Morten Poulsen, CEO, talks about how Pipol helps simplify international enterprise resource planning implementation projects for multi-country companies.
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION MADE SIMPLE
International companies face numerous challenges with enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations, as often they must coordinate with various local partners and are met with different requirements, specific local legislation, organisational and cultural challenges, and more.
Focused on simplifying ERP projects and enabling companies to achieve better alignment of business processes and applications across multiple countries, Pipol not only optimises operations but also enhances performance.
The Danish-based international company with offices all over Europe provides a simple, comprehensive approach and focal point for businesses navigating the complexities of international ERP projects.
“We orchestrate international ERP implementations to minimise the challenges and risks customers would face if they worked on their own with several partners globally who have different methodologies and cultures,” outlines CEO, Morten Poulsen, whose background in international business goes back 30 years.
“More than half of all major ERP projects fail or are postponed for years, not because the technology is wrong, but because of lack of governance, structure, cultural issues, or poor organisational buy-in from management and employees.
“Companies often underestimate the many possible pitfalls that engaging in a large IT project can induce, especially regarding the governance side of international IT projects. This is why they typically run into trouble,” he continues.
As a global virtual consultancy organisation, Pipol can help by orchestrating the implementation of international ERP projects, allowing customers to concentrate on their business and internal processes.
“The value we bring combines global knowledge and local expertise. When you deal with us, you deal with people who understand your business, the industry, the market, and the geography you are in,” Poulsen emphasises.
DELIVERING MICROSOFT DYNAMICS 365
Since 2001, Pipol has been advising, implementing, and supporting international companies with the delivery of Microsoft Dynamics 365 – an integrated suite of ERP and customer relationship management (CRM) applications that combine various functions such as sales, customer service, finance, marketing, and more into a single platform.
These applications provide a complete platform to support companies’ digital transformation and break down the silos between ERP and CRM, making businesses work faster, smarter, and more agile by bringing purpose-built, productive, intelligent, and adaptable solutions.
“We are solely focused on Microsoft Dynamics 365, which gives us some leverage with Microsoft and insight into trends,” Poulsen shares.
Last year, the company worked in 47 countries and carried out 89 engagements ranging in value from €5,000 to €5 million.
Pipol typically works with the top three Microsoft partners in each country, who have many years of experience to ensure the best for its customers.
WHO PIPOL IS AND HOW IT WORKS
As a subsidiary of BE-terna, one of the leading suppliers of ERP, CRM, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe, Pipol manages and oversees all international Microsoft Dynamics 365 projects in the group and works independently with its global virtual consultancy organisation.
Through its owner, BE-terna, and the world-leading system and technology integrator, Telefónica Tech, which Pipol and Be-terna became part of in May 2022, the company has access to a wide range of experts and services supporting the entire digital transformation journeys of international companies.
“It’s fascinating to be part of a big global company because it has given us stability, and we are now a Microsoft Inner Circle partner, so we are sat at the top table with key vendors,” Poulsen tells us.
Now present in more than 85 countries, Pipol carries out its traditional international ERP projects with access to Telefónica Tech’s cybersecurity and managed services.
“With everything happening in the world right now, cybersecurity is at the top three of every CIO’s list. We are seeing an increasing number of incidents, and we now have a parent company that’s a leading provider of cybersecurity services, which puts us in a very fortunate position,” he says.
“It’s really a combination of global knowledge and local expertise – that is the real value that we bring. When you deal with us, you deal with people who understand your business”
Morten Poulsen, CEO, Pipol
CLOUD MIGRATION
International organisations have been moving their business applications to various online platforms for some time now.
However, each company’s unique business case – and model – determines the deployment of cloud, on-premises, or hybrid models. Data security, system integration, cyber security, and cost are also key considerations.
Organisations that implement cloud-based ERPs significantly reduce deployment and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for expensive servers, hardware, and related electricity and management outlays.
They also benefit from automatic updates, a standard data model, uninterrupted and easy access to actionable business intelligence, a single unified source of information, and much more.
However, despite the numerous upsides, thorough assessment and preparation are essential for successful cloud migration.
“The cloud migration has been happening for years, but we still see many companies who have waited and are starting to kick it off now. A lot of customers have come to the point in their strategy cycle where it’s at the forefront, and we have the expertise on a global level to assist them,” Poulsen states.
Pipol works on smooth data migration with independent software vendors (ISVs), who make and sell software products that run on computer hardware or operating system platforms created by Microsoft, Google, and Apple.
“Cloud migration solves many business risks and problems that customers face, such as cybersecurity. If you move to the cloud, you are much better protected,” he adds.
According to Poulsen, customers on old versions of Microsoft also have another reason for migrating to the cloud – they are running out of support, and their licenses have become extremely expensive.
Therefore, he anticipates many more international cloud migration projects in the coming years. Pipol, fortunately, has extensive experience in this area and handles global licenses, helping companies achieve the discounts they are entitled to.
“There is a lot of money to be saved from a license perspective by moving to the cloud, and we are happy to help with that.”
PIPOL’S COMMITMENT
“If you have an international business transformation project, we can help. We have been doing this for over 20 years and can help minimise your risks,” says Poulsen.
Pipol ensures that its partners have the right skills and capabilities globally and locally to understand and support customers with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the new, emerging trends.
The ‘Pipol Promise’ is to protect customers against project failure. Many companies hesitate to seek external assistance due to concerns about rising costs, however the actual price of self-managed implementation often ignores the significant risk of failure.
Working with Pipol can safeguard international organisations from project failure for a number of reasons:
- Access to experience: Pipol brings over 25 years of experience and has completed 1,500 implementation projects, ensuring efficient assistance tailored to customer needs.
- Global consultancy organisation: With over 100 committed partners worldwide, Pipol offers seamless, interconnected delivery and eliminates uncertainty.
- Single point of contact: Entrusting Pipol with all responsibilities saves clients from managing multiple vendors, partners, and countries.
- Negotiated pricing: Leveraging Pipol’s market experience and volume for competitive prices on licenses and vendor rates maximises cost savings.
- Risk mitigation: Outsourcing projects to Pipol reduces uncertainty and complexity and provides a comprehensive overview and proactive risk management.
- Sparring partner: Pipol is a trusted advisor and sparring partner, from problem identification to solution implementation.
“With Pipol, you’re not just safeguarding your ERP project but ensuring its success,” Poulsen concludes.
