Consolidation and implementation of new ERP platform through G-Cloud
Business Drivers
Previous to the merger, the legacy IT architecture of the organisation was made up of different systems. The key aim was to bring the three original agencies together under one cohesive ERP system. In addition to bringing together IT, the energies and spending power of the organisation was to be from that point geographically focussed on Wales alone. The capabilities and business processes of the new NRW needed to be developed in order to boost productivity and generate cost savings. Also cloud computing was a significant part of the NRWs IT strategy, and the organisation was looking for a reliable long-term partner to support their cloud journey.
Solution
NRW selected Trustmarque via G-Cloud to implement Unit4 as its new ERP platform, and to consolidate the ERP systems that it was using for finance and HR onto a single platform. The original ERP systems had been delivered through a combination of cloud, on-premise and managed services. Trustmarque is now delivering NRW’s sole ERP system, to over 2000 employees, as a private cloud service from the Trustmarque Cloud. The Trustmarque Cloud is accredited to manage systems and data operating at OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE and that require connectivity to the Public Services Network (PSN), surpassing the minimum security standards the NRW was looking for. The level of security was important to NRW, as its ERP holds considerable amounts of sensitive data, including employee, supplier and partner information.
Key Benefits
- Consolidation of ERP platforms has increased the quality of information
- Better information allows for more informed decisions and process improvements
- Secure and robust platform for large amounts of sensitive data
- Ability to offer greater self-service functionality to employees
- Simplification of software licensing
Outcomes and Benefits
The consolidation of the three existing ERP platforms and the move to cloud has increased the quality of the Management Information available to NRW, enabling it to make better informed decisions and process improvements. By selecting the Trustmarque Cloud, NRW is now able to realise the benefits of its Unit4 ERP system via a secure and robust platform. As part of the contract, Trustmarque is also managing the software licensing of Unit4 for NRW, simplifying its infrastructure licensing requirements and taking the responsibility for ensuring compliance, allowing NRW to focus on its core business without any compliance concerns.
A further benefit of the consolidation has been creation of a self-service portal, ‘MyNRW’, to allow NRW’s 2,000 employees to carry out tasks such as updating personal details or accessing digital payslips.
About Natural Resources Wales
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is a Welsh Government sponsored body which ensures the environment and natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained and used. It was formed in April 2013 from a merger of the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and the Forestry Commission Wales.
“The creation of NRW resulted in a complex and disparate IT estate, and over the past two years Trustmarque has helped us effectively simplify it.”
Paul Subacchi, Head of Business Support Services, Natural Resources Wales
Why Trustmarque?
After reviewing several companies, Karen Millen was confident that Trustmarque could deliver. Concludes Richard: “Trustmarque has a large, experienced professional services team and an excellent understanding and approach to Office 365. The transition phase was seamless with minimal disruption to our day-to-day business. The people are flexible, open and it felt like we were with a safe pair of hands from start to finish. We look forward to rolling out more Office 365 functionality and features over the coming months.”
