Successfully run through the entire cycle, from product development to returns processing with Microsoft Dynamics AX.

Ahlers AG has been able to successfully complete several full seasons since starting to implement Microsoft Dynamics AX. In combination with the industry solution Apparel & Textile from Porini in the summer of 2016. Uwe Dubbert, managing director and head of IT/TK Services of the Ahlers Group, says:

“We currently have pre-order delivery covered with another brand, OTTO KERN. The usual initial problems were clear to see and were easy to manage. They were dealt with and some functions were adjusted together with AlfaPeople.” Dubbert continues: “The colleagues involved from various departments and IT. And also contributed to the success with their own personal commitment and were very understanding of the special situation with such a complex software introduction. We are very grateful for this.”

150 employees are already currently working with the new software at different locations outside of IT.

The goal of converting to Microsoft Dynamics AX is to standardize the different processes. Michaela Kestner, division head of application systems and ERP project manager, explains:

“Switching software at this scale poses a major challenge for any company. All of the affected processes are put to the test. The focus is on achieving homogeneous processes, which respond flexibly to and support the specific characteristics of individual product groups. Due to the seasonal offset of the product launches of individual brands, they are in the introductory and optimization phase at the same time, which means synergies can be harnessed.”

Software flexibility

All brands and product groups at Ahlers should have a uniform, flexible and clear working template available to them. The PLM systems will be more closely integrated with AX. Standardized and individual working methods will be done away with. In addition, the group of companies is to remain as close as possible to the current software standard of Dynamics AX, whereby the software flexibility offers sufficient leeway for the company, market or country-specific differentiation.

The enterprise software Microsoft Dynamics AX with the industry solution from Porini is constantly being continuously developed, kept up to date legally and can easily cover future topics. It can also be extended to other application areas in the future. In addition, versions are also available for more distant countries. This makes Ahlers scalable and future-proof.

Uwe Dubbert: “We expect that we will be able to use Dynamics AX for a very long time and that our investments and the expertise we have acquired will thus be protected.”

The next Ahlers brand Baldessarini will start with Dynamics AX at the end of 2018. The new ERP software is then to be introduced at all Ahlers brands for 550 users at six locations by early 2020 or in the course of seasonal introductions.

With AlfaPeople, Microsoft Dynamics AX and the industry solution Apparel & Textile form Porini, Ahlers is investing in a sustainable, secure and powerful software that structures and standardizes business processes. Complex corporate processes are shown transparently. In addition, Microsoft Dynamics AX responds flexibly to different application requirements.

Ahlers is thus ensuring a clear competitive advantage in the medium term and providing employees with a modern and sustainable tool.

Read more about Microsoft Dynamics 365.