RSM’s Microsoft Food & Beverage Newsletter [Winter 2024]

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, the RSM food and beverage team is celebrating a season filled with impactful events, industry insights, and continued innovation.

From showcasing our expertise at the Global Produce & Floral Show and DairyTech to launching a case study on Mizkan’s transformation, we’ve been dedicated to supporting the growth and success of food and beverage companies nationwide.

We’re excited to share the latest updates and look ahead to a new year of opportunity.

Dairy Forum | San Antonio, Texas

Jan. 26th-Jan. 29th, 2025

• Join RSM at IDFA Dairy Forum 2025, where industry leaders come together to discuss the future of dairy. Our experts will be hosting the ‘hole-in-one‘ contest, Jan. 26th!

In case you missed our fall events, check out our recaps below:

Milking Efficiency: Transforming Dairy Operation with Microsoft Solutions, hosted by RSM’s Food & Beverage team

On-demand October 8th, 2024

• The on-demand webinar explores how Microsoft Dynamics 365 and ERP solutions transform dairy operations by streamlining processes, improving productivity, and ensuring compliance. Discover how data-driven management enhances herd health, inventory control, and supply chain efficiency for greater sustainability and resilience. Watch the recording here.

The Global Produce & Floral Show | Atlanta, GA  

October 18-19th, 2024

• RSM’s Food and Beverage Industry Leader, Kevin Head moderated a conversation in the Innovation Hub, Friday, October 18th, followed by team RSM sponsoring the Science, Technology, Food Safety, and Sustainability Reception that night. Principal, Jeremy DeVries, is interviewed by And Now You Know, diving into the competitive advantages produce companies can unlock through innovative technology and expert guidance. Check out more recap videos of the event in our LinkedIn group.

Stay connected with the team on LinkedIn in the RSM + Microsoft: Food & Beverage Group.

Transforming a Craft Brewery’s Digital Operations with Business Central [Case Study]

A prominent craft brewery faced operational challenges with its aging Microsoft Great Plains system amid rapid growth. After evaluating ERP solutions, they chose Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for its compatibility with existing third-party tools and flexibility for the craft brewing industry. Partnering with RSM, the brewery implemented a phased rollout of Business Central, utilizing RSM’s Rapid Verification Model and Excise Tax Management Accelerator to address industry-specific compliance needs. This collaboration enhanced financial visibility, operational efficiency, and scalability, positioning the brewery for continued growth and innovation.

Implementing Business Central for a Dairy Processing Facility [Case Study]

A dairy processing company specializing in milk ingredients sought to modernize its outdated on-premise NAV system to support a new facility and comply with industry regulations. They partnered with RSM to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) using RSM’s proprietary Dairy Accelerator, tailored to the unique needs of dairy processors. This collaboration aimed to enhance production efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide scalability for future growth. The phased implementation is expected to streamline operations across production, inventory, and financial systems, offering a robust foundation for the company’s expansion.

Modernizing Snack Food Manufacturing with Dynamics 365 F&SC [Case Study]

A leading private-label snack food manufacturer, operating 15 plants across the U.S. and Canada with 5,000 employees, partnered with RSM to modernize its outdated ERP system. Implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management, the company aimed to enhance operational efficiency, streamline production planning, and gain better financial visibility. Early results include improved control over production costs and a scalable platform supporting future growth. RSM’s deep industry expertise and successful track record with similar manufacturers were pivotal in this digital transformation.

Transforming Dairy Operations with RSM’s Dairy Data Accelerator

RSM has introduced the Dairy Data Accelerator, a solution designed to help dairy businesses maximize the value of their data within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. By standardizing raw data into a unified dairy data model and integrating business intelligence tools like Power BI, this accelerator provides real-time insights into operations, sales, and financials. Key features include cheese yield optimization, comprehensive sales and operational analysis, and dynamic unit conversions, all tailored to the dairy industry’s specific needs. This approach enables dairy companies to enhance decision-making, reduce inefficiencies, and boost profitability by leveraging their data as a strategic asset.

Learn more about RSM in the Food & Beverage Industry:

• Mizkan America modernizes with RSM and D365
• RSM Recognized by Consulting Magazine on 2024 Best Firms to Work For List; Pat Vance Comments
• RSM’s Jeremy DeVries Details Competitive Advantages in Exclusive Shop Talk Video | AndNowUKnow
• Milking Efficiency: Transforming Dairy Operation with Microsoft Solutions [Webinar]
• RSM Helps Produce Businesses Advance Sustainability and ESG Initiatives; Paul Duckworth Comments | AndNowUKnow
• FDA guide addresses produce safety rules for farms and related facilities
• RSM’s Kevin Head Details High-Value Global Produce & Floral Show Platform; to Moderate Food Safety & Tech X-Change Session | AndNowUKnow
• Sustainability Survey 2024
• Regulatory compliance could spark growth for food & beverage companies
• Transforming Sustainability Reporting for a Vertically Integrated Agriculture Producer [Case Study]

Kevin Head

Kevin Head brings over a decade of Microsoft Dynamics expertise and 15 years of industry experience to his role as the Microsoft Food & Beverage Leader at RSM. With a strong background as a financial auditor and consultant, Kevin excels in guiding clients through their digital transformation and platform modernization journeys. He leverages his extensive experience to help organizations optimize their business processes with software, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced efficiency. Kevin’s expertise across the Microsoft platform enables him to implement advanced solutions tailored to the unique needs of the food and beverage industry, driving innovation and growth.