Ditch Spreadsheets and Scale Your CPG Brand Faster

LearnJune 3, 20254 min read

As brands grow, so does the complexity of managing purchase orders, invoices, and vendor payments. What once felt like a manageable system becomes a daily struggle of outdated files, version control issues, and manual errors that slow operations.

Getting operations right from the start can be overwhelming if you're preparing to launch or just starting out. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this post, we’ll explain how upgrading to an automated back-office solution can help you get set up the right way from day one.

Starting your inventory brand? Here’s why spreadsheets won’t scale with you

A few spreadsheets are manageable in the early days, but manual processes create more problems than solutions as your business scales. If you’re still in launch mode, setting up your ops the right way now helps you avoid growing pains later. Here’s how sticking to spreadsheets could hold you back:

  • Growing complexity: Tracking purchase orders, invoices, and payments across multiple spreadsheets makes it easy for inconsistencies and errors to creep in.
  • Too much time spent on data entry: If your finance team spends more time updating spreadsheets than analyzing financial data or planning for growth, it’s a red flag.
  • Lack of real-time insights: Spreadsheets require constant manual updates, meaning you never have an accurate, up-to-the-minute view of your cash flow.
  • Scalability issues: The more transactions you process, the more difficult it becomes to manage everything manually. Errors multiply, version control becomes a headache, and reporting becomes a logistical nightmare.
  • Collaboration bottlenecks: Multiple team members working on the same spreadsheet can lead to conflicting data, accidental overwrites, and miscommunication.

Risks of manual financial tracking

Keeping financial records in spreadsheets isn’t just inefficient; it can also be costly. Here’s what’s at stake:

  • Errors that cost money: A single miscalculation or misplaced decimal can lead to incorrect payments, inaccurate inventory orders, or cash flow shortfalls.
  • Time lost to troubleshooting: When data is manually entered, mistakes happen. Your team then spends valuable hours tracking missing figures and fixing errors instead of focusing on growth.
  • Lack of real-time financial visibility: Without instant access to economic data, you’re forced into a reactive approach, making last-minute decisions rather than proactive, strategic ones.
  • Limited forecasting capabilities: Spreadsheets make it challenging to model future cash flow, inventory needs, or potential growth scenarios, meaning your business operates without a clear financial roadmap.
  • Compliance and audit headaches: Manual record-keeping increases the risk of missing key documentation, making audits and tax season more stressful than necessary.

With Settle’s free launch plan, early-stage brands can avoid these risks and build reliable financial operations from day one.

Streamlining financial operations drives growth. Here’s how:

Upgrading from spreadsheets to an automated financial platform isn’t just about efficiency. When you’re just starting, that kind of simplicity can mean the difference between stalled operations and scaling confidently.

By automating financial workflows, inventory brands gain:

  • Better cash flow management with real-time financial insights for effective decision-making.
  • Time savings, allowing teams to focus on strategy instead of manual data entry.
  • Stronger vendor relationships with faster, more accurate payments.

How Settle transformed Branch’s financial operations

When the furniture brand Branch had an opportunity to open a new growth channel, its financial processes needed an update.

By switching to Settle from a manual system, Branch streamlined invoice management, gained real-time cash flow insights, and eliminated operational friction. Plus, the finance team (of two) could efficiently process more than 150 invoices each week.

What did this impact have on Branch?

  • 70x business growth
  • Expanded the team to 40 full-time employees
  • More time for strategic planning

For Branch, automation wasn’t just about making things easier. It was about making sustainable growth possible.

When to explore a back-office platform

An automated financial platform can transform your operations. Here’s what to look for when making the switch:

  • Real-time data syncing so you always have up-to-date financial insights.
  • Automated purchase order and invoice management to reduce manual errors and speed up payments.
  • Seamless integrations with accounting software, payment systems, and inventory management tools.
  • User-friendly dashboards that provide an at-a-glance view of cash flow and outstanding invoices.
  • Scalability to handle increased transaction volume without requiring additional manual work.

By moving to an automated system, you can eliminate inefficiencies and focus on confidently growing your business.

Ready to move beyond spreadsheets?

Settle offers a free launch plan to help new inventory brands build strong operations from day one.

We know getting started can feel confusing. That’s why Settle simplifies your financial workflows early on—so operations never hold you back.

Start your free plan now and discover how Settle can help your brand grow (without the spreadsheet chaos!).

SharePlatform iconPlatform iconPlatform icon

Subscribe to our newsletter


OR

Recommended Articles

What Are Net Terms?
Learn4 min read

What Are Net Terms?

Making use of net terms can enable both buyers and vendors to increase their profitability and sales dramatically. This is what net terms are.

Settle Spotlight Series: Q&A with Vividly
Learn9 min read

Settle Spotlight Series: Q&A with Vividly

We sit down to chat with Alyshah Walji from Vividly, a trade promotion management (TPM) software built by and for the consumer packaged goods industry.

Where Brands Grow Fearlessly: Settle’s Mission to Empower Independent Brands
Company News2 min read

Where Brands Grow Fearlessly: Settle’s Mission to Empower Independent Brands

Behind every bold brand is a founder with a big idea. But growth takes more than that. It takes clarity in the chaos, confidence in uncertainty, and the right tools to keep moving, no matter the market. That’s why we built Settle—to empower the people behind the brands shaping our world.

The Future of Accounting Workflows
Learn3 min read

The Future of Accounting Workflows

Accounting firms are built to guide, but disconnected tools make it hard to lead. When client data lives across bill pay platforms, inventory systems, and email threads, your team spends more time chasing numbers than delivering insights. That inefficiency adds up—missed opportunities, delayed closes, strained capacity. The good news? Integrated platforms like Settle are changing the game, helping firms streamline workflows, deepen client value, and scale without burnout.

What is the Cash Conversion Cycle?
Learn6 min read

What is the Cash Conversion Cycle?

A company’s cash conversion cycle can speak volumes about its operational efficiency and financial stability. It can also determine whether people get paid on time.

Accounts Receivable Factoring 101
Learn4 min read

Accounts Receivable Factoring 101

Accounts receivable factoring can help companies can improve their financial stability and cash flow. We’ll explain what it is and how it's beneficial in our guide.

How to Create an Invoice
Learn6 min read

How to Create an Invoice

Creating invoices can be tedious, especially for new businesses processing everything manually. Learn how to create invoices effectively and efficiently with this detailed guide.

The Invoice: Free Access to Landed Cost Tracking + 7 New Features
Learn4 min read

The Invoice: Free Access to Landed Cost Tracking + 7 New Features

This month, we’re expanding access to two powerful features—automated bill pay and landed cost tracking—by including them in our $0/month Launch Plan. Plus, we’re introducing 7 new product updates across inventory, reporting, and vendor workflows.

Settle Spotlight Series: Q&A with SourceMedium
Learn14 min read

Settle Spotlight Series: Q&A with SourceMedium

In this month’s Settle Spotlight Series, we chatted with Will Holtz from SourceMedium about how interconnected data can be a superpower for brands in hyperscale mode.

Why Supply Chain Visibility Matters and How to Achieve It
Learn5 min read

Why Supply Chain Visibility Matters and How to Achieve It

Improving supply chain visibility is becoming a priority for many companies, as it’s essential for streamlining operations, boosting efficiency, and maintaining strong customer satisfaction for consumer brands.

Shopify Sellers, Meet Your New Favorite Finance Tool: Settle
New Feature4 min read

Shopify Sellers, Meet Your New Favorite Finance Tool: Settle

Shopify sellers, say goodbye to inventory guesswork and manual spreadsheets! Settle is now live in the Shopify App Store, helping you automate real-time inventory tracking, sync sales data, and simplify cost calculations—all in one place

Do I Need an ERP to Manage My Supply Chain?
Learn4 min read

Do I Need an ERP to Manage My Supply Chain?

Effectively managing a supply chain is essential for any consumer brand working with a network of suppliers, distributors, and partners. If you're considering an ERP for your business, here are some key factors to evaluate to ensure it meets your supply chain needs.

Settle's Head of Revenue Shares Top Trends from Expo West 2025
Learn3 min read

Settle's Head of Revenue Shares Top Trends from Expo West 2025

The Settle team always looks forward to Expo West as an opportunity to connect with incredible CPG brands and industry partners, and this year was truly special. Our Head of Revenue, Christopher Dittmer, shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Expo West and the key trends that stood out in 2025.

The 2024 Settle Staff Picks Holiday Gift Guide
Learn2 min read

The 2024 Settle Staff Picks Holiday Gift Guide

Do you really need another gift guide this time of year? Our Settle team spends so much time obsessing over our customer brands, that the right answer is obviously yes. We have compiled the inaugural Settle Staff Picks Holiday Gift Guide, with the most fire small brands out there. So read on for ideas from stocking stuffers to travel accessories – for everyone on your list. And join us in shopping small this holiday. 

Settle 2023 Product Wrap
New Feature3 min read

Settle 2023 Product Wrap

A year in review of Settle's product releases that make running CPG brands easier.

Your purchasing process. Made simple.
New Feature2 min read

Your purchasing process. Made simple.

We brought simplicity to bill pay. Now we’re bringing it to the purchasing process, with end-to-end support that takes a load off your plate.

Invoice vs. Receipt: What's the Difference?
Learn6 min read

Invoice vs. Receipt: What's the Difference?

Invoices and receipts are similar in concept, but differ in the details. Here’s what differentiates invoices from receipts, and why it’s important to understand.

The CPG Guide to Managing Tariff Uncertainty
Learn2 min read

The CPG Guide to Managing Tariff Uncertainty

Proper planning is key to protecting profit in times of tariff uncertainty. With potential plans to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and a 10% to 20% tariff on other imported goods, many CPG brands are taking 4 key steps now so they don’t get a shock to their COGs.

Rethinking Production to Prepare for Tariff Volatility
Learn4 min read

Rethinking Production to Prepare for Tariff Volatility

Rising tariffs are disrupting supply chains, forcing CPG brands to rethink production and financing strategies. Learn how reshoring, supplier diversification, and alternative funding options can help brands navigate trade uncertainty and stay competitive.

What is an A/P Aging Report?
Learn6 min read

What is an A/P Aging Report?

The Accounts Payable Aging Report is an essential tool for businesses with a large number of accounts payable to track. Here’s a general breakdown of A/P Aging Reports.

What Are the Consequences of Equity Dilution?
Learn5 min read

What Are the Consequences of Equity Dilution?

Equity dilution can be a very concerning process for shareholders who are unfamiliar with its consequences. This is how to avoid equity dilution and keep stocks healthy.

What is the Accounts Payable Process?
Learn4 min read

What is the Accounts Payable Process?

Accounts payable (AP) refers to all the payments that a business owes its suppliers and creditors. Neglecting your accounts payable process can lead to production and supply issues.

Black Friday CPG Prep Checklist
Learn6 min read

Black Friday CPG Prep Checklist

Black Friday sets the tone for your business’ holiday season. Start early on forecasting demand, devising marketing strategies, and preparing your site.

From Clicks to Shelves: Why Getting Into Retail is So Challenging
Learn5 min read

From Clicks to Shelves: Why Getting Into Retail is So Challenging

Moving from direct-to-consumer to retail distribution is a major leap that requires careful planning, financial precision, and a willingness to tackle new challenges head-on. Whether you’re preparing to scale into broader retail or just getting your first taste of the shelf life, this is your chance to get noticed—without the usual barriers.

5 Smart Cash Flow Moves to Make After Landing a Big Order
Learn5 min read

5 Smart Cash Flow Moves to Make After Landing a Big Order

Securing a big retail order is a game-changer for any CPG brand, but growth brings complexity. Managing wholesale, retail partnerships, and supplier payments while keeping cash flow healthy requires the right financial strategies.

How to Evaluate Accounting Firms
Learn7 min read

How to Evaluate Accounting Firms

Figuring how to find the right accounting firm for your company can be difficult. Here’s how to choose the best accounting firm for any business.

Ditch Spreadsheets and Scale Your CPG Brand Faster
Learn4 min read

Ditch Spreadsheets and Scale Your CPG Brand Faster

Still running your inventory business on spreadsheets? As your business scales, manual financial tracking creates costly errors and bottlenecks. Discover the key signs it's time to upgrade and how automation can streamline operations, improve cash flow, and fuel growth.

A Guide To Inventory Management for CPG
Learn6 min read

A Guide To Inventory Management for CPG

Learning to navigate inventory management can be a tricky part of growing your brand. Check out our guide to inventory management to find out more about it.

Non-Dilutive Funding Guide for CPG Brands
Learn7 min read

Non-Dilutive Funding Guide for CPG Brands

A popular source of funding is financing from angel investors and VCs. Yet many companies fail to recognise non-dilutive funding — where no ownership is lost.

Navigating Distribution And Retail Margins for CPG Brands
Learn8 min read

Navigating Distribution And Retail Margins for CPG Brands

For emerging CPG brands, navigating challenges like supply chain disruptions and retail changes underscores the critical importance of understanding and managing retailer and distributor margins, as it directly impacts profitability and success in the industry.

The Hidden Costs of Ecommerce Accounting, and How to Eliminate Them
Learn3 min read

The Hidden Costs of Ecommerce Accounting, and How to Eliminate Them

Ecommerce brands are built on speed, but accounting is often left in the dust. When revenue, fees, inventory purchases, and vendor payments all live in disconnected systems, financial blind spots emerge. And those hidden costs, the time spent reconciling, the errors, the missed margins, slowly chip away at growth. The good news? Modern tools like A2X are helping brands close the gap, giving founders back their margins (and their sanity).

How to Find a CPG Distribution Partner
Learn5 min read

How to Find a CPG Distribution Partner

Partnering with the right distributor is arguably one of the most essential tasks for a retail company. Find out what to look for in distribution partners and how to source them.

Accounts Payable vs. Accounts Receivable
Learn5 min read

Accounts Payable vs. Accounts Receivable

Understanding accounts payable and accounts receivable is an essential part of business workflow. So how do they differ? Learn more about them in this guide.

A2X and Settle: Revolutionizing Ecommerce Accounting
New Feature3 min read

A2X and Settle: Revolutionizing Ecommerce Accounting

Ecommerce businesses face growing challenges when it comes to accurate financial reporting. Many struggle to reconcile payouts from multiple sales channels and calculate true landed costs for their inventory. In this webinar, A2X and Settle walk through a smarter workflow that brings these pieces together, helping brands get accurate COGS, cleaner books, and better financial visibility.

An Introduction to Cash Flow Forecasting
Learn6 min read

An Introduction to Cash Flow Forecasting

A company’s ability to make a cash flow forecast is essential in the world of modern business. Here is everything you need to know about cash flow forecasting.

What Is Amazon FBA and Is It Right For You?
Learn7 min read

What Is Amazon FBA and Is It Right For You?

Using Amazon FBA is a great way for companies to expand their scalability and fulfillment abilities. Here is how it works, and how businesses can benefit from it.

How Long Does a Wire Transfer Take
Learn7 min read

How Long Does a Wire Transfer Take

Wire transfers can be the quickest method of exchanging funds. Knowing how long it takes can help determine whether wire transfer is the best solution.

Ready to Scale? Read This Before You Borrow
Learn4 min read

Ready to Scale? Read This Before You Borrow

Hidden fees, strict repayment terms, and misleading APRs can hurt more than help. Before committing to funding for your CPG or ecommerce brand, know the difference between your capital options.

Guide: The ABCs of cashflow
Learn2 min read

Guide: The ABCs of cashflow

We put our heads together with the folks at IndieCPG to create a guide to the basics of cashflow for new (and maybe even not-so-new) founders.

Settle blog

Insights in your inbox

Join our newsletter and never miss an update on Settle's latest features and industry trends.