• Post-Merger Integration: Successfully combining two distinct businesses, including their systems, processes, and cultures.

• Legacy System Modernization: Replacing an outdated iSeries system with a modern ERP platform (Infor XA) to improve efficiency and scalability.

• Failing ERP Project: The existing ERP conversion project was eight months behind schedule, over budget, and lacked clear direction. Key elements like system requirements, test cases, and customer communication were missing.

• Critical Customer Relationships: Protecting existing customer relationships was paramount, especially after the previous WMS implementation issues. Minimizing disruption during the ERP transition was a non-negotiable requirement.

1) Rapid Assessment and Restructuring: We conducted a thorough assessment to identify the root causes of the project’s difficulties. This led to a revised project plan with a realistic timeline, clear milestones, and defined responsibilities.

2) Program Leadership: Liberty assumed leadership of the entire ERP conversion program, providing experienced project management, technical expertise, and change management guidance. This included establishing robust governance, facilitating communication, and resolving technical issues.

3) Prioritizing Customer Experience: We established “mitigating customer disruption” as the guiding principle for all project decisions. This ensured that every step, from system design to go-live, prioritized a seamless experience for the client’s customers.

4) Defined Requirements and Test Cases: We helped to fully define the system requirements and create the use cases needed to adequately test the new system.

5) Communications: We created a communication plan to ensure that customers and stakeholders knew the go live timeline and the processes put into place.

Liberty Advisor Group’s intervention resulted in three major positive outcomes for the client:

1) Successful ERP Go-Live with Minimal Customer Disruption: The Infor XA platform was successfully implemented across all warehouse and distribution facilities, with no critical defects. Crucially, the transition was executed with minimal disruption to customer service, preserving valuable customer relationships. This was a direct result of prioritizing customer experience throughout the project.

2) Unified Systems, Processes, and Culture: The new ERP system enabled the company to finally integrate the two merged entities, unifying their operations under a single platform. This streamlined processes, improved data visibility, and fostered a more cohesive company culture. This was a critical step in realizing the full value of the acquisition.

3) On-Time and Within-Budget Completion (Revised Plan): While the original project scope was unrecoverable, Liberty Advisor Group successfully brought the project to completion within the revised timeline and budget established after the initial assessment. This restored financial control and predictability to the initiative. This demonstrates accountability and responsible project management.