Overview
This project involved the design and assessment of a comprehensive ERP solution to replace Media Business UK's legacy Finance application (AX 2009) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system with a modern ERP system, D365 F&O. The objective was to migrate core operational and financial functions to Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, ensuring a unified platform for the entire asset lifecycle, from initial build to financial capitalisation.
Technical Approach
The solution utilised an integrated "Out of the Box" D365 Asset Management framework, moving away from the "As-Is" model where business units were siloed by complex, error-prone interfaces. By centralising data within D365 F&O, the architecture ensured that updates in operational modules (e.g., Inventory or Production) are reflected in the General Ledger in real time.
Key Components
- Project Management & Accounting: A central component of the solution, mapping legacy EAM hierarchies (CER, Format, LSP) into sub-project structures.
- Automated Workflows: Implementation of "Investment" type projects to automate cost elimination and capitalisation into Fixed Assets, ensuring financial accuracy.
- Global Accounting Framework: Adoption of the Group Chart of Accounts (GCOA) and a seven-dimension International Coding Structure for standardised group reporting.
- Master Planning & BOM: Use of Bills of Materials and Master Planning to automate stock checks and trigger Purchase Requisitions for missing components.
Core Modules Within D365 F&O
The implementation leverages specific functional modules as part of the technology stack:
• Operations: Inventory Management, Production Control, Procurement and Sourcing, Product Information Management, and Master Planning.
• Finance: General Ledger, Fixed Assets, Cash and Bank, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Project Management and Accounting.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: High frequency of interface failures in the legacy BizTalk middleware, leading to reconciliation delays and manual support intervention. Solution: Eliminated the need for internal interfaces by consolidating all functions into D365, where modules are natively linked through configuration.
Challenge: Inaccurate asset capitalisation occurring before projects were fully costed. Solution: Designed a cost elimination process that only transfers costs to Fixed Assets once the project work is verified and concluded.
Challenge: Manual inventory costing and reconciliation, previously costing the business significant time and resources. Solution: Linked the Inventory Management module directly to the General Ledger, allowing for automated real-time costing updates.
Results
The new solution design provided a robust roadmap for a 59-week implementation, supporting critical business processes including CAPEX and OPEX work order management, Sundry Sales billing, and automated financial reporting to the group consolidation system. The transition helped Media Business remain on a modern, Microsoft-supported platform capable of evolving with future business needs.