Farmers Trading Company and Datacom: 47 years of payroll

• Farmers Trading Company and Datacom have sustained a 47-year payroll partnership built on trust, reliability and scale.

• Digital transformation through Datapay has reduced processing time, lowered errors and delivered significant efficiency and sustainability gains.

• A locally based, relationship-led approach has strengthened compliance, enabled innovation and supported long-term strategic growth.

Datacom has been working with one of New Zealand’s largest retailers for nearly five decades, helping them deliver payroll accuracy and efficiency at scale and building a partnership based on trust and performance.

For almost five decades, The Farmers Trading Company has relied on Datacom’s Datapay platform to manage payroll for its nationwide workforce.

Today, Payroll Manager Lisa Black oversees the fortnightly pay for more than 4000 employees across 62 stores, with numbers increasing significantly during peak retail periods. The system has scaled seamlessly through acquisitions, including Stevens and Whitcoulls, and has never missed a pay run in 47 years.

“Over 47 years, Datapay has proven to be more than just a service provider – they’ve become a trusted partner,” says Black. “Their team delivers reliability, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of our business.”

Farmers’ payroll transformation began with small but impactful changes. The business moved from a paper-based system – filing cabinets filled with employee records – to digital payslips and online leave applications. These early steps led to an 80% reduction in print volumes and the near elimination of courier costs.

Today, more than 95% of Farmers’ workforce uses digital payslips and self-service tools. Processing time has decreased by approximately 40%, and automation has significantly reduced error rates.

“Employees appreciate the convenience and transparency,” says Black. “Especially those on the shop floor who can access their information anytime.”

Farmers’ digital evolution has been deliberate and outcome focused. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations across the retail sector, Farmers was able to maintain payroll continuity thanks to its existing digital infrastructure.

“Farmers exemplifies pragmatic transformation,” says Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey, Associate Director for Growth and Revenue at Datacom. “They don’t chase trends – they focus on long-term value through incremental improvements and mutual trust.”

Farmers engages Datacom directly when new capabilities are needed. Senior Payroll Advisor for Farmers, Dianne Coe, says this collaborative approach has enabled seamless integrations with Biotime for time and attendance, M-Files for document management, and widely adopted employee self-service tools.

Farmers’ decision to work with a New Zealand-based provider has delivered tangible benefits in compliance and support.

“When you’re dealing with New Zealand employment law, you need people who understand our environment intrinsically,” says Black. “Global providers often treat our market as an afterthought. We need partners who see us as a priority.”

“Being genuinely local isn't just about having an office here. It's about understanding the nuances of New Zealand's Holidays Act, being available when our customers need us, and having skin in the game,” says Gates-Bowey.

Digital transformation has also improved audit processes. Auditors now receive digital documentation in advance, significantly reducing time on site.

Farmers is now part of Datapay’s Customer Advisory Board, contributing to product development and helping shape the future of payroll solutions in New Zealand.

After nearly five decades, the relationship between Farmers and Datacom continues to evolve. The payroll team has been able to focus on more strategic aspects of payroll as the time on administrative processing reduces through innovation.

“We’re not just maintaining what we’ve built,” says Black. "We are looking at what is coming next and how that can be utilised in the business."