When small businesses experience significant growth, it’s imperative that their software and systems can keep up. In this Acceleration Case Study, learn how Relectric Supply Company upgraded its accounting system to Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft CRM as it experienced significant growth. With the help of Armanino, the company experienced benefits, such as increased scalability, customer satisfaction, and data accuracy.
Business Challenge – Finding a Better Accounting System
Originally founded as a small business, Relectric Supply Company is now a national circuit breakers and electrical equipment supply company. It started off by focusing on selling rare circuit breakers and electrical components. In addition, the company offered more eco-friendly ways to source materials. In only a short time span, Relectric experienced rapid growth. So, they needed a better accounting system to meet their needs.
- The company identified the primary pain points from their accounting system:
- Microsoft Office Accounting had too many limitations and caused slow operation.
- Using an outside sales organization caused a disconnect across their systems
Initially, the company used Microsoft Office Accounting. They soon realized that this entry-level accounting system had too many limitations. As the business continued to grow, this system became slower to operate. The company also had an outside sales organization. Their sales system could not communicate with their existing accounting system, creating a signficant disconnect.
Because of this, they needed a more robust accounting solution that would not only meet its current needs, but also its future needs. Finding a middleware solution was essential in gathering data to connect the systems.
- They specified the qualities they needed in a solution. They need solution that would:
- Keep up with the company’s growth
- Unify its entire system platform
- Have a user interface that’s familiar to staff members
Relectric was already familiar with Microsoft products. For instance, they were previously using SQL Server, Office, and Microsoft IIS for hosting their websites. The company eventually implemented Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft CRM.
Software Solution – Microsoft Dynamics GP and CRM
Relectric worked with the team at Armanino to help customize the GP and CRM application to meet their workflow needs better. Furthermore, Armanino helped Relectric bridge the gap between CRM and Dynamics GP by using the Connector for Dynamics.
- The new upgrades and customizations accomodated:
- Automated Shipment Reconciliation/Tracking
- Credit Card Authorizations
- Order Processing and Website Integration
- Multiple Warehouse Fulfillment Systems for Receiving Orders
Instead of using multiple systems with data redundancy, the team at Relectric can view any job functions and transaction statuses from beginning to end. They’re able to do this with the help of the seamless integration between Microsoft CRM and GP.
On the other hand, the previous accounting system lacked visibility for the cost of sold goods. It wasn’t possible to track serial numbers. These issues lead to many system reporting errors. However, Dynamics GP enables them to easily track inventory and serial numbers while maintaining accuracy on the general ledger.
Relectric has over 60,000 customers and over 100,000 items in inventory. Previously, the system would take at least 30 seconds to navigate the inventory screen. Now, it’s possible to process orders immediately without any delays. The system also updates in real-time, making it easy for employees to view accurate information.
Results
With the new system, orders are placed in CRM while also being submitted, fulfilled, and invoiced in ERP. The order status is always visible throughout the entire process. This collaborative process increases scalability and customer satisfaction as well as data accuracy. The team at Relectric also supports its sales efforts by using ISV applications. They use Avalara for sales tax, Ethotech for handling commissions, and Nodus for credit card transactions. This saves a lot of time in processing orders for all five sales sites and the two distribution facilities.
The sales team only has to use the CRM to get all of the information they need for each order. One of the most significant advantages of this conversion process is the hands-off invoicing process. Before this upgrade, an employee had to individually bill each client and process their credit card, which was time consuming.
The Microsoft Dynamics CRM, GP, and CRM Connector integration has helped Relectric focus on key performance indicators. It has also given them more opportunities to remain innovative for future growth.
Using the CRM Connector increased efficiency and allowed the team to focus on building reports as well as other tools, rather than spending time transferring data. Choosing to implement these products from Microsoft significantly improved the entire accounting process at Relectric.
