Summary of Findings & Roadmap

Transcription

1 Summary of Findings & Roadmap May Business Park Drive Greensboro, NC Michael Camp & Stephen J. Toth Synergy Business Solutions Portland Seattle Boise Findlay, Ohio

2 Company Overview At Apple Rock, superior trade show exhibit display quality comes from understanding your brand. Their experienced staff works with you to create a branded trade show display that is not only functional and attractive, but strategically designed to create your brand experience. Their capabilities include design, engineering, fabrication, storage & delivery, and show services. Location(s): Greensboro, NC Las Vegas, NV Wayne, NJ Morrisville, NC Charlotte, NC Lorton, VA Employees: 75+ Current System: QuickBooks, Salesforce, an old Project Management system they hardly use now, lots of spreadsheets for PM and estimating Current Situation **Information sourced from Discovery Call. Apple Rock currently uses multiple systems that include QuickBooks, Salesforce, and an outdated Project Management system. Their project accounting has suffered as a result. One major pain is system updates, since they are so hard to get. There are way too many manual processes to get the desired data, which wastes much time. There are far too many spreadsheets that are floating around like islands without any bridges to what should be their one source of truth. Apple Rock is looking for an ERP system that allows all facets of project management to speak to each other and that makes reporting and time tracking easier with the ability to capture costs with a bar coding solution. They are not satisfied with Salesforce and would like a better CRM that integrates with their ERP. Impact of Issues Apple Rock has experienced several system crashes as a result of their situation. Project managers can t get accurate updates on projects status in a timely fashion on the 1,400 projects they have per year. Apple Rock is like most mid-sized companies that are still on QuickBooks. They are wasting time on manual processes and sometimes making decisions blind to what is really going on with their projects. It s hard to find the right data in their existing conglomeration of spreadsheets, let alone know for sure that it is accurate. Vision for Ideal Solution The ideal solution for Apple Rock is an integrated, modern ERP system that has automated core financials, flexible and powerful project accounting with timekeeping that also tracks things like percent complete of projects and profitability, and can easily handle inventory and bills of material for both custom fabrication and display rentals. It will integrate with the Microsoft they already use Office 365 and will have ability to integrate with any best-in-class third party application they may need for deeper capabilities. It will also integrate with a new, more user-friendly CRM system. Apple Rock Displays Summary of Findings & Roadmap CLIENT CONFIDENTIAL 2

3 Microsoft Dynamics SL is arguably a superior choice over systems that offer a suite of modules with little choice for third-party solutions because it integrates with a variety of solutions that will ensure deeper functionality when Apple Rock needs it. In this ideal solution, project managers and other managers or executives will have access to create and track their projects, effectively manage inventory, manage sales orders, and see dashboards that reflect the KPIs they need to measure the company s overall health. Automation will be maximized and manual processes will be eliminated or sharply cut. Their ideal solution can either be deployed on-premise or hosted on a Microsoft Azure private cloud in order to forego their own IT-related costs for hardware, servers, backups, and internal maintenance issues. Synergy Recommendations Synergy recommends the 2018 version of Microsoft Dynamics SL as a Best-in-Class ERP solution for Apple Rock. Dynamics SL is by far the superior project accounting system on the market for small-to-mid size, project-based and custom fabrication organizations, particularly when the company uses Microsoft technology and software already. Synergy has identified these modules that will solve the issues you face: General Ledger Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Cash Manager Project Controller Project Allocator Project Time and Expense Project Budgeting Flexible Billing Analyzer Contract Management Multi Company Purchase Order Requisitions Inventory Web Applications Management Reporter Quick Query Payroll to integrate with ADP Moreover, Synergy recommends SK Global s Project Work Order and Work Order Procurement solutions two applications that extend the functionality of project accounting by providing visibility into sufficient stock and stock availability for efficient scheduling and project management. Apple Rock Displays Summary of Findings & Roadmap CLIENT CONFIDENTIAL 3

4 Synergy also recommends the Dynamics SL integration with Barcode Gateway that will link Apple Rock s fabrication floor with Dynamics SL s inventory, purchasing, and order management, and also link to SK Global s solutions. As for CRM, Synergy recommends Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM as it tightly integrates with all Microsoft software Apple Rock uses (Office 365, Outlook) as well as Dynamics SL. Synergy can bring in a strategic partner to demonstrate this solution at an opportune time. Bottom line, with Microsoft solutions such as Dynamics SL and 365/CRM, Apple Rock will gain even more efficiencies as it integrates with the Microsoft software they already use, e.g. Office, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, etc. Similar Clients Synergy has many clients similar to Apple Rock and will provide references for them at an appropriate time. Happy clients on Dynamics SL who have similar operations include The Partner Network (TPN) event management, Avidex audio/visual installation, Esys Automation engineer-to-order fabricator, SafeBoats International make-to-order manufacturing, ATS Automation manufacturing, and many more. Needs Analysis and Prototype Synergy recommends Apple Rock engages Synergy in a paid engagement to do an in-depth Needs Analysis/Requirements Gathering and Prototype of the system before they make a final decision and purchase the software. Since the prototype is a live deployment with their company data and not merely a demonstration, this will ensure Apple Rock management that the Microsoft Dynamics SL system will meet all their requirements before resources are committed to buying and implementing software. Assuming they move forward with a Dynamics SL implementation, this adds no extra cost to the project since the Needs Analysis/Requirements Gathering and Prototype is essentially the starting point for any implementation. Apple Rock should consider whether the other systems they are evaluating are offering this proposal, as Synergy s clients have found the Prototype engagement a valuable insurance policy for ERP selection. Synergy will provide a fixed quote for the Needs Analysis/Requirements Gathering and Prototype solution. We will need to have further discussions on the major focus areas to be included in the prototype. Microsoft Dynamics SL & Synergy There are four selection criteria that business and financial leaders use to evaluate a new system: Dynamics SL Functionality Microsoft s flagship solution for project-based organizations, professional services, and government contractors. Supports accurate budgeting, forecasting, and estimating Apple Rock Displays Summary of Findings & Roadmap CLIENT CONFIDENTIAL 4

5 Time and expense, tracking projects, and financial analysis done locally or on the Web Handles complex multi-level markups, unlimited billing formats, change order control, and contract admin Tracks project performance and provides project analysis, employee utilization, and proactive alerts Has a robust Materials Management series with inventory, order management, etc. Enables easier project management and job costing Supports quick custom reporting and decision making with real-time data Helps companies grow without their systems holding them back. Includes an array of modules, such as core Financials, Project Controller, Project Allocator, Time and Expense, Flexible Billing, Analyzer, Project Budgeting, Contract Management, Multi-Company, Purchase Orders, Requisitions, Inventory, Bill of Materials, Web Applications, Management Reporter, and Fixed Assets. Unlike a suite solution with little integration choice for third-party solutions, it integrates with a wide variety of third-party systems for powerful extended capability Dynamics SL is the finest project accounting / job costing system on the market. John Wheeler, former Controller, Alpha Development Microsoft Dynamics SL gives us more data, better data, and more timely data. Our managers are able to make better, faster decisions each day, [and] more intelligent long-range planning decisions. Brian Allen, CEO, ATS Automation The project management capabilities are phenomenal. There is the real ability to drill into the budgets, change orders, the estimates of completion, and to understand everything that is happening within a project. Carolyn Blaylock, VP Systems & Processes, Lee Technology Group We would not be as successful as we are today without Dynamics SL and Synergy. Robin Smyth, Owner, Gillespie, Prudhon, and Associates Dynamics SL easily solved all our pain points with government compliance. Julie Adelman, Controller, NuScale Power Dynamics SL Fit From integrating projects with financials and meeting the typical challenges of a utility service organization, Dynamics SL fits the needs of Southern Cross. Dynamics SL integrates with the systems that you need to build a more efficient workflow. Dynamics SL, as a Microsoft solution, integrates with all the Microsoft software you already use, e.g. Office, Excel, etc. Financial Considerations According to independent researcher, Nucleus Research, Microsoft Dynamics SL helps project-driven midsize companies automate processes and streamline operations, driving increased productivity, improved visibility, and reduced costs. Studies by Nucleus Research revealed that, deployed properly, Dynamics SL can deliver payback in fewer than six months. The breath of the new automation will mean greater savings. Dynamics SL delivers a strong Return on Investment as manual processes are replaced with automation enabling finance and project staff to work on more strategic endeavors, save hundreds of hours of work, which translates into an Annual Average Benefit that quickly covers the cost of the software and services. Apple Rock Displays Summary of Findings & Roadmap CLIENT CONFIDENTIAL 5

6 Dynamics SL Future More than 14,000 organizations run their businesses on Microsoft Dynamics SL. Microsoft is committed to helping Dynamics SL customers thrive and grow in the mobile-first, cloud-first world. To enable this, they have increased the frequency and cadence of Dynamics SL s development and release processes. New Dynamics SL features and technology are released every six months. Major upgrades are every 3-4 years. The latest major release of Dynamics SL comes out in May 2018 Dynamics SL Microsoft publishes an annual Microsoft Dynamics SL Roadmap that summarizes the strategic direction of the product, as well as more detailed information about the next release. In the latest Dynamics SL Annual User Group Conference, product managers announced Microsoft support of Dynamics SL 2018 through How Synergy Stands Out from Other ERP Partners Synergy has been a Microsoft partner since Synergy now serves over 300 clients nationwide with a reputation for stellar customer service and support. Two things stand out for Synergy. Proven, Microsoft-endorsed-and certified expertise in project accounting for professional services organizations and how much our clients love our implementation services and ongoing support. Synergy has an established and Microsoft-certified implementation team, a deep consulting bench, and a thirteen-year record of working with finance teams to improve their processes and project accounting in the back-office in order to gain value from data access to visibility to project profitability that can fuel a company s growth and success. In all my years, I ve never seen such quality customer service and support as I ve seen with Synergy They understand. They walk the talk. Synergy client, Computerized Facility Integration Synergy has been outstanding They are knowledgeable and timely. By far the best software company I have worked with in my 25 years. Dan Jones, Finance Director, Esys Automation Synergy has earned the Microsoft Dynamics SL Partner of the Year award in 2005 and 2008, has been a finalist for the award in 2007, 2009, and 2010, was the Top Partner West Region in 2012, and earned President s Club award in Synergy has many project accounting clients, similar to Apple Rock Displays, such as The Partner Network, Avidex, SafeBoats International, and YMC Mechanical. Synergy provides Dynamics SL User Groups for training and showcasing new-release highlights in regional locations across the country. Synergy is heavily involved in the Dynamics SL Annual User Group Conference with large number of attendees being Synergy clients. Synergy will provide Apple Rock with 2-3 references upon request. Apple Rock Displays Summary of Findings & Roadmap CLIENT CONFIDENTIAL 6

7 Synergy s Implementation Methodology Synergy has the following Implementation Methodology built on its years of experience implementing financial management, project accounting, and ERP projects. 1. Needs Analysis & Prototype Prior to implementation, Synergy will conduct a detailed requirements analysis and build a prove-before-you-purchase prototype as insurance you see this is the solution that works for Apple Rock (real software with your data, not a demo) before you actually purchase the software and invest in the implementation. 2. Project Planning This charts a course of implementation from beginning to end. 3. Documentation - The proper documentation of organizational and system procedures as to how data is to be entered and processed through the system. 4. Configuration - Each module is setup and configured to your business process as defined in the Project Planning Phase. 5. Integration - Integrate your financial and business system with other software applications within your current business process framework and other third-party software purchased. 6. Data Conversion - In most cases, we have the in-house expertise to convert your current data to the format required. 7. Training - Our certified and experienced Dynamics SL consultants will provide the necessary know how to instruct you in how to properly use the software in your day-to-day operations. 8. Go Live Once you are ready to go live with a particular phase of your software, Synergy will have staff deployed on-site as necessary, to make sure the transition is smooth, and that all the users are comfortable using the new system. 9. Ongoing Support - We will jointly review the success of the project, any outstanding issues and any additional requests to make sure you are pleased and have received value with the investment that you ve made. Synergy offers a variety of on-going support plans to help keep you running at peak. Apple Rock Displays Summary of Findings & Roadmap CLIENT CONFIDENTIAL 7

8 Proposed Timeline If Apple Rock Displays wants a new system to be live by the first of the year, Synergy proposes the following project timeline. Timeline May 31, 2018 Early June 2018 Early June 2018 Late June 2018 Early July 2018 Mid August 2018 September 2018 Dates to be determined January 1, 2019 Event Synergy demos the Microsoft Dynamics SL solution Synergy s strategic partner, Velosio, demos Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM to Apple Rock (or this becomes a Phase II project) Synergy addresses any of Apple Rock s remaining questions/concerns in light of their decision on ERP and comparing Dynamics SL to Netsuite, Exhibit Force, and/or Exact Apple Rock engages Synergy in deep Needs Analysis and Prototype. Prototype Work Order is signed. Synergy begins Needs Analysis and Prototype project (45-day project) Synergy presents Prototype to Apple Rock in North Carolina; to prove the system meets critical requirements before final decision and purchase of software Synergy starts the Dynamics SL Implementation Full Implementation Planning & Design Configuration Data Conversion Test Conference Room Pilot / Testing Introductory Training User Acceptance Go Live Apple Rock Displays Summary of Findings & Roadmap CLIENT CONFIDENTIAL 8