Dandurand, a leading wine agency, was looking for an ERP solution that could evolve with its industry. After testing several systems, the company chose Business Central and Gestisoft to modernize its operations and gain flexibility.
The starting point: the quest for the perfect solution
Dandurand, a leading wine agency, was searching for an ERP system that could meet its specific needs after testing several solutions. While previous systems covered their basic requirements, they lacked the flexibility needed to evolve with the industry.
“"Flexibility is crucial. There were established models in procedures and processes, but we don't fit into that mold for several reasons. Gestisoft met these expectations brilliantly.”
Dandurand knew they needed an ERP that wasn’t just a solution for today but a platform for the future. That’s where Business Central and Gestisoft came into play.
Why Business Central?
Dandurand chose Business Central after identifying multiple limitations in their previous systems. Their old solutions were built on processes that, while effective in the past, no longer aligned with their current needs. As a result, their systems failed to reflect their day-to-day operations, leading to inefficiencies and frustrations.
Beyond process-related challenges, their previous solutions were hosted on local servers, limiting flexibility and mobility. Dandurand needed a modern, cloud-based solution that was agile and easy to deploy.
Business Central quickly emerged as the clear choice for several reasons:
1. An intuitive and user-friendly solution
Business Central is designed to make operations simple and accessible. "It makes things simple," with a familiar interface and optimized workflows.
2. A powerful Microsoft ecosystem
As a Microsoft product, Business Central integrates seamlessly with tools that Dandurand’s teams already use daily, such as Excel and Outlook. This integration boosts productivity and facilitates rapid adoption among employees.
3. Flexibility and scalability
The ability to customize and extend Business Central according to the company’s evolving needs was a decisive factor. This keeps Dandurand agile and ready to adapt to new market realities.
4. Automation and innovation capabilities
With Business Central, Dandurand can leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and automation, providing a crucial competitive advantage.
5. Seamless data integration with key organizations
Integration with partners such as SAQ and LCBO ensures smooth and compliant data exchanges—an essential feature in the wine industry.
“On our end, we want to explore what more we can do with new technologies like AI. And we want to go even further. Working with Gestisoft on what’s available in emerging technologies is a huge advantage. In our industry, we never stop, and the status quo is not an option. We always want to be moving forward."”
Choosing Gestisoft: a strategic partnership
Dandurand wasn’t just looking for an ERP integrator—they needed a true partner who could deeply understand the unique aspects of their industry and co-create a tailored solution. Gestisoft delivered on this expectation.
“One of our core values is partnership. And that’s exactly how we see Gestisoft: as a business partner. We have great collaborative discussions, something I haven't always experienced with other integrators. It gives me confidence”
Custom tools for a unique industry
The implementation of Business Central included specific developments by Gestisoft to address the unique requirements of the wine industry. Some of the custom tools developed include:
- Import dashboard:
Enables real-time updates on purchase orders by importing files from provincial agencies, with detailed tracking of errors and imported lines. - Commission and promotion invoice generation:
Automates invoicing with options for consolidation or monthly generation, per order or supplier. - Additional fields for wine orders:
Includes specific fields such as planned, expected, and confirmed shipping dates, along with detailed order statuses. - External integrations:
Integrates with applications proposed by Dandurand, allowing for better daily operations management.
“We had so many apps and integrations we wanted to bring in, and Gestisoft was incredibly receptive to this challenge”
Overcoming challenges with a strong team
Like any large-scale ERP implementation, Dandurand faced several challenges. The biggest was employee turnover, both within Dandurand and Gestisoft. This could have slowed the project, but thanks to the dedication of everyone involved, every team member gave their 110%.
Another key moment was the go-live phase. The Dandurand team had to move forward even though the solution wasn’t 100% complete.
"It’s difficult, if not impossible, to reach a state where everything is perfect for go-live," explains Josiane Leclerc. "There will always be adjustments to make, even after launch."
Each dedicated consultant rose to the challenge, providing outstanding support and tailored solutions, even in the face of unforeseen issues. The transition was smooth, allowing Dandurand to maintain operations while beginning to reap the benefits of their new ERP solution.
“Having done multiple integrations before, I can say that it wasn’t a hard cut-off in terms of support, even after going live. The follow-up continued, and we were well-supported throughout the process.”
After implementation: innovation never stops
For Dandurand, implementing Business Central was just the beginning. With the support of our Customer Success team, the company developed an evolution plan tailored to their needs, ensuring continuous solution improvement.
A clear roadmap for a 2.0 solution
Dandurand aims to reach a Solution 2.0, meaning they’re not only leveraging current features but also requesting new developments to further optimize operations. This proactive approach keeps them competitive in a constantly evolving market.
Ongoing collaboration with Gestisoft
Even after implementation, Dandurand continues to challenge Gestisoft with new projects and integration requests. Staying true to its commitment, Gestisoft eagerly takes on each new request to keep Business Central aligned with Dandurand’s evolving needs.
A future-focused vision
Dandurand doesn’t see Business Central as a static solution but as a dynamic platform. The company actively explores opportunities in automation and artificial intelligence to anticipate customer needs, optimize processes, and strengthen its market position.
A win-win partnership
Since implementing Business Central, the results speak for themselves:
- Automation of key processes:
Repetitive administrative tasks have been reduced, freeing up time for higher-value activities. - Real-time visibility:
With centralized data and new dashboards, decisions can be made quickly based on precise information. - Financial optimization:
Managing invoices, commissions, and promotions has become smoother and more accurate. - Continuous innovation:
With their customer success roadmap, Dandurand is well-positioned to leverage emerging technologies and keep their solution at the forefront.
A transformation that sets new standards
The partnership between Dandurand and Gestisoft is a perfect example of what a strategic collaboration can achieve. With a customized ERP solution and ongoing support, Dandurand has modernized its operations while preparing to tackle future challenges head-on.
Transform your operations now!
Like Dandurand, optimize your management with Business Central and Gestisoft. Take action and give your business a fresh boost!
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February 10, 2025 by Arianne Pellerin by Arianne Pellerin Marketing Specialist
Driven by an unwavering obsession to optimize processes and revolutionize marketing with innovative ideas, I never stop searching for the perfect solution. My true passion lies in crafting dreamlike experiences by harnessing the full potential of web analytics and cutting-edge digital strategies. As a blog writer for Gestisoft, I bring this expertise to the forefront, focusing primarily on our ERP solutions.
