Nugafruits: A new business model supported by Microsoft Dynamics AX

When distribution company Nugafruits Serveis de Distribució acquired the supermarket chain SuperVerd their business model changed radically. To manage the new business areas Nugafruit commissioned Columbus IT to implement Microsoft Dynamics AX.

The acquisition of SuperVerd meant that Nugafruit suddenly was operating with several different IT systems on different platforms with cumbersome interfaces. This led to a lot of customization in order to be able to deliver the information needed to run the business. The new Dynamics AX was specifically designed to tie together all of Nugafruits business areas: Logistics, distribution, wholesale and retail.

"We compared 3 systems on adaptability, flexibility, data integration, implementation cost and found Microsoft Dynamics AX to be the best", says Miguel Ángel Sanjurjo, General Manager at Nugafruits.

Consolidate information

The implementation project began with the definition of the business model. On the basis of this model most of the existing business processes were redesigned. Then Columbus and Nugafruits moved on to the technical design of the solution, the development, test and finally the "go live".

"Previously we had a lot of problems with duplicity due to the low level of integration between systems", explains Miguel Ángel Sanjurjo. "Our objective was to consolidate all our information in one application on one platform, giving us the ability to manage our growth and develop our business. Columbus IT helped us optimize our processes for purchasing, sales and warehouse management as well as creating a virtual network that enables communication with all points of sale within the SuperVerd chain and automated reporting to and from the franchises".

Benefits abound

The Microsoft Dynamics AX project has brought many tangible benefits to the expanding Nugafruits enterprise, quicker response and better decisions being among them.

"Microsoft Dynamics AX enables us to grasp new business opportunities quicker", states Miguel Ángel Sanjurjo. "And we can analyze our data much better and subsequently make better business decisions. Our 60 franchises can be closely monitored and we can oversee the management indicators at every point of sale throughout our organization. We have gained better control of our resources and our productivity has increased".

Allies and advisers

Even though the project has been complex it has been on time and on budget, and there is no shortage of praise from Nugafruit when it comes to the efforts of Columbus IT.

"We see them as our technology allies and they guided and advised us every step of the way throughout the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX", says Miguel Ángel Sanjurjo. "We have a continuous support relationship with them and value their deep understanding of our business and our needs"

Strong partnership

"We always strive to establish strong partnerships with our customers and Nugafruits is a good example of this" says Juan Carlos Lozano, General Manager from Columbus IT in Spain. "They have been clear in their objectives, open for suggestions and focused on getting the best possible solution. The success of the project can be measured in the benefits that have been achieved".