Homefashion Group: Focus Enterprise Solutions helps to develop, manage, and optimize Dynamics 365

Since March 2023, Jeroen Provoost has been the Dynamic Domain Manager for IT Operations at Homefashion Group, the umbrella organization for two major omnichannel home-furnishing retailers in the Benelux: Leen Bakker and Kwantum. He is responsible for the Supply Chain, Finance & Customer Service, HR, and Services teams. With over 4,200 employees, 272 shops in the Netherlands and Belgium, and an impressive online presence of more than 2 million visitors a week, Homefashion Group is a top player in the country’s home-furnishing sector. Its healthy turnover of more than €700 million and high number of services delivered at consumers’ homes (400,000) attest to its market leadership. ‘At Homefashion Group, we combine a passion for lifestyle with technological innovations. That’s what sets us apart from the rest,’ says Jeroen.

“Dynamics 365 is a platform that not only supports our current operations but can also accommodate future growth” – Jeroen Provoost, IT Domain Manager Operations Homefashion Group

Homefashion Group was already working with Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management before Jeroen joined, and the company has a positive experience of the system. ‘We’ve decided to really focus on leveraging the system’s standard solutions. We’d rather not overcomplicate things. That’s what Dynamics 365 offers: a platform that not only supports our current operations but can also accommodate future growth,’ Jeroen stresses.

Managed Services, Focus Enterprise Solutions’ Service Desk, plays a very important role in Homefashion Group’s IT operations. Their Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the department goes beyond standard Dynamics 365 management and support – it forms the backbone of their IT strategy. Managed Services is not just a supplier but a committed partner that helps to develop, manage, and optimize Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management at Homefashion Group.

‘The SLA means we have certain expectations of each other, which is reassuring and helps us do what needs to be done. But Managed Services is more than a Service Desk for us. The staff at Focus Enterprise Solutions have become a real part of our team. Their unfaltering commitment and advice help us to shape our future IT operations,’ explained Jeroen.

This involves working according to the Scrum method. ‘It ties in nicely with our own work processes, being a hybrid approach to project management with both the Agile Scrum and the conventional waterfall models. This flexible approach lets us respond effectively to changing business needs. That combination enables us to be both flexible and structured, which is essential in our rapidly evolving industry,’ explained Jeroen.

“We need support for each new release in the form of scenario creation and testing. Focus Enterprise Solutions’ expertise in SURA ensures a smooth and risk-free transition with each new release.” – Jeroen Provoost, IT Domain Manager Operations Homefashion Group

Homefashion Group uses  SURA to test and install new releases. An acronym for ‘Service Update Release Assistance’, it was set up by Focus Enterprise Solutions to help its customers test and install new releases. This partnership alleviates the complexity that comes from merging different IT landscapes. Jeroen added, ‘We need support for each new release in the form of scenario creation and testing. Focus Enterprise Solutions’ expertise in SURA ensures a smooth and risk-free transition with each new release.’

Homefashion Group also uses Extended Banking, a solution developed by Focus Enterprise Solutions to automatically reconcile digital bank statements in Dynamics 365 Finance. This has significantly simplified Homefashion Group’s financial reconciliation process. ‘Extended Banking allows us to focus on the essential aspects of our finances while managing routine processes more efficiently. This saves us a lot of time and reduces human error,’ said Jeroen.

Working with Focus Enterprise Solutions brings together efficient, daily interactions and regular reflections on improvements and objectives. The support transcends the SLA, with additional expertise and capacity provided where needed, resulting in a flexible, mutually enhancing partnership. ‘Focus Enterprise Solutions is more than a supplier; they are an extension of our team,’ explained Jeroen.

He would wholeheartedly recommend Focus Enterprise Solutions to other companies. ‘My experience with Focus Enterprise Solutions is of a partnership focused not only on the present, but also on Homefashion Group’s future growth and ability to innovate in the dynamic home-furnishing industry. Focus Enterprise Solutions isn’t just our technology partner; they enable us to keep innovating and achieving success. We’ve formed a valuable, high-impact partnership,’ concluded Jeroen.

“Extended Banking allows us to focus on the essential aspects of our finances while managing routine processes more efficiently.” – Jeroen Provoost, IT Domain Manager Operations Homefashion Group

Have you been inspired by Homefashion Group and Focus Enterprise Solutions’ successful partnership? Do you also want to experience the power of Dynamics 365 and take your business to the next level? Focus Enterprise Solutions is your strategic partner for everything to do with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. Contact us now to discuss how we could help your organization.