Kieser streamlines operations with AI-driven NetSuite rollout
Kieser Australia has replaced manual spreadsheet-based processes with Oracle NetSuite's AI-powered enterprise resource planning system to address operational inefficiencies and support business growth.
The physiotherapy-led strength training group, which manages 31 clinics and employs over 800 staff members across Australia, had previously relied on approximately 80 different Excel spreadsheets to oversee its financial tasks. The transition to NetSuite has allowed the company to streamline and automate its financial operations.
Operational overhaul
Founded in Switzerland in 1967, Kieser launched its first Australian clinic in Melbourne in 2006. Rapid expansion since then led to challenges in maintaining efficient financial procedures using fragmented and manual systems. Seeking to address delays and inefficiencies, Kieser undertook a careful evaluation of potential enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions before selecting NetSuite.
The deployment of NetSuite has led to a significant reduction in the time required to close year-end financial accounts-from 25 days to just three. This has enabled Kieser's finance team to redirect its focus toward supporting clinical services and national expansion plans.
"We were managing the entire business on Excel spreadsheets and were overwhelmed with manual data entry. Our business was growing fast and finance wasn't keeping up," said Dianna Butterworth, co-owner and chief financial officer, Kieser Australia. "Moving to NetSuite was a no-brainer. NetSuite has helped us simplify operations, unify data, and improve the speed and accuracy of financial processes. What's more, we're using the AI features in NetSuite to further improve productivity and decision-making as we grow our business and focus on delivering quality care to more Australians."
NetSuite's integration consolidates Kieser's financial planning, budgeting, and business reporting. According to the company, automating these processes has also improved the speed of decision-making and reduced the potential for human error arising from manual data entry.
AI capabilities
The adoption of NetSuite ERP and NetSuite Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) has provided Kieser with new tools for efficiency as it scales operations across the country. The use of embedded AI functionalities in the platform supports the drive for greater productivity and organisational intelligence.
"As demand for healthcare continues to rise across Australia, the ability to efficiently scale up and expand operations enables organisations to outgrow competitors and improve access to services," said Scott Wiltshire, vice president and general manager Australia and New Zealand, Oracle NetSuite. "With NetSuite's comprehensive suite of embedded AI capabilities, Kieser has been able to automate financial processes, expand insights, enhance decision-making and confidently pursue its national growth plans."
Automating routine and complex financial tasks, Kieser reports a marked reduction in the volumes of data manually processed by its finance teams. In consolidating disparate spreadsheet files into a single integrated suite, the company has improved transparency and consistency of financial information used in business planning and reporting.
Supporting national expansion
The company's stated mission is to help Australians live longer and healthier lives through physiotherapy-led strength training. Kieser's programs are overseen by clinicians and designed to support musculoskeletal health, chronic disease management, and healthy ageing.
As Kieser continues with its national growth strategy, its technology upgrade is expected to underpin further expansion and bolster clinical support teams. The aim is for automation and data-driven insights to free up resources, allowing more focus on service delivery in clinics as well as continued expansion into new locations.
