elero – Sun Shading Solutions Nice: Future-proof through cloud transition with Dynamics 365

Why implement a new ERP system?

Since its founding in 1964, elero—a subsidiary of the Italian Nice Group—has been a global pioneer in automation technology. With locations in Schlierbach and Pößneck and an international network, the company develops innovative drive and control systems for roller shutters, awnings, and blinds.

However, the company’s previous ERP system was highly customized, limiting scalability and efficiency. The integration into the Nice Group further increased complexity. The goal of modernizing the ERP system was to standardize processes, ensure future readiness, and improve collaboration within the group.

The solution: Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management

elero chose Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management for its ability to provide a comprehensive view of business processes and meet the needs of a growing company. With BE-terna as its implementation partner, elero customized the solution to its specific requirements, ensuring a standardized platform that covers all core processes—from quote generation to production and delivery.

Overcoming challenges together

Implementing a new ERP system during the pandemic brought unique challenges. Remote work, limited on-site visits, and resource constraints required maximum flexibility and close coordination. Through regular virtual meetings and disciplined project management, the go-live was successfully completed in April 2023.

Vivien Praschinger, ERP/BI System Manager at elero, reflected on the collaboration:

“Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the cooperation worked exceptionally well. Teams workshops and later on-site sessions helped ensure a successful implementation. The consultants were highly competent and provided excellent support.”

Pascal Dannecker, Project Manager at BE-terna, added: “Our goal was to ensure the system was stable from day one. The moment everything runs as planned—from processing sales orders to invoicing—is always special. This success is thanks to the outstanding commitment of the entire project team, both at BE-terna and elero.”

Maximizing benefits through cloud migration

Cloud migration played a key role in elero’s ERP modernization. It enables secure and flexible system access without VPN limitations, while advanced cloud security standards protect sensitive data. Regular Microsoft updates ensure that the solution remains up to date, enhancing cross-location collaboration and reducing the IT team’s workload.

The introduction of Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management has significantly improved elero’s process landscape:

• Standardized processes: Streamlined workflows have increased efficiency.
• Optimized logistics: Integration of an external warehouse enables automated goods receipt and stock transfers.
• Automated supplier management: A BE-terna add-on facilitates the management of long-term supplier declarations and preference calculations directly within the ERP system.
• SharePoint integration: Document archiving and management are now significantly easier.

A long-term partnership for continuous improvement

With BE-terna’s support, elero has taken a significant step toward future-proof operations. Standardized and automated processes improve efficiency and foster integration within the Nice Group.

As a long-term BE-terna customer, elero is already planning further optimizations to enhance warehouse logistics. The focus is on improving picking processes, with Dynamics 365 offering capabilities for modern warehouse management, such as zone-based storage and optimized routing, to further streamline operations.