CASE STUDIES

RedWing ERP Migration

Client: RedWing

There is an implicit challenge in having the process and systems that allow smooth and efficient operations with flexible functionality, while maintaining consistency within a global corporation.

RedWing wanted to introduce a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to improve its processes and existing technologies – and they needed it built to suit their business.

Enter Core29: providing a careful analysis of the situation, as well as a solution and timeline for a successful implementation of the new system that would let RedWing reach higher levels of efficiency, visibility and performance.

The challenge

The challenge of introducing a new ERP system

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a software system that supports running a business, with automation and processes in finance, human resources, supply chain, services and procurement.

RedWing knew its legacy system was no longer fit for purpose. It was holding them back and without addressing that concern, the senior management’s vision for the business would never be achievable.

Issues with the existing system included:

missing functionality which had led to high levels of manually processed spreadsheets
there was a lack of visibility, with a significant time needed to find the status of an order
a fluid process allowed manual entries and multiple ways of doing things, so information on pricing and stock control was not always at their fingertips
workarounds were creating inefficiencies – for example, navy and black items were stored at opposite ends of the warehouse to avoid confusion
essential decision-making was not being entirely captured digitally

In addition, in-depth analysis was being hindered by inconsistent access to quality data without a fair amount of manual intervention.

RedWing wanted a robust system with documented processes.

Managing Director at RedWing UK, Jon Bodicoat said: “Core29 was superb to deal with, helping and guiding us through the process, and really integrating themselves as part of our team during this journey.”

Core29 solution

The project was approached in two stages:

an initial 30-day analysis of the existing way of working
a seven-month period to develop a bespoke system, carry out data cleaning and migration, followed by user testing before going live on the new system

For the analysis, a member of the Core29 team sat with every department and function within the Aberdeen business to understand how it worked; recording a “day in the life” for every team.

This really set the scene for the whole project. From goods in through to management reporting, nothing escaped their attention.

From here, a report captured the current situation comparing the existing and recommended processes, as well as a detailed migration plan, the desired system architecture and a roadmap on how it would be achieved.

A warehouse management system was developed in tandem, creating a heatmap of the store with its busy spots and bringing in technology and equipment in the pursuit of maximum efficiency.

Core29 worked hard on making the process as smooth as possible and bringing the human element to what might seem like an entirely technical project.

A dedicated project manager worked within the business to establish effective communication lines, a clear reporting structure and deliver full transparency to make sure the implementation and migration was a success.

The results

Core29 delivered a robust ERP system with documented processes, that provided all the reporting and data analytics to drive more efficient operations.

This ran right through the whole business, from providing a quote, to approval, raising sales orders, creating the correct pick lists right through to financial reporting
Standardised, controlled processes have reduced the risk of errors and “workarounds” and increased individual accountability
There has been a substantial reduction in errors from manual data entry and the removal of the inherent risk around spreadsheet data
The warehouse management system technology is in place

Core29 project manager Aaron Robertson said: “Ultimately this was a really successful delivery because everyone knew what was coming and there was no internal resistance.

“Part of our remit was internal engagement and communication and it really mattered that and there wasn’t a lot of convincing to be done. Our user testing involved all the departments, right through to warehouse picker and packer, and everyone realised how it would improve their working lives.

“It was quite intense, and our team was holed up in the company boardroom pretty much full-time in the week running up to going live as a few bugs and quirks were smoothed out but everyone remained really positive through the project.”