Cloud ERP with Smarter Stock Control
Purpleline Ltd is a leading manufacturer of caravan and recreational vehicle accessories, based in rural Suffolk.
The business needed to move beyond Sage 200, avoiding a costly server upgrade while improving assembly orders, stock control, serial number tracking and remote access.
Qi migrated Purpleline to Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS using QiMigrateNow! to transfer historic Sage 200 data. The result was an MTD-compliant cloud ERP solution, improved CRM and operational visibility, and a 40% time saving on entering assembly orders.
The Challenge
The primary reason for Purple Line to review its historic use of Sage 200 was the need to ensure it was ready for Making Tax Digital changes in April 2019. To achieve this in Sage 200, an upgrade was required which in turn required a new server to support it. The suggested cost of £20k triggered a wider management review into whether Sage 200 was in fact the best solution for Purple Line and Opus moving forward.
Any solution for serious consideration would have to at least include existing Sage 200 functionality but also provide:
- Configuring assembly orders for standard packages and customer package customisations.
- Multiple stock locations and stock transfer.
- Serial number recording within the central system to provide a full audit trail.
- An integrated CRM module to support the central team and field sales.
- Trouble-free remote/mobile use from iOS, Android and Windows.
- An option to enable staff to read information without paying for a full user licence.
- A full data migration of Sage 200 data including historic transactions.
- A project cost that clearly returned a value on their investment and was not £20k!
The Solution
Migrating from Sage 200 to Dynamics 365 Business Central (Essentials) SaaS
Purple Line was introduced to Qi via QBS Group, a leading Master VAR in the UK. Following demonstrations, discussions and succinct planning, Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS was implemented to include training and support for the Purple Line team, delivered with a mix of remote and on-site resources. By using a mix of full and team member licensing, the business pays licensing costs that take into account what staff need to see and update, rather than a full licence for all users.
Full Sage 200 data migration was achieved via Qi’s QiMigrateNow! software.
The Outcome
40% Time Saving on entering Assembly orders with enhanced accuracy
An automatically MTD-compliant cloud ERP solution delivering enhanced and additional functionality over Sage 200. The project came in just under budget.
Dynamics 365 Business Central is providing enhanced functionality in assembly orders, stock control and serial number recording. The solution allows remote access from any device with an internet connection. CRM sits on the same database as accounts and operations providing a 360° view across customers and suppliers.