Meet the Team | Benjamin Raja

Ben Raja is a Business Development Specialist in ECI’s APAC Manufacturing division, supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 20 years’ experience spanning business development, enterprise account management, financial analysis and consulting, Ben brings a rare combination of commercial insight and operational understanding to his role.

We spoke to Ben about the key challenges he sees manufacturers facing today, how ERP can unlock smarter decisions and leaner operations, and why no business is ever too small to improve their processes.

What does your role at ECI involve?

I’m a Business Development Specialist in ECI’s APAC manufacturing division. I work with small and mid-sized manufacturers to understand their operational challenges and help them find the right ERP system – either M1 or JobBOSS². My role is focused on the pre-sales stage – identifying gaps, working out the right solutions, and helping prepare the manufacturing business for a smooth implementation. The goal is to make life easier for both the client and our implementation team by setting the foundations early.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to specialise in manufacturing tech?

I’ve spent more than 20 years working across business development, enterprise accounts, financial analysis and technology consulting. Over the past decade, I’ve focused on supporting manufacturers - helping them embrace digital transformation through ERP, financial automation and data-driven processes. That mix of commercial strategy and operational insight really helps me guide our clients toward practical, scalable solutions.

What kinds of challenges are you seeing from manufacturers in the field?

I've worked with many manufacturers across Australia and New Zealand. Across the board, I see very similar issues – disconnected systems, heavy reliance on manual processes or spreadsheets, lack of visibility over production or inventory, which inevitably lead to issues with job costing and planning. Many manufacturers have outgrown their current systems but haven’t had time or resources to upgrade. They’re stuck using tools that weren’t built to scale and that’s exactly where ECI can help.

Then there are external pressures too; uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and global competition are forcing manufacturers to think differently. Some are moving parts of their production offshore to cut costs while keeping assembly local. Others are expanding into new markets. All of that adds complexity, so these manufacturers need systems that can handle multiple sites, different currencies and logistics without creating extra admin.

How are manufacturers changing the way they operate?

There’s definitely a shift toward digital maturity. Even small job shops are realising it’s hard to compete without real-time data and system visibility. Cloud ERP adoption is growing quickly, and there’s a strong push for leaner, more resilient operations. I’ve worked with manufacturing businesses who are actively building their tech stack to not only improve now, but also to future proof themselves.

What would you say to a manufacturer who isn’t sure of where to start with ERP?

Start by defining your business goals and being realistic about your internal challenges. Look at your processes, people and production methods, and then find a solution that fits your workflow rather than one that forces you to change it. At ECI, we tailor our demos and advice to the unique requirements of each business even before they’ve signed a contract. That kind of service is what sets our team apart.

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?

Seeing the transformation the ERP can make in a business. When a manufacturer moves from a messy, manual setup to a streamlined, data-driven system, the change is enormous. It improves their efficiency, boosts their growth and often their confidence. Knowing I played a part in that is what makes my work meaningful.

How would you describe your approach to doing business?

It all comes down to trust and transparency. I focus on delivering long-term value, not quick wins. I know how busy business owners are and I keep their goals front and centre. I see my role as bridging the gap between operational need and finding the right tech solution.

Is ERP just for large manufacturers?

No, not at all. I’ve worked with teams as small as two or three people and seen incredible results. With the right system, even the smallest workshop can run like a much larger operation, with the same level of insight and control. Regardless of size, it’s about taking that first step toward smarter, more sustainable ways of working.