Columbus

Solution: Columbus and Danish Agro's project team replaced the planned slow, incremental Dynamics 365 adoption with an accelerated deployment plan named Project Quick Retail, compressing the six-month retail rollout into four weeks. Columbus used Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations' remote-working capability via Microsoft Teams to bring each location live and trained 22 super users and around 80 employees while coordinating with the cooperative's other technology partners.

Results: Dynamics 365 was rolled out in four weeks to all 21 Danish Agro physical retail stores and the webstore, restoring full ERP functionality after the attack. The cooperative resumed operations, gained a single view of operations, improved its web platform, and plans further Dynamics 365 deployments across other business areas.

“The Columbus team not only quickly developed a rapid deployment plan for Dynamics 365, but also combined speed and functionality to install, set up and train our personnel by collaborating with our other tech partners.”

Solution: Columbus implemented Dynamics 365 Business Central in the cloud combined with Jet Reports and Power BI, automated PO approvals via Power Platform, and integrated the existing Grant Tracker software with the new system.

Results: Grant reconciliation now runs 3x faster at 20 minutes twice a month, Business Central handles partial VAT exemptions the old software could not, and tailored reports are available on demand with remote access for staff.

“Columbus were great because they were able to implement a Microsoft Business Central solution for Alzheimer's Research UK that was delivered on time and budget which offers flexibility for working and has cut manual processes by two thirds”

Solution: Columbus implemented Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management as the technology backbone, modernising processes from order to invoice including procurement, EDI automation, advanced forecasting, production planning, material consumption and despatch. The project ran in parallel with a new distribution and fulfilment centre, factory refurbishments and capacity ramp-up, and was delivered almost entirely remotely during COVID lockdowns using a hybrid design-development-deployment approach.

Results: The implementation went live at the start of March 2021, on time and on budget, and its stability through the hyper-care period let Jackson's ramp up manufacture for the new contract launch. The platform helped Jackson's secure a multi-year supply deal, and William Jackson Food Group plans to roll the core ERP out sequentially to its other food service businesses.

“The remote sessions generated an increased blurring of lines between customer and support partner, which forged the strong 'one team' collaborative working bonds that remain today.”

Solution: Columbus Norge upgraded AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 covering production control, logistics, sales, procurement, retail and finance, integrated the AutoStore robotic warehouse, web shop and transport solutions, re-equipped all stores with Dynamics 365 Commerce cash registers, and added the Porini textile vertical plus a Microsoft data warehouse.

Results: The project finished in just over a year, on time and under the estimated costs, and all business units now share one platform with cross-location data access and improved reporting.

“We were a well-knit team that supported each other and worked towards a common goal without wasting time on unnecessary discussions.”

Solution: Hamamatsu selected Columbus U.S. to upgrade from Dynamics AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, using out-of-the-box functionality plus tighter CRM-ERP integration, mobility and field service capabilities for its dispersed workforce, and a foundation for FDA compliance. The company also planned to adopt Columbus Business Insight for advanced analytics.

Results: This is a partner-selection announcement rather than a completed-project write-up: the stated goals were increased agility and visibility across the organization, support for growth into new markets, and a better business intelligence foundation for decision making. No post-go-live outcomes were published.

“Our legacy system was limiting growth opportunities and our ability to integrate systems and improve efficiencies for our team. We are excited to work with Columbus U.S. to increase agility and visibility throughout our organization.”

Solution: RICS engaged Columbus for application management services covering solution support, release and test management, and environment management, alongside clearer governance and platform ownership structures.

Results: The Dynamics 365 Finance environment is now more stable, upgrades are planned and tested in advance with minimal disruption, and finance operations are more reliable, restoring confidence between the digital and finance teams.

“Reducing operational risk was one of the key business case drivers for us. We wanted to accelerate delivery and stabilise critical finance systems and processes, while rebuilding confidence across the organisation.”