Biohort upgrades manufacturing from AX to Dynamics 365

Biohort manufactures durable metal products in Austria

Biohort GmbH, headquartered in Neufelden in Upper Austria, is Europe’s leading manufacturer of durable, maintenance-free metal garden sheds, storage boxes, raised garden beds and pergolas. The family-owned company stands for uncompromising quality, thoughtful design and manufacturing that takes place entirely in Austria.

Moving from AX 2009 to Dynamics 365 without disrupting day-to-day operations

Biohort needed to move from AX 2009 to Dynamics 365 while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. The company defined four main objectives for the new solution:

• Seamlessly move from AX 2009 to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management
• Improve processes across the entire supply chain
• Integrate an additional sales entity
• Improve customer service with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service

Building on a long-standing partnership with BE-terna

Biohort has trusted BE-terna since its earlier upgrade from AX 3.0 to AX 2009. When it was time to move to Dynamics 365 the company once again chose BE-terna as its implementation partner. BE-terna had already moved Biohort’s sister company Ascendor to the latest Microsoft platform in 2022. The teams were therefore able to apply valuable experience from that project to the Biohort implementation. Even with additional requirements arising during the project the teams completed the implementation on schedule and within budget in January 2024. Today more than 200 users work with the solution to manage Biohort’s business processes.

More efficient logistics with digital warehouse processes

Improving logistics and shipping processes was a central part of the project. New digital processes including the use of scanners now capture and process data directly in the warehouse. Forklift operators receive precise instructions about which goods to pick and where to transport them. This gives Biohort greater transparency and makes processes across the logistics chain more efficient.

Another major task was transferring more than 120 individual customizations from the previous AX system to Dynamics 365. BE-terna worked closely with Biohort to implement these requirements in the new environment while preserving the processes that were important to the business. The result gives Biohort the flexibility of Dynamics 365 while continuing to support its specific operational requirements.

A ticketing system brings more structure to customer service

With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service Biohort has also improved how its teams handle customer inquiries. Requests are now managed as tickets. This gives employees a clearer overview and supports more efficient complaint and returns processes. The new setup provides greater process transparency and contributes to higher customer satisfaction.

Adding another sales entity during the project

During the implementation Biohort decided to integrate an additional sales entity. This required the teams to adapt processes quickly and coordinate closely with internal departments and external partners. Despite the additional complexity the teams completed the extension on schedule. Their close collaboration and flexible project planning allowed them to respond quickly as requirements changed.

Clear responsibilities keep a complex project moving

Biohort brought extensive internal experience to the project including knowledge gained during the previous upgrade at its sister company Ascendor. An internal coordination team managed the project while key users represented each business process with support from the process management department.

This structure allowed BE-terna consultants and Biohort teams to manage processes together across departments. Clearly defined responsibilities and continuous coordination helped the teams address challenges quickly and maintain transparency throughout the implementation.

“BE-terna impressed us with its experience, expertise and high-quality consulting and implementation. The close and solution-focused collaboration between our teams was key to the project’s success.”

- Thomas Oberhauser, CFO, Biohort

Biohort completed the project together with BE-terna in just 18 months. Experience on both sides including lessons from the previous Ascendor project helped the teams manage the implementation efficiently. Biohort now has a modern business application environment that connects key processes across production, logistics, warehouse management, sales and customer service. It also provides a strong foundation for the company’s future requirements.