Solution benefits

• More efficient use of time by Isowork staff – improved cost-efficiency
• More-efficient spare part stock management
• Enables support for selected processes, as well as further development
• Faster invoicing
  
  

The renewed operating model required changes in ERP system

Isoworks employs over 600 experts. Many of these must spend each day moving from one worksite to another. In 2008, Isoworks began revamping its ERP system; the previous system did not support the business process changes sought by Isoworks. With the new operating model, the company’s experts can be guided from one worksite to the next by information automatically sent to their terminals. The renewed operating model required changes to backend IT systems, particularly the ERP system.

Integrated system supports the mobile staff's work

”As our new ERP solution, we selected Microsoft Dynamics AX. This was based on an evaluation performed together with our owner, Fujitsu,” says Isoworks’ Project Manager Hannele Hynynen. “We wanted an integrated system that would support our mobile staff’s work and enable renewed business processes.

Microsoft Dynamics AX and Hitachi Consulting’s Field Service module meet these requirements perfectly. Our experts can now use mobile devices to communicate with our ERP system, directly from the worksite.

Digia kept its promises

After selecting a system, Isoworks needed to find someone to implement the project. During the final tendering phase, Digia convinced Isoworks of its ability to deliver a project directly incorporated with core business processes. ”Digia was an excellent choice of partner; we would definitely pick them again.

The people at Digia kept their promises. On the whole, we could not be happier with them,” comments Isoworks CIO Sauli Salminen. “In addition to Dynamics knowhow, Digia’s expertise in Microsoft BizTalk was a key factor in the project’s success.” Almost 80 per cent of work orders processed by the system are distributed via Microsoft BizTalk.” ”Built in cooperation with Digia, our new ERP system enables us to use new, more efficient processes and practices. After a short period as users, we can see an improvement in our experts’ time management. This shows in improved customer satisfaction. This is one of the most successful IT projects I’ve ever been involved with,” states Marko Savolainen, Managing Director at Isoworks Oy.

“Adoption and implementation of international Dynamics AX verticals is one of Digia’s core competences. We are proud of the successful outcome. Successful co-operation between the project participants continues to this day,” comments Digia’s Anu Pitkänen, Director, Dynamics AX business.

Key functionalities

The new ERP system provides an improved, real-time view of open work orders and completed requests. Order details are more effectively conveyed to Isoworks’ experts. Due to improved anticipation of spare part needs, the system also improves stock management efficiency, while reducing the number of spare parts stored.

Together with Isoworks, Digia analysed the stock management and mobile staff processes used by the customer. It then adapted the new ERP system to suit these processes. Connection needs e.g. to work invoicing and various customers’ work order systems, were also covered by the solution. This has increased the speed of Isoworks’ invoicing cycle.

Experiences from the field

As expected, key implementation challenges were related to distribution management and the adoption of mobile terminals. There was some resistance to change at the beginning. Since then, the new operating model and ERP system have been well-received. Some 280 experts now use the mobile devices.

Applied technology

• Microsoft Dynamics AX
• Field Services for Microsoft Dynamics AX
• Microsoft BizTalk
• Microsoft SQL Server
• Mobile Windows XP and Windows 7 workstations