The wool manufacturer, Devold of Norway, is now better prepared for the future with Microsoft Dynamics 365 as its new ERP solution. Close collaboration between Devold's team and Columbus has been key to the project's success.
Columbus Norge is responsible for delivering Devold’s new system, upgrading AX 2012 to Dynamics 365.
The project has been underway for just over a year, completed on time, with high quality, and under the estimated costs.
"We were a well-knit team that supported each other and worked towards a common goal without wasting time on unnecessary discussions," says CEO Øystein Vikingsen Fauske of Devold of Norway.
Project execution
The following elements were central to the project's execution:
- Dynamics 365 modules for production control, logistics, sales, procurement, retail, and finance.
- Integrations with the AutoStore robotic warehouse, webshop, transport solutions, and others.
- Upgrading all Devold's stores with new cash registers on Dynamics 365 Commerce.
- The establishment of Microsoft’s data warehouse facilitates improved reporting and provides a solid foundation for continuous decision-making. Columbus built the core infrastructure for the solution, enabling Devold to easily create reports and extract data that can be processed in Excel.
“Devold’s contribution was of high quality and crucial to the project's progress,” says Delivery Director at Columbus, Kjell-Magne Ramsli.
At the start of the project, Columbus and Devold set realistic goals to be operational by Easter 2024. The date was important due to seasonal fluctuations in Devold's production.
Ramsli adds that realism in the planning, ensuring the right expertise for the project, and tight project management, were critical to success.
Textile production for the future
“The ERP system provides us with a strong foundation for the future,” says ERP Manager at Devold, Maria Fugelsnes.
“We are now better equipped to adapt to market needs in ways that support Devold's growth plans,” she adds.
The new technology is integrated with other systems to improve data and process flow. This enhances efficiency in processes while strengthening synergies between the various activities within the company.
Fugelsnes highlights the textile solution, Porini: "It is seamlessly integrated into our ERP system. It is vertical and covers many of our business areas. Porini supports the complex processes that textile production requires, and this solution is therefore important for us," she says.
“We see several benefits from having an ERP system where two sales companies, a production company, and retail are all on the same platform. This fosters closer collaboration between locations. Now, we share data across the board and gain entirely new insights compared to before,” she explains.
Growing demand for natural materials
Devold is currently the market leader in Norway, with potential for further international growth, points out CEO Øystein Vikingsen Fauske of Devold of Norway, highlighting positive financial results while global trends work in the company’s favor.
“More people have become aware of using wool and other natural materials, and consumers are concerned about where the products come from. End users value traceability and premium quality. The ERP solution is important to us not only for supporting our core processes but also for enabling efficient production and marketing of our goods,” he says.
Devold celebrated its 170th anniversary last year and has continually followed how technology and society have evolved.
“Our ambition is to continue for at least another 170 years. To achieve this, it is important to maintain forward-looking innovation. With our new platform, we are better equipped to handle further growth through scalable solutions,” says Fauske.
