S5 Episode 9 Manual Processes Killing Your Margins?

In this episode of the LowCode Podcast, we break down what happens when a fast-growing business keeps running critical operations on duct-taped systems. We walk through a real client story of a $500k merchandise company that was managing approvals, reporting, and client communication through group texts and spreadsheets—and paying the price in wasted time and constant friction. This conversation explores how digital automation isn’t about shiny tools, but about eliminating operational drag that quietly caps your growth.

We dive into how a custom client portal replaced fragmented workflows with a single, purpose-built system that actually matched how the business and its clients worked. By connecting data sources, automating approvals, and centralizing reporting, the team reduced administrative work from over 15 hours a week to just a few. The key takeaway isn’t the technology itself, but the mindset shift: stop forcing people to adapt to broken processes and start designing systems that fit real-world behavior.

Finally, we zoom out to the bigger ROI question founders and operators wrestle with when considering custom software. This episode explains why the biggest returns often come from time saved (not just new revenue) and how reclaiming hundreds of hours a year can unlock focus on design, sales, and growth. If you’re buried in manual work and wondering whether automation is “worth it,” this episode will help you spot where the real leverage is hiding.