Nextera Packaging Builds Foundation for Growth
Nextera Packaging, a distributor and manufacturer of plastic food packaging, had used Open Systems accounting software for more than 20 years. Brent Adams, CFO and co-owner of Nextera had thoroughly researched their options to replace the outdated system, which did not provide easy access to data or native connectivity to productivity solutions, like Excel and Word.
Cumbersome processes, like entering sales orders and building commission reports, were inefficient and time-consuming with Open Systems. Brent understood the challenges involved in replacing a system that had been customized to meet their unique requirements but also knew Nextera needed to modernize systems to efficiently expand operations.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provided the proven accounting foundation and the secure cloud delivery to support Nextera’s growth plans. Business Central’s native Office integration and out of the box business analytics could simplify reporting and significantly improve productivity.
Choose the right partner
No implementation is without challenges, and Nextera was no different. Data migration and legacy customizations were two areas that Nextera found more difficult than expected. OTT’s migration expertise was critical to the success of the project to manage the data extraction challenges of heavy customizations and the closed structure of Open Systems.
Based on Nextera’s experience, Brent recommends that other organizations take full account of the customizations made to their legacy systems over time. OTT took the time to understand the unique business requirements and processes of Nextera to create the data fields and report modifications that would ensure a smoother transition—as well as supporting better customer service and more efficient operations.
“The implementation was more successful and more rapid than I thought would be possible,” said Brent. “Moving to the cloud was the right decision and the OTT team got us started in the right direction with Business Central. We’re well positioned to continue to make operational improvements and grow the business.”
To support growth plans, Nextera Packaging needed better insight into data and automation of cumbersome processes. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides the financial platform to connect and automate
- Clear insight into data – Business Central’s data platform provides robust, role-based reporting as well as easy access to underlying data.
- Automated reporting – A complex monthly commission report is now automatically created at the end of the month.
- Improved productivity – Sales orders received through email are now processed using OCR technology. Other manual processes, like purchasing, will be automated as well.
- Simplified IT environment – Cloud-based financial management supports growth without more IT headaches and investment.
Find out how OTT can help your organization modernize and streamline operations to prepare for growth. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central allows you to move to the cloud with confidence. Contact OTT, Inc. to learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions for your business, please call or contact us direct at 651.262.2622 or info@ott-inc.com.