Seed Manufacturer Makes the Critical Switch from SAP to Dynamics 365
A leading U.S.-based agricultural manufacturer specializing in seed research, production, and distribution faced growing operational inefficiencies tied to outdated, disconnected systems.
With a vision to modernize business technology they initially embarked on the implementation of SAP. But their experience with the partner and the SAP product fell short of expectations, resulting in high costs, limited user adoption, and functionality gaps.
Reassessing their path forward, the company partnered with Stoneridge Software to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain, setting the stage for process optimization and a foundation for growth.
Business Challenges: Complex Systems and Limited Functionality
The company’s systems were a patchwork of tools, including Breckenridge, MAS 500/Sage 500, Tableau, and AS400, that created inefficiencies and complexity.
Key challenges included:
- Manual Financial Processes: Budgeting was handled in Excel, and financial settlements were only completed once a year.
- Disparate Systems: Grower contracts were managed through homegrown programs, and shipping relied on a separate standalone tool.
- Lack of Key Functionality in SAP: Reversing journal entries and standard financial reconciliations weren’t possible, causing friction for finance users.
- Limited User Adoption: The SAP system was not embraced by business users, who felt their feedback and needs weren’t accounted for.
- Unsustainable Costs: SAP’s high cost of ownership with limited value prompted the need for a better alternative.
With no buy-in from users and unmet requirements, the organization faced a pressing need for change.
Solution: Focused Out-of-the-box Implementation with Collaborative Support
To address these challenges, Stoneridge Software delivered a tightly focused, collaborative implementation of Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain. The project aimed to modernize operations while staying on a tight timeline.
Efficient Implementation: Phase 1 prioritized General Ledger (GL), Accounts Payable (AP), and Accounts Receivable (AR), achieving a project go-live in just four months and coming in 20% under budget. To realize this challenging timeline, the scope was intentionally limited, with minimal customizations and only one integration, ensuring a streamlined process.
Solution included:
- Robust Data Management: The Stoneridge worked closely with the company’s project team to clean and migrate their data, conducting multiple practice runs and realistic validations. Early efforts achieved 75% accuracy in the first iteration, minimizing delays.
- Improved Financial Processes: Automated processes, such as journal entry reversals and reporting, reduced reliance on manual spreadsheets. A unified ledger structure supported both operational needs and the reporting needs of the parent company.
- Collaborative Approach: The company’s commitment to data preparation and change management, combined with Stoneridge’s expertise and facilitation, ensured project success. Leadership alignment and rigorous scope control were critical to meeting the aggressive timeline.
“The client’s success was driven by their commitment to adhering to the defined project scope, which concentrated us on immediate tasks, helped us to allocate resources strategically, and maintain a collaborative spirit that fostered an innovative environment,” said Fran Caggiano-Swenson, Engagement Manager at Stoneridge Software
Results: Transformation and Tangible Impact
The shift to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain from SAP resulted in measurable improvements across financial operations and system efficiency.
- 30% Productivity Boost: Automated workflows and streamlined reporting reduced the time spent on manual tasks.
- Improved Financial Operations: Settlements, previously deferred until year-end, are now managed on a rolling basis, improving cash flow and reporting accuracy.
- Cost Reduction: The modern system replaced SAP, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership and providing a sustainable solution.
- Enhanced Data Management: Unified systems eliminated silos, enabling real-time insights and streamlined reporting.
- Scalability for Future Growth: The implementation lays the groundwork for future enhancements, such as procurement and commodity management.
The streamlined deployment positioned the organization to expand its capabilities while addressing their immediate operational needs. Team members praised the collaboration and results, noting the stark contrast in functionality and user experience compared to SAP.
“The Stoneridge team brought incredible effort and dedication to our Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance implementation. Thanks to all the hard work and collaboration we achieved a remarkable milestone delivering the project on time and under budget,” said the company’s Procurement Director.
“With Dynamics 365, we’re now equipped to support their mission and achieve sustainable growth. “We are excited to look ahead to the next phases of the project and we’re confident we’ll continue to deliver excellence together.”
