A Case Study in Business Transformation, Governance and Long-Term Partnership
THE TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE
This story is not really about outsourcing. It is about transformation. Several years ago, one of Australia’s oldest and most respected listed agribusinesses was undertaking a fundamental shift in strategy. The organisation was moving from a traditionally structured operating model towards a leaner, process-led business focused on premium branded beef, stronger margins, better yields and more data-driven decision making. Leadership recognised that achieving these ambitions would require a finance function capable of operating at world-class standards, supported by the right business process outsourcing Australia capabilities.
A SEARCH FOR A TRANSFORMATION PARTNER
Following the implementation of JD Edwards, management recognised that the organisation was not extracting the full value from its ERP investment. Rather than seeking a low-cost outsourcing provider, they sought a partner who could help scale processes, improve capabilities, uplift governance and establish the foundations necessary to support long-term strategic change.
UNDERSTANDING BEFORE RECOMMENDING
Infomate deployed a team to the client’s Australian headquarters to assess current-state performance. Baseline KPIs were established across accounts payable, accounts receivable, reporting, productivity, quality and service delivery. This diagnostic exercise became the foundation of a transformation roadmap.
BUILDING A WORLD-CLASS FINANCE FUNCTION
We introduced detailed SOPs, process maps, screenshot-based desktop procedures, escalation protocols, accountability frameworks and business continuity documentation. The objective was to make processes repeatable, scalable and measurable rather than dependent on institutional knowledge.
This structured approach is particularly valuable in agribusiness, where complex operations, transaction volumes and changing business requirements place greater demands on finance teams. Infomate’s BPO services for the agriculture industry are designed around these operational and financial requirements.
CREATING A CULTURE OF MEASUREMENT
The transformation programme embedded metrics such as invoice-to-pay cycle times, creditor and debtor days, AHT, TAT compliance, transaction accuracy, service levels and productivity indicators. Supported by Infomate workflow tools, these measures drove visibility, accountability and continuous improvement.
MAXIMISING THE VALUE OF JD EDWARDS
Infomate helped introduce JD Edwards best practices and encouraged better utilisation of the platform’s capabilities. Improved workflows, controls and reporting enabled management to gain richer insights into costs, margins and business performance.
GOVERNANCE, ASSURANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE ENGAGEMENT
The transformation was underpinned by a strong governance framework. Compliance levels were maintained at a high standard and independent operational assessments were periodically prepared for management and the Audit Committee. We welcomed scrutiny from the Audit Committee Chair and provided assurance through transparent reporting, KPI monitoring, controls reviews and structured process documentation.
SUPPORTING STRATEGIC CHANGE
As the organisation pursued premium branded beef markets and sought stronger commercial outcomes, the finance function evolved from processing transactions to enabling decisions. Better information, stronger controls and improved reporting supported management’s strategic agenda.
A PARTNERSHIP BEYOND BUSINESS
Transformation is ultimately delivered by people. Over eight years, the relationship grew through regular visits between Australia and Sri Lanka, business reviews and shared experiences. Australia versus Sri Lanka cricket matches, rugby league outings, kangaroo farm visits and premium beef barbecues helped strengthen the personal bonds that underpin trusted partnerships.
EIGHT YEARS OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Today, the relationship continues to expand with new services, ongoing process improvements and a shared commitment to excellence. What began as a finance support engagement evolved into a long-term transformation partnership.
This journey also reflects Infomate’s broader experience supporting an agricultural company from Australia through structured finance and business process solutions.
THE BROADER LESSON
For Australian organisations, the greatest value from outsourcing is often not labour arbitrage. It is finding a partner capable of helping drive transformation. This partnership demonstrates how process excellence, governance, technology optimisation, cultural alignment and trusted relationships can support lasting business change. At Infomate, being a true “mate” means standing alongside our clients through every stage of that journey.
Author: Jehan Perinpanayagam