Business Need – ERP and PLM Systems for Business Processes
In 2019, Trainvac was founded in Wedel, Germany. Team members focus on developing and integrating innovative solutions and modules for sanitary systems in the rail vehicle industry. Trainvac decided to use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Their primary goal for the mid-term was to establish their business processes with D365 to help meet the needs of their growing company.
The IT Team was entrusted with implementing a system that integrated Bluestar Product Lifestyle Management (PLM). The initial project began on March 23, 2020. The process started with the mapping of finance as well as core processes acquisition and engineering. They faced a few challenges. The biggest challenge was trying to get everything done within a short time period. Additionally, the project also began during the beginning of COVID-19 shutdowns, which created even more challenges.
Technology Solution – Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management
The main focus involved a couple of factors. Firstly, they aimed to implement the Dynamics 365 process as a blueprint. They didn’t have to worry about legacy systems, making it easier to implement new software. Furthermore, IT team members decided to use an agile project approach due to the unknown number of requirements and the importance of providing value during the first go-live. There wasn’t an upstream analysis phase. After three sprints, they implemented a minimum viable product.
SMIT RapidKit is a relatively new tool that helped during the implementation process while also increasing configuration speed. Because of this, the finance processes were available to use out of the box. The procurement processes quickly followed. This process was for storing prototypes related to project management, production, and engineering processes.
Technology Solution – Implementing the ERP and PLM Systems
From the initial beginning, the IT team wanted to implement a system that would easily match clients’ requirements without any issues. Even if all of the functionalities are not needed, the company is well-prepared for the future. A competent IT team was essential in quickly creating the necessary modules.
They set up a schedule to focus on workshops and online training. The schedule consisted of two hours every day, in order to ensure they met their deadline.
The system went live on April 30, which was only six weeks after the project began. They not only mapped the procurement and engineering but also finance processes. Meanwhile, they implemented the warehouse in a basic form. They connected Bluestar PLM. They prepared all of the processes for the intercompany structure. This quick and successful go-live was made possible due to the IT team’s experience and their tools.
The Trainvac team’s role in the testing process was significant. This was evident since everything was complete within six weeks. In the coming weeks, they continued to implement D365 Finance & Supply Chain Management. This supported business growth without causing any unnecessary admin procedures.
Final Results
The implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 was a big success. This was due to its integration in only six weeks. It also provides a single source of information for complete transparency. Additionally, the software improved business performance while reducing errors.
Full integration between PLM, ERP, and CAD in Microsoft Dynamics 365 made jobs much easier. Data can now flow more smoothly between engineering, production, and operational teams. This contributes to an increase in collaboration across the entire company.
Gaining immediate access to real-time data is incredibly beneficial. For instance, having immiate access to this data from each department boosts production and increases efficiency. Using only one system not only reduces IT maintenance, but also keeps costs to a minimum. Ultimately, the implementation of Dynamics 365 was a significant success for Trainvac.
