Introduction.
Our client is a reverse-logistics and re-commerce provider, specializing in big and bulky appliances and furniture. They re-sell these items to wholesalers, resellers and consumers, offering them a more sustainable and affordable option.
As a startup, they used Quickbooks for their accounting and inventory management. However, as they grew, they realized they needed a more robust and integrated ERP system that could handle their complex and unique business processes.
They also wanted to expand their online presence and capabilities by setting up a Shopify website that could showcase their products and allow customers to place orders and track their deliveries.
Challenges.
The client faced several challenges in their existing system and processes, including:
- Lack of integration between Quickbooks and their order management system (Airtable), resulting in manual data entry and errors.
- Limited functionality and scalability of Quickbooks, which could not support their growing business needs and reporting requirements.
- High customization and automation needs, as they had to deal with different types of products, conditions, prices, and workflows.
- Lack of online presence and e-commerce capabilities, limiting their market reach and customer satisfaction.
Solution.
We helped the client select and implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, a cloud-based ERP system that offers a comprehensive and integrated solution for inventory, warehouse, financial, and e-commerce management.
We also helped them set up their Shopify website and integrated it with Business Central, allowing them to sync their product information, inventory levels, orders, and shipments between the two platforms.
Implementation Process.
Our implementation process for the client consisted of four phases: discovery, design, deployment, and support. In each phase, we followed the best practices and methodologies of Microsoft Dynamics 365 to ensure a successful and timely delivery of the project.
In the discovery phase, we conducted a thorough analysis of their current business processes, challenges, and goals. We identified the gaps and opportunities for improvement in their existing system and mapped out the requirements and scope of the new solution. We also defined the project plan, timeline, budget, and resources for the implementation.
In the design phase, we configured and customized Business Central to meet their specific needs and preferences. We created custom fields, tables, pages, reports, and workflows to enhance the functionality and usability of the system. We also integrated Business Central with Shopify and other third-party applications to enable seamless data exchange and automation across different platforms. We performed rigorous testing and validation to ensure the quality and accuracy of the solution.
In the deployment phase, we migrated their data from Quickbooks to Business Central, using advanced tools and techniques to ensure a smooth and secure transition. We also trained their staff on how to use the new system effectively and efficiently, providing them with detailed documentation and manuals. We monitored and resolved any issues or errors that occurred during the go-live process, and ensured that the system was fully operational and stable.
In the support phase, we continued to provide them with ongoing technical and functional support, as well as regular updates and upgrades of the system. We also offered them additional services, such as business intelligence, analytics, and reporting, to help them gain more insights and value from their data. Following the initial onboarding, we maintained a close and collaborative relationship with our client, soliciting their feedback and suggestions for further improvement and optimization of the solution.
We undertook an extensive amount of customization and development to fit their unique business processes and improve automation within Business Central. Some of the key features we delivered include:
- Custom fields and attributes for products, such as condition, warranty, and dimensions.
- Custom pricing and discount rules based on product condition, quantity, and customer type.
- Custom workflows and triggers for product inspection, refurbishment, and packaging.
- Custom reports and dashboards for inventory valuation, sales performance, and profitability analysis.
Results.
By implementing Business Central and Shopify, the client was able to achieve the following results:
- Improved efficiency and accuracy of their inventory and warehouse management, reducing manual work and errors.
- Enhanced functionality and scalability of their ERP system, supporting their growing business needs and reporting requirements.
- Increased automation and customization of their business processes, streamlining their workflows and reducing costs.
- Expanded their online presence and e-commerce capabilities, reaching new markets and customers and increasing their sales and satisfaction.
Conclusion.
We are proud to have helped our client transform their business with Business Central and Shopify. We continue to provide them with ongoing support and maintenance, as well as new features and enhancements to meet their evolving needs.
If you are looking for a similar solution for your business, we invite you to get in touch with us to see how we can work together.
