Inventory Simplified, Sales Amplified: The Business Central Upgrade Story
Background
A well-established FMCG distributor was managing its operations on an ageing NAV 2016 system. While the ERP had served its purpose for years, it was becoming slow, hard to maintain, and lacked the flexibility the business now needed. Inventory control was difficult, financial reports were limited, and products with varying weights were especially hard to manage.
The absence of a digital ordering platform further slowed things down. Distributors and retailers had to depend on manual calls or emails to place orders, which often led to errors and delays.
Challenges
- Outdated ERP system that was no longer reliable
- Inefficient inventory tracking and random weight product management
- Lack of integrated B2B eCommerce platform
- Limited financial reporting for decision-making
The Solution
The company decided to upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (cloud) with us as the implementation partner. The migration brought in a modern, scalable ERP platform that could adapt to their business growth.
Key improvements included:
- Accurate inventory management with real-time stock updates across warehouses
- Support for variable weight products, ensuring precise billing and stock tracking
- Launch of a B2B eCommerce portal, where distributors could browse products, order online, and track deliveries
- Advanced reporting and analytics for better financial and operational visibility
The Results
The transformation was visible within months of go-live. Order processing errors dropped significantly, and staff found inventory management far more reliable. With the eCommerce portal in place, distributors enjoyed a smoother experience and overall sales increased by nearly 15%.
Financial reporting became richer, enabling management to track profitability and demand trends with ease. Operational costs reduced as processes became streamlined, leaving the teams free to focus on customer service and growth initiatives.
Conclusion
Upgrading from NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central gave the distributor a modern ERP system that addressed the limitations of their legacy setup. The new platform streamlined inventory management, improved order accuracy, supported online ordering, and provided better financial insights. These changes have helped the business operate more efficiently and prepare for future growth.
