Client Success Story
Global Research Laboratory Unlocks Actionable Insights with MCA Connect and the Microsoft Cloud
Industry: Life Science
Solution: Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management, Power Platform + Modern data warehouse
Introduction
One global biomedical lab pioneered research for human disease and provided the basis for many modern treatments, including the COVID vaccine. But an outdated system and limited visibility undermined the lab’s tradition of providing innovative services and cutting-edge research. Here’s how the organization uncovered actionable insights and streamlined processes with the help of MCA Connect.
Challenge
Outdated and complex infrastructure:
Running on a system nearing end of support, the lab risked lagging in technology and security. They also relied on numerous custom applications and platforms that required users to maintain their own servers and databases, significantly draining resources. The complex infrastructure limited the lab’s scalability and agility, further exacerbating their technical debt.
Need for streamlined, modern analytics:
The lab also wanted to streamline and modernize their data platform and improve visibility with real-time analytics. But company leaders were concerned that implementing a new data system might break or limit existing capabilities.
Manual processes and inefficient systems:
When customers requested information about products or materials they had purchased, the lab staff had to manually look up the data and report back via email. These steps were time-consuming and prone to errors.
Project Goals
- update outdated systems
- enhance visibility with analytics
- automate processes
Technical Debt in Complex Systems: Many organizations face challenges in updating their infrastructure due to the complexities and risks involved. This often leads to increased technical debt and resource drain.
Hesitation in Technology Adoption: A common concern in the industry is the risk of new technologies disrupting existing systems. This apprehension can delay the adoption of more efficient and modern solutions.
Legacy vs. Modern Systems: The transition from manual and outdated systems to automated and modern solutions is a pivotal step for organizations aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.
The MCA Connect team knows how to get things done. They immediately got to work on the data project, delivering quicks wins and time to value. Without them, the project would have taken twice as long, and we would have spent $12 – $15 million with nothing to show for it. They’re true trusted advisors and we look forward to our continued partnership.
– Shahid (Yani) Kayani Executive Director, Technology Strategy and Transformation
Solution
To help support their mission of empowering the global biomedical community, the lab opted to modernize with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management and Power Platform.
The lab awarded our team with this modernization project and later included analytics work.
Streamlining operations with a cloud-based solution
The Dynamics upgrade coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting nationwide shutdowns. Working remotely with our manufacturing experts, the lab transitioned numerous locations from Dynamics AX 2009 to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. This unconventional upgrade was a complete re-implementation that involved fulfilling thousands of new and existing requirements.
We also worked closely with the lab’s leadership team to help them make the most of their information. Leveraging our expertise, the lab expanded Dynamics 365’s capabilities to encompass their financials, entire product line, and customer base. This enabled them to unlock the full potential of the system with full insights into finance and operations. We also implemented Power Pages to provide customers with self-service access to information on materials and supplies they had purchased.
Uncovering actionable insights with a modern data platform
The lab also aimed to enhance its data platform by implementing real-time analytics, improving visibility, gaining actionable insights, and facilitating the integration of new data sources.
Our Manufacturing Intelligence experts immediately stood up a functioning enterprise data warehouse without crippling current reports. After gathering requirements and evaluating the lab’s business needs, we implemented our proprietary modern data warehouse.
Consolidating data from enterprise systems and legacy solutions, the warehouse empowers companies to view, compile, and analyze data in a streamlined way.
Results
The modern data warehouse went live first, allowing the lab to extract value from their data before the Dynamics implementation.
With the new data warehouse, the lab:
- Received nearly instantaneous insight to make time-sensitive decisions
- Gained further access to historical data and ability to compare year-over-year trends
- Reduced the risk of using incomplete information to drive decisions
- Leveraged simple self-service reporting and established a solid foundation for growth
After going live on Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management, the lab:
- Eliminated time spent on PCI compliance with a custom solution that removed credit card information from the lab’s database.
- Implemented a licensing framework that ensures customers cannot buy restricted products unless they have the appropriate license.
- Automated inventory management, significantly reducing processing time. This automation also eliminated the risk of duplicate processing and significantly improved operational efficiency for the lab.
When MCA Connect initially came on to the project, we were up against a wall. Within a week or two, we had data in a warehouse, something I’d been trying to accomplish for years. Throughout the project, MCA Connect was always available to provide guidance, steer us in the right direction, and find solutions to meet our needs.
– Product Owner
After implementing Power Platform, the lab:
Reduced errors and saved time by creating a modern, self-service website that enables customers to find information on their supplies, projects, and sales orders.
About MCA Connect
Through passion and deep industry expertise, MCA Connect® helps manufacturers succeed by unlocking innovation with actionable business insights. Our strategic solution and industry intelligence help manufacturers gain visibility, improve profitability, and achieve a competitive edge. Contact us today to learn how we can help solve your biggest manufacturing challenges.
