Case Study on Transforming Business Operations

The Challenge

A leading player in the UK’s network asset-building sector encountered several operational hurdles in its journey towards facilitating top-tier full-fibre networks nationwide. The company, committed to advancing technology and connectivity, confronted challenges across various fronts:

1. Financial Analysis Complexity: Analysing the financial performance of numerous network assets posed a significant challenge.
2. Profitability Assessment: Determining the profitability of network assets proved to be a complex endeavour.
3. Direct Debit Management: Managing direct debit collections from many customers added to operational complexity.
4. Unified Process Management: Establishing a cohesive system for purchase-to-pay and order-to-cash processes, including requisition raising for a substantial user base.
5. Invoice Processing Efficiency: Efficiently processing purchase invoices and direct debit payments based on mandates required optimisation.

The Solution

To overcome these challenges, the company embarked on a transformative journey with Mercurius IT, implementing a range of solutions:

• Financial Solution Overhaul: We replaced the legacy system with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for comprehensive financial management.
• Direct Debit Optimisation: Integrated Astral Go Cardless to streamline B2B direct debit payments.
• Efficient Invoice Processing: We implemented OCR technology through Continia Document Capture for swift and accurate invoice processing.
• Custom Purchase Requisition System: We deployed Mercurius IT’s tailored purchase requisition solution, enabling 150 users to raise requisitions seamlessly with centralised finance oversight.
• Enhanced Financial Analysis: Utilised Business Central’s Dimensions for detailed project-level revenue and cost analysis.
• Future-Ready Planning: We engaged PwC as a business integrator partner to implement project accounting modules, ensuring readiness for future needs.
• Phase 2 Enhancements: Planned enhancements include incorporating the job module in Business Central to track job costs related to network assets and adding payroll functionality.

The Solution

• Simplified Financial Operations: Business Central provided a centralised platform for efficient financial management.
• Enhanced Payment Collection: Integration with Astral Go Cardless improved B2B direct debit collection.
• Improved Invoice Processing: OCR technology expedited invoice processing, reducing manual efforts and errors.
• Optimised Requisition Workflow: Mercurius IT’s solution simplified the requisition-to-purchase order workflow, enhancing efficiency.
• Future-Ready Scalability: Ongoing collaboration with PwC and planned enhancements ensure preparedness for future growth and evolving business needs.

In conclusion, through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, the company positioned itself for sustained success in the UK’s dynamic landscape of network asset-building and connectivity services.