When your ERP system approaches end-of-support status from your software vendor, it’s the perfect time to modernize your ERP platform by migrating to the cloud. This is particularly true if you expect your company to grow. A modern platform establishes a foundation that helps you accommodate growth and acquisitions without impairing your day-to-day operations.
The cloud also unlocks other key benefits—such as streamlining business processes without a lot of software customization. This makes it easier to meet customer demands, which as we all know, constantly change. It’s a big value-add if you stay nimble and do not force your customers into a one-size-fits-all way of doing business with you.
Keeping That Familiar Feel of Microsoft Technology
That’s what has happened at Heathrow Scientific, which was faced with an aging Dynamics NAV solution running on-premises. Given how familiar the internal software developers and end-users were with the technology, the management team wanted to stay with a Microsoft solution and identified Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud as the ideal platform.
Because Business Central runs in the cloud, it’s easier to modify, and with frequent application updates that add modern technology capabilities, it supports long-term software requirements. The solution also eliminates future costly updates compared to using an on-premises solution.
Pick, Pack and Ship Just Like Normal After Cutover
For help in deploying Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud, Heathrow Scientific interviewed several potential partners. They chose Western Computer, which was highly recommended by the managed services provider supporting the Heathrow Scientific IT infrastructure.
Western Computer guided Heathrow Scientific to implement ERP best-practices and streamlined the building and maintaining of connections with third-party software solutions and EDI partners. Western Computer then executed the cutover during a weekend to minimize downtime.
With Western Computer managing the migration of all the master data files, Heathrow Scientific was able to pick, pack, and ship on the next business day, just like normal.
Improved Data Accuracy and Inventory Visibility
A key benefit Heathrow Scientific realized includes improved data accuracy. Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud eliminates many manual data entry processes, and with more accurate data, Heathrow Scientific no longer conducts time-consuming manual reviews of sales, purchasing, and production orders.
Microsoft Power BI, which Western Computer connected to Business Central, has improved the company’s reporting capabilities, which improves visibility into inventory. This allows managers to make real-time decisions on placing orders with supply chain vendors and gets sales orders out the door faster.
Project Success Driven by a Collaborative Partnership
Heathrow Scientific uses Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud to generate reports to evaluate company performance in all areas. Managers monitor the key performance indicators closely and have seen significant improvements. These include decreasing order processing time by 20% and increasing output capacity by 15%, without adding headcount.
The primary driver for the success of this project was the partnership that Western Computer and Heathrow Scientific formed. “A key reason why we collaborate with Western Computer is their consultative approach and their industry expertise in manufacturing and distribution,” says Mo Khan—the Senior Director of Operations & IT for Heathrow Scientific. “Western Computer doesn’t just provide a team with a wide range of skill sets; they’re also good people and fantastic to work with, which is key to the success of an IT implementation. We would work with Western Computer anytime—it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”
To learn more about how Heathrow Scientific accelerated order processing and increased production output without adding headcount by deploying Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud, check out the complete success story. And to find out how Western Computer can deliver the same benefits to your company, contact us today.
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More Content by Cady Jackson
