CMI Techcast: Recent Episodes
CMI
This podcast series is all about keeping you up to date with the trends we are seeing in the IT and business technology space.We’re here to educate you on everything you need to know from a business technology perspective and provide a better understanding on how IT and technology can have a positive impact on your business.
Every missed pick, late shipment, or stockout tells a story, and it usually starts with a process that no longer fits the volume. We pull back the curtain on how wholesalers, distributors, and suppliers can replace spreadsheet sprawl and manual ordering with streamlined flows, real-time inventory visibility, and warehouse operations that actually keep promises. The throughline is simple: fix the process, then use technology to scale it.
Emma Portlock leads a conversation with Andy from productivity solutions and Fareeya, a senior ERP consultant, plus seasoned CIO advisor Mark Mitchelson. Together, we examine the hidden costs of inefficiency, duplicate data entry, long approvals, aging stock, and overnight integrations that slow the business. You’ll hear real examples: turning a 12-step manual order routine into a 5-step ERP flow, digitising stock counts with barcode capture, and phasing a legacy system off into modern Business Central. Mark breaks down demand forecasting across long lead times and complex variants, while Andy shows where quick wins live, staffing automations, certificate tracking, and mapping warehouse zones into the system for accurate movements.
We also talk data without the buzzwords. AI only delivers when the data is curated, connected, and current. That means consolidating files, standardising fields, and surfacing real-time signals so forecasting, seasonality insights, and exception alerts can be trusted. The roadmap we share is practical and phased: discover how work truly happens, pilot a high-impact fix, measure ROI, and scale in steps across orders, inventory, and warehouse workflows. The result is fewer fire drills, faster fulfilment, and operations that can flex with demand.
Ready to reduce hidden costs and increase control? Listen now, subscribe for more practical deep dives, and share your biggest bottleneck so we can tackle it on a future episode. Visit BCN.co.uk for more information about how we help Wholesalers with their digital transformation.
In this episode of the BCN Podcast, we explore the approaches businesses should take when implementing AI tools, focusing on education, security, and effective adoption strategies. Experts Fraser Dear and Johan Venables share insights on how to identify business cases, address data security concerns, and ensure successful AI integration.
• Starting with education to help staff understand AI capabilities and address misconceptions
• Identifying the right business use cases for AI implementation, including individual productivity tools versus process-focused solutions
• Conducting thorough data discovery and security audits before implementing AI tools
• Building appropriate governance frameworks and AI councils to monitor and control AI use
• Creating supportive communities and identifying champions to drive successful adoption
• Using Microsoft Viva Insights to measure productivity gains and demonstrate ROI
• Recognising that AI adoption is a continuous journey requiring ongoing support and education
Visit our website at bcn.co.uk to learn more about how we can help your business begin or improve your AI adoption journey.
Halfway through 2025, the AI revolution isn't slowing down it's accelerating in ways that are transforming how businesses operate. In this enlightening conversation, Peter Filitz sits down with Fraser Dear and Johan Venables to unpack the dramatic evolution of Microsoft's Copilot ecosystem and what it means for organisations navigating digital transformation.
The discussion reveals how Microsoft has strategically repositioned Copilot from a standalone chat tool to the central hub of the Microsoft 365 experience. This shift mirrors their earlier Microsoft Teams strategy, creating a unified interface where AI becomes the primary gateway to all productivity applications. Users can now generate documents, presentations, and insights without switching between applications, fundamentally changing workflow patterns across organisations.
Most striking are the real-world productivity gains businesses are experiencing. Rather than incremental improvements, organisations are seeing multiplicative efficiency boosts of 300-400% for specific tasks. But this isn't about replacing humans it's about enhancement. Employees report having more time for high-value work, reduced stress levels, and unexpected skill development, with non-technical staff gaining coding literacy through natural language interactions with AI assistants.
Looking ahead, our experts predict the emergence of more specialised AI agents working in unison, creating an orchestrated ecosystem of purpose-built assistants. The next frontier may involve a shift from reactive to proactive AI systems that anticipate needs rather than just responding to prompts, essentially moving from "co-pilot" to "autopilot" in certain scenarios.
For business leaders, the message is clear: the AI and automation revolution isn't optional. Organisations need to start their adoption journey now while implementing proper governance, maintaining transparency about AI use, and ensuring human oversight.
Visit bcn.co.uk for more information on our products and services and how we can help your business adopt these new technologies.
With AI tools now used by 75% of SMBs and 80% of individuals, safeguarding sensitive business data is more critical than ever. In this episode, experts Reece Gohil and Johan Venables explore how Microsoft Purview enables secure, responsible AI adoption across your organisation.
We cover:
- Real-world implementation tips, from licensing to security assessments
- How Purview addresses cloud sprawl and shadow IT without blocking productivity
- Options for SMBs via Microsoft 365 Business Premium and enterprise upgrades
- Microsoft Funding and workshops to map your data estate
Whether you're focused on compliance, governance, or AI readiness, this episode offers practical guidance to protect what matters most. Learn more at bcn.co.uk.
AI is becoming embedded in everything we do. With 75% of businesses now using artificial intelligence and over 80% of people incorporating it into their everyday lives, organisations face unprecedented security challenges that require immediate attention.
Reece Gohil and Johan Venables join the BCN podcast to navigate the complex landscape of unauthorised AI use in business environments. They reveal why simply blocking AI tools isn't a viable solution and how businesses can instead establish effective guardrails that protect sensitive data while still enabling productivity. Through real-world examples—including one shocking case where an employee searching for their payslip accidentally discovered everyone's annual bonuses—they illustrate why proper data governance must be the foundation of any AI strategy.
The conversation explores Microsoft's approach to supporting businesses through this transition, highlighting how tools like the free Copilot Chat can provide immediate productivity benefits with enterprise-grade security. Listeners will gain practical insights into conducting AI readiness assessments, identifying high-value use cases across departments, and implementing governance frameworks that balance innovation with protection. Particularly valuable is the discussion around Microsoft Purview's capabilities for tracking unauthorised AI use and managing internal data risks—a crucial consideration that many organisations overlook in their AI planning.
Whether your business has already embraced AI or is just beginning this journey, this episode delivers essential guidance on keeping your company data secure without sacrificing the competitive advantages that AI offers
Navigating the complex landscape of financial management and operational control is a challenge for any growing business. What if there was a way to scale your systems seamlessly alongside your expansion?
In this engaging conversation, BCN's SAGE experts Eirini Katsampa, Darren Anguige, and Colin Leyland pull back the curtain on how SAGE 200 transforms business management for growing companies. Unlike basic accounting software, SAGE 200 offers a comprehensive ERP solution that brings financial and commercial operations into one powerful, secure platform built on Microsoft SQL infrastructure. The modular design allows businesses to start with essential financial components and progressively add capabilities—from manufacturing and CRM to project accounting and advanced reporting—as their needs evolve.
What truly sets this solution apart is its remarkable flexibility. Whether you prefer on-premise deployment, cloud hosting, or a hybrid approach, SAGE 200 adapts to your strategic IT direction rather than forcing your business to conform to software limitations. When implemented through BCN's client-first methodology, companies benefit from a partner that understands real-world business challenges and configures solutions to address industry-specific requirements. Their team's approach goes beyond installation, encompassing thorough discovery, strategic configuration, data migration, comprehensive training, and ongoing support.
Technology constantly evolves, and staying current provides a competitive advantage. Ready to transform how your business handles finance and operations? Listen to the full episode to learn more.
Modern business needs are driving organizations toward AI-empowered ERP systems like Business Central for better data visibility and smarter decision-making in real-time.
• Organizations typically reach a tipping point when they experience inefficiencies, lack of data clarity, or risk from disconnected spreadsheets
• Common hesitations include fear of business disruption, complexity concerns, and anxiety about potential implementation failures
• Business Central stands out due to its seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, creating immediate familiarity for users
• Remote accessibility, real-time data processing, and automated workflows deliver tangible day-to-day benefits for users
• BCN's unique approach blends technical expertise with practical business experience from consultants who've worked in finance, warehousing, and manufacturing
• The future of ERP involves intelligent systems that transform data into actionable insights through embedded AI capabilities
• Clean, structured data is the foundation for successful AI implementation within ERP systems
If you've enjoyed today's podcast, like and subscribe so you don't miss out on the next episode. All of our podcasts are available to listen on demand at our website, bcncouk.
This week’s conversation focuses on the vital role of ERP solutions in the wholesale and distribution sector, emphasising how Business Central helps businesses stay competitive amid operational challenges. Through a comprehensive discussion with our experts, we explore the integration of AI that enhances efficiency and decision-making.
• Overview of operational challenges facing the wholesale and distribution sector
• Insight into how Business Central addresses these challenges with an all-in-one solution
• Discussion on the importance of accurate data and AI integration in improving business processes
Don’t forget to visit our website, www.bcn.co.uk, where you’ll find a wealth of information along with contact details to help you on your journey towards digital transformation.
Unlock the potential of your supply chain with data-driven insights. Our discussion explores the significance of data analytics in enhancing decision-making and meeting business goals.
• Importance of data quality in driving business improvements
• Strategies for implementing effective data analytics
• Real-world success stories highlighting analytics benefits
If you're looking to elevate your data capabilities, don't hesitate to get in touch for our free data assessments!
Following the latest episode of the BCN podcast, "Not all AI is Equal Part 1," where AI experts Fraser Dear, Head of AI and Data Innovation at BCN, and Andy James, AI and Power Platform expert delved into the nuances of AI, breaking down its various categories, the team takes it a step further in Part 2 as they explore Microsoft's AI ecosystem. Discover the key differences between the general Copilot, a versatile free assistant, and the Microsoft 365 Copilot, which integrates seamlessly with productivity tools like Word, Excel, and Teams. Learn how these AI tools can enhance your business operations with features like AI summarisation in Teams, and gain a clear understanding of the pricing tiers to make an informed decision for your business needs.
Explore the groundbreaking capabilities of Microsoft's Copilot Studio and its AI-driven chatbots, which are reshaping enterprise solutions. We also spotlight advancements in data processing that unify diverse data to prevent automation breakdowns. Additionally, the team provides examples of broader AI applications, including data science and cognitive services that transform telephony data into actionable insights.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate, but with so many different types of AI, it's crucial to understand that not all AI is created equal. Knowing which type of AI to use and when can be challenging. In this episode, Fraser Dear, Head of AI and Data Innovation at BCN, and AI expert Andy James, dig into the nuances of AI, breaking down its various categories. They explore practical business applications and provide actionable insights to help you start your AI journey.
Tune in as we define AI and its diverse applications, categorise AI into generative AI, data science, and process automation, and discuss how machine learning enhances user personalisation and decision-making. In this episode our experts also explore real-world examples of AI in business, emphasise the importance of selecting the right AI model for specific tasks, and introduce AI Kickstarters to help businesses get started. This episode provides essential knowledge to effectively implement AI the right way.
2024 was a pivotal year for artificial intelligence, and as 2025 unfolds, AI’s impact on businesses and daily life is accelerating. In this episode of the BCN podcast, Fraser Dear and Andy James explore the latest trends, demystify AI concepts, and discuss its transformative potential.
From generative AI reshaping workflows to the rise of multimodal models enhancing versatility, AI is enabling creativity, efficiency, and predictive capabilities across industries. Microsoft’s push for agentic AI and personalised systems highlights the growing integration of smart technologies into everyday operations.
Tune in to discover practical strategies for AI adoption, explore funding opportunities, and learn how businesses can use AI to streamline processes and unlock innovation. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or business leader, this episode offers valuable insights to adopt AI and get the most out of it.
In this episode of the BCN podcast, Oliver Chan is joined by Dr. John Bolton and Mark Graban to discuss how lean methodologies and control charts are transforming healthcare.
They dive into Mark Graban’s journey into healthcare improvement, unpack the challenges important challenges of patient safety and quality of care , and stress the critical role of measurement and leadership in driving meaningful change.
The episode helps us understand Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts in healthcare and highlights the importance of ongoing, meaningful analysis of these charts
They also cover the struggles some leaders face in grasping statistical concepts and explain the need for a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.
In the latest episode of the podcast, Andy James joins host Pete Filitz to delve into the transformative role of AI in law firms. They kick off the discussion by exploring the current applications of AI, highlighting how it’s already streamlining tasks such as document review, legal research, and contract analysis. Andy emphasizes that AI is not about replacing lawyers but augmenting their capabilities, allowing them to focus on more strategic and complex aspects of their work.
They outline the key benefits of integrating AI into legal practices. These include increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved accuracy in routine tasks. Andy shares insights on how AI can go beyond generative AI to help law firms stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry by enhancing their service offerings and client satisfaction.
In the latest BCN podcast, Wayne Hardaker, an Azure sales specialist, explores opportunities for digital transformation for law firms through cloud adoption and AI integration. He highlights the shift from traditional on-premise systems to cloud solutions for better efficiency, security, and innovation.
Wayne explains how AI, particularly Microsoft’s Copilot, enhances productivity by automating routine tasks, allowing legal professionals to focus on higher-value activities. He also emphasises the importance of robust governance and security measures in cloud adoption and ongoing optimisation for firms that have already migrated. BCN, in partnership with Microsoft, supports law firms throughout this transformative journey of digital transformation for law firms.
In this episode, experts Emma Portlock and Matt Lovell join Peter Filitz to discuss the constantly evolving landscape of cyber security, particularly in light of Cybersecurity Month.
They address common myths about security, the advancements in Microsoft security services, and the importance of a multi-layered approach to cyber security.
The discussion also highlights the role of Security Operations Centres (SOCs), incident response strategies, and the challenges posed by supply chain attacks.
The experts emphasise the need for businesses to assess their security posture and leverage tools like Microsoft Sentinel for effective security management.
Find out more about BCN here - https://bcn.co.uk/
Pete Filitz is joined by Steve Byrne and Mark Rotherham to discuss BCN's Full Stack development services.
BCN offers a wide range of services, including full stack development, low-cost solutions like Power BI and SharePoint development, and AI integration. Full stack development involves designing, creating, testing, and deploying entire applications using various technologies and tools.
Pete, Steve and Mark dig into some BCN case studies - from developing an information sharing platform for maritime security and creating a back-office system for a window cleaning business - and provide practical of examples of how businesses can use these services,.
They also highlight BCN's comprehensive approach to cybersecurity and discuss future trends in full stack development, including the incorporation of AI and the use of low code platforms.
Harry Busby and Andy James join Pete Filitz to talk through everything you need to know about BCN's AI kickstarters, which are designed to introduce businesses to AI services and provide practical use cases.
The Kickstarters include Copilot Studio Chat, Copilot Power App, and AI Builder; which cover everything from chatbots, automation, and generative AI, providing businesses with a starting point for their AI journey.
Each Kickstarter is a time-bound "taster" program, providing hands-on experience with AI capabilities and practical benefits for businesses.
For more information head to AI Kickstarters - BCN
In this conversation, Peter Filitz interviews Connor Morrison, one of BCN’s Señor Cloud Services Architects who explains his work, predominantly with Azure cloud resources and collaborating with developers to build solutions.
As Connor explains, infrastructure as code refers to the provisioning of infrastructure through code, allowing businesses to apply this concept practically. The pair discuss the benefits of infrastructure as code and how it brings value to businesses, by allowing developers to configure the resources they need to run on a server, eliminating the need for manual deployment.
Conor highlights the use of templates to standardise the deployment process and ensure consistency and explains how this approach increases efficiency, reduces human error, and improves security, a genuine game-changer for businesses, allowing them to deploy infrastructure quickly and control versions and compliance.
BCN capacity to manage and deploy entire estates and environments in a matter of hours rather than weeks can save business time, stress and money.
Find out more at https://bcn.co.uk/
Key Takeaways
The Benefits of Infrastructure as Code:
Infrastructure as Code enables the provisioning of infrastructure through code. This approach streamlines processes, making them more efficient and less prone to error compared to manual deployment methods.
Collaboration Between Developers and Cloud Architects:
Synergy between cloud architects and developers in leveraging cloud resources effectively is essential
Standardisation through Templates:
Templates standardise the deployment process, ensuring consistency across deployments and making it easier to manage infrastructure and reducing the risk of errors.
Efficiency and Time Savings:
Adopting Infrastructure as Code increases efficiency, reduces human error, and saves time. This aligns with the broader theme of leveraging technology to optimise business processes and save resources.
Improved Security:
By automating deployment and configuration processes, businesses can better manage security measures, reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance.
Rapid Deployment and Cost Savings:
BCN’s capability to deploy entire estates and environments in a matter of hours rather than weeks underscores the speed and cost-effectiveness of Infrastructure as Code. This rapid deployment capability translates into tangible time, stress, and cost savings for businesses.
Peter Filitz, Neil Halliday and Eirini Katsampa discuss all things Business Central, the cloud accounting and enterprise resource planning application used by small and medium-sized businesses.
They cover the advantages of Business Central, such as its integration with other Microsoft applications and the availability of third-party apps on Microsoft's AppSource as well as it's is suitability for businesses of various all sizes and sectors, adapting to the specific needs of each business
Neil also highlights the value of BCN's unique offerings, including their Evo Supply suite of products, and explain how BCN can help businesses with implementation, integration and ongoing support.
Takeaways
- Business Central is a cloud accounting and enterprise resource planning application.
- Business Central is suitable for businesses of various sizes, and is adaptable to their specific needs.
- Business Central offers integration with other Microsoft applications and access to third-party apps on Microsoft's AppSource.
- BCN provides unique offerings, including their Evo Supply suite of products, and can assist businesses with implementation and support.
In this conversation, the BCN team discusses their experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot and its impact on their day-to-day work. They dig deeper into it's benefits, such as improved productivity, increased focus during meetings and time savings especially when used in conjunction with Microsoft Teams.
The team emphasises the importance of training to ensure success with Copilot and its regular new features, while providing advice for businesses embarking on the Copilot journey. Advice which includes starting with a pilot group and leveraging prompt engineering techniques.
Takeaways
- Microsoft 365 Copilot offers numerous benefits, including improved productivity, streamlined communication, and time savings.
- Use cases for Copilot include transcribing meeting notes, generating follow-up emails, and analysing customer feedback.
- Training and adoption management are crucial for successful implementation of Copilot.
- Continuous improvement and new features are regularly introduced to enhance the capabilities of Copilot.
- Businesses should start with a pilot group and leverage prompt engineering techniques to maximise the value of Copilot.
Peter Filitz, Mark Rotherham and Andy James discuss Microsoft Copilot Studio and how businesses can leverage this new AI technology.
We cover:
- A broad overview of Copilot Studio and its functionality.
- Integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
- Getting started with Copilot Studio.
- How BCN can add value and help businesses.
- Licensing and cost considerations and integration with third-party applications.
- Case studies to help illustrate the value of Copilot Studio.
In Part 3 of our series on Power BI CTO Mark Rotherham and Head of the Data Services Michael Gleeson return to talk to Peter Filitz about about preparing your business for Power BI.
After recapping value of Power BI FORSMEs and SMBs, from speed to value, to ROI, to the accessibility of data Mark and Mike break down the preparatory steps your business needs to get the most out of your data, highlighting the importance of understanding your business problems first, in order to create effective data strategies.
This emphasis on business strategy allows Power BI to function as a business tool, one that not only streamlines data but also allows for data-based problem-solving across the organisation.
We kick off our three-part series exploring the intricacies and advantages of Power BI managed services with host Peter Filitz and guests Mike Gleeson and Mark Rotherham.
In this episode, we unravel the essentials of Microsoft Power BI and its critical role in modern business analytics.
Mark (CTO at BCN) sheds light on how Power BI serves as a transformative tool for data collection, analysis, and visualisation, turning raw data into actionable insights and Mike, (Head of the Data Services Team) outlines the journey towards creating a Power BI managed service tailored to a diverse client base, from large enterprises to SMEs.
In Part 2 of our series looking at Power BI, Peter Filitz, CTO Mark Rotherham and Head of the Data Services Michael Gleeson explore the versatile applications of Power BI for businesses of all sizes.
We cover the significance of tailoring Power BI services to meet different customer needs, the impact of shifting from outdated Excel reports to dynamic, real-time Power BI dashboards and discuss come case study that show how this journey can lead to a more effective business and substantial cost savings.
Pete, Mike and Mark also touch on how BCN projects integrate Microsoft Fabric, use innovative data visualisation pipelines, and how AI comes into the picture with large language models.
An important listen for any business professional looking to leverage the power of their data.
Pete Filitz and Johan Vennables discusses Microsoft Copilot and its impact on businesses.
Copilot is an AI-driven digital assistant that assists staff with various tasks and activities, like generating content drafts and creating presentations. Johan explains how Copilot integrates with Microsoft Office to make business tasks simpler and less time intensive.
Pete and Johan highlight the importance of the BCN Copilot Readiness Assessment service and Johan shares his personal experience using Copilot.
Takeaways
- Microsoft Copilot is an AI-driven digital assistant that helps staff with various tasks and activities.
- Copilot integrates with Microsoft Office apps and uses Microsoft Graph to provide relevant responses.
- Data organization and protection are crucial before deploying Copilot.
- The Copilot Readiness Assessment service helps businesses identify use cases and explore automation opportunities.
- Copilot is still in the early stages with some potential issues.
In the second episode of our Cyber Security series, our host, Peter Filitz is joined by BCN's Michael O'Neill - Managed Security Services Director, Simon Edwards - Head of Compliance and Graeme Dempster - Senior Security Analyst.
This episode takes a look at the continuation of BCN’s Cyber Security Journey, with the team talking through the Managed and Embedded stages of the journey.
For more information, visit BCN's Cyber Security Journey
In the first episode of our Cyber Security series, our host, Peter Filitz is joined by BCN's Michael O'Neill, Managed Security Services Director and Simon Edwards, Head of Compliance at BCN.
This episode takes a look at the Cyber Security threat landscape and introduces our Cyber Security Pledge as well as introducing the BCN Cyber Security Journey.
Hello and welcome the CMI Podcast, today I have the pleasure of speaking with Darron Millar – Technical Solutions Director here at CMI.
I’m Pete Filitz and I work with businesses in overcoming challenges and obstacles holding them back by leveraging the power of IT and technology for having a positive impact on their business.
This podcast series is all about keeping you up to date with the trends we are seeing in the IT and business technology space.
We’re here to educate you on everything they need to know from a business technology perspective and provide a better understanding on how IT and technology can have a positive impact on your business.
In this episode we are talking about how the role of the IT support partner or company has changed and what you should be looking for from your IT partner.
On this episode we're going to explain:
- The biggest mistakes companies are making when it comes to managing their IT and IT Strategy
- We’ll discus the potential benefits and challenges of moving your business to the cloud and we’ll share some real life examples of where that move has gone well, where it hasn't and why its so important working with the right partner.
- We’ll touch on the processes we use for getting a better fundamental understanding if the business IT needs
We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!
This podcast series is all about keeping you up to date with the trends we are seeing in the IT and business technology space.
We’re here to educate you on everything they need to know from a business technology perspective and provide a better understanding on how IT and technology can have a positive impact on your business.
In this episode we are talking to Andy Stevens Head of Cloud Services here at CMI about Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop solution. We aim to answer all the question you have.
- What is a Virtual Desktop ?
- What makes CMI’s offering different?
- Why do I need a Virtual Desktop?
- The benefits of Virtual Desktop Solutions?
- What are the current challenges businesses are seeing and how are we helping them overcome these challenges?
- Where are businesses going wrong?
- What mistakes we see businesses making?
- What are the benefits the business are seeing with this?
And much much more!
This podcast series is all about keeping you up to date with the trends we are seeing in the IT and business technology space.
We’re here to educate you on everything you need to know from a business technology perspective and provide a better understanding on how IT and technology can have a positive impact on your business.
In this episode we are talking about IT automation and doing more with less - Standardize, simplify and automate. We're doing it but so can you...
This week we have Duane Godwin joining me to discuss how automation has revolutionized the way in which we support our clients.
Host Peter Filitz and Johan Venables discuss the new, modern workplace and what it takes to create.
They cover the huge opportunities available to modern business and give an overview of the challenges and solutions provided by the latest technology.
They also touch on the technology that will revolutionise the workplace in the not too distant future.