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    THE SUTTON GROUP

    FUTURE-PROOFING IT OPERATIONS FOR RETAIL AND WHOLESALE

    The Sutton Group is a retail and wholesale conglomerate which operates across 47 stores and online and employs almost 500 people. As the umbrella for multiple brands, including Wynsors World of Shoes, The Sutton Group wanted to replace its disjointed custom IT systems with a standardised, effective operational solution that had the dexterity to keep up with continuing advancements in technology.

    MANAGING OPERATIONAL CHAnge

    The journey began in 2012 when The Sutton Group approached Nexer (formerly K3) to implement Microsoft Dynamics AX. This was across the sales orders and accounts of three Group companies – Wynsors World of Shoes, JBI Footwear, and Limelight Signs. With the companies operating in the footwear and sign manufacturing sectors, this powerful, consolidated Microsoft enterprise resource planning (ERP) software would be able to store a huge amount of data and optimise processes across finance, warehousing, and e-commerce operations.

    Most of The Sutton Group employees involved had little prior knowledge of Microsoft systems. It soon came to light that staff weren’t as confident with the change as management had initially thought. However, Nexer knew that IT change management is about understanding people, and mitigating resistance to change requires effective engagement with staff at all levels within a business. Nexer provided a lifeline for change management throughout the process of overhauling legacy systems. They analysed The Sutton Group’s unique demands and shifting support to accommodate individual needs.

    This initial Microsoft ERP rollout laid solid foundations for the business’s future, as the cycle of technology continues to advance. By implementing Microsoft’s integrated technology, the Group will have the flexibility to consider options such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 in the future. This will support business readiness for decades to come.

    DEVELOPING EFFICIENCIES WITH INTEGRATED SOFTWARE

    With legacy systems inhibiting growth, overhauling software enabled The Sutton Group to gain valuable business insights. They could also transform functionalities across the spectrum of internal processes. The powerful workflow automation capabilities of Microsoft AX on The Sutton Group’s operational capacity were clearly visible in the data. The system could hold a vast amount of data points. Users could also access key metrics and reporting more easily. Operationally, decisions became easier and more effective as the data could provide more contextual examples to controllers.

    Barry Miles, IT Manager at The Sutton Group, said: “Digital transformation is an investment, but the business benefits are plain to see.”

    “Day by day, we’re seeing the solutions become more intelligent, with staff able to access more detailed reports and insights to enhance their work. A great example would be in the retail team – they can access better data underlining the implications of seasonality for the business, enabling them to forecast more accurately.
    Working with Nexer on the implementation has been a great experience; the team has swiftly responded to any issues we’ve had, such as reducing wait times or fixing data errors, helping to minimise operational impact.
    One of the areas we’re most pleased about is the impact that Nexer’s change management expertise has had on our employees. Nexer’s support has empowered our teams to be positive and confident about the change, becoming receptive to the new systems which will ensure we’re business-ready and futureproofed for the long-term.

    ELEVATE YOUR RETAIL BUSINESS OPERATIONS WITH NEXER…

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    MARTIN bURDEN

    COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

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