and experienced resources of SoftClouds. His achievements far outweigh any Without competition, we wouldn't continuously strive to be other team in the industry and give SoftClouds a huge edge over better and find our place in the industry. any other company in the segment. Competition is natural and motivating. We don't seek to Brian has founded three unique companies in the cellular space: replicate what our competitors are doing; we seek to Ÿ One of the first four cellular retailers in the US. differentiate ourselves. This allows us to find our niche in our Ÿ One of the first eCommerce companies selling mobile industry and helps us carve out the place where we can be successful and make a difference for our customers. phones and service plans. Ÿ One of the first independent Android app store platforms that were tied directly to mobile operators for direct carrier billing. www.theenterpriseworld.com | 41