Key Takeaways:
  • Embrace automation to streamline your farm office, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving efficiency.
  • Strengthen your IT infrastructure and security to protect sensitive data and enhance workflow.
  • Leverage financial management tools like AgriBuilder for real-time insights and effective tax planning.

 

Advancements in technology may not yet have brought us to the futuristic world of The Jetsons, but they certainly offer substantial benefits for the modern farm office.

Automation and innovative tools can transform how you manage day-to-day tasks, improving efficiency and saving you time. Embracing these changes can significantly streamline operations like data management, scheduling and communication. Here’s how you can start automating your farm office today.

Digitize & Simplify your Workflow

Imagine an office where searching for documents is effortless, storage space is minimal and sensitive information is secured with password protection. Digitizing your documents achieves this and more. It not only reduces costs, but also enhances efficiency by enabling easy search options and secure storage.

Benefits of Digitization:

  • Reduced Storage Space: Say goodbye to bulky file cabinets.
  • Enhanced Security: Password protection and encryption keep your data safe.
  • Cost Savings: Lower expenses for paper, ink and postage.
  • Efficiency: Quick search options and electronic correspondence speed up processes.
  • Automated Backups: Save time on filing, organizing and archiving.

Strengthen your IT Infrastructure

To fully leverage these technological advancements, a robust IT infrastructure is essential. Kamran Faruqi, Chief Information Officer at Adams Brown, recommends the following foundational elements:

  • Reliable Power Source: Consider a small battery backup to avoid brownouts and power spikes.
  • Up-to-Date Systems: Keep your operating system, applications and anti-virus software current.
  • Quality Anti-Virus Software: Protect against intrusion with trusted options like McAfee, ESET and Bitdefender.
  • Decent Internet Connection: Aim for speeds of at least 10 Mbps upload and 100 Mbps download.

Enhance Security Measures

Security is increasingly important. Always protect your internet router with a password and ensure your Wi-Fi is secure. A wired network connection often provides more reliability. Additionally, be vigilant against malware by avoiding unknown websites and suspicious links in emails.

Leverage Financial Management Tools

Farm financial management technology is a key tool needed to drive growth. Adams Brown’s platform, AgriBuilder, offers comprehensive budgeting, cash flow management and timely financial reporting. This empowers farm management with a clear picture of monthly financial performance and facilitates effective tax planning. Through a combination of financial intelligence, planning tools and guidance from seasoned agriculture consultants, farmers can reach a more consistent and profitable outcome.

Benefits of AgriBuilder:

  • Single Entry: Simplifies data input.
  • Automation with Bill.com: Reduces costs and saves time on financial transactions.
  • Real-Time Access: Stay updated on your financial status anytime, anywhere.

Tayla Willinger, CAS Accounting Manager on the Adams Brown Agriculture Team emphasizes the advantages of automation. “Simplify your life. Think of so many things that are automated. Most cars are getting there. When you do online banking, it helps you eliminate duplication and reconciliation. You can recon yesterday. Stay current with what is actually happening. Connect your accounting software to your bank so you know where you are at in real time. You can access on the go. You don’t have to lug files and your computer.”

Learn more about AgriBuilder from one of our agriculture clients in this short video.

Recommended Software

Several software solutions can further streamline your farm office operations:

  • Xero: Known for its ease of use and automation, with a short learning curve.
  • Reach: Offers visual financial statements and consolidated reports for multiple entities.
  • Figured: Farm management software that provides detailed insights per crop, budgets, break-evens and profitability, with reports that are banker-friendly.

Take the Next Step

Ready to take your farm office to the next level? Contact an Adams Brown farm accountant for guidance on incorporating these technologies and tools into your operations. Embrace automation and watch your farm office become more efficient and effective.