Wesfarmers’ industrial retailer, Blackwoods, has successfully completed the full deployment of a Microsoft Dynamics 365 enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The project, which took several years to implement, required 18 months of planning due to the complexity and age of the systems it replaced. The ERP system now runs across all operations and finance of Blackwoods Australia, representing a significant milestone for the company.
According to a case study released last year, external assistance was sought to ensure a smooth implementation. The case study highlights a shift in focus to a minimum viable product (MVP) approach, prioritizing core service management needs to meet program deadlines while reducing deployment risks.
With the ERP system in place, Blackwoods will spend the remainder of 2023 optimizing its functionality. The company aims to enhance service levels and achieve efficiency improvements through this process. Additionally, Blackwoods will continue investing in data and digital capabilities to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency. Investments made so far have already improved aspects such as the ordering process, prompt delivery, and accurate invoicing, which are key differentiators for Blackwoods.
In terms of future priorities, Blackwoods will focus on customer and supplier digitization, automation of inbound order processing, and the recently-improved web product search functionality. These areas are crucial for the company’s ongoing digital initiatives and ensuring a seamless customer experience.
