1-800-PACK-RAT is a portable storage and moving company that provides customers with a simple way to store and move items. With over 1,000 employees and hundreds of diesel trucks for their operations, credit card purchases and accompanying reconciliation is a critical aspect of their accounting processes. As Senior Accountant, Ryan Hendricks oversees financial processes while driving operational efficiency and technological improvements.
Challenge: Countless Hours Spent on Reconciliation
Early in his tenure, Hendricks advocated for an expense management system to streamline the company’s expense process. Unfortunately, the platform they chose “lacked a direct relationship with the card processor,” and the resulting user experience was disjointed. Without an integrated solution, there was tedious back-and-forth as managers chased down lost receipts and expenditures, extending the reconciliation process to as much as 35-40 hours weekly. The managers were also delayed in their ability to monitor spending and credit availability.
Another issue for the team was their approval process. As a company with multiple divisions and a fast-growing acquisition strategy, they needed not only a multi-level expense approval process but also the ability to adjust it as needed with minimal hassle. For Hendricks, the system selected didn’t live up to expectations: “We tried it for a couple of years, and it just wasn’t working for us.”
“Our previous system created a lot of headaches for the cardholders. At the end of the day, they just want to submit something and not have to think about it again.” –Ryan Hendricks, Senior Accountant, 1-800-PACK-RAT
Solution: An Intuitive Interface Backed by Attentive Customer Support
The company evaluated other options, but Center offered a comprehensive solution that most closely aligned with their requirements. In addition to an easy-to-use interface, benefits included a streamlined reconciliation process and visibility into the credit limit and how much has been utilized. Hendricks was especially excited about “the customizable system for approvals—it gave admins everything they needed for flexibility to simplify their complex approval workflow.”
The implementation process with Center was quick and seamless. The assigned deployment manager provided dedicated support, assisting in setting up the environment and customizing the approval functions to 1-800-Pack-Rat’s needs. They also promptly addressed any concerns or questions.
For Hendricks, he appreciates feeling like Center is a partner. He explained, “At every step of the way, they have given us every tool we have requested.” And for features they’d like to see, Hendricks said, “If it’s not possible yet, Center lets us know they can do it in the future and are already thinking about it, or ‘that’s a great idea. We’ll put it into the mix.’”
Impact: Time Savings and Ease of Use = More Focus on High-Value Work
Long gone are the delays in data visibility and complicated approval process. Now, the accounting team is free to focus on more strategic projects knowing there is a reliable system in place that is easy for cardholders and approvers. Center gives 1-800-Pack-Rat “a lot of flexibility, but it also gives us good guardrails for our cardholders.”
For Hendricks, the time and energy saved through Center’s intuitive platform and responsive support far outweigh what others have to offer. Additionally, Center’s commitment to understanding and meeting the company’s specific needs, coupled with its user-friendly interface and robust features, makes it a compelling choice for streamlining accounting processes and driving operational efficiency.
With Center, 1-800-Pack-Rat gets:
- Time saved: Credit card reconciliation decreased by 85%
- Clear insights: Transparent reports reveal spending patterns that help decision-making
- User-friendly: Intuitive interface and approval customization for effortless expense management
- Responsive support: Dedicated team ensures timely assistance and prompt query resolution
“Every step of the way, Center has worked with our needs—and a lot of our wants as well. And the ease of use is unparalleled. I’ve had this conversation with companies and business owners who are thinking about getting a corporate card, and I tell them, ‘the amount of time and energy you save on a platform that just is intuitive for all people involved; it’s a no-brainer.’” –Ryan Hendricks, Senior Accountant, 1-800-PACK-RAT