Ambit Group: Hammer Group introduces Microsoft Dynamics 365

In conversation with...

Giuseppe De Luca
Head of IT, Hammer Group

 

In our series "In conversation with..." we talk to our customers about their ambitious projects. This time, we were delighted to have the Hammer Group on board for this issue and
would like to thank our dialogue partner Giuseppe De Luca for this interview. 

The interview was conducted by Silvy McGuinness for the Ambit Group.
December 2024

Hammer Group introduces Microsoft Dynamics 365

Giuseppe De Luca

Thank you for inviting me to talk to you about our digitalisation project at the Hammer Group.
My name is Giuseppe De Luca and I'm head of the IT department at the Hammer Group. Together with Lisa Strutz, I managed and implemented the ERP project internally.

Project Scope

  • Number of Users 250
     
  • ERP Platform
    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations
     
  • Goal of the Project
    Basis for further digitalization with consolidation of all Group data on one platform
     
  • Project Tools used
    DevOps, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint

Project start

Project idea on the Hammer Group side: 2021
on the Ambit Group side: December 2022

First go-live

May 2024

What was the objective of the project at the Hammer Group?

Our aim with the project was to consolidate all our data from all our companies on a standardised platform. We wanted to create a basis for initiating further applications and optimisations, such as with Power BI, Power Automate or other tools.
Before the project, all processes were already on Microsoft AX2012. In other words, they were already clearly defined. Even though AX2012 was running on-premise, we had already been able to connect everything together. For security, organisational and licensing reasons, we now wanted to migrate to the cloud.

What did you think would be the biggest challenge in this project at the beginning? What was actually the biggest challenge from your point of view?

We thought that the biggest challenge would be to smoothly transfer all our processes from Microsoft AX2012 to Dynamics365. The processes had to work without any restrictions from day one after the go-live. It was clear that all subsidiaries had to be live on the same day. 

From my point of view, the biggest challenge was to get our employees fit enough for the system. And to do so with a positive attitude towards the whole thing. The transition went almost too well, although the system performance was not optimal on the first few days.

When switching to the cloud, the focus was on reducing the effort involved in maintaining the system and its individual components, taking quality and security aspects into account and automating repetitive tasks. We opted for Microsoft Dynamics 365 in the cloud because it allows us to prepare for further growth and scale efficiently.

What result are you personally particularly proud of?

I am particularly proud of the structured way of working. With DevOps, we had a tool that helped us immensely with the implementation. I have to say that we spared no effort in preparing topics with DevOps.
In hindsight, I can say that the many hours were absolutely worth it. Our test phases were much more effective as a result. Our employees knew that we had to test every 14 days, and they always had a clear structure to do so.

Towards the end of the project, we had to deal with a wave of nervousness before the go-live, but our conscientious preparations paid off. As a result, we were able to solve many issues internally and were therefore much more agile and independent of the Ambit Group.

What do you think are the success factors in a project like this?

The success factors for a project like this lie primarily in communication and employee commitment. It is also extremely important to know your processes in detail and to hold discussions to clarify differences of opinion. I recommend that everyone has a say in the processes and gets involved in - sometimes difficult - discussions.

And now, at the end of the project, our success lies in the fact that we are working on a standardised platform with different companies - in the cloud. That was a challenge for everyone involved, which we mastered. We have now created the basis for moving forward - with Power BI, Automate and other tools.

And for the CFO: Looking back, what makes you particularly proud of the successful introduction of Microsoft Dynamics 365?

"The successful launch of our new ERP system is proof of what we can accomplish together:

With a joint effort, commitment and a positive vision for the future, we have created the foundation for sustainable success and growth. I am really proud to be part of this team and to be creating a more efficient and stronger future together with the Ambit Group and my colleagues."

Renia Beylemans, CFO Hammer Group

What is the biggest improvement for the Hammer Group compared to the initial situation?

The biggest improvement for us is that we can now work on a modern product that is continuously updated by Microsoft. There are also other advantages, like elements that we didn't have before, such as Copilot. 

Our colleagues have settled in well to the new world over the past six months. We are now looking forward to starting the optimisation phase and revising outdated processes.

ERP projects = change projects

It was important for us to involve the most important stakeholders right from the start. In an extensive analysis phase, we evaluated all possible partners for the major project with all those involved. Together.
Yes, that was a huge effort. A huge effort at the beginning that was extremely worthwhile later on in the project.

Because, even if it was difficult at times during the project, it was clear that this was the path we had decided on together. We evaluated all the options together and decided that this was the right one.
 

Decision in favour of the Ambit Group

After the analysis phase, all those present - and I am talking here about key users of the system and divisional managers from various Hammer Group companies - unanimously decided in favour of the Ambit Group.
The Ambit Group was convincing at every level in the evaluation, so that even critics spoke out in favour of the Ambit Group.

Competent project management

We were particularly impressed by the positive reception of tools and the support from the Ambit Group team. They were always at our side, even if they could have simply pushed certain topics off.
The Hammer Group has been working with the Ambit Group since 2016. We have a direct line of communication and value the friendly, collaborative relationship that has developed over the years.

What is the most important aspect of such a complex project?

"You should get to grips with your processes, really know them and then have a dialogue with everyone involved.

It is so important in a digitalisation project to involve the employees and ensure that they are fit enough to deal with the new system.

Communication and support from the management are also crucial."

Giuseppe De Luca, Head of IT & Real Estate Hammer Group

Are there any personal experiences within the project that you would like to share?

I particularly appreciated the pleasant collaboration with the Ambit Group team. I would like to emphasise the calmness and objectivity of our project manager Andreas Huber. His matter-of-fact approach at all times, even in stressful times, was really impressive. We were able to discuss our issues with the Ambit Group at eye level at all times, which is anything but a matter of course.

 

What advice would you give to other companies embarking on a similar journey?

I would recommend having a team that covers all processes and communicates internally and externally. It's important to have the best project manager on the consulting side and to make sure that the communication to the end user is right. The support of the management is also crucial.

As an application manager: What is your view of a successful ERP implementation?

"A successful ERP implementation is not only based on the choice of the right technology, but above all on the motivation and involvement of employees. 

The full potential of the system can only be utilised and understood if everyone supports and understands the change."

Lisa Strutz, IT Application Manager Hammer Group

Thank you, Giuseppe De Luca for the interesting interview. We congratulate the Hammer Group and you on the successful go-live. We would also like to thank Lisa Strutz and Renia Beylemans for their statements, which we were also authorised to use here. 

We look forward to continuing our collaboration!


we make ambition work. 

From the perspective of the implementation partner: How to organise a successful project?

"In my view, the essence of good projects is a successful team that challenges and encourages each other.

A team that works together as equals, is characterised by mutual respect and masters even challenging phases with a positive and supportive attitude."

Andreas Huber, Project manager Ambit Group

About the Hammer Group

As an industrial group organised as a cooperative, the Hammer Group consolidates the best available expertise in metal construction under one roof. With core competences in development, design, production, system integration and sales, it is a leader throughout Switzerland. The extensive service portfolio sets standards in numerous areas: from public and private outdoor spaces to sophisticated property projects, educational institutions, transport and mobility concepts and industrial solutions.
 

More information: www.hammer.ch

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Andreas Pascutto, Head Sales ERP

andreas.pascutto@!ambit-group.com
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