Cantec Group, a Waterford-based company with 30 years of industry experience and a team of 45 staff, is a well-established player in office technology, specifically in providing printing solutions. Over time, they identified the need to evolve their offerings and keep pace with the rising demand for digital solutions. Recognizing a gap in their service portfolio and an opportunity to diversify, Cantec partnered with SmartOffice to enhance their Accounts Payable (AP) automation services, responding to their clients’ needs for more efficient digital workflows. This collaboration allowed Cantec to leverage SmartOffice’s AP automation expertise alongside their own sales acumen.

The Challenge

Before partnering with SmartOffice, Cantec faced limitations in its service offerings, particularly in the area of digital AP solutions. Their clients were increasingly seeking comprehensive AP automation to manage documentation and media processing, but the existing enterprise solutions were often too costly and unsuitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Without the ability to offer this essential service, Cantec found themselves excluded from key client discussions, effectively relegated to being a hardware provider. Their inability to address these needs meant they had limited control over project planning and design, which was largely dictated by third-party solution providers. This partnership with SmartOffice allowed Cantec to reclaim the narrative, positioning them at the forefront of AP automation and making them integral to their clients’ digital transformation journey.

The Solution

Through SmartOffice’s AP automation platform, Cantec was able to expand its service offerings significantly. By providing a “sticky” solution, Cantec improved client retention and engagement, strengthening their foothold in existing accounts. With SmartOffice handling onboarding and integration, Cantec enjoyed streamlined processes, quick implementation, and easy post-sales support, ensuring a seamless experience for their clients. This solution complemented Cantec’s hardware services, providing them with a powerful differentiator in the market.

SmartOffice’s team provided Cantec with full support, including sales training, business development assistance, and marketing collateral, which simplified the sales cycle. Access to SmartOffice’s expertise allowed Cantec to develop its own internal skills while enhancing their sales capability, ultimately adding value to their brand.

The Result

Partnering with SmartOffice has yielded substantial financial benefits for Cantec, introducing new revenue streams through sales and onboarding fees, as well as recurring income from SmartOffice’s subscription model. This AP automation service now constitutes a significant portion of Cantec’s recurring revenue, growing quickly and providing ongoing opportunities. Feedback from clients has highlighted time savings, improved financial practices, and greater information security, underscoring the platform’s value.
Since implementing SmartOffice, Cantec has seen measurable improvements in client retention and satisfaction. The “stickability” of the AP automation service means clients are less likely to explore alternatives, and Cantec can maintain a consultative role, influencing both solution and hardware decisions.