ERP modernisation and data transformation for a global manufacturer
After three failed attempts to replace decades-old systems, a leading transport manufacturer needed a partner who could take full accountability for one of its most complex global transformation programmes. Definia stepped in — and delivered.
Definia was the prime service provider for the client’s two largest global programmes.
Replaced two core legacy ERP and DMS systems after three previous failed attempts.
Initial delivery across UK and EMEA, scaling across the full organisation
Define
A leading provider of transport solutions, employing over 50,000 people across 100 countries, had operated on two core legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) and document management systems (DMS) for more than 20 years. Accumulated platforms and localised customisations had begun limiting strategic objectives and creating regulatory compliance challenges.
After three failed attempts to replace these systems — with incumbents and in-house teams alike — the organisation needed a single partner capable of taking on the full range of business strategy, modelling, technology, engineering, change and programme management on a global scale.
Design
Our initial engagement focused on business process architecture across multiple business operations, driving synergies between the client’s UK and Central EMEA divisions.
Key activities included:
- Establishing governance, operating models and investment planning across the full strategic portfolio
- Embedding the Common Financial Model (COFM) across all divisions
- Defining the enterprise-wide data strategy, covering technology stack, migration approach, master data management and automation
- Reviewing and enhancing the full data migration lifecycle, from data mappings and load dependencies through to pre and post-load validations
- Automating data cleansing and verification flows, with full accountability for data completeness, accuracy and appropriateness
Rachael Hays
Transformation Director, Definia
“This engagement is a great example of what’s possible when a client is willing to bring in a true delivery partner rather than just a supplier. We took on full accountability across some really complex, interconnected programmes — legacy debt that had built up over two decades, three previous attempts that hadn’t landed, and a genuinely global scope. What made the difference was having the right breadth of capability under one roof, combined with governance that gave the client visibility and confidence at every stage. We’re really proud of what the team delivered here.”
Deliver
As confidence in the partnership grew, our scope expanded — with Definia becoming the overall prime service provider for the client’s two largest global programmes (ERP and DMS), rolling out across the UK and EMEA.
We delivered:
- Full financial reconciliation and VAT100 to the penny through COFM mappings
- Operational financial data integration from legacy systems into D365 via real-time event flows
- Federated governance underpinned by a real-time Data Quality Dashboard
- Expanded support across seven strategic investment programmes, spanning business process architecture, change, data strategy and migration
- Controlled, repeatable, consistent and auditable data migration — transforming what had historically been a source of risk into a reliable, governed process
What had defeated three previous attempts was finally resolved — through the right partner, the right approach and end-to-end accountability.
Contact us
Reach out to the team to find out how we can help you.