Sofis: Successful ERP implementation resulting in improved efficiency and greater understanding

Dynamics 365 Finance en Supply Chain Management

Sofis, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, is a globally acknowledged market leader in the design and manufacture of innovative safety systems for manual valve operations in the industrial sector. Sofis, which has a long tradition of offering solutions that not only increase efficiency but also save lives, seeks to improve security standards all over the world. Part of Halma PLC, a trailblazer in safety, health and environmental protection technologies, Sofis strives to achieve a lofty goal: excellence and reliability in all its operations.

Outdated systems and limited understanding

“We were working with a system that was not just technologically outdated, but didn’t give us the required clarity regarding our crucial operational, commercial and financial processes,” says Jeroen Hermsen, Director of Finance and IT at Sofis. “It was time we got a system that would not only support our current needs but that would also facilitate future growth.”

Following a thorough evaluation of various systems, the company opted for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management (also known as Finance and Operations).

“Microsoft Dynamics 365 stood out, thanks to its large number of features, its adaptability to our specific needs, and the integration with our existing Microsoft ecosystem,” says Wouter van der Pol, ERP Project Manager at Sofis.

Focus Enterprise Solutions: more than just a supplier

Hiring Focus Enterprise Solutions as our implementation partner was a strategic choice. “We were looking for a partner who could not only supply the software we needed, but also understood our market segment and was nearby enough to provide us with local support,” says Hermsen. “Focus met all those criteria. Their approach was personal and it was clear from day one that they were committed to our success.”

“Microsoft Dynamics 365 stood out, thanks to its large number of features, its adaptability to our specific needs, and the integration with our existing Microsoft ecosystem. “- Wouter van der Pol, ERP Project Manager Sofis

Overcoming obstacles during the implementation phase

Wouter van der Pol, ERP Project Manager at Sofis, has the following to say about the early stages of the project: “We were determined to replace our outdated systems with a modern platform that would not only support our current needs, but be scalable enough to facilitate future growth. Microsoft Dynamics 365 struck us as the perfect choice, due to its flexibility and many features.”

The project gradually moved through the analysis stage and initial planning, with the Sofis and Focus Enterprise Solutions teams closely collaborating to obtain a thorough understanding of Sofis’s specific operational and technical requirements.

However, during the implementation process, the two teams ran into several challenges that are typical for complex ERP implementation procedures in a niche industry such as Sofis’. “We encountered a significant problem,” Van der Pol explains. “It turned out that our production process was not a perfect match with the standard features offered in Microsoft Dynamics 365. Custom solutions were required to ensure that our unique operational processes were fully supported.”

This phase of the project required intensive collaboration between Sofis and Focus Enterprise Solutions, which involved the development of tailor-made solutions to streamline Sofis’s production and stock management processes. “Focus has proven to be a valuable partner in this process,” Jeroen Hermsen adds. “Their expertise and dedication were indispensable in our overcoming these technical challenges.”

Perfect go-live

After extensive testing and many adjustments, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management finally went live, and Sofis celebrated. “It was a big  milestone for our team,” Van der Pol says, proud. “Despite several delays and challenges along the way, we managed to implement a system that has not only improved our operational efficiency, but that will allow us to grow and innovate going forward. The go-live moment itself was a bit anticlimactic. Since we’d worked with two parallel systems – the old system and Microsoft Dynamics 365 – for a month, the moment we flicked the switch went without a hitch.” He adds jokingly: “To the point where I actually wondered if we’d gone live at all.”

Following the implementation of the system, Sofis did not immediately see the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics 365. “It’s a very extensive system with a vast array of features and data,” says Hermsen. “Even though we had a smooth go-live, we realized d that our employees needed some time to get used to the new system and make the most of all the additional insights we can benefit from. But I’m convinced that this system will serve as a solid foundation for further improvements to our processes and for further growth of our company.”

Sofis also concluded an SLA (Service Level Agreement) with Focus Enterprise Solutions for the future management of its ERP environment. In addition to the agreed number of support hours, the SLA also covers support in the structured implementation of updates through SURA.

“There’s a lot we can do ourselves,” says Van der Pol, “but it’s great to know that, if we should ever run into any issues, and whenever new updates are released, we will be able to rely on the expertise of Focus Enterprise Solutions’s knowledgeable staff.”

“Proper preparation and a partner who speaks your language can make the difference between success and failure.” – Jeroen Hermsen, Director Finance & IT bij Sofis

Tips for successful ERP implementation

Looking back on the process, Hermsen would like to give the following advice to other companies considering ERP implementation: “Make sure you clearly identify your needs and that you have an excellent, in-depth understanding of all your processes and have standardized these to the maximum extent possible. Then choose a partner who can convert them into functional solutions. Proper preparation and a partner who speaks your language can make the difference between success and failure.”

Now that it has implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, Sofis has transformed its operational capacity, and become more competitive in the global market for valve safety solutions, as well. “Not only did our collaboration with Focus result in successful implementation of the system, but it also resulted in a sustainable partnership that will continue to help us grow and innovate,” Hermsen says in conclusion.

Testimonial

‘We were looking for a partner who could not only supply the software we needed, but also understood our market segment and was nearby enough to provide us with local support. Focus met all those criteria. Their approach was personal and it was clear from day one that they were committed to our success

Klantcase Sofis - Dynamics 365 ERP
Jeroen Hermsen
Director Finance & IT at Sofis

‘Microsoft Dynamics 365 stood out, thanks to its large number of features, its adaptability to our specific needs, and the integration with our existing Microsoft ecosystem.’

Wouter van der Pol
ERP Project Manager at Sofis