RSMUS.comThe Challenge
A prominent craft brewery faced operational and technical challenges as it prepared to sunset its existing Microsoft Great Plains (GP) system. Their rapid growth and the evolving needs of the business made it clear that they required a modern ERP solution that could scale and support their digital transformation. The company evaluated multiple ERP solutions and narrowed its choice to either Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain (FSC) or Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). Ultimately, they selected Business Central due to its compatibility with existing third-party solutions and flexibility to meet the specific requirements of the craft brewing industry.
However, this decision came with its own set of challenges:
- Late Engagement: RSM joined the project during the final stages of the partner selection process, with a tight timeline to finalize the proposal and address the brewery’s complex requirements.
- Compressed Timeline: The project had to be scoped, planned, and presented within a four-week period.
- Industry-Specific Needs: The brewery required a solution to manage excise taxes and other industry-specific compliance issues. RSM proposed a tailored solution through its RSM Accelerators to address these needs, which played a pivotal role in moving the engagement forward.
The Solution
RSM’s team proposed a phased implementation of Dynamics 365 Business Central to replace the aging Great Plains system. Given the company’s urgency to upgrade its ERP environment and the breadth of RSM’s industry expertise, the brewery felt confident moving forward with Business Central. This implementation was part of a broader digital transformation project that included enhancing other core systems and processes.
Key aspects of the solution included:
- RSM Rapid Verification Model: This accelerated implementation approach aligned perfectly with the brewery’s internal project timeline, providing a structured and streamlined path to ERP transformation.
- RSM Accelerator for Excise Tax Management: Using RSM’s proprietary tools, the team was able to address the unique compliance and reporting requirements for alcohol production and distribution.
- Extensive Stakeholder Engagement: RSM engaged key stakeholders from the finance, operations, and IT teams to ensure a smooth and strategic transition.
Why RSM?
The brewery selected RSM due to its deep understanding of both the craft brewing industry and Microsoft technologies. RSM’s combination of a strong project methodology, relevant industry expertise, and a dedicated team made it the right fit for this high-profile transformation. Key differentiators included:
- Industry Expertise: RSM’s ability to understand the unique needs of a craft brewery—from excise tax management to production efficiency—allowed them to quickly build trust with the client.
- Speed and Agility: Despite entering the process late, RSM was able to meet the tight deadlines and deliver a comprehensive proposal that addressed all requirements.
- Proven Team: The client was impressed by RSM’s team members during several key meetings, which further validated RSM as the right partner.
The Results
RSM successfully secured the opportunity and began a multi-phase implementation to deploy Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central across the organization. This ERP upgrade will enable the brewery to:
- Enhance financial visibility and operational efficiency.
- Better manage compliance and regulatory reporting, including excise taxes.
- Lay the foundation for future phases to add additional Business Central functionalities, ensuring continued scalability and growth.
By partnering with RSM, the brewery is well-positioned to continue its digital transformation and maintain its role as an innovator in the craft brewing industry.
Alyssa Juris
Senior GTM Coordinator for RSM's Business Applications Technology teams, specializing in digital content development for Microsoft + NetSuite Consumer Product's Teams.
