Introduction
MPM Food Equipment Group, Inc., a leader in providing quality food service equipment, collaborated with MOOD to undertake a comprehensive digital overhaul aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and integrating state-of-the-art technological solutions. This case study details the holistic approach adopted by MOOD to upgrade MPM’s technological and operational framework.
Challenges
MPM faced multiple challenges that affected their operational efficiency and scalability:
- Complex Inventory Management: Their existing inventory system was cumbersome, making data management inefficient.
- Lack of Customized Sales Tools: The sales team needed a more tailored CRM system that aligned better with their specific workflows and industry jargon.
- Integration Gaps: Financial operations were handled on non-integrated, standalone systems, creating inefficiencies and data silos.
Solutions
The transformation strategy encompassed several strategic implementations:
- Data Cleaning and Transformation
- Devised scripts to streamline the inventory spreadsheet, transforming it into a more manageable format where each row represented one oven, complete with necessary data fields.
- Standardized and segregated the incoming data from external sources for better integration.
- Development Environment Setup
- Configured a robust development environment within MOOD to begin designing and testing MPM’s CRM systems prior to integration with their systems.
- Custom CRM Development
- Tailored the sales hub in Dynamics 365, developing specific entities like AutoQuotes, Sales Rep Groups, Demos, and Team Resources that catered directly to MPM’s business needs.
- Adjusted the CRM based on direct feedback from MPM during live demonstration sessions.
- Financial System Integrations
- Mapped business needs from SCM and FinOps to Business Central, which was more suitable for MPM’s operational scale.
- Developed integration solutions for QuickBooks Desktop to interact seamlessly with Dynamics 365 through Azure-hosted services.
- Licensing and Reseller Setup
- Led the accreditation of MOOD as a Cloud Service Provider and Indirect Reseller within the Microsoft Partner Network.
- Chose Sherweb as the licensing partner to facilitate efficient license management and distribution.
- Progressive Integrations and Enhancements
- Implemented cost-effective workaround solutions for AutoQuotes integration and facilitated simplified data import processes.
- Laid groundwork for further system enhancements and integrations, including continuous customization of Business Central and the Sales Hub.
Execution
Key activities during the execution phase included:
- Conducting interviews with inventory and sales teams to define current workflows and desired improvements.
- Managing dual tenant systems for MPM for efficient administration and streamlined operations.
- Engaging continuously with tech partners like Sharp IT and AutoQuotes/Workato to ensure optimal integration and functionality.
Results
MPM’s digital transformation led by MOOD delivered significant improvements:
- Operational Efficiency: Enhanced inventory and sales processes significantly reduced manual labor and error rates.
- Data Integration: Integrated financial data management between QuickBooks Desktop and Dynamics 365 provided a holistic financial overview.
- Tailored Sales Tools: The sales team now utilizes a CRM that is specifically adapted to their workflows, improving satisfaction and effectiveness.
Impact
This project transformed MPM’s technological landscape, setting a robust foundation for scalable growth and enhanced operational capabilities. The integration of advanced CRM and ERP solutions positions MPM to leverage data-driven insights and improve business agility.
