When TOPRO moved their Infor M3 ERP to the cloud, it was critical to ensure that integrations with supporting business systems would not fall through the cracks. Data synchronization and configurations are even more important in a cloud infrastructure. Thanks to Columbus’ pre-packaged cloud connector, TOPRO could easily bring their Medius AP Automation solution up to speed.
TOPRO has used Medius AP Automation for efficient processing of supplier invoices since 2015. Previously integrated with an on-premise installation of Infor M3, the company was very satisfied with how easy invoices are captured, distributed and approved in the Medius cloud solution. When the decision was made to move to Infor M3 Cloud ERP, this was one of the integrations they just had to make work. Columbus was selected as partner for the migration project.
Geir Farås, Accounts Payable manager at TOPRO, explains the reason for working with Columbus on this project: “The team at Columbus has extensive knowledge and competence in both Infor M3 and Medius solutions. Their delivery was critical for us to be able to go-live with the new cloud integration on time.”
Easy integration with a pre-packaged cloud connector
Integrating TOPRO’s Medius solution to the new Infor M3 Cloud ERP was easy and smooth. Because Columbus offers a pre-packaged cloud connector, a lot of the hard integration work had already been done behind the scenes. Plus, with a cloud connector that is regularly updated to match upgrades in both cloud solutions, TOPRO now has a secure and future-proof system setup.
Richard Lindqvist, Business Advisor at Columbus, explains the benefits of a cloud connector: “Integrating two cloud-based solutions with constant updates and releases of new functionality can be challenging. This is why Columbus has invested a lot of time and effort in building a pre-packaged connector that will support our customers’ move to the cloud”.
Still, some adjustments were needed when implementing the cloud connector to ensure the best support for TOPRO’s existing invoice management routines and processes. For example, Columbus’ business consultants made sure the Medius and Infor M3 solutions were configured to comply with local tax and VAT regulations in the countries TOPRO operates.
“Overall, we did very few adjustments. And when we needed to tweak something, Columbus’ business consultants worked closely with our team to understand our needs. It is clear they have a lot of experience working in Infor M3 and Medius solutions, so it was easy to find a way forward”, says Geir Farås.
A well-managed project enabled stress-free summer vacation
The project team delivered everything according to plan and in time. I could enjoy my vacation without stress or worry
Right from the start, the Columbus team presented a well-defined project plan. After agreeing on roles and responsibilities on both sides, the project team decided to set up weekly status update meetings to ensure steady progress.
“The project lead from Columbus did a great job”, says Geir Farås. “She steered the project from start to the finish, pulled in the right resources when needed and communicated clearly how the project was progressing.”
Geir Farås set a hard deadline for the project: to go live with the Infor M3-Medius connector before the summer vacation period. “The project team delivered everything according to plan and in time. I could enjoy my vacation without stress or worry”, Geir continues.
What were the success factors behind TOPRO’s Infor M3-Medius integration project?
According to Geir Farås, the experience in the Columbus team made a huge impact: “We are very pleased with the Columbus team. Their knowledge about the integration and the two cloud solutions helped ensure the project ran easily and smoothly.”
