Tree Nursery Migrates from Dynamics GP to Acumatica for a Single Source of Financial Truth
C&O Nursery, a family-run business established in 1906, has long been a leader in the fruit tree farming industry. With nearly 400 employees during peak season and a network of 20 sales representatives across the U.S., the company generates over $12 million annually. They focus primarily on raising and selling varieties of fruit trees like apples, pears, and cherries to orchards across the country.
The Challenge
As the business grew, C&O Nursery faced challenges managing their accounting and inventory systems. Since 2008, they had been using Microsoft Dynamics GP for accounting and payroll, while relying on a separate, outdated inventory system based on Microsoft Access. The inability of these systems to communicate with each other led to inefficiencies, particularly in financial reporting and inventory tracking.
Curt Norton, the Office Manager at C&O Nursery, knew the company needed a change. The limitations of their legacy systems were becoming more apparent, especially with the growing complexity of their operations. After evaluating various options, C&O Nursery decided to transition from Dynamics GP to Acumatica, a cloud-based ERP solution that would integrate their accounting and inventory functions into a single platform.
Why They Chose Acumatica
The decision to move to Acumatica was not made lightly. C&O Nursery required something that could easily be customized or tailored to handle the complexities of their specific business operations. After considering several options, Acumatica stood out due to its flexibility and browser-based platform, which allowed for greater integration and customization possibilities.
C&O realized that, since Acumatica was built on the .NET framework (an industry-standard technology platform) it is a more adaptable solution than Dynamics GP. This adaptability was crucial for C&O, as they needed to ensure that their accounting and inventory systems could integrate seamlessly, providing real-time, detailed data to help them manage their business more efficiently.
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Benefits of the Switch to Acumatica
C&O Nursery experienced numerous benefits since moving over to Acumatica. The most significant improvement is the integration of their accounting and inventory systems. Why? Well, because their old systems did not communicate effectively. They required a lot of manual workarounds to transfer data between platforms. Now, with Acumatica, all the data is housed in one system, allowing for streamlined processes and more detailed financial insights.
“We finally have a package that is all-in-one and the data is a lot more detailed. This way we don’t have to switch from one program to the next to get our data. All the data is right there in one integrated program.”
~Curt Norton, Office Manager, C&O Nursery
Another advantage is Acumatica’s remote accessibility. The web-based platform enables C&O’s leadership to access the system from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially beneficial for the company’s president, who travels frequently and can now stay up-to-date on inventory levels and other critical data while on the go. Remote access also unifies field crews and sales representatives through real-time access to business data, improving productivity and communication.
This mobile access enhances connectivity across all their business teams. For example, in the past, employees in the field had to call in or wait for days to receive updated information. Now, with Acumatica, they can get the data they need directly through their mobile devices. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the time it takes to make decisions and complete tasks.
Looking ahead, C&O Nursery plans to expand their use of Acumatica by enabling customers to place orders online. This feature will streamline the ordering process and provide an even more seamless experience for both staff and customers. With intuitive interfaces and seamless navigation, Acumatica simplifies the selection and purchasing of plants and trees for customers. Additionally, its built-in security measures ensure that customer data is protected, making sure your transactions are secure. Through detailed tracking capabilities and automated updates, customers receive real-time information on their order status. C&O Nursery is not only optimizing its internal processes and supporting their growth plan but also elevating the customer journey, making plant purchasing a delightful and hassle-free experience for all.
Get Acumatica Through a Partner with Agriculture Industry Experience
If you’re in the agriculture industry and looking for a solution to optimize your business operations, working with a partner that understands your industry’s unique challenges is essential. Gale Force Consulting has over 20 years of experience providing tailored solutions for agribusiness firms. We specialize in everything from pricing management to regulatory compliance and systems integration.
By partnering with us, you can ensure that your ERP solution is optimally configured to meet your specific needs. We have a proven track record of helping agribusinesses streamline their processes, drive growth, and future-proof their operations.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, contact Gale Force Consulting today to learn how they can help you implement Acumatica and achieve your business goals.
