Insights Archive - Sikich https://www.sikich.com/insight/ Services to Strengthen Your Business Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:55:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 AI’s Transformative Impact on Insurance: Reflections from Insurity’s Excellence in Insurance Event https://www.sikich.com/insight/ais-transformative-impact-on-insurance-reflections-from-insuritys-excellence-in-insurance-event/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.sikich.com/?post_type=insight&p=31514 Last week, I had the privilege of attending Insurity’s Excellence in Insurance event, and I left with a fundamentally shifted perspective on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our industry. What struck me most wasn’t the technology itself, it was the palpable sense of urgency and opportunity that filled every conversation, panel discussion, and hallway exchange. 

The Excel Moment Has Arrived 

During the AI Revolution Roundtable, someone made a comparison that perfectly captured what we’re experiencing: AI tools like ChatGPT are having the same democratizing effect on business that Excel had decades ago. Back then, suddenly everyone could create reports and analyze data without waiting for IT. Today, AI is putting sophisticated analytical and creative capabilities directly into the hands of insurance professionals. 

But here’s the critical difference: unlike Excel, which many organizations simply deployed without strategy, the insurance leaders I spoke with are approaching AI more thoughtfully. They’re not asking whether to adopt AI—that question has been answered. Instead, they’re wrestling with how to do it strategically, safely, and at scale. 

Beyond the Hype: Real Use Cases Delivering Real Value 

The most compelling moments at the conference came when people shared tangible results. One implementation partner described a client who budgeted a million dollars and a year to relaunch a product. With the right platform, they accomplished it in 60 days and saved $750,000, including the license fee. After successfully repeating this three more times, the client committed to replatforming their entire product suite. 

Another presenter discussed reducing policy audit processes from 4-6 hours to less than 30 minutes through intelligent automation. These aren’t hypothetical benefits or pilot projects – they’re production systems delivering measurable ROI today. 

What became clear across multiple sessions is that AI’s value in insurance isn’t primarily about replacing humans. It’s about augmenting our capabilities in three key areas: 

  • Operational Efficiency: Automating repetitive, manual processes that consume valuable time – policy checking, submission intake, compliance document generation – freeing professionals to focus on judgment-based work that truly requires human expertise. 
  • Data Intelligence: Extracting insights from the massive volumes of unstructured data trapped in documents, emails, and legacy systems. As one panelist noted, insurance is fundamentally a “paper pushing” industry, and AI excels at making sense of documents. 
  • Error Reduction and Risk Mitigation: One striking example involved an AI platform that identified a $190 million annual error in a major pension plan’s calculations, which was an error that had persisted for over a decade. When applied to compliance-heavy processes like claims denial letters, AI systems are demonstrating higher compliance rates than traditional human-driven approaches. 

The Governance Imperative 

Perhaps the most mature conversation throughout the event centered on governance. There was universal recognition that simply deploying ChatGPT or Copilot across an organization isn’t a strategy—it’s a recipe for chaos. 

The smartest approach I heard came from several organizations following a similar playbook: 

  1. Enable broadly but govern tightly: Provide AI tools to employees while implementing clear guardrails around data security and appropriate use 
  2. Create innovation spaces: Establish “champion” programs or incubator teams where controlled experimentation can happen 
  3. Identify high-value use cases: Focus AI implementation on specific pain points with measurable business impact 
  4. Build for the ecosystem: Ensure AI solutions integrate seamlessly with existing platforms and workflows 

One participant’s million-dollar AI budget breakdown resonated with many in the room: invest in licenses and access, establish data governance frameworks, fund training and education, and create innovation teams. Notably absent from that list was a multi-year IT project. The consensus was that the traditional approach of lengthy requirements gathering and development cycles doesn’t match the pace of AI advancement. 

The Agentic Future 

The most forward-looking discussions centered on agentic AI—systems that can autonomously execute complex, multi-step workflows. While we’re still in early stages, the potential applications in insurance are vast: 

  • Continuous monitoring of market trends and competitor activities 
  • Automated policy checking and underwriting guideline validation 
  • End-to-end claims processing with human oversight only for exceptions 
  • Compliance checking where AI agents verify the work of other AI systems 

One panelist posed a provocative question: “Will agents be transacting insurance, and how soon?” The room’s response was telling. A year ago, this would have seemed far-fetched. Today, with the rapid pace of model improvements, many attendees believed we could see agent-to-agent transactions within a few years. 

The Human Element Remains Central 

Despite all the AI enthusiasm, every session reinforced that humans remain essential—just in evolved roles. The legal and ethical considerations are too complex for pure automation. As insurance professionals, we need to ensure AI systems don’t inadvertently discriminate or create unintended consequences. 

The most successful implementations I heard about all maintained “humans in the loop” at critical decision points. But those humans are increasingly supported by AI that handles the heavy lifting of data processing, analysis, and initial recommendations. 

Getting Started: Practical Takeaways 

For organizations wondering where to begin with AI, the event provided clear guidance: 

  • Start with foundations: Ensure your data is clean, accessible, and properly governed. AI is only as good as the data it works with. 
  • Train your people: Don’t assume everyone understands how to prompt AI systems effectively or recognizes their limitations. Invest in education. 
  • Think vertically: Identify specific bottlenecks in your operations and apply AI to solve those problems. Don’t try to boil the ocean. 
  • Measure relentlessly: Establish clear baselines and KPIs so you can demonstrate actual value, not just theoretical benefits. 
  • Partner strategically: The insurance tech ecosystem is rich with specialized solutions. You don’t need to build everything yourself. 

Looking Ahead 

What I found most energizing about the Excellence in Insurance event was the collaborative spirit. Yes, we’re competitors in many ways, but everyone recognized that AI represents such a fundamental shift that sharing insights benefits the entire industry. 

The winners in this AI revolution won’t necessarily be those with the biggest budgets or the earliest starts. They’ll be the organizations that move quickly but thoughtfully, that embrace experimentation while maintaining appropriate controls, and that keep their focus squarely on delivering value to customers. 

As I reflect on everything I heard and learned, one thing is certain: AI isn’t coming to insurance—it’s already here. The question isn’t whether to engage with it, but how quickly and effectively we can harness its potential while managing its risks. 

The conversations I had at this event will inform my approach for months to come. If you couldn’t make it this year, I highly recommend attending next time. And in the meantime, don’t wait. Start your own AI experiments today. The learning curve is steep, but the opportunity cost of waiting is steeper still. 

What’s your organization doing with AI? I’d love to hear about your experiences and challenges. Let’s continue the conversation. 

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Sikich Corporate Finance Advises LaunchPad Home Group on New Credit Facility  https://www.sikich.com/insight/sikich-corporate-finance-advises-launchpad-home-group-on-new-credit-facility/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.sikich.com/?post_type=insight&p=31530 CHICAGO – Nov. 13, 2025 — Sikich, a Chicago-based leading global technology-enabled professional services company, today announced that Sikich Corporate Finance (“SCF”) acted as exclusive financing advisor to LaunchPad Home Group (“LaunchPad”), a portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, in securing a new credit facility to support the company’s continued growth. 

Sikich Investment Banking delivers expert capital markets advisory and mergers and acquisitions services, backed by a seasoned team with extensive industry experience. Sikich specializes in serving clients across a diverse range of sectors, including technology and e-commerce, manufacturing and distribution, health care and life sciences, and business and professional services. 

“Sikich is proud to have supported LaunchPad Home Group in securing this new credit facility, which will fuel their continued expansion in the residential services sector,” said Mike Rudolph, managing director of Sikich Corporate Finance LLC. “LaunchPad’s strong performance and strategic vision make them an ideal partner for growth-focused capital, and we look forward to seeing their impact scale across new markets.” 

Backed by strong financial performance and a robust acquisition pipeline, LaunchPad successfully raised financing to further accelerate its expansion strategy in the residential services sector. 

LaunchPad is the leading national provider of home inspection and related residential services, operating across multiple high-growth markets. The company aims to be the premier end-to-end resource for homeowners, spanning inspections, remodeling, ongoing maintenance, and repair services.  

RFE Investment Partners invested in LaunchPad out of RFE Fund IX in 2022. RFE Investment Partners is a private equity firm based in Westport, Connecticut, that invests in growth-oriented companies in the lower middle market. Founded in 1980, RFE partners with management teams to accelerate growth, enhance operations, and build long-term value. 

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

About Sikich  

Sikich is a Chicago-based global company specializing in technology-enabled professional services. With approximately 2,000 employees, Sikich draws on a diverse portfolio of technology solutions to deliver transformative digital strategies. From corporations and not-for-profits to state and local governments and federal agencies, Sikich clients utilize a broad spectrum of services and products to help them improve performance and achieve long-term, strategic goals.  

Sikich practices in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients, and Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries provide tax and business advisory services to its clients. Sikich CPA LLC has a contractual arrangement with Sikich LLC under which Sikich LLC supports Sikich CPA LLC’s performance of its professional services. Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms.  

“Sikich” is the brand name under which Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC provide professional services. The entities under the Sikich brand are independently owned and are not liable for the services provided by any other entity providing services under the Sikich brand. The use of the terms “our company”, “we” and “us” and other similar terms denote the alternative practice structure of Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC.  

Securities offered through Sikich Corporate Finance LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sikich Financial, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.    

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Sikich and KASE Insurex Debut MGA Compass to Guide Managing General Agents in Launching and Scaling Insurance Business https://www.sikich.com/insight/sikich-and-kase-insurex-debut-mga-compass-to-guide-managing-general-agents-in-launching-and-scaling-insurance-business/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:00:42 +0000 https://www.sikich.com/?post_type=insight&p=31506 CHICAGO – Nov. 12, 2025 – Sikich, a Chicago-based leading global technology-enabled professional services company, today announced the launch of MGA Compass, a new Insurtech and advisory offering developed in collaboration with KASE Insurex Consulting. MGA Compass equips both startup and established Managing General Agents (MGAs) with tailored operational, technology and compliance support, helping them launch faster, operate smarter and scale with confidence. 

The new program is designed to meet the needs of early-stage MGAs entering the market, as well as mature MGAs looking to strengthen their business foundations. Services span the full lifecycle of MGA development, including business planning, carrier readiness, Insurtech selection, implementation and optimization. MGA Compass is delivered through a customizable engagement model. 

“MGA Compass is built on a simple, but powerful idea. MGAs shouldn’t have to navigate the complexities of building and scaling their businesses alone,” said Rahul Bhatia, principal of Insurtech at Sikich. “By combining Sikich’s technology consulting expertise with KASE’s deep insurance advisory experience, we’re giving MGAs a proven framework to accelerate their success.” 

“The MGA ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with entrepreneurs eager to innovate but often facing hurdles in compliance, operations and technology,” said Kevin Powers, founder and CEO at KASE Insurex Consulting. “MGA Compass provides clarity, guidance and hands-on execution so MGAs can focus on what they do best – bringing differentiated insurance products to market.” 

The program has already been adopted by its first flagship client, InsureMEP, a combination Insurtech and Proptech which is building an MGA focused on delivering tailored risk mitigation solutions in commercial real estate by identifying and analyzing the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire and life safety infrastructure. 

“Having previously co-founded a successful MGA, I wanted to take an even more strategic approach in building InsureMEP,” said Craig Caryl, Founder and CEO of InsureMEP. “Understanding how precision in execution directly affects profitability, I turned to Sikich and KASE Insurex to help guide our plan. The MGA Compass platform has proven invaluable – its combination of strategic advisory and Insurtech implementation has been instrumental in moving InsureMEP from concept to reality.” 

To highlight InsureMEP’s experience and demystify the MGA creation process, Sikich and KASE Insurex Consulting will launch an informational video series in partnership with InsureMEP. The series will provide practical insights for aspiring MGA founders, covering everything from business planning and regulatory considerations to carrier partnerships and technology selection. 

About Sikich  

Sikich is a Chicago-based global company specializing in technology-enabled professional services. With approximately 2,000 employees, Sikich draws on a diverse portfolio of technology solutions to deliver transformative digital strategies. From corporations and not-for-profits to state and local governments and federal agencies, Sikich clients utilize a broad spectrum of services and products to help them improve performance and achieve long-term, strategic goals.  

About KASE Insurex Consulting 

KASE Insurex Consulting is an advisory firm specializing in insurance innovation and MGA development. The firm provides business strategy, compliance, and operational expertise to help insurance organizations thrive in a fast-changing market. 

About InsureMEP 

InsureMEP is a tech-enabled MGA transforming the commercial property underwriting process. By digitizing and analyzing a building’s full infrastructure, InsureMEP delivers actionable risk intelligence to carriers and operational insights for property owners. Clients can leverage real-time Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) and Fire & Life Safety (FLS) data from our proprietary SaaS platform, CriticalAsset. 

Sikich practices in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients, and Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries provide tax and business advisory services to its clients. Sikich CPA LLC has a contractual arrangement with Sikich LLC under which Sikich LLC supports Sikich CPA LLC’s performance of its professional services. Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms. 

“Sikich” is the brand name under which Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC provide professional services. The entities under the Sikich brand are independently owned and are not liable for the services provided by any other entity providing services under the Sikich brand. The use of the terms “our company”, “we” and “us” and other similar terms denote the alternative practice structure of Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC.   

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Sikich Appoints Marc Moss as Chief Legal Officer https://www.sikich.com/insight/sikich-appoints-marc-moss-as-chief-legal-officer/ Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:03:47 +0000 https://www.sikich.com/?post_type=insight&p=31489 CHICAGO – November 10, 2025 – Sikich, a Chicago-based leading global technology-enabled professional services company, today announces the appointment of Marc J.M. Moss as Chief Legal Officer. Moss has more than 25 years of legal leadership experience across Fortune 500 and privately held, multi-billion-dollar businesses in professional services, industrial and B2B sectors. 

“Marc’s arrival comes at a critical time for Sikich as we accelerate our expansion and deepen our commitment to operational excellence,” said Sikich Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Christopher Geier. “Marc’s successful track record advising CEOs and Boards, driving M&A strategy and building scalable governance frameworks is valuable experience as we evaluate and execute on new opportunities. His international experience and ability to align legal strategy with business growth make him ideal for bolstering our enterprise risk and compliance programs. I look forward to working alongside Marc.” 

Moss is recognized for building high-performing legal teams, leading complex M&A transactions and developing robust compliance programs. His expertise is wide ranging, from corporate governance, board advisory, regulatory compliance and risk management to litigation, employment law, intellectual property, contract negotiation, government relations and international transactions. His career includes senior legal roles at Victra, Wells Fargo, United Technologies (Carrier Corporation), Ingersoll Rand, and Baker & Daniels, where he advised on strategic transactions, digital transformation and global expansion. 

Moss holds a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Hampton University. 

 
About Sikich  

Sikich is a Chicago-based global company specializing in technology-enabled professional services. With approximately 2,000 employees, Sikich draws on a diverse portfolio of technology solutions to deliver transformative digital strategies. From corporations and not-for-profits to state and local governments and federal agencies, Sikich clients utilize a broad spectrum of services and products to help them improve performance and achieve long-term, strategic goals.  
 

Sikich practices in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients, and Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries provide tax and business advisory services to its clients. Sikich CPA LLC has a contractual arrangement with Sikich LLC under which Sikich LLC supports Sikich CPA LLC’s performance of its professional services. Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms. 

“Sikich” is the brand name under which Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC provide professional services. The entities under the Sikich brand are independently owned and are not liable for the services provided by any other entity providing services under the Sikich brand. The use of the terms “our company”, “we” and “us” and other similar terms denote the alternative practice structure of Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC.   

   

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Passkeys: The Future of Digital Security https://www.sikich.com/insight/passkeys-the-future-of-digital-security/ Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.sikich.com/?post_type=insight&p=31151 In an era where digital security is paramount, a new technology is emerging to replace the traditional password: the passkey. This innovative approach to authentication promises to make our online lives both more secure and more convenient. But what exactly is a passkey, and how does it compare to the passwords we’ve been using for decades? 

Understanding Passkeys 

A passkey is a modern authentication method that uses public-key cryptography to secure your accounts. Unlike passwords, which are typically strings of characters that users must remember and input, passkeys leverage the security features already built into our devices. 

Here’s how passkeys work in practice.

Imagine you’re logging into your online banking app. Instead of typing in a complex password, you simply tap “Login with Passkey.” Your phone then prompts you to authenticate yourself using its built-in security method—this could be Face ID, a fingerprint scan, or even a PIN code. Once you’ve proven it’s really you, the app logs you in automatically. 

Behind the scenes, your device is using a unique cryptographic key pair associated with your banking app. When you authenticate, your device signs a challenge from the bank’s server using the private key. The server then verifies this signature with the public key it has stored for your account. This process is not only more secure but also significantly more user-friendly than traditional passwords

Passkeys vs. Passwords: A Comparison 

To understand why passkeys represent a leap forward in security, let’s compare them to traditional passwords: 

  1. Security: Passwords can be guessed, stolen, or cracked. Passkeys, being based on robust cryptographic principles, are virtually impossible to guess or crack. 
  2. Phishing Resistance: Many security breaches occur when users are tricked into entering their passwords on fake websites. Passkeys are tied to specific websites, making phishing attacks ineffective. 
  3. Uniqueness: While users often reuse passwords across multiple sites (despite being advised not to), each passkey is unique to the service it’s created for. A breach on one site doesn’t compromise your security on others. 
  4. User Experience: Remembering multiple complex passwords is a cognitive burden. Passkeys eliminate this issue, as they’re tied to your device’s authentication methods. 
  5. Management: Passwords require regular updates and careful storage. Passkeys are managed automatically by your device or operating system. 
  6. Credential Stuffing: This attack method, where hackers try stolen username/password combinations on multiple sites, is ineffective against passkeys. 

The Practical Advantages of Passkeys 

The benefits of passkeys extend beyond security. They offer a smoother, more intuitive user experience. 

  1. No More Password Resets: Forgotten passwords are a thing of the past with passkeys. 
  2. Faster Logins: Authenticating with a fingerprint or face scan is quicker than typing a long password. 
  3. Cross-Device Functionality: Many passkey systems allow you to log in on a new device by authenticating with a device you already own. 
  4. Accessibility: For users who struggle with typing or remembering complex passwords, passkeys offer a more inclusive solution. 

Adoption and Future Outlook 

Major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are already implementing passkey technology. As more services adopt this standard, we can expect to see a gradual shift away from traditional passwords. 

However, this transition will take time. Many websites and services will need to update their systems to support passkeys. And users will also need to become familiar with this new way of authenticating. 

Conclusion 

Passkeys represent a significant advancement in digital security. They address many of the vulnerabilities associated with traditional passwords while offering a more user-friendly experience. As we move forward in an increasingly digital world, technologies like passkeys will play a crucial role in protecting our online identities and data. 

While the transition may take time, the benefits of passkeys are clear. They offer a future where we can enjoy enhanced security without the hassle of managing countless complex passwords. As users, embracing this technology early can help us stay ahead of the curve in digital security. 

Remember, as with any new technology, it’s essential to stay informed and follow best practices as passkeys become more prevalent in our digital lives. 

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SECURE a Successful 2025 benefit plan audit https://www.sikich.com/insight/secure-a-successful-2025-benefit-plan-audit/ Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:57:20 +0000 https://www.sikich.com/?post_type=insight&p=31475 This on-demand webinar breaks down the latest SECURE 2.0 updates and what they mean for plan sponsors and employee benefit plan audits. Our specialists discuss the new Roth catch-up contribution rules, common audit pitfalls and strategies to improve efficiency and data accuracy. Hear practical insights and peer perspectives on how to prepare your organization for the 2026 changes and strengthen compliance processes.

Top recap, we covered:
• Key SECURE 2.0 updates, including the upcoming Roth catch-up requirement and what plan sponsors should do now.
• Common audit pitfalls and practical ways to improve efficiency across HR, payroll, and finance.
• The role of accurate census data in driving audit quality and compliance.
• Insights from a peer organization on creating a smoother, more collaborative audit process.

Takeaway: Early planning and clean data are essential for turning SECURE 2.0 compliance into an opportunity to strengthen your audit process.

If your browser or cookie settings prohibit you from viewing the video below, you may access it here.

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How to Rethink Customizations When You Move from Dynamics GP to NetSuite https://www.sikich.com/insight/how-to-rethink-customizations-when-you-move-from-dynamics-gp-to-netsuite/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.sikich.com/?post_type=insight&p=31199 Now that Microsoft has announced the end of all product enhancements, regulatory updates, and technical support for Microsoft Dynamics GP on December 31, 2029, with security patches ending on April 30, 2031, companies face a tough decision. What happens to all those customizations made in their ERP? Many businesses have invested time and resources tailoring Microsoft Dynamics GP to meet their needs through custom reports, SQL triggers, workflow enhancements, and third-party add-ons. 

For those considering a move to NetSuite, the prospect of starting from scratch can be overwhelming. But the reality is more encouraging. NetSuite lets you tailor the system to your needs without painting yourself into a corner. You get the benefits of customizations in NetSuite without the usual headaches that make systems hard to update or scale later. 

Why GP Customizations Create Long-Term Risk 

Dynamics GP customizations often depend on on-premises infrastructure and external integrations. You may have built these customizations in SQL or used legacy plug-ins and third-party tools that can be difficult to maintain or migrate to modern cloud environments.  

What’s more, many companies lack comprehensive documentation of changes over the years. Some platform customizations likely addressed temporary issues or business requirements that later became permanent. In both cases, this kind of patchwork makes it difficult to update the system or evaluate what still benefits the business. 

Holding onto GP past 2029 also increases exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities and regulatory non-compliance risks. 

How NetSuite Handles Customizations 

NetSuite takes a different approach. It includes built-in tools for customizing workflows, reports, and interfaces: tools designed for flexibility without locking you into complex upgrades or risky workarounds. You can tailor the platform using visual builders, scripts, and pre-built integrations, all while maintaining compatibility with upgrades. 

The table below shows how the most common types of GP customizations are handled in NetSuite using native capabilities: 

NetSuite approach to customizations

With NetSuite, customizations are an integral part of the everyday admin experience, rather than something that requires developer intervention. For example, making changes to a form or adding a custom field does not require editing code or installing a third-party add-on. You can use SuiteBuilder’s intuitive tools to drag and drop fields, configure forms, and tailor layouts by role or department. 

This do-it-yourself customization reduces dependency on outside consultants and accelerates change management. Your internal team can more easily adjust the software to support their evolving needs. For example, they can update a workflow or add a new approval layer using built-in tools.  

All these changes remain intact after version upgrades because NetSuite’s platform architecture separates custom logic from its core system updates. You avoid the need to reapply code changes with each release, and you eliminate the risk of breaking functionality when the platform evolves. Over time, this helps reduce the layers of custom scripts and external tools that often accumulate in legacy systems such as GP. The result is a more manageable environment with fewer upgrade delays and greater long-term stability. 

NetSuite delivers these capabilities as part of the platform. You do not need separate tools or heavy development to get the necessary functionality. 

Migrating Dynamics GP Customizations to NetSuite 

During migration, your team or your implementation partner will assess which customizations still support critical business functions and which can be replaced or eliminated. Some customizations may no longer be needed, especially if NetSuite already supports that functionality out of the box. 

Sikich begins each migration with a structured discovery process that documents every known customization in GP, from SQL-based workflows to field-level edits. We work closely with your team to identify which features are still actively used, which have workarounds, and which no longer serve a clear purpose. In many cases, what was once a custom report or plug-in in GP can be replaced with a native NetSuite feature, such as a saved search or SuiteApp. This approach enables your business to retain the functionality it needs while eliminating unnecessary technical complexity that slows down upgrades and increases support costs. Instead of rebuilding every feature, you update where it matters most. 

Modernizing Customizations Without Losing Business Logic in NetSuite 

GP helped your business grow, and the customizations you built over time likely reflect hard-earned knowledge about your organization’s operations. However, as that custom codebase ages, it becomes increasingly complex to maintain and more expensive to support. The same is true when existing employees leave, taking valuable system knowledge with them. 

Over time, what once gave you a competitive edge can become a liability. Hanging onto that technical debt slows your ability to respond to changing requirements. 

Instead of replicating every detail from GP, you can rebuild core functionality in a cleaner, more sustainable way.  

  • SuiteFlow lets you capture process logic through visual workflows.  
  • SuiteBuilder enables you to configure forms and fields without requiring any code modifications.  

You no longer need to rely on workarounds or buried SQL to get the system working the way you want. 

NetSuite also gives your team more control over ongoing improvements. With flexible dashboards and configurable tools, you can make updates when business requirements shift. 

If you are planning for life after GP, talk with the Sikich team. We will help you assess your current environment and develop a system that is easier to manage and prepared for growth. Our team is well-versed in both Dynamics GP and NetSuite, enabling us to seamlessly translate your existing setup, supporting the continuity and long-term scalability of your business. We’ll help you move forward with confidence.

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Microsoft Phone Link: Why You Should Care and How to Get Started https://www.sikich.com/insight/microsoft-phone-link-why-you-should-care-and-how-to-get-started/ Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.sikich.com/?post_type=insight&p=31113 Have you ever found yourself juggling between your phone and your computer, trying to respond to texts while working on a document? Or maybe you’ve emailed yourself a photo just to get it onto your PC? If that sounds familiar, Microsoft Phone Link might be the solution you didn’t know you needed. 
 
Phone Link (formerly known as “Your Phone”) is a free app built into Windows 11 that bridges the gap between your Android or iPhone and your PC. It allows you to view and respond to texts, access photos, manage notifications, and even make calls—right from your computer. 
 
Let’s walk through why it’s useful, how to install it, how to configure it, and some tips and tricks to get the most out of it. 

Here are a few everyday scenarios where Phone Link shines: 

  • Texting While Working: Respond to SMS or iMessages without picking up your phone. 
  • Photo Transfers: Instantly access your phone’s photos on your PC—no cables or cloud uploads. 
  • Notification Management: See and dismiss phone notifications from your desktop. 
  • Calling from Your PC: Make and receive calls using your computer’s microphone and speakers. 
  • App Access (Android only): Launch and interact with mobile apps directly on your PC. 

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time on your computer and wants fewer interruptions, Phone Link is a game-changer. 

On Your Windows 11 PC 

Most Windows 11 PCs already have Phone Link installed. To check: 

  1. Click Start, then type Phone Link. 
  2. If it appears, you’re good to go. If not: 
    • Open Microsoft Store. 
    • Search for Phone Link. 
    • Click Install. 

On Your Mobile Device 

You’ll need the companion app: 

Setting It Up 

  1. Open the Phone Link app. 
  2. Choose your phone type: Android or iPhone. 
  3. You’ll be prompted to scan a QR code. 

Step 2: Connect Your Phone 

  1. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone. 
  2. Scan the QR code shown on your PC. 
  3. Grant permissions: 
    • Notifications 
    • Contacts 
    • Messages 
    • Photos 
    • Calls (optional) 

Step 3: Finalize Setup 

Once connected, you’ll see your phone’s name and status in the Phone Link app. You may need to adjust battery optimization settings on your phone to keep the connection stable. 

From Your PC 

  • Messages: Read and reply to texts. Android users can also send MMS. 
  • Photos: View recent photos and drag them into documents or emails. 
  • Notifications: See alerts from apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or banking apps. 
  • Calls: Make and receive calls using your PC’s audio. 
  • Apps (Android only): Open and interact with mobile apps in a window. 

From Your Phone 

  • Link Status: Check if your phone is connected. 
  • Permissions: Adjust what data is shared. 
  • Battery Optimization: Disable it for the Link to Windows app to keep the connection alive. 

Tips and Tricks 

From the PC Side 

  • Pin Phone Link to Taskbar: Right-click the icon and choose “Pin to taskbar” for quick access. 
  • Drag and Drop Photos: You can drag images directly into Word, Outlook, or Teams. 
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Use Ctrl+Enter to send messages quickly. 
  • App Mirroring (Android): Use your mouse and keyboard to interact with mobile apps. 

From the Phone Side 

  • Battery Settings: On Android, go to Settings > Battery > App optimization and exclude Link to Windows. 
  • Notification Sync: Make sure “Allow notification access” is enabled in your phone’s settings. 
  • Privacy Controls: You can toggle off access to messages or photos if needed. 

Limitations to Know 

  • iPhone Support: As of now, iPhone integration is limited to messages, calls, and notifications. You won’t get app mirroring or photo access. 
  • Bluetooth Dependency: Calls require Bluetooth pairing between your PC and phone. 
  • Wi-Fi Recommended: For best performance, keep both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. 

Final Thoughts 

Microsoft Phone Link is one of those features that quietly improves your workflow. Whether you’re replying to texts during meetings, grabbing a photo for a presentation, or just keeping your phone out of sight, it helps you stay focused and connected. 
 
If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a shot. It’s free, easy to set up, and surprisingly powerful once you get used to it.