Data-Driven Growth for Manufacturers 📊 | Jarrod Adam

2025-12-04

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Jarrod Adam is Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group Explore how Unleashed helps small businesses thrive through AI-driven inventory management, smarter tools, and actionable data that streamline operations and empower strategic growth. Summary Today I’m speaking with Jarrod Adam, Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group. In this episode, we talk about . . . how Unleashed empowers small businesses with actionable data, AI-powered tools, and integrated inventory solutions.

Jarrod Adam is Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group

Explore how Unleashed helps small businesses thrive through AI-driven inventory management, smarter tools, and actionable data that streamline operations and empower strategic growth.

Summary

Today I’m speaking with Jarrod Adam, Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group. In this episode, we talk about . . . how Unleashed empowers small businesses with actionable data, AI-powered tools, and integrated inventory solutions.

Introduction to Jarrod Adam and his background in product management
The story behind Unleashed and its acquisition by The Access Group
Overview of the inventory and warehouse management landscape for SMBs
Unleashed’s value proposition for small businesses and advisors
When and why to move from basic inventory in GL systems to dedicated inventory tools
Implementation approach and onboarding process at Unleashed
Unleashed’s ecosystem: integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon & more
Evolving supply chain issues post-COVID and solutions like Advanced Inventory Manager (AIM)
AI in Unleashed: Evo copilot, AI feed, and intelligent agents
Partner Portal for accountants and bookkeepers – real-time client access
Use of operational data for advisory services
The Unleashed Manufacturing Health Index – valuable for advisory insights
Discussion around the manufacturing “haves and have-nots”
Closing thoughts on simplicity, design, and real value from software

🧰 Apps & Tools Mentioned:

Unleashed, Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Access Evo, Advanced Inventory Manager

⏱️ YouTube Timestamped Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Meet Jarrod Adam from Unleashed.
01:58 – From Tigerland to Tech: A playful rugby-themed intro.
04:20 – Jarrod’s Journey to Product Management: How he fell into software.
06:20 – Auckland’s Thriving SaaS Scene: NZ’s impact on global tech.
08:10 – Inventory, CRM & WMS Landscape: What SMBs need today.
10:50 – What Unleashed Does: Efficient workflows + strategic insights.
13:00 – Signs a Business Needs Unleashed: From post-it notes to stock stress.
15:20 – Accountant & Bookkeeper Pain Points: Data, margins & advisory blocks.
17:30 – Implementation Timeline: Fast, guided onboarding sessions.
19:05 – Unleashed Integrations: Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon & more.
21:10 – E-commerce Growth Post-COVID: Why integrations are essential.
23:15 – AI & Forecasting with AIM: Managing supply chain uncertainty.
26:00 – Using Data for Better Advice: The power of operational insights.
28:00 – Manufacturing Health Index: A free resource for advisory.
30:00 – Characteristics of Thriving Manufacturers: Mitigating supplier risks.
32:15 – Partner Portal for Accountants: Real-time multi-client access.
34:00 – AI Copilot & Agents: How Evo enhances the user experience.
35:45 – Final Thoughts & Outro: Software should solve problems, not add them.