Unlocking Growth with Digital Transformation
In today’s fast-paced world, businesses often outgrow their tools. For Horizon Stone, a leading manufacturer of stone veneers, the limitations of their existing accounting software, QuickBooks, had become a bottleneck. Managing the intricate lifecycle of physical products, raw materials, and unique serial numbers required more than what their software could handle. Their journey toward embracing digital transformation holds valuable lessons for businesses of all sizes.
Don’t miss Insight Works’ podcast, where they dive into Horizon Stone’s incredible transformation and ACE Micro’s pivotal role in their success!
Recognizing the Need for Change
Horizon Stone faced a reality that many growing companies encounter: their tools were no longer fit for purpose. QuickBooks, though great for basic accounting, struggled to manage the complexity of manufacturing workflows. From tracking raw materials to assigning unique serial numbers for their products, the inefficiencies were like “eyeballing” a recipe—a recipe for disaster.
Partnering for Transformation
Recognizing the need for expert guidance, Horizon Stone teamed up with Ace Micro, a Microsoft partner specializing in business technology solutions. With their help, Horizon Stone implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system designed to integrate key business functions like inventory, production, sales, and finance.
Business Central provided Horizon Stone with advanced features, including:
- Inventory Management: Enhanced tracking capabilities ensured unique serial numbers could be easily monitored.
- Production Planning and Forecasting: Smarter resource management minimized waste and improved efficiency.
- Robust Reporting Tools: The ability to dive deep into business performance, enabling data-driven decisions.
Bringing the Warehouse to Life
While Business Central streamlined high-level operations, warehouse management still posed challenges. Horizon Stone needed a system to connect real-time warehouse activities with their ERP insights. Ace Micro introduced Warehouse Insight, a mobile app integrating seamlessly with Business Central. With handheld devices, warehouse workers could now:
- Track inventory with precision through real-time scanning.
- Streamline picking, packing, and shipping processes.
- Improve accuracy, eliminating manual errors and paperwork.
This combination of tools brought unprecedented accuracy, transforming operations from chaotic to choreographed.
Empowering Employees Through Technology
Adopting new technology isn’t just about systems—it’s about people. Horizon Stone prioritized employee buy-in by communicating the benefits of the upgrade and emphasizing how these tools would empower rather than replace their workforce. Training from Ace Micro further ensured a smooth transition, and employees quickly embraced the efficiencies brought by the new systems.
For example, warehouse workers transitioned from relying on handwritten notes to using mobile devices, significantly reducing errors and saving time. Similarly, office staff could focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual data entry, boosting morale and job satisfaction.
From Reactive to Proactive Decision-Making
With integrated systems, Horizon Stone shifted from reactive problem-solving to proactive business planning. Real-time data allowed them to:
- Accurately calculate production costs and set competitive prices.
- Forecast demand and manage inventory to avoid overstocking or shortages.
- Enhance quality control with precise tracking of materials and processes.
This newfound agility not only improved efficiency but also strengthened customer trust and satisfaction.
Key Takeaways for Businesses
Horizon Stone’s journey offers actionable lessons for businesses at any stage of their growth:
- Recognize When It’s Time to Upgrade: Don’t let outdated tools hold your business back.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Partnering with specialists like Ace Micro ensures smoother transitions and better results.
- Empower Your Team: Communicate the value of technology and provide the support needed for adoption.
- Leverage Data: Use real-time insights to make informed, strategic decisions.
- Embrace Continuous Improvement: Digital transformation isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process of adaptation and growth.
Building a Future-Ready Business
Horizon Stone’s transformation highlights the power of aligning technology with business needs. By embracing change, finding the right partners, and empowering their team, they unlocked new levels of success. Their story is a testament to how the right tools can not only make a business more efficient but also foster a positive, human-centered work environment.
Are you ready to start your digital transformation journey? Take inspiration from Horizon Stone and explore how the right technology can propel your business forward.