AFI’s operations were growing while their systems struggled to scale. The team relied on a simple Quickbase app to track fieldwork. However, it only captured limited data and couldn’t support the complexity of their billing and reporting needs.
The owner, Bob Rizzuto, spent 20+ hours a week reviewing reports, creating invoices by hand, and re-entering data into QuickBooks to reconcile the books. On top of that, incoming work requests arrived in CSV format, requiring weekly manual entry just to get jobs into the queue.
The team didn’t have the bandwidth to rebuild the system while keeping day-to-day operations running. They needed to eliminate manual processes, reduce the margin for error, and free up time to focus on growth.
AFI initially sought out Quandary Consulting Group to improve reporting and automate invoicing workflows. After a detailed discovery, we built a custom invoicing and reporting solution to automate several manual processes.
From there, we iterated with the team on their existing workflows, tech stack, and vision to expand the platform into a custom ERP with CRM functionality that helped them better service customers.
The ERP integrated with Quickbooks, Samsara, and PeakSuite Document Generator to improve operations, and an MS Outlook integration provided the CRM component by automating internal and external communications.
This gave AFI visibility into how work moved across the business and confidence that nothing would slip through the cracks.
Key Features
The project has evolved from a simple invoice automation tool to a custom ERP and CRM fit to the needs of this specific field service organization.
AFI’s operations team was hands-on from day one. They came prepared with a clear plan, documentation, and a structured base, allowing us to move fast and iterate collaboratively.
We started with reporting and invoicing workflows, then expanded the build into a broader ERP. Each phase focused on solving real bottlenecks while keeping operations running.
Key Steps:
This approach allowed AFI to scale systems without pausing operations or launching a full rebuild.
The team managed processes with paper and spreadsheets. Transitioning from unstructured flat data to structured, organized (relational) data was an adjustment. For a smooth transition, we analyzed their business, processes, and data in depth before breaking it out into the relational database structure.
Several processes were not standardized. To support nuance while standardizing the general user process, we set up guardrails automations. Then, we evaluated exceptions on the back end and mapped out automations for those instances. Users get a standard front-end experience while we update the back-end to support custom requests.
Recently, the client’s invoicing workflow grew beyond Quickbase's capabilities. Relying on our full-stack developers, we quickly pivoted the client to a custom solution built on AWS that supported that unique business case. We also coached the client to prevent a drastic migration from the platform, given that it still provided significant value to the business.
As a field service team, they needed significant mobile functionality for their tools to prevent repeat work. While Quickbase has mobile functionality built into the app, we needed to extend that functionality to support multi-line, multi-record structures and support app functionality while working offline to ensure adoption.
"It would be impossible for us to run our company without this system. We came to you because we were relying on Excel spreadsheets to manage everything, and there’s no way we could have grown to where we are now without it. "
AFI’s custom ERP relies on a focused toolset that keeps operations lean and responsive:
The new applications and workflows eliminate excessive manual data entry and record management for the back-office and executive teams. From invoicing to HR to asset management, the team saves 300+ hours a year with automation.
Previously, the weekly invoicing process took the CEO four days each week to complete. The new application automates these workflows, giving the CEO time to focus on the business.
The client consolidated their tech stack, exchanging several out-of-the-box solutions for the custom Quickbase CRM and ERP. And without tech bloat, they only get the features needed to run operations more efficiently.
Key Results:
If we were to grow four times our current size, it wouldn’t be an issue. It’s an amazing system, and we’re thrilled with how it’s turned out.
– Bob Rizzuto, President at Advanced Fiber
AFI continues to expand the platform as new operational needs emerge. Quandary remains engaged to support that growth, delivering new modules and improvements regularly.
Recent initiatives include building a pricing management layer to track material costs/margins and exploring new scheduling logic to better balance on-call shifts across field teams.
With each iteration, the platform becomes more central to th team’s operations. It reduces overhead, supports compliance, and enables smarter decisions across departments.
Advanced Fiber (AFI) is a New York-based field services provider supporting broadband and fiber infrastructure projects across the Northeast. They specialize in splicing, testing, documentation, and compliance for major telecommunications clients.
Industry: Telecommunications Field ServicesLocation: New York, with operations in CT, NJ, and PASize: 50–100 employees
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