ERP Mechanics https://www.erpmechanics.com/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:50:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://www.erpmechanics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-erpmechanics-32x32.jpg ERP Mechanics https://www.erpmechanics.com/ 32 32 Canam Steel Corporation Simplifies Regulatory Labeling and Shipping Processes with Lasernet https://www.erpmechanics.com/case-studies/canam-steel-corporation-simplifies-regulatory-labeling-and-shipping-processes-with-lasernet/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:37:35 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13964 Canam Steel Corporation (CSC) is a service-oriented manufacturer of highly engineered steel products consisting of open web steel joists and steel decks. Founded in 1973, CSC serves all 50 states with 6 locations across the United States.   CSC runs Dynamics 365 F&O as its ERP system and has been a long-time user of Lasernet […]

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Canam Steel Corporation (CSC) is a service-oriented manufacturer of highly engineered steel products consisting of open web steel joists and steel decks. Founded in 1973, CSC serves all 50 states with 6 locations across the United States.

 

CSC runs Dynamics 365 F&O as its ERP system and has been a long-time user of Lasernet for its document management requirements.

 

The Challenge

 

CSC specializes in the manufacturing of steel joists and steel deck bundles which are used for flooring in steel construction buildings. Prior to shipping the steel to customers, commercial regulatory stickers are required to be applied on to each item that gets sent out. There are different stickers for different regulations that need to be applied depending upon the item, variant and location.

 

The process of applying these stickers had been a manual one, where a worker had to check each item and variant then correlate which stickers needed to be added prior to shipment. This process was both time consuming and had the potential for user error.

 

As CSC’s Lasernet support partner, ERP Mechanics was asked to assist in turning their idea of simplifying the current sticker process by combining it with their Lasernet labels.

 

The Solution

 

Using Lasernet, the ERP Mechanics team applied CSC’s business rules to automatically print the correct sticker(s) directly onto the Deck Bundle Label prior to an order being shipped out. This eliminated the need for any manual application of stickers nor the physical stickers themselves.

 

“ERP Mechanics has been an invaluable partner for our Lasernet support. During our recent project, their team played a critical role in helping us leverage Lasernet to optimize and streamline our labeling and shipping workflows.

 

Instead of our old process—where we had to buy three different labels and have someone in the shop manually stick all three onto each piece of material—we’ve completely automated it. Now, Lasernet reads the product criteria and prints just one smart label, automatically adding the right logos based on the item’s specifications,” said Tony Berkeley, IT Manager, Purchasing – Office Manager.

 

“I have been working with CSC for a long time, supporting their Lasernet requirements and this a great example of how Lasernet can be leveraged in a very meaningful way that has a direct business impact that will create a true time and cost savings for their company and make their operation more efficient,” said Roger Cruz, Practice Lead, ERP Mechanics.

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]]> Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Process Automation: 5 Processes to Automate First https://www.erpmechanics.com/blog/dynamics-365-finance-and-operations-process-automation-5-processes-to-automate-first/ Sun, 27 Sep 2026 19:49:19 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13833 You probably spend more time than you like in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. The platform has undoubtedly saved you a lot of time and hassle, but there’s still much more you can do to increase efficiency. Automating some of the finance tasks you do is one of the most direct ways to reduce […]

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You probably spend more time than you like in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. The platform has undoubtedly saved you a lot of time and hassle, but there’s still much more you can do to increase efficiency. Automating some of the finance tasks you do is one of the most direct ways to reduce cost and risk in D365 F&O. The platform can handle more of these tasks than many teams use it for. 

 

Now, you’re probably wondering where to start. This article covers five processes worth automating first, why each one matters and what changes once the automation is set up.

 

Process automation in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations: Key takeaways

 

  • Process automation in Dynamics 365 F&O is one of the most direct ways to reduce the manual work, cost and risk for finance teams. 
  • The ERP can take on more of that work than many teams currently use it for, and the challenge is figuring out where to start. 
  • The five processes that are generally best to automate first are accounts payable, approval workflows, vendor payment runs, bank reconciliation and other recurring tasks. 
  • Accounts payable is typically the best place to begin, because entering, matching and approving invoices is high in volume and prone to manual error. 
  • Each of these is something you set up and configure to fit how your business works, rather than a feature that runs out of the box. ERP Mechanics, a managed IT services and consulting company specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, can help you optimize your setup. 

 

What process automation means in Dynamics 365 F&O: Key terms to know 

 

D365 F&O offers several automation tools, and it helps to know what’s generally available to you before you get serious about automating specific processes: 
 

  • Process automation allows users to set up recurring processes that run in the background, with a calendar view of what is scheduled and what has already happened. 
  • Workflow routes documents like invoices to the right people for approval, based on set rules. 
  • Business events allow an action triggered in D365 F&O to trigger something in another third-party system, such as a Microsoft Teams message. 
  • Batch jobs run processing tasks in the background. 

 

5 Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations processes to automate early 

 

The five processes below are where most finance teams see the quickest returns from automation, because they tend to carry the heaviest manual load:

 

1) Accounts payable 

 

Accounts payable typically involves the most manual processes in any finance function, which is why it’s often the first process to automate. Invoices are entered by hand, matched against purchase orders and receipts and routed for approval, often passing through several people before any payments are processed.  

 

A survey by the Institute of Financial Operations and Leadership found that 68% of respondents manually key invoices into their ERP/accounting software, and only 32% have an automated process. Unfortunately, that level of manual effort comes with many opportunities for errors. 

 

Once vendor invoice automation is configured, D365 F&O handles much of the manual accounts payable work that slows finance teams down. Invoices are matched to product receipts and purchase orders against the matching policies you define, submitted into the approval workflow automatically, and held for review only when something falls outside the rules. The busy finance team moves from processing every invoice manually to managing the exceptions.

 

2) Approval workflows 

 

Approvals are a very common bottleneck, and an easy one to underestimate. An expense claim waits in someone’s inbox, but the person who needs to sign it doesn’t see it. With no dependable record of who approved what, finance teams are spending hours each week chasing approvals. 

 

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations helps you manage approvals through its workflow engine, which you can configure to set rules. You can set up workflows by document type and route expense reports, purchase orders and other relevant documents to the right approver, escalate them when there’s a delay and reassign them when someone is away, recording every step of the process as it goes.

 

3) Vendor payment runs 

 

Once invoices are approved, someone still has to take the time to build the payment run. A missed due date can strain important vendor relationships, and mistakes in payment runs take time to fix. 

 

D365 F&O can generate payment runs automatically through automated vendor payment proposals. Once configured, it runs on a schedule you set and selects invoices to pay by due date or cash discount date, creating the payments in a vendor payment journal. What it doesn’t do is post them. The journal is created but left for review, so your existing validation, approval and posting controls stay intact.

  

4) Bank reconciliation  

 

Manual bank reconciliation is slow and error-prone exactly at the point in the month where you need to get tasks done quickly. It’s also a very strong automation candidate because, for the most part, matching a statement to the ledger follows clear, repeatable rules. 

 

Advanced bank reconciliation in D365 F&O imports electronic bank statements and reconciles them against your Finance bank transactions using matching rules you define. Those rules run in sequence and clear every transaction that meets them, so only genuine exceptions are left for someone to match manually.  

 

It takes some setting up (something we at ERP Mechanics can help you with), but once it’s in place, the reconciliation runs each time a statement comes in. Most of the matching is then handled for you autonomously, saving you time that’s much better spent elsewhere.

 

5) Broader automation opportunities: Recurring tasks

 

Beyond core finance processes, a large amount of routine work runs on a set schedule throughout the month. Handled manually, these tasks are easily delayed or even missed, with nothing signaling that they need prompt attention.  

 

Batch jobs are ideal for moments like this. A batch job runs your routine processes in the background on a schedule, so the work that used to sit on someone’s long to-do list happens automatically. You can set it to alert you when a job finishes or fails, so nothing stalls in the background when you’re not looking. 

 

Business events keep your team informed in real time. When something significant happens in D365 F&O, such as an invoice being approved, the system can automatically alert the right person via the communication channel of their choice, or start an action in another tool your business uses. 

 

Here’s what combining these two features might look like in practice: a batch job could check each day for invoices due soon and use a business event to drop a reminder into Teams for whoever needs to act.

 

How to decide what to automate first 

 

Automating everything at once is rarely, if ever, the right approach. An honest look at where the manual effort is causing the most problems will point to a few processes in desperate need of automation. 

 

Start with the highest-volume, most repetitive work 

 

The first thing to look at is how much manual effort processes require, which is really a question of how often processes run. In D365 F&O, that usually points to accounts payable. The work is high-volume, follows the same steps and happens near constantly, which is why vendor invoice and workflow automation are so often the first things a finance team does to save time. 

 

Consider the cost of mistakes 

 

Automating regular, repetitive tasks is one thing, but it’s also worth considering what a mistake costs when it happens. A vendor payment run is a good example. It happens less often than invoice capture, but paying the wrong amount, missing a cash discount window or creating a duplicate payment are expensive and embarrassing errors.  

 

Ranking the processes by what an error would roughly cost, alongside how often these errors occur, will show you where automation will make the biggest difference.

 

ERP Mechanics: Your Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations partner 

 

Approached mindfully, these early D365 F&O automations pay off quickly and build the case for the next round of automation. Knowing where to start, and what to leave until later, isn’t always clear from the inside. An experienced Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations specialist can work through your business’s processes with you, agree on what to automate and in what order. 

 

At ERP Mechanics, we work with both end users and Microsoft Partners on D365 F&O projects, helping finance and operations teams automate the processes that still tie up too much of their time. Our team helps you with process mapping, configuration, integration and ongoing D365 F&O support, so the automation is built around how your business actually works and keeps running reliably after the project ends.  

 

Because we are built as a flat, modern team rather than a traditional hierarchical consultancy, decisions happen quickly and support is there when you need it. Throughout the project, we focus on reducing risk and cutting costs wherever possible at every stage. 

 

Thinking about automating more of your Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations setup, but don’t know where to start? Get in touch and we’ll talk through your options. 

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]]> Why are Manufacturing Companies Using Document Management Software? https://www.erpmechanics.com/blog/why-are-manufacturing-companies-using-document-management-software/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:56:49 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13697 We’ve previously explored why manufacturers are choosing Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O as their ERP system. Now it’s time to shift our focus to document management, because manufacturers deal with a mountain of documentation day-to-day. Bills of materials, purchase orders, product specifications – all of these documents have to be stored and managed somewhere. Without the […]

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We’ve previously explored why manufacturers are choosing Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O as their ERP system. Now it’s time to shift our focus to document management, because manufacturers deal with a mountain of documentation day-to-day. Bills of materials, purchase orders, product specifications – all of these documents have to be stored and managed somewhere. Without the right systems in place, documents can get lost, damaged and duplicated. 

 

How are manufacturers dealing with all that paperwork as the pressure grows to get more efficient? They’re increasingly turning to document management systems (DMS) to create a single source of truth. In this article, we explore why manufacturers are trading their ERPs out-of-the-box capabilities for document management systems like Lasernet.

 

1) Reducing time lost to manual handling 

 

Manual document handling is one of those costs you don’t see on the balance sheet, but it shows up just about everywhere else. Someone fills in paperwork, another person photocopies it, and a third person manually types the same information into the company’s ERP system. It’s an onerous process that costs companies more than they realize.

 

On top of that, every document has to be printed and distributed to customers and suppliers. The cost of manual document handling adds up surprisingly quickly, with the average worker spending almost 10 hours a week gathering the information they need. That’s time lost that could have been spent getting products out of the door.

 

Document management software removes most of that overhead. With the right DMS in place, documents are captured once and stored in one place, and version control ensures everyone is working from the most up to date version. Routine approvals and distribution to customers and partners is automated rather than completed by hand. The result is less manual work, fewer errors and more time spent working on tasks that get your business paid.

 

2) Staying compliant and audit-ready 

 

Manufacturing carries one of the heaviest compliance burdens of all sectors, and with compliance comes documentation. A lot of it. Too much to handle without a proper document management process in place. Quality standards such as ISO 9001 for quality management across industries, ISO 13485 for the design and manufacturing of medical devices and AS9100 for aviation, space and defense manufacturing, all require documented procedures and clear evidence of organized document management.

  

Without a suitable document management system in place, preparing for an audit can take weeks or even months as teams scramble to find all the information they need to prove compliance. Auditors will check document control procedures and need proof that obsolete documents are removed or marked as invalid to prevent accidental use. They will also check traceability records and customer compliant records to ensure the business is operating as it should be. A DMS makes the preparation process faster and makes life easier for auditors – it’s a win-win for both.

 

3) Making document retrieval faster

 

When the document you need is hard to find, the delay doesn’t just impact you. A team member may be waiting for the document before they can start a critical process, or a customer query is left open while someone hunts for the business’s copy of a packing slip. None of these situations seem particularly damaging in isolation, but repeat them across the business, and productivity suffers massively.

 

Document management software replaces manual file retrieval or confusing shared drives with a fast, indexed search that gets you the document you need. Documents are tagged with the information known to you, such as part numbers, order references and dates, so you can find the document you need quickly, without having to try various searches. Plus, because the DMS is the single source of truth, the version you find is the one you should be using, rather than an old draft that was superseded months ago. 

 

A document management system also acts as a knowledge chest for your company. An organized, searchable system keeps knowledge in the business rather than siloed in the minds of individuals who come and go. When an experienced team member moves on to their new role, the procedures and history they built up is findable for the person replacing them.

 

4) Connecting documents with the rest of your systems 

 

A document rarely stands on its own – an invoice relates to a sales order and a delivery note precedes a shipment, for example. When document management is separated from your ERP system, it leaves a space for things to go wrong. Real productivity and financial gains come when document management is directly connected to the systems you rely on, such as ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O.

 

In D365 F&O, the documents you produce at volume, such as invoices, order confirmations, delivery notes, statements and quality paperwork, can be generated using the data in the ERP system, formatted correctly and delivered through whichever channel each customer requires. There is one source of truth behind every document, so what goes out of the door matches what exists within the ERP.

 

Lasernet: Document management for manufacturers 

 

Lasernet is built to solve your documentation process challenges – no matter how complex they are. Here’s how Lasernet supports your manufacturing workflows:

 

Access the right data from your systems 

One of the biggest challenges for manufacturers is gaining access to the right data from all the systems you use. Lasernet allows you to aggregate data from the systems you already use, be it a CRM, ERP system or even home-grown software solutions.

 

Document personalization 

Aggregate product, part and manufacturing information for personalized product manuals, but without all the manual work. 

 
Manage vendor invoicing 

Scan, process and archive vendor paperwork automatically instead of spending hours on onerous manual work. 

 
Solve warehouse labeling 

There’s no need to hire an external developer to completely overhaul your warehouse labeling process – with Lasernet, you can create barcodes, QR codes and shipping labels with no code. 

 
Delivery based on customer preferences 

Built in automation rules and customizable shortcuts mean you can deliver documents in the way your customers want to receive them. Lasernet’s capabilities include traceable emailing, digital archiving and full printing, so your customers gain access to the documents they need in the right format, whether that’s email, PDF or print.

 

Using Lasernet, manufacturers have reduced the time spent on label-related tasks by more than 50% and have reclaimed over 600 hours per year by streamlining data across key manufacturing systems.  

 

Partner with ERP Mechanics to get the most out of Lasernet

 

Getting the full value out of Lasernet is far easier with a partner who knows the platform inside out. As a Lasernet reseller and support partner, we’ve worked closely with the document management software company for the last 18 years, implementing their solutions for manufacturing companies. It’s safe to say that we know our stuff! Our Lasernet services include implementation, custom development and all the support you need to get Lasernet neatly integrated into Dynamics 365 F&O without problems. 

 

If you’re considering choosing Lasernet as your manufacturing document management solution, but you need a bit of support getting the platform up and running, please don’t hesitate to contact the ERP Mechanics team.

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]]> ERP Mechanics Becomes a Partner of Žalgiris Kaunas https://www.erpmechanics.com/news-media/erp-mechanics-becomes-a-partner-of-zalgiris-kaunas/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:42:51 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13550 ERP Mechanics is proud to announce its partnership with Žalgiris Kaunas for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.   ERP Mechanics is a Lithuanian based company specialized in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations ERP implementations, resourcing, training and support services and document management solutions. ERP Mechanics has expanded its presence internationally, providing ERP consulting services to […]

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ERP Mechanics is proud to announce its partnership with Žalgiris Kaunas for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.

 

ERP Mechanics is a Lithuanian based company specialized in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations ERP implementations, resourcing, training and support services and document management solutions. ERP Mechanics has expanded its presence internationally, providing ERP consulting services to organizations across Europe, North America and other global markets. The company’s growth is defined by its message of “From Lithuania to the World.”

 

“Žalgiris represents so much of what makes Lithuania special — determination, teamwork, pride and the drive to compete at the highest level. The partnership brings together two organizations with deep Lithuanian roots and a shared ambition to compete, grow and make an impact globally,” said Karolis Aleknavičius, CEO, ERP Mechanics.

 

“As a company that was founded in Lithuania and has grown to serve customers around the world, we see a natural connection between our two organizations. We are proud to partner with Žalgiris and to support a team that carries the Lithuanian spirit onto the international stage.”

 

Žalgiris Kaunas is Lithuania’s most successful and internationally recognized basketball club, competing at the highest levels of Lithuanian and European basketball. Based in Kaunas, the club has a passionate fan base and a long tradition of excellence, representing Lithuania on the European stage.

 

“Every partnership is unique, which is why we are delighted to welcome ERP Mechanics to the club’s partner community. We have no doubt that this collaboration will help our new partner reach new audiences,” said Donatas Norkevičius, Head of Partnership Sales at Žalgiris Kaunas.

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]]> What is PDF/UA and How Does it Support Document Accessibility? https://www.erpmechanics.com/blog/what-is-pdf-ua-and-how-does-it-support-document-accessibility/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:43:51 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13344 Making documents more accessible benefits everyone. It’s also increasingly a legal requirement, with accessibility laws around the world requiring documents to be accessible for all. The PDF/UA standard allows you to meet those requirements. This guide explains what PDF/UA is, the accessibility regulations it applies to and how to meet them across every document you […]

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Making documents more accessible benefits everyone. It’s also increasingly a legal requirement, with accessibility laws around the world requiring documents to be accessible for all. The PDF/UA standard allows you to meet those requirements. This guide explains what PDF/UA is, the accessibility regulations it applies to and how to meet them across every document you produce.

 

PDF/UA: Key Takeaways

 

• ISO 14289 (PDF/UA) is the international standard that makes PDFs readable by assistive technology.

 

• Accessibility laws, including the EAA, UK Equality Act and ADA, require documents to be accessible, and PDF/UA is a reliable way to stay compliant.

 

• The standard requires tagged content, logical reading order, alt text, embedded fonts and security settings that allow assistive technology access.

 

• Meeting PDF/UA standards keeps your organisation compliant and improves document accessibility for customers and employees.

 

What is PDF/UA?

 

PDF/UA stands for Portable Document Format/Universal Accessibility. Published as the international standard ISO 14289, it sets out the technical requirements for making PDFs accessible, building on the PDF file format released by Adobe in 1993. The standard exists to help people who rely on assistive technology, such as screen readers and text-to-speech tools, read digital documents.

A PDF is built to look right on the page, not to be understood by assistive technology. This effectively blocks millions of people from accessing the information they need. PDF/UA fixes this by defining how a PDF should be structured to be readable by assistive technology.

 

What are the regulations around PDF/UA?

 

PDF/UA isn’t a legal requirement itself, but it’s closely linked to accessibility laws. Accessibility regulations around the world expect your public-facing documents to be accessible to all, and meeting the PDF/UA standard is how you show regulators you’ve done that.

 
European Accessibility Act (EAA)

 

The European Accessibility Act requires digital products and services to be accessible to everyone, and that includes consumer-facing PDF documents. As of 28th June 2025, businesses operating in the EU and non-EU companies selling to EU customers must make sure their digital content (such as PDF invoices, contracts, forms, bank statements, product manuals and reports) is accessible to those with disabilities.

 

UK Equality Act

 

In the UK, organizations are legally required under the 2010 Equality Act to make reasonable adjustments to make sure disabled individuals aren’t placed at a substantial disadvantage. For digital content, this means public bodies, service providers and employers must make information assets fully accessible. Adhering to PDF/UA is a reliable way to meet the requirements of the Equality Act.

 
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

 

In the U.S., several laws govern digital accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires organizations to follow web accessibility guidelines, while Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires US federal agencies and their contractors to do the same.

 

What’s the difference between PDF/UA and WCAG?

 

When it comes to document accessibility, you’ll encounter two main acronyms: PDF/UA and WCAG. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were designed for the web. The guidelines are built on four core accessibility principles, known as POUR: Perceivable (e.g. text alternatives for images), Operable (e.g. being able to navigate by keyboard), Understandable (clear language and navigation) and Robust (content that works reliably with assistive technology). WCAG differs from PDF/UA because it’s designed for a wide range of digital content, whereas PDF/UA only applies to PDFs.

 

What are the PDF/UA file format requirements?

 

To be compliant with document accessibility regulations, assistive technologies need to be able to interpret content correctly. Here are the file format requirements your documents need to meet:

 
Tagged content

 

Content must be tagged to define its role, e.g. headings, paragraphs, images and tables. Tags are a hidden structural layer that tells assistive technology what each element is, not just how it looks. Without tags, a screen reader sees a wall of text with no way to tell elements apart.

 

Logical reading order

 

Visual layout on the page doesn’t dictate the order assistive technology reads in – the tag tree does. A two-column page or sidebar will be read out in a jumbled sequence unless the reading order is set to match how a person would read it.

 
Descriptive alt text

 

Descriptive alt text should be used for images so they can be explained to visually impaired users. It should communicate the image’s purpose and meaning in context, and purely decorative images should be hidden so they are skipped by assistive technology.

 
Embedded fonts

 

Fonts must be embedded, and characters must map to Unicode so that content can be interpreted correctly. Embedding guarantees the right content travels with the file, and Unicode mapping lets letters and symbols be identified as real characters. This means text can be read aloud, searched and copied accurately.

 
Security settings

 

Security settings must allow assistive technologies to access the PDF. Encryption and permission settings can block content extraction, so the file must explicitly permit assistive tech to read the text. Otherwise, all the work you’ve done to increase accessibility is inaccessible to the people who need it.

 

What are the benefits of aligning with PDF/UA standards?

 

Here’s what your organization gets out of meeting the PDF/UA standard:

 
Compliance with global accessibility laws

 

Aligning with PDF/UA supports compliance with accessibility laws around the world. Because different countries have their own regulations, working to one internationally recognised standard helps you meet obligations wherever you operate (and avoid the problems that come with falling short).

 
A smoother document experience for all

 

Following PDF/UA will also improve the experience for everyone using your documents, whether they’re customers or employees. These requirements remove accessibility barriers, making your PDFs far easier to access and understand for people with disabilities.

 

Easier mobile usability

 

PDF/UA-aligned files allow text to reflow more naturally on smaller smartphone or tablet screens, making it easier for mobile users to access the information they need. Plus, logical heading structures make it easier for readers to skim longer documents when they’re on the go.

 

Improved SEO

 

Your marketing team will also be interested in PDF/UA because of its SEO implications. Aligning documents with PDF/UA standards makes it easier for search engines to crawl your customer-facing documents, increasing your online visibility.

 

PDF/UA and document management software: How Lasernet incorporates accessibility

 

Organizations produce thousands of invoices, statements and order confirmations, generated straight from their ERP system. For accessibility to work at that scale, it has to be built into the documents automatically. However, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O doesn’t produce PDF/UA-aligned documents by default. You’ll need the help of an ISV to make sure the documents you send are accessible, and that’s where Lasernet comes in.

 

Lasernet builds PDF/UA tagging and structure into your documents as they’re generated, applying the reading order, alt text and structure that assistive technology relies on across common form designs.

 

Looking for a document management system that complements your ERP and prioritises accessibility?  Get in touch with the ERP Mechanics team today to find out how Lasernet can keep your documents accessible and compliant at scale.

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]]> ERP Mechanics Announces Partnership with Yavrio https://www.erpmechanics.com/news-media/erp-mechanics-announces-partnership-with-yavrio/ Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:14:45 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13315 ERP Mechanics is proud to announce its partnership agreement with Yavrio, a business application provider of secure banking connectivity and payment automation solutions for Microsoft Dynamics 365.   ERP Mechanics is a Lithuanian based Microsoft certified partner focused on Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (F&O) project implementations, resourcing, training and support services. ERP Mechanics also […]

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ERP Mechanics is proud to announce its partnership agreement with Yavrio, a business application provider of secure banking connectivity and payment automation solutions for Microsoft Dynamics 365.

 

ERP Mechanics is a Lithuanian based Microsoft certified partner focused on Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (F&O) project implementations, resourcing, training and support services. ERP Mechanics also offers and supports a variety of add-on software solutions that address the business and technology needs of its diverse, global customer base.

 

Yavrio’s platform connects Microsoft Dynamics 365 directly with banking partners, allowing organizations to automate payment processing, retrieve bank statements, simplify reconciliations, and improve visibility into cash positions—all without relying on disconnected systems or manual file transfers.

 

“At ERP Mechanics, we are always looking for technologies that deliver real value to our customers. By combining our deep Dynamics 365 F&O expertise with Yavrio’s innovative banking integration platform, we will be able to offer customers a solution that simplifies payment execution, improves cash visibility, and supports financial operations. We are excited about the future of this partnership and what we can accomplish together,” said Karolis Aleknavičius, CEO, ERP Mechanics.

 

ERP Mechanics will provide implementation, configuration, consulting, and ongoing support services for Yavrio as part of its comprehensive Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O services portfolio.

 

“We’re seeing strong and growing demand across the Dynamics 365 F&O market for modern banking connectivity, embedded payments and treasury. To meet that demand, we want to work with trusted global partners that combine deep F&O expertise with reliability, flexibility and a track record of delivering real value for customers. ERP Mechanics has built exactly that reputation. We see huge potential in this partnership and are excited to bring that value to finance teams together,” said John Lewis, CEO and Founder, Yavrio

 

For inquiries:

Mallorie De Riggi, CMO, ERP Mechanics

mallorie@erpmechanics.com

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]]> How To Measure ERP Success Beyond Go-Live: The Metrics That Matter https://www.erpmechanics.com/blog/how-to-measure-erp-success-beyond-go-live-the-metrics-that-matter/ Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:01:23 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13230 Go-live is a big moment. You and your team have spent months planning and implementing a shiny new ERP system. A system that goes live without any major issues is an achievement worth celebrating, but the system hasn’t really proved itself yet. It’s what happens after that reveals if value is being created.   An […]

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Go-live is a big moment. You and your team have spent months planning and implementing a shiny new ERP system. A system that goes live without any major issues is an achievement worth celebrating, but the system hasn’t really proved itself yet. It’s what happens after that reveals if value is being created.

 

An issue-free go-live doesn’t tell you anything about whether people are using the system properly, whether processes have improved or whether the investment is paying for itself.

 

So how do you actually know if your ERP is meeting the objectives you set? You track the right ERP metrics across the main areas the system was designed to improve: your people, processes and profit.

 

In this article, we cover the specific KPIs that matter, why the metric is worth watching and how to track it.

 

Set ERP baselines before go-live

 

Measuring the success of your ERP begins well before go-live. Without a documented ‘before’ picture, any claim of improvements down the line is based on impressions, not hard evidence.

 

Record the baselines while your old system and ways of working are still in place:

 

• Capture how long your core workflows currently take.

• Measure the state of your data, including duplication, missing fields and the volume of manual corrections.

• Outline where you stand on the financial and customer-related measures the ERP is meant to address.

• Set clear adoption targets – common targets include user engagement, active user rates, login frequency to specific departmental functions (such as HR and Finance).


Key metrics to measure ERP success


Time to Value (TTV)


Time to Value measures how long it takes after go-live for the system to start delivering clear benefits. A long TTV erodes the whole business case of implementing a new ERP system, particularly in fast-moving sectors where the gap between a six-month and an 18-month TTV has huge implications.

 

Three factors tend to shorten TTV: ease of use (the system is adopted faster and requires less training time), integration (straightforward connection processes to existing tools reduce the manual work and errors) and quality of support during and after the ERP implementation process.


How to measure Time to Value


Define a specific benefit before go-live, such as “cutting manual order entry by half.” Then record the elapsed time in weeks from go-live until that target is met. It’s important to note that tracking two or three more benefits gives a clearer picture of progress than relying on a single milestone.


Return on investment (ROI)


Return on investment sets the value the system generates against what it costs to run, which makes it the main verdict on whether ERP investment was justified.


How to measure ROI


Add the direct and indirect cost savings, subtract the total implementation costs, and divide by the total costs. Redo this calculation at the 12- and 24-month mark and then again at the five-year mark to get a clear indication of ROI.


Total cost of ownership (TCO)


Total cost of ownership is the full lifetime cost of the system. It matters because the license is typically only a quarter of the total, with the remaining 75% coming from other costs.


How to measure TCO


Add all initial and recurring costs across a set timeline (typically between three and five years). Divide the total by your expected user count and the total months to get a standardized cost-per-user-per-month.


Financial close cycle time


Sometimes referred to as Days to Close, financial close cycle time measures the number of days it takes the finance department to complete the financial close process at the end of an accounting period. The goal should be between five to seven days, but the average is somewhere between 10 to 15 days. A shorter close is evidence that automation efforts are paying off.


How to measure financial close cycle time


Take the number of days to close for the six most recent months and divide the number of days by six.


Cost per transaction (CPT)


CPT is the overall cost to process a transaction, such as an invoice or customer order. Organizations track this metric to understand how much it costs to complete routine activities, such as procurement requests and invoices – this allows them to identify areas that need improvement.


How to measure the cost per transaction


Calculate the total costs (including software, labor and overhead) of a specific business process and divide by the total volume of transactions over a defined period.


Process cycle times


Process cycle time is how long a workflow takes from start to finish, such as order-to-cash or procure-to-pay. It shows how quickly things happen in the business. However, consistency matters just as much as speed – a process that completes reliably every time is worth more than one that is fast, but stalls frequently.


How to measure process cycle times


Measure the elapsed time from the first step to the last and average it over a run of cycles.


Inventory turnover


If you’re in retail, you’re going to want to keep an eye on inventory turnover. Inventory turnover is the number of times you sell and replace your stock over a given period. It demonstrates how efficiently working capital is deployed and whether the ERP is improving demand planning.


How to measure inventory turnover


Divide your Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) by your average inventory value within a specific timeframe. It is most useful paired with your stockout rate, which shows whether a high turnover reflects actual efficiency or thin stock that is at risk of shortages.


Forecast accuracy


Forecast accuracy is how closely your demand forecasts match what actually sold. Better accuracy results in less capital being tied up in stock and reduces financial shortfalls that ultimately damage the service you offer.


How to measure forecast accuracy


Choose the time horizon (e.g. weekly or monthly) and the level of measurement (total sales or product category), pull historical forecasts and actual recorded demand from your ERP system, and subtract your forecast from the actual figure, take the absolute value of that difference, then divide it by the actual figure. Subtract the result from 100% to get your accuracy.


User adoption rate


User adoption rate is the share of employees who use the system meaningfully, rather than just logging in. It’s one of the most important measures to monitor, as low adoption significantly reduces an ERP’s expected efficiency gains.


How to measure user adoption rate


You can measure user adoption rate by dividing the number of active users by the total licensed users. However, to get a clearer picture of your ERP system’s health, evaluate the user adoption rate alongside login frequency and transaction completion time. Even better if you can supplement these quantitative methods with qualitative user surveys.

 

Get more from your ERP with the right partner

 

Measuring all of these KPIs is quite the task, especially if your team is busy on other projects. Yet it’s often what separates a system that’s simply live from one that is proving its worth.

 

Measuring ERP success with intention takes more than a list of KPIs (although an informative list is a good place to start if you’re not sure which KPIs to focus your attention on). It takes a partner who stays involved in the process long after go-live to manage and monitor measurement and, crucially, act on the findings.

 

At ERP Mechanics, we work with organizations at various stages of their ERP projects, including the post go-live stage, where so much value is made or lost. Unlike traditional consultancies, we are built as a flat, modern team, so you get speed, flexibility and a focus on results rather than layers of hierarchy.

 

If you’re keen to carefully track post-go-live metrics, we can help you set a clear definition of success and build the measurement and optimization to get you there. Get in touch with the ERP Mechanics team today, and we’ll talk more about how we can make your ERP implementation a success.

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]]> Dynamics 365 F&O Document Viewing Made Easy with Autoform DM https://www.erpmechanics.com/webinars/dynamics-365-fo-document-viewing-made-easy-with-autoform-dm/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 02:50:44 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13156 Dene Palmer of ERP Mechanics and Lasernet's Stuart Norman and Nathan Gould introduce Autoform DM and explore a variety of use cases in D365 and beyond where Autoform DM can add value.

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Do your D365 F&O users know what to do with new documents? The ability of your users to store, view and archive your documents quickly and securely in D365 impacts relationships, compliance, process efficiency, and your overall ERP ROI.

 

Dene Palmer of ERP Mechanics and Lasernet’s Stuart Norman and Nathan Gould introduce Autoform DM and explore a variety of use cases in D365 and beyond where Autoform DM can add value to your business. They also discuss how other D365 customers have evaluated their document management solution needs and the outcomes they have experienced.

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]]> K3 Fashion Solutions and ERP Mechanics Partner to Deliver Fashion-Focused ERP Transformation https://www.erpmechanics.com/news-media/k3-fashion-solutions-and-erp-mechanics-partner-to-deliver-fashion-focused-erp-transformation/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:08:04 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13141 K3 Fashion Solutions and ERP Mechanics, a specialist Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management and Lasernet consultancy, have officially penned a new partnership to accelerate digital transformation initiatives throughout the fashion and apparel industry.   Founded in 2017 by a group of experienced developers seeking a more collaborative and flexible approach to ERP […]

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K3 Fashion Solutions and ERP Mechanics, a specialist Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management and Lasernet consultancy, have officially penned a new partnership to accelerate digital transformation initiatives throughout the fashion and apparel industry.

 

Founded in 2017 by a group of experienced developers seeking a more collaborative and flexible approach to ERP delivery, ERP Mechanics has grown into an international consultancy with offices across Lithuania, the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Latvia.

 

The partnership brings together ERP Mechanics’ expertise in ERP implementation, supply chain management and document processes with K3 Fashion Solutions’ fashion-specific capabilities for merchandising, planning and retail operations. Together, the companies aim to help fashion businesses address the operational complexities that standard ERP platforms often struggle to accommodate without industry-focused enhancements.

 

Fashion organisations continue to face challenges associated with high SKU volumes, demanding supply chains, seasonal collections and increasing customer expectations. While Microsoft Dynamics 365 provides the foundation for managing finance, operations and supply chain processes, many fashion businesses require additional industry-specific functionality to support the way they buy, merchandise, plan, and sell products.

 

The partnership is a natural fit due to ERP Mechanics’ existing and extensive experience supporting retailers as well as apparel, textile and fashion manufacturers in areas such as document management, labels, packing slips, receipts, barcodes and SKU processing.

 

The company’s deep expertise in supply chain management, paired with its flat organisational structure and integration of AI-assisted working practices allow it to deliver projects effectively while helping customers realise value faster.

 

For ERP Mechanics, the partnership strengthens its ability to support fashion and apparel organisations with industry-specific capabilities that complement its existing Dynamics 365 and Lasernet expertise. By adding K3 Fashion Solutions to its portfolio, the company can offer customers a broader range of proven solutions that address the unique operational requirements of fashion businesses.

 

“This partnership strengthens our ability to support fashion and apparel customers with a best-in-class solution built specifically for the industry,” said Karolis Aleknavičius, CEO, ERP Mechanics. “By combining our expertise with K3 Fashion Solutions’ fashion capabilities, we can help customers adopt proven industry processes while creating a stronger foundation for future growth.”

 

The partnership also reflects growing demand within the fashion sector for solutions that combine strong ERP capabilities with industry expertise. As brands and retailers continue investing in digital transformation, automation and AI, having systems and processes that understand fashion operations has become increasingly important.

 

“ERP Mechanics already understands the nuances of fashion and has helped countless retailers and manufacturers with document processes. Adding K3’s solution into the mix will allow it to take that work even further and drive real value,” said Jason Glynne, Partner Director at K3 Fashion Solutions.

 

For Inquiries:

Mallorie De Riggi, CMO, ERP Mechanics

mallorie@erpmechanics.com

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]]> The Hidden Costs of a D365 F&O Implementation (And How to Keep Costs Down) https://www.erpmechanics.com/blog/the-hidden-costs-of-a-d365-fo-implementation-and-how-to-keep-costs-down/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 23:38:44 +0000 https://www.erpmechanics.com/?p=13077 ERP implementations rarely come in at the cost budgeted on day one. Software licenses and vendor fees are very visible in ERP implementation budgets, but the actual cost of the project tends to reveal itself during data migration and training phases later in the rollout.    We’ve worked on enough Dynamics 365 F&O projects to see […]

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ERP implementations rarely come in at the cost budgeted on day one. Software licenses and vendor fees are very visible in ERP implementation budgets, but the actual cost of the project tends to reveal itself during data migration and training phases later in the rollout. 

 

We’ve worked on enough Dynamics 365 F&O projects to see these patterns repeat themselves, and the costs that catch teams out almost always come from the work surrounding the software, rather than the software itself. 

 

Here are the hidden costs we most often see in D365 F&O implementation projects, and how we help to reduce them.

 

How much does a D365 F&O implementation cost? 

 

The average ERP budget (including discovery, design, configuration, data migration, integration, testing, training and support for go-live) varies by industry and company size. For many organizations the cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more depending upon its business needs. For a larger enterprise, the costs can easily reach into the millions.  

 

But that’s not the end of it. It’s the indirect costs where projects most often drift off budget.

 

What are the hidden costs of a D365 F&O implementation? 

 

There’s a big difference between the cost you calculate during the planning phase and the actual cost of an ERP implementation. Here are the hidden costs we see eating into ERP implementation budgets:

 

The customization burden 

 

Most ERP systems need at least some customization to fit the way the organization operates. However, when a few tweaks turn into a major development effort that spans many months, costs quickly climb.  

 

Each customization adds an upfront cost, but there’s a longer-term issue to consider: the technical debt customizations inevitably create. Customizations are not a one-time job – they need to be maintained and tested with every D365 F&O update.  

 

A pattern we often see is teams intending to customize their new ERP to match existing processes, rather than questioning whether those processes are still the best approach. The result is a system that mirrors the inefficiencies of the old ways of working, just with a higher license fee attached. 

 

The fit-to-standard approach almost always pays off by minimizing customizations and adapting business processes to the system. This is one of the most reliable ways to keep costs under control.  

 

Microsoft recommends this approach for D365 F&O, and the platform is designed around the assumption that extensions will be lightweight. This is why we map every client’s processes against standard functionality first, and only customize where there’s a clear reason to do so. 

 

Data migration delays 

 

Migrating data from legacy ERP systems is one of the most consistently underestimated parts of any ERP project. The cleansing and validation work that comes before migration almost always takes longer than expected – it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. 

 

In our experience, the issues most teams underestimate are duplicate records and historical data that nobody knows whether to keep. Each of these issues needs to be resolved well before migration is due to start, and the work tends to fall on people with already long to-do lists. 

 

Two things help here: start the data cleansing process months before the migration, and be specific about what needs to be carried over to the new system. For example, migrating a decade’s worth of transactional data is rarely necessary and needlessly inflates storage and licensing costs.

 

Training, change management and the inevitable productivity dip 

 

ERP training tends to be budgeted as a single event near the go-live date. In practice, however, it’s an ongoing requirement that needs to cover many users of different technical proficiency levels, not to mention the staff turnover that happens during a long project like this.  

 

Then there’s organizational change management (OCM) to factor into the budget. OCM covers the work that comes with preparing employees for new ways of working, including end-user training and resistance management. With 70% of change programs failing to meet their goals, a defined budget and strategy for training and change management can make all the difference. Employees who have used the same systems for years don’t automatically embrace new ones, especially if no one has explained why the change is happening or what’s in it for them.  

 

There’s also a temporary productivity cost that comes with implementing a new ERP system. Organizations typically see a 10% to 25% productivity drop for three to six months after go-live as users adjust to unfamiliar processes.  

 

For a 100-person business, that loss can easily run into the hundreds of thousands before the productivity gains that come with a new ERP start to kick in. We factor this into the case we help clients build, and we plan rollouts to avoid going live during peak periods where the productivity hit would be hardest to absorb.

 

Internal resourcing gaps that need to be filled 

 

Almost every ERP project requires more internal effort than initially planned, and resource constraints add even more pressure. Internal staff are pulled into the project alongside their normal duties, and the workload gets heavier than expected. The project either slows down, or external consultants have to be brought in to ensure the work gets done. 

 

This is where the right ERP implementation partner makes a big difference. A specialist team can absorb the technical workload so your staff aren’t run off their feet. Working with the ERP Mechanics team means you accomplish everything you need to without overstretching the people who keep the business running. 

 

Integration, ongoing maintenance and post go-live optimization 

 

ERP systems don’t operate in isolation. They connect to CRMs, e-commerce platforms and payment tools. Each connection has to be configured, tested and maintained, and each integration is a future maintenance commitment that needs updates when systems change. 

 

This is why choosing a system with easy integration matters, and that’s why we’re focused on Dynamics 365 F&O. The popular ERP system has strong native integrations with the rest of the Microsoft ecosystem, and we always look for opportunities to use them before recommending building custom interfaces. 

 

Post go-live costs are another area that catches teams out. Subscription fees, additional user licenses and ongoing support add to the total cost of ownership in ways the original business case didn’t fully capture. Enlisting the right support is vital to the success of a new ERP system. “Experienced consultants understand common issues and can quickly assess situations to provide effective solutions, even in more complex cases,” said Ligita Markevičienė, Support Manager at ERP Mechanics. 

 

Then there’s the matter of post go-live optimization. You can follow all the best practices for implementing a new ERP system, and you’ll still come out of the other side of go-live with problems that need fixing.  

 

The first few months after implementation will be focused on problem-solving: resolving technical issues, building confidence in the new system across the organization, and collecting as much relevant data as possible to support system improvements. And you don’t have to do it all alone, because the ERP Mechanics support team will keep your system running at its very best.

 

How to keep hidden ERP implementation costs down 

 

The costs above are easy to underestimate during the planning phase when everyone’s focused on getting the project signed off. Some of the measures that make ERP costs more predictable sit with the business itself, and others are where the right implementation partner earns their fee. The most successful projects use both.

 

1) Contingency planning  

 

This one sits squarely with the business. It’s generally recommended to put aside between 15% to 20% as a contingency reserve. For highly complex projects, the figure could be higher. Whichever figure makes the most sense, it’s important to treat it as a real reserve and not a buffer that can be spent early in the process.

 

2) Phased implementation 

 

A phased ERP implementation limits your financial and operational exposure. Rather than committing the entire budget to a single big rollout across the organization, you spread it (and the risk) across multiple stages.  

 

If something goes wrong (and on a complex ERP project, something will go wrong), it’s far cheaper to catch it in a single business unit rather than to discover the same issue across all departments. This is something to agree with your implementation partner early, since the right phasing depends on which areas of the business will benefit most from going first.

 

3) Embrace fit-to-standard where possible 

 

Customization is one of the single biggest drivers of avoidable costs, and this is where an experienced ERP implementation partner makes a measurable difference. At ERP Mechanics, for example, we map client processes to standard ERP functionality and challenge any customization that isn’t likely to prove valuable.

 

4) Prioritize post-go-live support 

 

Most ERP systems need some level of optimization work after go-live because processes might look different in production than they did during workshops. Planning for this work in the original engagement keeps the support relationship continuous and avoids the friction that comes with arranging one-off projects.  

 

At ERP Mechanics, we often build ongoing support and optimization services into our engagements, so this work is anticipated from the start, rather than treated as a surprise after go-live.

 

Partner with ERP Mechanics for your D365 F&O implementation 

 

If you’re preparing for a Dynamics 365 F&O implementation, but you need some support from people who’ve done it all before, ERP Mechanics is the ideal partner. We start with a comprehensive analysis of your business processes to identify where the biggest improvements can be made, then handle the full implementation lifecycle, from planning and configuration through to deployment and training.  

 

Our experience spans manufacturing, retail, financial services and other sectors, and we focus on making D365 F&O fit neatly into the systems and processes you already rely on. Ongoing support and optimization services pick up where the implementation ends, so the system keeps running at its best long after go-live.  

 

Considering a Dynamics 365 F&O implementation? Take our ERP Readiness Assessment to understand whether your people, processes and budget are aligned for a successful rollout. 

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