Strategic ERP Implementation for Scalable Growth Leading to $6-8M in Cost Savings

A leading architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firm with over 1,500 professionals across the U.S

$6-8M
Projected Annual Cost Savings
8%
Projected Increase in Overall Productivity

Context

Navigating Rapid Growth with an Outdated System

Our client was experiencing steady year-over-year growth of 10-15%, and recognized that its 15-year-old legacy ERP system
was becoming a barrier to scaling for growth. This system created process bottlenecks and lacked the modern capabilities
needed to support future expansion. Recognizing the complexity of a full-scale ERP transition, the client engaged our team to
navigate the selection process, lay the groundwork for a smooth implementation, and manage the significant organizational
change critical for success.

What We Discovered

The Roadblocks to Scaling Revealed

Through a comprehensive internal assessment involving over 100 stakeholders through interviews and workshops, we conducted a deep-dive analysis of the company’s ERP operational landscape. This effort involved mapping over 400 distinct processes and data flows, which provided a clear, aligned enterprise-wide view of inefficiencies and opportunities.

  • Pain Points and Root Causes: We identified 603 pain points across the organization, analyzing whether they stemmed from process inefficiencies, unclear roles and responsibilities, or limitations of the existing ERP system. This distinction helped clarify which issues could be addressed through process improvement versus system enhancement.
  • ERP Requirements and Future Needs: Mapping processes generated 790 ERP requirements, with 55% reflecting current system capabilities and 45% representing future-state needs critical to supporting the firm’s long-term growth and scalability objectives.
  • IT Governance and Ecosystem Gaps: Our review uncovered gaps in IT governance, systems strategy, and data management, resulting in fragmented systems, manual workarounds, and limited integrated business intelligence. These findings highlighted that establishing strong governance would be critical to ensure improvements are sustainable and aligned with an enterprise IT strategy.

Our Approach

Building the Foundation for an ERP Upgrade Across Systems and Processes

Building on our comprehensive understanding of the client’s processes and ERP requirements, we designed and supported the client with two interrelated workstreams to drive a successful ERP upgrade and position the organization for scalable growth.

Workstream 1: ERP Evaluation & Selection Using the process maps and ERP requirements repository, we supported the client in assessing potential ERP systems, identifying the solution that best aligned with current needs. With a clear and aligned understanding of the organization’s needs, reaching consensus on the right system was straightforward. This clarity also strengthened $6-8M Projected Annual Cost Savings 8% Projected Increase in Overall Productivity CASE STUDY: Outcomes Strategic ERP Implementation for Scalable Growth Leading to $6-8M in Cost Savings This section in upper right hand corner, goes in the template above the Context section. contract negotiations and provided a robust, data-driven business case for the investment giving their leadership confidence in both the strategic value and expected ROI of the upgrade.

Workstream 2: Process Optimization & ERP Readiness In parallel, we established a PMO framework to oversee critical process improvement initiatives and prepare the organization for ERP implementation. These efforts delivered early benefits, allowed the client to practice change management, and built momentum for transformation. By standardizing processes ahead of the rollout, the organization could rely on a single set of best-practice workflows for the new system, avoiding debates over configuration decisions during implementation.

Value Created

Our partnership turned a complex ERP upgrade into a structured, manageable plan. By aligning both system capabilities and standardized processes, we equipped the client with a strong foundation for a smoother implementation and long-term operational excellence.

  • Projected $6-8M in Annual Savings: The new ERP implementation and associated process improvements are projected to generate between $6-8 million in annual cost savings, driven by automation, streamlined workflows, and enhanced financial controls.
  • 8% Increase in Productivity: A prioritized portfolio of 20 high-impact strategic initiatives, developed from our initial assessment, is projected to drive an 8% increase in overall organizational productivity, with an expected two-year return on investment.
  • De-Risked Technology Investment: By grounding the ERP evaluation in mapped processes and defined requirements, we ensured the chosen system aligned with actual business needs rather than just new capabilities. This clarity also enabled targeted process improvement work in advance, further reducing implementation risks.
  • Established Continuous Improvement Capabilities & Culture: The organization adopted a PMO framework and supporting tools, with initial initiatives serving as a catalyst to demonstrate the value of continuous improvement and build the foundation for ongoing efforts.
The Poirier Group | Strategic ERP Implementation for Scalable Growth Leading to $6-8M in Cost Savings
The Poirier Group | Strategic ERP Implementation for Scalable Growth Leading to $6-8M in Cost Savings
The Poirier Group | Strategic ERP Implementation for Scalable Growth Leading to $6-8M in Cost Savings

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The Poirier Group | Strategic ERP Implementation for Scalable Growth Leading to $6-8M in Cost Savings

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