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Why Moving to a New Payment Process Takes Less Time Than You Think

Posted on by fortis2025

Your construction payment software is great…until it isn’t. Lack of innovation, expensive transaction fees, and poor integration can cause chaos in a tech stack—especially for construction companies, which often require flexible and nuanced accounting solutions.  

For many CFOs, putting off payment process reform and migrating to a new solution can seem like the best choice. It takes valuable time to set up new payment software. But not as much time as you think. 

A prepared and thorough approach to payment solution migration can help you set up new systems in days, not weeks or months. Before diving into how you can accelerate moving to a new construction payment system, let’s take a look at what factors influence the speed of software migration.  

What Determines the Pace of Payment Software Migration? 

If you have evaluated a payment solution for your construction company, it’s likely you already have the basic information for the big switch. You have assessed your new software’s features. Mobile and offline access, flexibility, compliance, security, and ease of use are all must-have capabilities for construction. The solution’s integration selection—whether it will fit into your current workflow—is another critical factor.  

However, there is more to mapping out the basic solution when it comes to successful and swift adoption. A faster migration to a new payment system relies on additional factors, such as: 

  • Expert involvement during implementation, onboarding and beyond 
  • Detailed process needs and expectations for the new system 
  • Demos of the product in-action 
  • A process for guidance and user feedback 
  • An extensive integration library so the system can scale with you 

3 Tips to Accelerate Switching Payment Systems 

Depending on your construction company’s requirements, there are specific actions that might further speed up the migration process. However, the following three tips will enable you to kickstart your efforts, no matter your configuration.  

1. Collaborate with Experts  

Much like every special project, relying on experts is the key to a seamless transition and execution–full stop. Having a guide through the process that can help you turn your aspirational process map into a functioning, frictionless machine can make all the difference. 

Expert guidance can help you quickly leverage fast onboarding and approvals, cloud-based platforms for instant access, and pre-built integrations with existing software. The right expertise can eliminate tedious setup common with legacy or manual solutions. Furthermore, system experts can optimize your solutions to reduce the need for extensive IT involvement in long-term maintenance.  

Check out Fortis’ free eBook on Cash Flow for Construction Companies. 

2. Take Advantage of Integrations 

Another key factor for success is ensuring your new payment processor can seamlessly fit into your current workflow. Embedded payment solutions are particularly well suited to working with various other platforms, from ERPs to ecommerce applications. Many platforms connect with construction management software as well, which can make adoption smoother.

Plugins & Integrations

Integration infrastructure is so important because of its ability to transfer data quickly. The last thing you want is to waste hours transferring information from one platform to another. Ideally, your payment solution’s integration setup should nix the manual data transfers and replace it with automated, real-time syncing.  

3. Choose User-Friendly Software to Speed Up Time to Launch  

Finally, it’s important to have a modern interface that prioritizes user-friendly designs. Every new software solution, from payments to marketing, requires some level of training. Employees already familiar with digital tools tend to adapt quickly to intuitive payment platforms. However, through employing a well-designed, human-centric software, you can minimize training time.

Top-tier providers will also offer guided onboarding, video tutorials and dedicated support. Ensuring your solution provides this additional assistance can help you scale training with very little effort—and speed up adoption.  

Upgrade Your Process 

Switching providers takes time—but selecting the right payment software can make all the difference. Not only should you be able to rapidly implement your new solution, but an automated platform can reduce payment collection times from weeks to days. Streamlined automated invoicing and reminders improve cash flow without adding extra work for your staff, and you can nearly eliminate manual processing. All of which enables your team to focus on higher-level tasks.  

Of course, how you implement your construction payment software matters. Collaborating with experts, leveraging integrations, and prioritizing usability can all speed up adoption and ensure your tech stack’s longevity.  

Want more expert tips on streamlining cash flow for your construction business? Reach out to a Fortis Guide or a Strategies Group consultant to get a demo today.   

Transform Your Business with Payment Plugins 

Posted on by fortis2025

In an era of rapidly advancing payment technology, plugins are often the easiest way for merchants and ISVs to streamline their payment strategy and boost revenue. They’re even known to positively impact consumer purchase intentions. But, what exactly are plugins, and how do they work?

In this article, we’ll discuss: 

  • What a plugin is and how it differs from an API 
  • How plugins can transform your business  
  • And, how to evaluate which plugin is right for you 

What are plugins (and how are they different from APIs)? 

A plugin is an add-on to a software solution that improves or expands its original capabilities. Usually, the plugin is third-party software that provides additional features, such as customization or automation of the original software’s capabilities. 

Plugins are often “no-code” solutions, meaning you can install them with one click or add them to your software with minimal effort. Official plugins are often listed on the original software’s website. For example, both Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Sage have app marketplaces to easily identify official plugins. 

You may have also seen the term API tossed around, which may seem interchangeable with plugins. But it’s not quite the same.  

API stands for application programming interface, and these solutions are typically used by two software applications to “talk” to one other. An API often requires custom coding and requires more effort for installation.  

That said, it’s common for best-in-class payment applications to offer both a plugin and API connection.

Plugins & Integrations

4 ways payment plugins will transform your business 

Plugins offer several key advantages to businesses such as installing new solutions quickly, optimizing processes, boosting security, and increasing performance. 

  1. Installing new solutions quickly: Plugins are very easy to install and manage. Often, they are one-click installations and require minimal maintenance. As a result, developers can save hours of time and focus their attention on other high-value tasks.  
  1. Optimizing and customizing your processes: Plugins extend a software’s capabilities, making programs more flexible and customizable. For example, if your organization wants to include digital wallet payments or loyalty payment points but the core ERP software does not offer them, a plugin can fill that gap.  
  1. Boosting security: Some plugins offer additional measures to safeguard customer data, such as tokenization and user permissions. This is a critical factor to successful online transactions—especially when payment data is involved. 
  1. Increasing performance: Finally, plugins may automate and streamline processes both for the merchant and the customer. Some examples include offering additional billing models and branded embedded payment options.

How to evaluate payment plugins and integrations 

As you can imagine, there are dozens of payment plugins for all major ERP and accounting software solutions. So, how can you determine which plugin is best for your business? There are a few ways to evaluate a plugin and see if it’s a good fit: 
 

  1. Features: The plugin should do what you need it to do. But you’ll also want a solution that can scale. Ideally, you’ll want a platform that offers a complete suite of payment solutions, so that your payment operations can grow along with your business. 
  1. Flexibility: How many programs can the plugin integrate with? This is a critical component of success. The more integration options, the more likely you can build a tailored solution to align with your long-term needs.  
  1. Security: When dealing with customer payment information, security is paramount. Any payment plugin you choose should use industry-leading technology and protocols, such as P2PE, SREDKey devices, and EMV card access. Ultimately, it’s important to look for additional fraud protections and whether the plugin is PCI-DSS compliant.  
  1. Global Support: eCommerce has revolutionized buying and expanded merchant access across borders. A best-in-class payment plugin will support new global capabilities. The more currencies and payment methods available, the better. 
  1. Customization: Finally, you’ll want the controls to ensure your payment plugin remains on-brand and aligned with your payment strategy. Each plugin will offer different levels of customization and it’s vital that you find a solution that makes sense for your specific business model.

Transform Your Business with the Fortis Plugin 

As an industry leader in payments, Fortis offers an advanced, flexible payment experience with its plugin solution. The Fortis plugin makes it easy to streamline payments, reduce liability, support growth, and design a custom payment process. 

Our plugin solution integrates with major ERPs and other software, such as: 

  • Sage 50 
  • Sage 100 
  • Sage 300 
  • Sage X3 
  • Sage Intacct 
  • Microsoft Dynamics 360 Finance 
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales 
  • OPERA PMS 
  • Xstore POS 
  • Visual Matrix 
  • Adobe Commerce 
  • WooCommerce 
  • BigCommerce 

Ready to transform your business with a payment plugin? Get started with our Fortis Plugin solution today.

How to Future-Proof Your Manufacturing Business with Secure and Scalable ERP Payments 

Posted on by fortis2025

More than two-thirds of manufacturing CEOs consider upgrading the way they accept payments to be critical, and for good reason. An unpredictable global market highlighted the importance of steady cash flow in future-proofing operations.  

The pandemic years, for example, wrought havoc on supply chains, delayed payment collection, and forced businesses to innovate in order to stay afloat. Continued geopolitical conflicts and workforce shortages have further rattled the global economy. 

What comes next for the industry can be just as unpredictable. 

No one can foresee the future. However, many ways exist to mitigate risk, especially when it comes to protecting your payment system and revenue stream. Doing so can keep you ahead of the curve and make it easier to adapt to sudden industry shifts. Here are four ways to future-proof payments within your manufacturing software.

Two men working in a manufacturing workshop.

1.) Digitize and Integrate Your ERP 

Manufacturing operations, payments included, have only benefited from the advent of digitization. But going digital isn’t enough.  

Today, manufacturing organizations looking to strengthen their stability and financial standing must go further than having a digital payment process. Most ERP software, such as Sage, NetSuite, or QuickBooks, integrates with multiple solutions, from payment processors to order status and inventory modules. The shift towards creating a unique process through added APIs and other software breaks down silos and makes having full visibility over every order easier than ever.  

In terms of payments, integrations enable accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) to better evaluate and strategize their payment process.

2.) Leverage Embedded and Real-time Payments 

At the beginning of the digital revolution, manufacturers could leverage invoicing, but much of it was a multi-step process done by a third party. Now, manufacturers have much more control over the process with embedded payments.  

For example, with Paylinks, also known as click to pay, customers can now pay their invoices by simply hitting a button within an email or text sent to them. They can securely save their payment details through a portal that matches the manufacturer’s brand.  

Furthermore, they can leverage alternative payment methods, such as real-time payments, to improve their relationship with suppliers. According to a recent PYMNTS report, 91% of manufacturers believe real-time payments improve relationships with suppliers, and 86% see implementing real-time payments as a priority.  

3.) Stabilize Cash Flow with Recurring Billing 

Another way to future-proof your payment process is through recurring billing. For repeatable B2B payments, it can be helpful to offer a recurring or subscription-based payment option. This reduces the time and energy customers spend filling out invoices while making it easier for you to forecast revenue streams.  

This steady flow of income eases constraints on cash flow. As a result, manufacturers can better save and prepare for potential disruptions or position themselves for growth.  

4.) Optimize Your Processes with Automation 

Finally, automated systems are key to efficiency, with one of the major benefits translating into faster payment. Accounts receivable automation, in particular, can significantly reduce Day Sales Outstanding (DSO). Lowering the average number of days to payment leads to better cash flow and more time for other activities. 

Automating your AP/AR processes allows your payments team to focus on high-value items, such as strategy, customer onboarding, supplier verification, and procurement. Many tasks can be automated and synced to optimize accuracy, transparency, and more.

Future-proof with Fortis 

The best way to protect your organization from uncertainty and potential risks is through ensuring a steady stream of revenue and staying on top of payments. To do that, it’s vital to transform your payment process into a competitive advantage through automation, scalable integrations, and more.  

Fortis’ award-winning APIs enable manufacturing organizations to streamline their payment strategy through automation and essential growth features. No longer chasing invoices, AR teams can focus on unlocking revenue opportunities, strengthening supplier relationships, and scaling their service offerings.  

Contact our team of payment experts and find out how you can future-proof your manufacturing ERP payments today. 

Gen Z to Retailers: Sell Us Speed, Simplicity, Touchless Pay Options

Posted on by fortis2025

Retailers, take heed of Generation Z’s desire for convenience in processing payments.

Without offering frictionless payments and a comprehensive set of system tools to meet the demands of this up-and-coming generation born between 1997 and 2012, retailers can say goodbye to Gen Z as customers.

As if catering to ever-changing consumer shopping trends was not already challenging, the Gen Z shopping mindset can be elusive and confusing. If you spend some quality time studying industry reports on what retailers must do to attract Gen Zers’ attention and close transactions, you might well be left scratching your head over how to meet their wants and needs.

For instance, some reports call for providing Gen Z shoppers with unique in-store experiences, relevance, and newness while shopping. The Gen Z population is careful about spending habits, declare other reports.

Much of those strategies are applicable to all shoppers in the new omnichannel landscape. But successful retailers must find clarity to get Gen Zers on board.

Payment Choices Essential

Gen Z shoppers want authenticity. Being young, they do not hurry to build brand loyalties. They expect value in your brand. Not finding any, they will shop elsewhere. Retailers targeting this buying category need to:

  • Focus on social media advertising
  • Truly understand Gen Z culture
  • Take a stance on social issues
  • Offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) purchase options

From that list of what Gen Z shoppers want, perhaps the most necessary is what payment options a retailer provides.

Gen Zers do not balk at paying more for sustainable products or from brands that share their social and political views. But without providing convenient payment methods, retailers are conducting a losing proposition, suggests Greg Cohen, CEO of payments and commerce technology platform Fortis.

“To meet these new demands head-on, retailers must invest and improve their overall checkout experience by providing an all-encompassing set of tools that not only offers frictionless payments but also split payments and a streamlined checkout process to meet Gen Z’s desire for convenience,” he told CRM Buyer.

Payment Part of the Journey

According to a 2020 study by Fiserv, 70% of Gen Z shoppers still planned to choose contactless payments after the pandemic because it is simple. Businesses need to prepare for the new payment demands expected to follow suit.

It is all about customer engagement that leads to making a purchase. That process needs to be embedded in the entire journey, according to Cohen.

Retail is not a one-stop shop. The world of software and payments has become very verticalized, he offered. Take, for example, restaurant software. You might have restaurant software made specifically for pizza parlors, versus Chinese restaurants. You see that same evolution in almost every vertical.

A second trend will be the winners of the core systems that are much more open architecture, added Cohen. This lets retailers plug in some of these value-added pieces to their existing systems to meet the customers where they are.

Plenty of software platforms try to own every piece of an ecosystem. Opening that ecosystem allows for more players to conduct transactions in their specific markets. That is why retailers must research the wide variety of payment tools that are available, he advised.

Simplicity and Convenience

Gen Z consumers differ from other age groups primarily by their insistence on getting speed, contactless, and wallet payment forms, according to Tom Tucker, president of Americas at Till Payments.

“These include Apple Pay/Google Pay and Buy Now buttons. Buy now, pay later is the biggest in this group,” Tucker told CRM Buyer.

The experience is imperative, he added. Security is not their biggest concern. Stored credentials for faster checkout are table stakes.

Fiserv’s study showed that most Gen Z shoppers plan to use contactless payments after the pandemic because it is simple. Businesses need to prepare for the new payment demands expected to follow suit,” he reiterated.

“UIs need to be simple and have minimal interaction required of the consumer,” he added.

How retailers do that preparation is rather straightforward, he suggested. Update all user interfaces for one-click and wallet payment types.

“Gen Z and Gen Y grew up with the internet and have the most need for wallets, BNPL, and mobile technologies. Gen X and boomers are adopting quickly but are slow to move. Covid helped push them forward dramatically by two to three years,” Tucker said.

Zoomers’ Mobile-First Mindset

Marketing to Gen Z is much different than other age groups mainly because they are the first generation to not know life without a screen in their hand, observed Kristin Dorsey, vice president of marketing at CRM software firm Linc.

“As a result, Zoomers expect a mobile-first customer experience and digital ads are not as effective because they have learned to tune them out. Gen Z does not want to feel sold to, which is why more brands are prioritizing educational content, influencer marketing, earned media, and building communities over large ad buys,” she told CRM Buyer.

That scenario is the foundation for how businesses should prepare for new payment demands to meet Gen Z’s unique buying situations, Dorsey continued. This mobile-first mentality means businesses must stay up to date with the latest cashless and contactless payment options to create an ideal customer experience.

“Gen Z favors mobile payment methods over cash — and even debit or credit cards — much more than previous generations. The convenience of touchless digital payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay is one big reason why, along with concerns around spreading germs using cash and cards,” she explained.

Plus, having grown up after The Great Recession, they are more skeptical of traditional financial institutions and their products. That is why businesses need to stay ahead of new alternative financing options like BNPL, she concluded.

By CRM Buyer | https://www.crmbuyer.com/story/gen-z-to-retailers-sell-us-speed-simplicity-touchless-pay-options-176555.html