Optimizing Operations and Implementing Modern ERP Solutions for Scalable Growth
Sonniva Georgia has been experiencing significant growth, both in physical locations and product range, which created the need for a more efficient and scalable system. Simplifying processes for product procurement, sales, inventory management, and financial analysis became critical to optimize operations. The existing system, 1C, along with manual processes, presented obstacles due to its inability to handle the increased transaction volumes and operational complexities at multiple locations.
Key business functions such as inventory management, sales, and accounting required robust solutions to meet business requirements. Existing processes were often slow, error-prone, and required significant manual effort.
Recognizing the need to maintain its growth trajectory and improve financial accuracy, Sonniva Georgia decided to undergo a digital transformation. The company sought a comprehensive ERP solution to centralize and streamline its operations, aiming for a unified system to improve speed and efficiency while minimizing operational costs. Their vision was clear: simplify workflows, reduce repetitive tasks, and enable faster, more accurate decision-making.
Over time, the rapid pace of development and growth at Sonniva Georgia LLC prompted the company’s management to consider implementing a unified ERP system based on modern enterprise resource planning principles across all departments. After evaluating the Georgian market, we chose Microsoft Business Central, which met all the company’s requirements. It was especially important for us that the system offered flexibility to address additional company needs through custom development. In collaboration with the SMART business Georgia team, we successfully implemented both the core system module and the retail management system, LS Central. Today, we can confidently say that with the effective implementation of the system, we have achieved shorter customer service times and increased employee efficiency
After evaluating various ERP systems available in Georgia, Sonniva Georgia partnered with SMART business Georgia, a trusted Microsoft partner. SMART business Georgia recommended LS Central SaaS after carefully considering the requirements of the customer, Sonniva Georgia. This recommendation was based on the SaaS solution’s superior flexibility, as it does not require maintaining a complex infrastructure or hiring additional specialists. Moreover, the SaaS option ensures faster processing of payment procedures, offering a more efficient and streamlined approach compared to the on-premises alternative. The flexibility, scalability, and integration capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Central were key factors in their decision. This partnership aimed to migrate all key business functionalities to a single platform, enhancing efficiency, reducing errors, and supporting Sonniva Georgia’s core values of growth and customer satisfaction.
Implementation and Challenges
The transition to the new system posed challenges, particularly in adapting employees to the Microsoft platform after using 1C. The new software required learning a different interface and functionalities.
The SMART business team provided comprehensive support during the implementation process, including training and personalized solutions, to address Sonniva Georgia’s specific needs. Special attention was given to employees who faced initial discomfort with the new system. Over time, even skeptical employees recognized its advantages, especially its speed and functionality.
Implementing software is like moving into a new house — it holds great potential, but you need to customize it to your needs. Having a reliable partner is crucial for this process. SMART business stood out in their ability to deliver exactly what we needed: effective customization of an international system to meet our requirements.
One key challenge was ensuring the system could handle both retail and wholesale operations seamlessly. This included automating inventory updates across multiple locations and developing features for large wholesale orders.
At the Go-Live stage, we were confident in the readiness of both sides. This involved system testing, user training, and thorough preparation to minimize unforeseen issues. Throughout the launch period, both teams closely monitored the system to ensure compliance with the desired results. Any issues were quickly resolved, and by the end of the month, users were comfortable and satisfied with the system.
Main Advantages and Results
The implementation of SMART Accounting and LS Central has transformed Sonniva Georgia’s operations. The new system has significantly improved business efficiency and accuracy across several areas:
Simplified Operations:
The time spent on transactions has been reduced by 50%, enabling faster service at the point of sale and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Error Reduction:
The automation of inventory management and sales processes has resulted in a 35% reduction in human errors, particularly in order processing and inventory monitoring.
Inventory Management:
With real-time visibility into inventory levels, the company can now make more informed purchasing decisions, optimize inventory levels, and enhance customer service.
Fast Financial Processes:
SMART Accounting has automated key financial processes, such as financial reporting. This allows the finance team to focus on analytics and strategic tasks rather than manual data entry.
Improved User Experience:
The LS Central system has streamlined customer interactions, making the sales process more efficient. Searching for a product is now faster and more accurate, while customer order processing requires fewer steps. Integration with bank terminals has reduced manual work and minimized the risk of errors.
Scalability and Flexibility:
As Sonniva Georgia continues to grow and expand into new regions, the flexibility of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform ensures the company can scale its operations without requiring significant system changes.
Improved Decision-Making:
A unified reporting system provides the management team with real-time access to operational processes, enhancing decision-making and strategic planning.
Future Plans
Sonniva Georgia is now well-positioned for future growth. The company plans to expand its service offerings, including the addition of a new sales segment for services. Integration with the new system will enable simplified management of service contracts and enhance reporting capabilities.
Now that Sonniva has been actively using the system for almost a year, the support phase has certainly decreased. However, new requirements and challenges arise, for which our team provides effective solutions. With system updates, version changes, and various developments, we are focused on ensuring that their system operates smoothly. Our support includes quick fixes for any issues, system performance checks, and, when requested, improvements to specific functionalities. Regular feedback from the customer ensures that everything works as intended and that the system is fully adapted to their needs.
In addition, Sonniva Georgia is exploring digitization in warehouse management, including the use of barcoding systems to enhance inventory control and reduce human errors. The company also aims to expand its use of Dynamics 365 Business Central to improve supply chain management and establish direct communication with international suppliers.
Further plans include implementing SMART Payroll to enhance employee management and operational efficiency. Additionally, the company intends to integrate its new website with APIs for seamless online sales, utilize barcode printing for improved inventory control, and deploy gadgets to monitor inventory levels across multiple locations. These measures aim to streamline operations and ensure real-time updates.
Summary
A new phase has begun for Sonniva Georgia with its transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Central. The company now operates more efficiently, with streamlined processes, fewer errors, and improved visibility of its operations.
The partnership with SMART business was instrumental in the successful implementation of these systems, providing the necessary support and expertise to tailor the solution to Sonniva Georgia’s unique requirements. The new ERP system is set to play a critical role in maintaining competitiveness, enhancing customer service, and optimizing internal operations.
