RSMUS.comIn today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, manufacturers face mounting pressure to modernize legacy systems, streamline operations, and empower their workforce with intelligent tools. One global manufacturing company recently embarked on a transformative journey to overhaul its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, moving from a heavily customized Dynamics AX integration to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management (D365 F&SC). This story explores how the implementation unfolded, the challenges faced, and the strategic outcomes achieved, offering valuable insights for other manufacturers considering similar modernization efforts.
The Challenge: Legacy Systems and Operational Complexity
The company, a discrete manufacturer with operations across North America and Europe, had been relying on Microsoft AX 2009 for years. While the system had served its purpose, it had become increasingly outdated, hindering efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction. The organization needed a solution that could unify its operations across multiple sites, reduce reliance on manual processes, and support future growth.
The primary goals were clear:
- Streamline operations across geographically dispersed manufacturing sites.
- Enhance visibility into inventory, procurement, and sales.
- Empower teams with real-time data and analytics.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations.
- Simplify technology infrastructure for easier updates and maintenance.
The Solution: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain
To modernize operations and support growth, the manufacturer chose Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management as the core of its digital transformation. Built specifically to handle the demands of complex manufacturing environments, Dynamics 365 F&SC delivers end-to-end visibility, process standardization, and the scalability required to support multiple facilities and evolving business models. The platform’s ability to integrate seamlessly with other enterprise applications also ensured the manufacturer could unify finance, supply chain, and production data for stronger operational control.
Key capabilities included:
- Enterprise-wide standardization: Consistent processes and data across all facilities simplified maintenance and improved efficiency.
- Manufacturing workflow support: Flexible configurations enabled the company to manage custom products, complex bills of materials, and multi-site operations.
- Integrated analytics and reporting: Real-time dashboards and KPIs provided leaders with actionable insights to drive faster, data-backed decisions.
- Regulatory compliance and scalability: Embedded financial and supply chain controls helped ensure compliance while supporting long-term growth.
To further accelerate time-to-value and extend functionality, RSM layered in it’s own developed proven tools and integrations:
- Inventory Track & Trace Accelerator: Real-time visibility into inventory across sites.
- ISV Integration (Avalara): Automated tax compliance.
- Salesforce Integration: Configured custom orders with hundreds of attributes and passed them into D365 using a tailored product configurator.
- Adoption & compliance support: Training and resources to ensure smooth rollout and long-term user success.
Overcoming Operational Challenges
Implementing a new ERP system in a complex manufacturing environment is never without its hurdles. The organization faced several challenges, including:
- Migrating from a highly customized AX 2009 environment.
- Coordinating across multiple international sites.
- Integrating intricate quoting and order processes.
- Ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Through close collaboration between the manufacturer and RSM, these challenges were addressed with tailored solutions. The team designed and implemented a quoting integration that became the lifeline for downstream production processes. They also developed tools to support real-time inventory tracking and standardized workflows across locations.
The Impact: Transformation in Action
The results of the implementation were both immediate and far-reaching. By investing in modern technology, the manufacturer achieved significant improvements in several key areas:
- Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Teams could now monitor inventory levels across all sites, reducing stockouts and improving planning.
- Procurement Efficiency: Streamlined procurement processes led to faster sourcing and reduced costs.
- Sales Visibility: Enhanced tracking of sales orders and customer interactions improved forecasting and responsiveness.
- Simplified Technology Stack: Moving to a modern ERP platform reduced the burden of maintaining legacy systems and enabled easier updates.
- Improved Productivity: Employees were empowered with tools that simplified workflows and enhanced collaboration.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
With the successful implementation of D365 F&SC, the manufacturer is now positioned to build upon its digital foundation. Plans are underway to expand the solution set, integrate additional technologies, and further optimize operations. The partnership with Microsoft and RSM continues to evolve, driving innovation and delivering measurable value.
Their transformation story serves as a powerful example of how manufacturers can modernize their operations, overcome legacy challenges, and embrace intelligent technologies to drive growth. For organizations considering a similar journey, the key takeaways are clear:
- Choose a platform that aligns with your operational complexity and growth goals.
- Partner with industry focused professionals who understand your industry and can tailor solutions to your needs.
- Invest in change management and user adoption to ensure long-term success.
- Leverage real-time data and analytics to make informed decisions and stay competitive.
If your organization is exploring how to modernize legacy systems, streamline operations, and empower your teams with intelligent tools, we’d love to connect. Reach out to us here to learn how RSM can help you build a tailored roadmap for digital transformation in manufacturing and unlock measurable results for your business.
Caleb Green
Caleb supports the go-to-market aspects of the Microsoft and NetSuite teams, focusing on industrial companies in the manufacturing, automotive, energy, and distribution sectors. With a wealth of experience in marketing, Caleb excels at content creation, developing creative and analytical strategies, and advising on best practices. His proficiency in navigating immediate needs and providing proactive recommendations makes him a valuable asset to the team. Caleb's commitment to improving working methods within RSM’s go-to-market strategy ensures effective collaboration and successful outcomes for the organization.