In today’s competitive landscape, agility and operational efficiency define success. Companies like Croonwolter&dros are turning to innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve. For Croonwolter&dros, implementing a cutting-edge ERP system wasn’t just a technological upgrade but a strategic step toward operational excellence and future-proofing the business.
Faced with challenges posed by legacy systems, Croonwolter&dros saw an opportunity to optimise processes, improve data accuracy, and unlock new avenues for growth. Their successful ERP implementation offers valuable insights for organisations navigating similar journeys.
Identifying the Need: Why Change Was Inevitable
Croonwolter&dros, formed in 2017 through a merger of two TBI companies, specialises in managing technical installations and engineering for buildings, tunnels, and industrial sites across the Netherlands. With over 3,000 employees and €750 million in annual revenue, Croonwolter&dros found that its legacy systems could no longer support its expanding operations.
Recognising this, the leadership team made the bold decision to replace the outdated systems with a scalable, integrated ERP solution. This move wasn’t just about upgrading software—it was about aligning technology with Croonwolter&dros's vision of operational excellence.
"Eventually, you reach a point where the current system no longer works, and you must take steps to make decisions".
Angela van Rijn, Financial Director, Croonwolter&dros
Planning for Success: Building a Strong Foundation
A successful ERP implementation starts long before the system itself is in sight. Croonwolter&dros approached the process strategically, beginning with thoroughly assessing its operational needs. Key stakeholders across departments collaborated to ensure the ERP solution aligned with workflows and supported long-term goals.
This collaborative approach resulted in a tailored approach to a ‘best practice’ solution and laid the groundwork for smooth implementation.
Navigating Challenges: Lessons from the Journey
ERP implementations are inherently complex, and Croonwolter&dros's experience was no different. The merger brought together two companies with disparate working methods, requiring significant alignment efforts, while integrating the ERP with existing systems posed technical challenges.
Through meticulous planning and collaboration, Croonwolter&dros overcame these hurdles, gaining valuable insights along the way:
- Optimise Before You Digitalise: Analyze current processes to identify inefficiencies that can be addressed before implementation.
- Learn from Others: Study similar ERP projects to anticipate and mitigate common pitfalls.
- Adapt When Necessary: Croonwolter&dros’s decision to strategically adjust timelines and delay the go-live by three months ensured thorough testing and a seamless transition.
Partnering for Success: SAP and Emixa
After an extensive evaluation process, Croonwolter&dros decision to partner with SAP and Emixa proved instrumental. SAP's reputation for delivering reliable and scalable ERP solutions and Emixa's expertise in implementation knowledge ensured a seamless alignment with Croonwolter&dros needs.
"We evaluated functionality, business cases, the future of the platform, implementation impact, and market capacity for external support."
Angela van Rijn, Financial Director, Croonwolter&dros
This partnership allowed Croonwolter&dros to map its process effectively and ensure that the ERP system would support operations at every level.
The Payoff: Transforming Operations
The payoff for Croonwolter&dros will be substantial. The purpose of their new ERP system is to deliver:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and reduced manual tasks.
- Real-time Insights: Improved decision-making with accurate, up-to-date information.
- Optimized Resources: Shortened project timelines and optimised resource allocation.
"We hope to achieve this, but we are certainly not there yet. For now, we are very happy with the successful collaboration and implementation achieved in a short time frame."
Angela van Rijn, Financial Director, Croonwolter&dros
Employees have praised the system’s user-friendly interface, which has helped drive adoption and maximise the system’s benefits. With this transformation, Croonwolter&dros has positioned itself as a forward-thinking industry leader. Croonwolter&dros’ ERP implementation demonstrates the impact of strategic planning, collaboration, and adaptability. By aligning their technology with their vision, they have achieved new levels of growth and efficiency, setting a benchmark for others in the EC&O industry.
At Emixa, we specialise in empowering companies like Croonwolter&dros to navigate complex transformations with innovative, tailored solutions. Ready to future-proof your business?
