By Tami Aschwege, Solutions Engineer, Suntell
In my last post, I explored how the Square 1 Credit Suite supports both seasoned bankers and the next generation. Now, I want to share what that looks like in real life—from my perspective as both a user and an implementer.
When people ask me how I know the Square 1 Credit Suite works, I can answer with complete confidence. That is because I have experienced it from two perspectives: first as a user in a community bank making the switch from spreadsheets and manual processes, and now as someone who helps other institutions go through the same transformation.
Life Before Suntell: Manual, Repetitive, and Time-Consuming
When I worked at a community bank in South Dakota, our lending process relied on Excel spreadsheets for financial analysis, Word documents for loan presentations, and a patchwork of other tools for tracking documents. We spent a lot of time entering the same customer information into multiple systems. Mistakes could happen easily, and the work felt slow and inefficient.
When the bank decided to implement Suntell’s Square 1 Credit Suite, I was part of the transition team. For the first time, we had a centralized loan management system where everything connected. Instead of juggling separate tools, we could complete credit analysis, build loan presentations, and track documentation in one place.
Experiencing the Difference as a User
As a user, the benefits were immediate. The efficiency gains were obvious, and the accuracy improved because we were entering data once and using it throughout the lending process. We no longer had to worry about outdated spreadsheets or missing loan documents buried in a file cabinet.
What stood out most, though, was the customer support. If we had a question, someone at Suntell answered the phone. If we needed to see how something worked, the support team would share their screen and walk us through it. That kind of service was not just helpful, it built trust.
Becoming the Guide for Other Institutions
Several years later, I joined Suntell as part of the implementation and customer support team. This gave me the chance to be on the other side of the process, guiding banks and credit unions through the same journey I once experienced.
Because I know what it feels like to be in their position, I can relate to their challenges and anticipate their questions. I remember how overwhelming it can be to move away from familiar processes, even if they are inefficient. I also remember the moment it all clicked, when I realized how much easier my job had become. My goal is to help every new customer get to that moment as quickly as possible.
Why This Perspective Matters
Having both user and implementer experience allows me to bridge the gap between the technical side of the Square 1 Credit Suite and the day-to-day reality of lending operations. I can show a lender exactly how their current manual process can be mirrored in the system and then improved. I can reassure a loan administrator who is nervous about the change because I have been there myself.
It’s not just about installing software. It’s about transforming workflows, improving accuracy, and freeing up time so financial institutions can focus on their customers.
The Reward of Seeing Results
The most rewarding part of my job is watching the transformation happen for other institutions. Seeing a team that was once bogged down by spreadsheets now closing loans more efficiently and with greater accuracy is proof that the right technology can make a lasting difference.
I know it because I have lived it. And now I get to help others live it too.
Seeing transformation from both sides of the desk has shaped my approach in my current role. In my next post, I’ll take you behind the scenes to show what being a Solutions Engineer really means.
