Navigating Complexity with Confidence: A Premium Cookware Manufacturer’s Transformation with Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain
A renowned name in the world of high-quality cookware embarked on a transformative journey to tackle complex operational challenges. Known for their excellence in crafting durable culinary products, this cookware manufacturer needed innovative solutions to uphold their legacy while enhancing efficiency and streamlining processes. Partnering with Stoneridge Software, experts in Dynamics 365 implementations, the manufacturer set a course to realign business units, optimize inventory management, and leverage a cutting-edge technology platform to enable operational excellence.
Addressing the Complexities of Modernizing Operations
The transformation involved redefining system item numbers, reimplementing the Warehouse Management System (WMS) across major distribution centers, and aligning inventory processes with a new batch-controlled approach. The addition of a Product Information Management (PIM) system enabled consistent item numbering across regions, supporting accurate reporting and reducing administrative redundancies. This intricate overhaul demanded careful planning and precise execution, involving coordination across multiple teams to mitigate potential disruptions.
A Partnership Built on Expertise and Tailored Solutions
To navigate through the intricate challenges, the cookware manufacturer partnered with Stoneridge Software, a team of Dynamics 365 experts renowned for their problem-solving prowess. Relying on a prior collaboration of a Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply deployment for one geographical location, this provided them with valuable insights into the company’s unique structure and requirements for this more complex organization-wide initiative.
Stoneridge’s collaboration with the cookware manufacturer began with a meticulous approach, aiming to understand their specific needs and craft a comprehensive solution. They addressed complexities such as:
- Merging legal entities
- Integrating new tax engines
- Managing multiple interfaces with precision
- Redefining system item numbers
Stoneridge worked closely with the company to design a systematic approach that accounted for every aspect of their inventory processes.
The corporate group within the company implemented the PIM system to simplify item number creation and standardize inventory control with batch management. While the corporate team determined the item numbers, Stoneridge provided expertise in implementing the PIM system integration and configuring the new item number structure within Dynamics 365.
EXAMPLE: One item number could have multiple UPCs based on the manufacturing location. The company’s team undertook the essential task of data cleanup, ensuring that the new system started with accurate and reliable data.
In preparation for warehouse changes, Stoneridge collaborated with the cookware manufacturer to design solutions that optimized warehouse processes and leveraged the new system’s capabilities. They also accommodated the company’s plan to shut down one distribution center as part of the transformation. Through careful planning and execution, Stoneridge minimized disruptions and ensured a smooth transition.
Empowering Retail Excellence with the Store Commerce App
As part of the comprehensive solution, the cookware manufacturer’s project included implementing not only Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain but also introducing process automation and enhanced order fulfillment capabilities for retail operations. Stoneridge recommended the Store Commerce App to improve efficiency and effectiveness in retail stores.
The Store Commerce App modernized the way the company’s retail locations operated, seamlessly integrating with Dynamics 365 to provide a unified platform for streamlined processes. With a user-friendly interface, the app empowered sales associates and store staff to manage various tasks efficiently—from processing transactions and managing inventory to offering top-tier customer service.
The Store Commerce App gave retail staff real-time access to:
- Product information
- Stock levels
- Customer data
This enabled informed decision-making and personalized customer recommendations. Order fulfillment was also transformed as the app facilitated smooth information flow between retail stores and the supply chain, ensuring that customer orders were processed accurately and promptly.
Driving Adoption Through Change Management
Transitioning to Dynamics 365 represented a significant change for the manufacturer, whose teams were accustomed to their highly customized legacy system. Stoneridge’s change management team collaborated closely with the manufacturer’s HR and IT departments to proactively address potential resistance. Tailored training programs, combined with an open communication strategy, enabled a smooth transition, fostering user adoption and equipping employees to navigate the new system confidently.
Realizing Measurable Results and Operational Improvements
The implementation of Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain yielded substantial benefits:
- Instantaneous Shipping Label Printing: Shipping label processing was reduced from several minutes to an instant, optimizing the packaging line and enhancing throughput.
- Stabilized and Scalable Warehouse Operations: Warehouse performance improved, enabling split shipments for multi-truck orders, Just-In-Time (JIT) replenishment, and streamlined order picking to match demand.
- Accelerated Inventory Visibility and Customer Service: Faster inventory lookups and improved order fulfillment allowed the company to meet peak season demands more effectively.
- Enhanced Payment Options: The addition of electronic and tap-to-pay options improved customer convenience and streamlined financial transactions.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making with Modern Analytics: A new data warehouse provided real-time insights across the organization, delivering comprehensive visibility and supporting informed decision-making.
- Elimination of Technical Debt: By moving to a cloud-based solution, the company reduced customizations, significantly enhancing system performance and retiring outdated technology dependencies.
The cookware manufacturer’s transformation journey with Dynamics 365 exemplified the power of collaboration.
The project’s success was underscored by strong teamwork and a shared commitment between the manufacturer and Stoneridge Software. As described by the manufacturer’s project manager, “The Stoneridge consultants are very knowledgeable about the product and bring years of experience to the table.”
Active leadership involvement and enthusiastic support from the manufacturer’s core team set the stage for a successful implementation, enabling the company to unlock new efficiencies and elevate its customer experience. With Dynamics 365, the cookware manufacturer is poised for continued growth and innovation in the dynamic culinary industry.
