Exceed Enterprises is a nonprofit in Milwaukee, Oregon that specializes in providing vocational, recreational and personal development services for people with diverse abilities. They employ over 200 people in a 32,000-square-foot production facility for light manufacturing with additional off-site work crews for local industries.
Exceed was using an old ERP solution named Accpac (software that has since rebranded to Sage 300). This ERP required a lot of manual onboarding, with custom databases and disjointed business processes, for example, using an unintegrated access database for customers, requiring workers to manually input that data into the main ERP system. Since Exceed had a very small management team, these systems were slowing down business processes and reducing visibility between divisions.
In 2019, Exceed realized the need to migrate from Accpac to a new cloud-based ERP system that could integrate their accounting and manufacturing business segments. Exceed staff were maintaining a number of custom databases and spreadsheets, slowing down operations and causing data to grow static. SSNW was hired to transition Exceed to Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. The project was completed within a year, using Microsoft’s SureStep implementation methodology. SSNW employed iterative Conference Room Pilots to provide real-time orientation for the software team as well as train the client. Seven months after go-live Exceed was self-sufficient using Business Central.
Strategic Solutions NW’s Actions in ERP for Nonprofits: Dynamics 365 Business Central Implementation
The project was divided into two phases, the first being the replacement of the finance functionality in Accpac. In the second phase, we implemented purchasing, manufacturing, and inventory management, along with automated workflows within Business Central. Following is the basic timeline:
The project was organized around a gated series of stages, with the CRP method being used iteratively as a way to involve the client and provide training for core staff during the implementation process. Exceed has a very small staff working in management, which SSNW remained conscientious of while drawing up goals and deadlines, further providing training documentation to help management succeed with the train-the-trainer model. Selected key actions:
Fully integrate interface and sales invoice approval workflows under one ERP platform
Provide a flexible, scalable infrastructure for the growing manufacturing segment to enable scalability
Replace modules in discrete phases to accommodate small management teams
Perform transformation while maintaining current operations
Provided in-person training for managers and select staff
Outcomes of ERP for Nonprofits: Dynamics 365 Business Central Implementation
Integrated systems eliminated many manual processes
Improved manufacturing visibility
Access to robust CRM technology
Automated item label printing and billing
Better Inventory management and performance through streamlined assembly orders
Through training, provided a competitive structural advantage for all employees
Why Business central is the go to ERP for nonprofits
Microsoft Business Central
70% discount for nonprofits, easy to implement
Geared toward small and medium size businesses
Provides a strong financial foundation and supply chain management capabilities
Provides a robust platform for future enhancements
Microsoft’s One Version services application and platform updates remove a significant burden from IT resources
Access to powerful Microsoft tools such as Power Platform and Power BI
Collaborate and work with SSNW as your D365 Partner
While Exceed’s older on-premise technology may have been a sufficient ERP solution in the past, as the company grew it became costly, struggled to meet performance benchmarks, and needed continual maintenance and workarounds that stunted performance and productivity.
Business Central is a solution with an easy implementation path to help businesses transition to cloud-based technology that is better suited to meet the demands of the current marketplace. With cloud-based technology enterprises won’t be bogged down by limited data warehousing. They receive immense advantages gaining access to Microsoft’s Power Platform and Copilot AI. Furthermore, Business Central is designed to integrate with 1000s of point solutions offered through AppSource. Through its partner network, businesses have access to technology and business experts to support, design, and craft a technology platform that empowers workers and elevates performance.
Strategic Solutions NW is a full-service business and technology consulting company headquartered in Beaverton, OR with clients worldwide. Check out our Business Central implementation for PNW’s McMenamins. As Dynamics 365 Partners, we specialize in integrated software implementation and project recovery, approaching every solution through a business-wide lens. Our repertoire also includes creating and managing the accounting function for 500 million-dollar manufacturers, specialized forest product experience, and longstanding partnerships with several major software vendors. Led by three partners with decades of experience in software and business solutions, we approach each client with a long-term relationship in mind, providing continued support and communication beyond project completion. Book a Dynamics 365 consultation for a free optimization session.
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