User-friendly ERP implementation simplifies Brepols' production processes
Brepols, a Belgian company with a rich history dating back to 1796, specializes in the creation and distribution of high-quality academic and professional planners. In addition to notebooks, calendars, and writing folders, Brepols operates a robust hard- and softcover binding facility that serves printing companies throughout the Benelux region. The company is also strongly focused on expanding its leather goods brand, Maverick. For its digital transformation, Brepols sought a partner who shared its passion for quality and success.
A large-scale project spanning over 500 days provided NORRIQ with the opportunity to support Brepols in their digital evolution. The goal? To restore confidence in ERP and deliver a solution that exceeded expectations - all during a pandemic when in-person meetings with end users were impossible.
Philippe Pissens, Finance DirectorFinance Director
Brepols
The challenge: an inflexible ERP system that didn’t deliver
Considering the operations of a major company like Brepols, it’s evident that the daily workflows across departments involve a certain degree of complexity. In addition to the standard production of goods ready for inventory and sale, some products require a certain level of customization.
One of Brepols’ most popular yet challenging products is their planner. Each year, a new item must be developed, and the production line manually adjusted. You can imagine the hassle and frustration this causes annually - combined with the complexity of other processes and the variety of goods produced. This makes the company a prime candidate for an automated ERP solution to help overcome these difficulties.
Unfortunately, previous ERP implementations failed because the software was too complex for key users to operate efficiently. Moreover, the system couldn’t keep pace with rapid production demands and lacked integrated financial or billing applications. The result? They went in search of a new partner and found one in NORRIQ.
A comprehensive approach with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
NORRIQ didn’t hesitate to take on the project, starting with a three-month analysis of the current situation, requirements, and efforts to design a suitable and powerful solution that could help Brepols streamline production and workflows across all departments.
Following the analysis, the scope of the project became clear, as did the need for a comprehensive strategy. After discussing budget and implementation methods with the client, NORRIQ opted for a 360-degree approach.
The full implementation scope included:
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
NORRIQ Business Central Accelerator
NORRIQ Manufacturing Accelerator
VAPS Netronic
Interface
Power BI
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and System Integration
NORRIQ chose to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as the foundation for the project. One of the key benefits of Business Central is enhanced financial management, making statistics and financial data more visible across departments and simplifying the entire billing process. Business Central was extended with applications such as EDI, a visual/graphical planner, and an additional automated billing system to meet specific requirements.
Manufacturing Accelerator
The NORRIQ Manufacturing Accelerator enhances the standard production module in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The solution is fully integrated into standard processes. Ensuring a user-friendly software setup was a top priority, and the Manufacturing Accelerator delivers on that, along with a simplified and efficient production environment.
Production Process
NORRIQ has extensive experience with all types of manufacturing. Upgrading Brepols’ processes with a ready-to-use IT solution led to a streamlined production system. This integrated system makes planning easier and faster (with the graphical planning solution playing a key role), while also reducing administration and improving logistics - all essential elements for a production-driven company like Brepols.
The key benefits for Brepols
User-friendly and efficient ERP system
NORRIQ replaced the old, complex ERP system with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, complemented by the Manufacturing Accelerator and a graphical planner. This transformation resulted in a simpler and more efficient production environment, improved user experience for employees, and a reduction in frustration and manual processes.
Optimized and integrated business processes
All departments - including production, finance, procurement, and sales - were reviewed, and their processes were optimized and integrated into the ERP system. This approach streamlined workflows, improved interdepartmental communication, reduced costs, and increased efficiency.
Improved financial management and administration
Thanks to Business Central and additional tools like the automated billing system and EDI, Brepols now has enhanced visibility into financial data. Their billing and financial processes are standardized and automated, reducing the need for manual checks and freeing up time for more valuable activities.
Optimization across all departments
Before implementation, all departments were analyzed to optimize workflows and enable seamless ERP integration for interdepartmental communication.
Finance, the central hub connecting all divisions, greatly benefited. By standardizing and automating financial processes, the need for manual tasks and data verification was minimized, creating space for value-added activities.
The procurement and sales departments also benefited. The procurement team streamlined their processes and reduced costs, while the sales department could more easily manage data and advance in lead management.
A strong collaboration
Every implementation requires effort from both parties. The consultants worked hard to deliver the best possible results and provide a high-performing solution to key challenges. In return, Brepols contributed significantly by providing detailed input and process documentation.
Why? Because they wanted real change with the new software - not just a copy-paste of the old system.
NORRIQ Care
"We are very satisfied with Microsoft Business Central. There are areas for improvement and growing pains, but large enterprises like this are rarely perfect from the start. One of the key strengths of this collaboration is that we both preferred building a long-term partnership rather than working with a one-time supplier." - Brepols
With NORRIQ Care, you receive full support even after your project is completed. NORRIQ understands the importance of change and ensures that everyone in the company is on board and understands the journey.
The result? NORRIQ helped Brepols achieve their desired outcomes and restore their confidence in ERP. From analysis to implementation - and beyond - our consultants ensured a worry-free experience for the client.
About Brepols
Over the past decades, Brepols has become the market leader in the development, production, and commercialization of planners. In addition to planners, they produce calendars, notebooks, writing folders, photo albums, and a range of other products.
Brepols firmly believes in the future of paper. Their tagline “Take your time” reflects their commitment to providing thoughtfully designed tools to better manage and organize time, helping to clear the mind and make room for what truly matters in life.