Digitaliisation in the food sector
Our client, a leader in the Ultra Fresh Food sector in Central and Eastern Europe, recognized the potential of digitalization in the food industry and chose Microsoft's innovative business solutions. Fellowmind Poland was responsible for carrying out a comprehensive implementation project, based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations and SCM.
The client specializes in the production of convenience goods, specifically fresh, washed, and ready-to-eat vegetables. The core operations are conducted in several modern plants located across four countries in the CEE region. The company provides its product range to both retail chains and the HoReCa industry. Additionally, the client’s group comprises companies that offer complementary services, including traditional cultivation and sale of unwashed vegetables, greenhouse hydroponic cultivation, and national logistics. To address the significant challenges posed by its distributed structure, the company has opted to implement Microsoft business solutions in collaboration with Fellowmind Poland.
We have decided to implement a system to enhance our company's operations, supported by Fellowmind. The implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and SCM, complemented with additional software, allows us to standardize business processes, organize and centralize data management, including in real-time.
Customer challenges
Prior to the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365, the company faced challenges due to the use of multiple instances of the CDN XL system. This setup caused performance issues and data incompatibility between the systems. The company resolved these problems by adopting a single unified Dynamics 365 system, which provides more consistent and efficient process management. During the project, the client operated through several subsidiaries using different CDN XL systems. Additionally, the client's group structure changed partly during the project, necessitating modifications in the proposed integration, adaptation of processes, and the final solution.
Technologies used in the project
The implementation project utilized various technologies, including Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, Power BI with Synapse Link, Azure Services, 365 Entra ID, Docentric, and Jedox. Additionally, integration with external systems was accomplished using Azure and D365 tools to ensure compatibility and efficiency in data management. The goal was to create a unified process and data model for future implementation across companies in Europe.
Centralized data management
The company implemented centralized data management, which proved instrumental in optimizing business operations. Critical areas such as collaboration with contractors, raw material handling, and production were managed through a consistent and integrated process. This allowed for standardization of data across the organization, effectively eliminating issues related to duplicate and incompatible information.
As a result, the company attained greater transparency in processes, enhanced efficiency in real-time monitoring and reporting, reduced error risks, and improved control over key resources. These improvements significantly enhanced operations management and increased process efficiency across all departments. This strategy not only addressed the organization's current needs but also established a robust foundation for future business expansion and growth into new markets.
Production forecasting and planning
The deployment of a production planning module integrated with Dynamics 365 has markedly enhanced the management of production processes. The system factors in available capacity and sales forecasts, thereby enabling precise planning and improved adaptation of production to fluctuations in demand. Automation of processes has augmented efficiency, diminished the risk of errors, and allowed plans to be dynamically adjusted to changing circumstances. Integration with other Dynamics 365 functionalities facilitates comprehensive supply chain management, delivering greater operational transparency and establishing a robust foundation for future expansion.
Quality control
The adoption of an advanced quality control system has significantly enhanced the company's management of raw materials and products. Automated quality monitoring has replaced manual assessment methods and paper documentation, thereby increasing the accuracy and efficiency of operations. Comprehensive reports enable better oversight of raw materials, forming a foundation for optimizing financial efficiency with suppliers and improving margin management. Additionally, automation has facilitated process standardization, expedited decision-making, and improved responsiveness to market demands, thereby bolstering the company's competitive edge.
Logistics and transport
The introduction of the transport module has significantly changed the management of the company's transport processes. Automation has enhanced the administration of loads, transport costs, and routes, streamlining logistics operations and cost control. The module facilitates the scanning and verification of loads and pallets, decreasing handling time and minimizing errors. By integrating with Dynamics 365, the company can plan transport routes, considering factors such as journey times and vehicle loads. Automatic forecasting of transport costs aids in better financial control and transparency. These modifications have led to faster order processing, improved transport organization, and higher service quality, thereby enhancing customer relations.
WMS
The warehouse management system (WMS) has enhanced the efficiency of warehouse operations by integrating them with key production and logistics processes. The system provides control over the flow of raw materials, semi-finished, and finished products, reducing errors and enabling real-time monitoring of resources. The WMS facilitates precise management of warehouse space and automates picking and packing processes, improving the transfer of goods between the warehouse, production, and transport.
Integration with Dynamics 365 ensures consistency in warehouse operations with other company departments, supporting reporting and data analysis. Additional analyses and new functionalities are planned to further optimize warehouse management, promoting growth and increasing the company's competitiveness in the market.
Partnership according to the Connected Company concept
By executing the project for its client, Fellowmind Poland has demonstrated that enhancing its offerings for the food industry is becoming a strategic priority for the company. The organisation has successfully addressed the needs of the Polish market, which previously had limited access to such systems.
As Fellowmind, we recognize that digitally developed companies are the future. By partnering with a leader in the food industry sector, we aim to influence the perception of this industry significantly. Our goal is to work together on a long-term basis, scale the solutions used, and support strategic customers with personalised action plans and development directions in line with our Connected Company strategy.
