Cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics opens new horizons for accounting firm

The Client

Based in western Michigan, this single-family office accounting firm provides financial and bookkeeping services for companies in many different industries, including retail, lodging and big-game hunting.

The Challenge

For years, the company was relying on a legacy enterprise resource planning software system to track business processes and store data. While the system, Sage BusinessWorks, handled the basics effectively, staff were hamstrung by the fact that it wasn't cloud-based. In other words, it was only available on the business manager's laptop, curtailing access and restricting who handles back-office tasks. This predicament, combined with the business manager's unusual work schedule and looming retirement, forced the company to make changes it probably should have done earlier.

The Solution

That's where The TM Group was able to provide insight into setting up a comprehensive ERP solution. After assessing the company's situation, pain points and goals, The TM Group recommended Microsoft Dynamics 365, which is widely considered the gold standard of customer relationship management and ERP software. One of the many perks of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is its affordability, which is one of the reasons why the firm decided to go with it rather than on-premise Microsoft Dynamics GP. While both programs offer integrated functionalities - including management tools for finance, supply chain and human resources - Business Central is cloud-based, thus eliminating the need for expensive, bulky on-premise servers.

With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central in place, The TM Group went to work by setting up several add-on modules, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and reconciliation.

The Outcome

Almost immediately, the switch from Sage BusinessWorks to Dynamics 365 Business Central paid substantial dividends. Aside from the main purpose of the ERP implementation - facilitating remote access - ongoing users of the software were able to master new capabilities that under the former system were either unavailable, outdated or antiquated. Not anymore. The company says it fully intends to optimize its point of sales systems so it too receives the Dynamics 365 Business Central treatment.

If you want to take your company to the next level and gain greater insight into your business' workflows, The TM Group has the ERP and CRM tools and implementation tips that can get you there. Contact us to learn more.