Microsoft Dynamics GP for automotive manufacturing improves finance visibility and data integration
The Client
A family-owned machine shop wanted to improve its financial processes and data integration. The Michigan-based company, which had been supplying parts to customers for over 50 years, had primarily serviced the automotive industry, with Ford being one of its clients. Recently, the company had been looking to expand to new consumers who are in need of manufactured parts.
The plans for growth and desire for streamlined processes led the company to contact The TM Group to implement Financials and Payroll with Microsoft Dynamics GP for Automotive Manufacturing.
The Challenge
Before the Microsoft Dynamics ERP software was adopted, the machine shop had been using a variety of data systems in its day-to-day activities.
The company used the AIM Vision automotive manufacturing solution. Manufacturers employ AIM Vision to interchange data. The information is then used to create production scheduling, synchronize supply chain planning and manage warehouses. It is mostly utilized by repetitive manufacturers to create consistent quality for their products and uniform ordering procedures. The company was not happy with the data integration between AIM and its other systems, as information was not working together and there were a lot of redundancies in the workflow.
The company had similar apprehension about its financial tools. Greenshades was used for tax filing, and QuickBooks was the main accounting tool. The QuickBooks software required a third party for payment depositing, and it did not integrate with the other systems. The machine shop wanted to find a new financial suite.
A representative from AIM Vision recommended the company contact The TM Group to provide them with the financial and data solutions they needed.
The Solution
Working with The TM Group, the business had decided it only wanted the most basic tools. The out-of-the-box services provided by MSFT Dynamics GP Financials and Payrolls were selected to fit the communicated needs.
Implementation went smoothly. The Microsoft Dynamics GP software successfully integrated with the company’s other data systems, providing the financial visibility and process streamlining that was required. Employees reported the software was easy to use and day-to-day operations were simplified. The out-of-the-box solution was not fancy, but the company was immediately satisfied with the way it performed.
The Results
Data integration
Finances
Human resources
The Future
The machine shop has expressed interest in improving its time-tracking technologies. Time is currently attached to a job as a manually submitted journal entry, but the company would like the data to be captured automatically.
By working with The TM Group, the company discovered its current AIM Vision capabilities will not allow for the kind of time-tracking solutions it desired. In order to automate the time-tracking process, the company will have to update its time clock and AIM Vision system.
If your company is interested in implementing ERP and CRM solutions, make sure you have a strong grasp of your current system’s capabilities. You want to work with a software partner that can help you decide on what tools are best for your current needs and resources.
