Project Overview
Fagerhult, part of one of Europe’s leading lighting groups, had been running on a heavily customised Microsoft Navision system for over ten years — one that could no longer be upgraded and was not integrated with a CRM. With the Group rolling out Microsoft Dynamics CE across its wider sales organisations, Fagerhult recognised the moment to modernise its ERP and selected Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, with Transparity as its implementation partner.
The result is a fully integrated Dynamics 365 platform that gives Fagerhult a clear, end-to-end view of projects, orders and financials. Automated workflows and third-party integrations have reduced manual effort and improved productivity across finance and operations, while the flexible Microsoft ecosystem provides a foundation for ongoing innovation, including future AI capabilities.
The Challenge
Fagerhult had been using Microsoft Navision for over ten years, but significant system customisations prevented any future upgrades. These modifications had been driven by several business processes that differed from standard ERP functionality. But while Navision supported order processing, it was not integrated with a CRM system and was creating limitations as the business grew.
The Group had recently rolled out Microsoft Dynamics CE across the wider sales organisations, although Dynamics 365 Business Central had not yet been adopted. At the similar time, Fagerhult had recognised the need to modernise its ERP system, making a Microsoft-based solution a natural fit.
The Solution
With the Group’s Microsoft strategy in place, Fagerhult selected Dynamics 365 Business Central, providing integration with the Group’s Dynamics CE system. Fagerhult chose Transparity as its implementation partner, to work collaboratively with Fagerhult’s dedicated project team of representatives from each business function. Transparity’s specialisation in Microsoft Business Central ensured the programme followed best-practice guidance and remained aligned with standard functionality.
Fagerhult streamlines business processes
Business Central underpins all financial operations, including invoicing, accounts payable and receivable and fixed asset management, providing Fagerhult with a single, integrated system to manage both operational and financial processes.
The system is used by virtually all Fagerhult’s internal teams and supports the entire operational journey from initial sales engagement through to delivery. Sales projects are created in CRM and automatically integrated into Business Central. Sales teams complete all quoting in Business Central, before orders are reviewed by Finance for customer setup and credit checks. Internal sales then manage end-to-end order fulfilment in Business Central. A direct link with Fagerhult’s manufacturing supplier in Sweden via Business Central, further streamlines the process by automatically converting purchase orders into sales orders.
An integrated system that delivers visibility and efficiency
Fagerhult is now live and operational, with some minor fine-tuning being carried out. The integrated, cloud-based solution has significantly improved visibility, control and automation across the business, as well as data accuracy.
“We now have greater confidence in our order pipeline, reporting and operational decision-making.” — James Tilstone, Financial Controller, Fagerhult
In addition, by integrating third-party applications for automated invoicing and expense management, the business has reduced manual effort, mitigated financial risk and improved time efficiencies.
“The ability to integrate third-party apps through APIs has been a real game changer. Automated invoicing alone saves time, reduced human error and opened up opportunities we couldn’t have explored with our legacy system.” — James Tilstone
The path ahead
The flexibility of the Microsoft ecosystem has also opened new opportunities for Fagerhult to innovate. Looking ahead, the modern, API-enabled platform provides the potential to adopt AI-driven tools as the business continues to evolve and invest in new capabilities.
“Having Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Dynamics CE and Outlook working together has transformed how our operations run. It means we can now seamlessly track everything from the first conversation through to order and invoice.” — Neil Broomhall, Commercial Director, Fagerhult
The Outcome
Improved visibility and control of orders
The business has real-time visibility and control of the forward-looking order book, enabling more accurate forecasting.
Reduced human error
Automation within job management and order processing has significantly reduced manual handling and human error, improving the overall customer experience.
Lower fixed costs
Fagerhult has reduced headcount while maintaining the same level of output, achieving productivity gains and lower fixed costs, even as turnover continues to grow.
Future-proof platform with regular upgrades
Regular automated updates provide confidence that the business is always running on the latest, best-practice technology, without the risks associated with legacy systems.
Greater confidence in data and reporting
Delivering consistent data flows across Fagerhult’s and the Group’s systems supports more reliable reporting, pipeline management and decision-making in challenging market conditions.
