Modernizing the Digital Landscape: Melco and OESD’s Journey to Cloud-Enabled Efficiency with Dynamics 365 Business Central

In this episode of Inside Insight, hosts Ryan and Emma explore the digital transformation of Melco International and Oklahoma Embroidery Supply and Design (OESD), two subsidiaries of Bernina International AG. Facing outdated software that stunted growth and efficiency, Melco and OESD partnered with ArcherPoint to migrate from legacy systems to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This cloud transition unified their databases, automated shipping with Dynamic Ship, and enhanced receivables with AR Collections and eBiz solutions. Discover how these upgrades streamlined operations, elevated customer experience, and positioned Melco and OESD to leverage technology as a driving force for growth, showing the power of good partnerships and the rewards of embracing change.

Microsoft Partner ArcherPoint: https://archerpoint.com/
Melco: https://melco.com/
OESD: https://oesd.com/
Dynamic Ship: https://ShippingForDynamics.com/
AR Collections: https://www.plumblineconsulting.com/dynamics-365-business-central/ar-collections/
EBizCharge: https://ebizcharge.com/

Transcript

Ryan: All right, get ready for this deep dive. We’re looking at Melco and OESD.

Emma: Two sister companies.

Ryan: Exactly. And they decided they were running on…

Emma: Yeah, they had to modernize.

Ryan: Things were getting digital dinosaurs.

Ryan: Seriously, their software was ancient.

Emma: It happens a lot. You know, companies grow, tech changes…

Ryan: You get left behind.

Emma: Yeah, stuck with systems that can’t keep up.

Ryan: In this case, it’s Melco International and Oklahoma Embroidery Supply and Design, or OESD for short. Both subsidiaries of Bernina International AG.

Emma: Right. Melco’s on the commercial embroidery side.

Ryan: OESD does the home market.

Emma: But both were using seriously old software.

Ryan: Like older than some of their employees old. We’re talking Microsoft Dynamics NAV—ancient versions, practically museum pieces.

Emma: I can’t even imagine trying to compete these days with that.

Ryan: It was a huge challenge for them, trying to integrate their business.

Emma: And they’re global, right?

Ryan: Huge network, keeping costs down—the whole thing.

Emma: It’s like trying to build a rocket ship with a screwdriver.

Emma: Exactly. And the cost of that old tech wasn’t just money. It was efficiency, growth, everything.

Ryan: So what’d they do? Patch it up or start fresh?

Emma: They went for a full upgrade.

Emma: Smart move, too.

Ryan: How so?

Emma: They partnered with ArcherPoint. These guys are pros at software implementation.

Ryan: So no more band-aids. They went for the real deal.

Emma: They moved to the cloud. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Ryan: Whoa, big jump. Why Business Central specifically?

Emma: It’s designed to scale—perfect for multiple divisions.

Ryan: Which is exactly what they needed with the whole Bernina Group.

Emma: Exactly. Business Central gave them the flexibility and power they were missing.

Ryan: So this wasn’t just, oh, let’s update the software. This was strategic.

Emma: Absolutely. They recognized that tech is fundamental to their business, not just a tool. And choosing the right tech sets them up for success.

Ryan: So bye-bye, digital dinosaurs. Hello, cloud.

Emma: But it wasn’t easy migrating all that data, customizing everything.

Emma: Yeah, huge undertaking.

Ryan: Their database situation must have been a nightmare.

Emma: You have no idea. Imagine critical info scattered across three old databases.

Ryan: Talk about a logistical mess.

Emma: ArcherPoint consolidated everything into one unified database.

Ryan: No way.

Emma: And they even migrated all the custom modifications without any conflicts.

Ryan: That’s some serious tech wizardry right there.

Emma: It was impressive, that’s for sure.

Ryan: But okay, new system—now what? How did it actually help them?

Emma: That’s where things get interesting. One of the benefits of the cloud is integration.

Ryan: You can connect with other software.

Emma: Exactly. And Melco and OESD implemented this add-on called Dynamic Ship.

Ryan: What’s that do?

Emma: Imagine you’re booking a flight. You go to Kayak or Expedia, compare prices.

Ryan: Makes sense.

Emma: Dynamic Ship does that, but for shipping rates.

Ryan: So they can find the best deal every time.

Emma: Especially crucial for a company shipping globally like them.

Ryan: That’s brilliant. It’s like a personal shipping assistant.

Emma: Exactly. Finds the best deals and streamlines the whole process. It’s not just about cheap shipping though. Dynamic Ship integrates with their other systems too.

Ryan: Oh, so they get real-time tracking and stuff?

Emma: Yeah, automates a lot of the tedious shipping tasks. Even has handheld scanning for the warehouse.

Ryan: Wow. So they get efficiency and cost savings all in one.

Emma: They really leverage the cloud platform. It’s impressive.

Ryan: And they didn’t stop there.

Emma: Yeah. You mentioned other add-ons.

Emma: Oh, yeah, two big ones actually: AR Collections and eBiz.

Ryan: Okay, break those down for me.

Emma: AR Collections is all about managing accounts receivable, so it automates payment reminders.

Ryan: So no more chasing people down for money.

Emma: Exactly. Tracks outstanding invoices, makes the whole collection process way easier.

Ryan: Sounds like a lifesaver, especially for a big company.

Emma: And then eBiz takes it a step further. Gives customers a secure online portal so they can view invoices, pay, manage their accounts all online.

Emma: It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Ryan: So it’s not just about getting paid faster. It’s about customer experience too.

Emma: You got it. Simplifies everything. More transparency, easier to do business.

Ryan: I’m seeing a trend here—streamlining efficiency, better customer experience.

Emma: It’s like a digital transformation domino effect, touching every part of their business.

Ryan: It’s really impressive. They went from reactive to proactive.

Emma: Yeah, they’re not just keeping up anymore. They’re using tech to get ahead.

Ryan: This whole thing really shows the importance of good partnerships.

Emma: Couldn’t agree more. Melco and OESD had a long relationship with ArcherPoint, and that trust clearly paid off big time.

Emma: Having a partner who gets your business and your goals is essential.

Ryan: It’s not just about implementing tech; it’s about having a guide.

Emma: Exactly. Someone to help you through the process, avoid the pitfalls.

Ryan: Like having a Sherpa for Mount Everest. You don’t want to do that alone.

Emma: And with tech changing so fast, that guidance is more important than ever.

Ryan: So what’s the big takeaway here for our listeners? What can they learn?

Emma: I think the biggest lesson is don’t be afraid of change. Embrace new tech to grow and choose your partners wisely.

Emma: Absolutely. Find people you trust who get your business and are invested in your success.

Ryan: And this isn’t just for huge companies. It applies to everyone.

Emma: You’re right. The principles are the same whether you’re a startup or a giant corporation.

Ryan: Be willing to adapt. Find good partners. Invest in the right tech.

Emma: It’s all connected.

Ryan: So if anyone out there is stuck with outdated tech, take a cue from Melco and OESD.

Emma: Don’t be afraid to shake things up.

Ryan: Yeah. And embrace the future.

Ryan: It’s pretty amazing what they accomplished, right?

Emma: And it makes you think about the bigger picture.

Emma: Like how this digital transformation thing, it’s everywhere.

Ryan: It’s not just Silicon Valley anymore.

Ryan: It’s like software is eating the world. Didn’t someone say that?

Emma: Yeah. And what’s so cool about Melco and OESD?

Ryan: They didn’t just survive; they thrived.

Emma: A company with history can still adapt.

Ryan: They use their legacy as fuel, not an anchor.

Emma: Think about their employees too. Going from those clunky systems to having tools that actually work.

Ryan: That’s got to feel good.

Emma: Huge boost to productivity, morale, everything.

Ryan: Everyone wins in that scenario.

Emma: This whole thing just shows there’s always room for improvement.

Ryan: And sometimes that improvement is digital.

Emma: It’s about opening your mind to new possibilities and harnessing the power of tech.

Emma: So if you’re out there feeling stuck with old tech, like really stuck, take inspiration from Melco and OESD.

Ryan: It’s never too late to upgrade. Find those great partners and step into the future.

Emma: It’s waiting for you.

Ryan: That’s our deep dive for today, folks.

Emma: Hope you enjoyed it and maybe learned a thing or two.

Emma: Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning.

Ryan: And keep diving deep.