Hutchinson Engineering at a glance:
- Replaced spreadsheet-heavy legacy systems with a fully integrated ERP and CRM platform
- Achieved real-time visibility across shop floor, warehouse, and operations
- Improved production planning, scheduling, and resource utilisation
- Connected customer service and sales for a full 360-degree customer view
- Created a scalable foundation to support continued growth and continuous improvement
Introduction
After investing £4 million in advanced laser cutting and automated storage technology, Hutchinson Engineering needed its systems to match its manufacturing capability.
The Northern Ireland-based manufacturer, which produces high-integrity fabrications and sub-assemblies for global machinery brands, had increased capacity by 50%. But without the right systems in place, it lacked the visibility, planning accuracy, and operational control required to fully realise that investment.
To support its continued growth and commitment to innovation across robotics, automation, and sustainable vehicle technology, Hutchinson Engineering set out to modernise its core systems and create a more connected, scalable operation.
The Challenge
Having invested heavily in modernising its production systems, Hutchinson Engineering quickly recognised that its legacy ERP could not support its next phase of growth.
The business relied on manual processes and complex spreadsheets, with disparate systems limiting visibility across operations. This made it difficult to plan production effectively, optimise resources, and respond quickly to changing customer and market demands.
Without a connected view across departments, the company lacked the control and insight needed to scale efficiently, while fragmented customer data made it harder to deliver the level of service it aspired to.
The Solution:
To address these challenges, Hutchinson Engineering partnered with ProStrategy to design and deliver a fully integrated, cloud-based platform that would connect operations, planning, and customer engagement.
The transformation was delivered in two key phases.
Phase one focused on operational transformation, replacing the legacy ERP and spreadsheet-heavy processes with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS. This was enhanced with specialist manufacturing modules from Insight Works, including Shopfloor Insight for real-time production tracking, WMS Insight for warehouse management, MxAPS for advanced planning and scheduling, and Fulfilment for streamlined order processing. This phase went live in April 2024, establishing a modern, connected foundation across operations.
Phase two focused on customer engagement, extending the platform to include Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement. The Customer Service module, implemented in December 2024, improved case management and support processes, while the Sales module, launched in March 2025, enabled better management of quotes, communications, and pipeline activity. Together, these capabilities provided Hutchinson Engineering with a unified, 360-degree view of its customers for the first time.
The Outcome:
The transformation delivered significant operational and strategic benefits, giving Hutchinson Engineering the visibility, control, and scalability needed to support its continued growth
- Scalable, efficient operations
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS has removed reliance on spreadsheets, enabling streamlined, automated workflows and more effective resource planning. - Real-time operational visibility
With visibility across shop floor and warehouse operations, the business can now schedule, track, and manage inventory with greater accuracy and control. - Improved planning and execution
Closer integration between ERP and existing third-party systems has enabled more accurate planning and more efficient execution across the business. - Enhanced customer engagement
Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement has given the team a unified platform for managing customer interactions, leading to improving responsiveness, and fostering stronger client relationships. - Continuous improvement built in
Through an ongoing programme with ProStrategy, Hutchinson Engineering continues to identify opportunities for further optimisation and added value.
Commenting on the project, Hutchinson Engineering’s Finance Director James Scullion says:
“Partnering with ProStrategy for our business transformation project has delivered outstanding results. Implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Customer Engagement has significantly improved our efficiency and scalability. We now benefit from real-time visibility across production and inventory, seamless integration with our existing systems, and a unified approach to customer relationship management. Most importantly, our ongoing continuous improvement programme ensures we keep building on this success. It’s been a game changer for our operations and customer service.”
Are you ready to modernise your operations and future proof your business?
Contact ProStrategy today to explore how our expert team can help you transform & grow with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and unlock new levels of efficiency, insight, and growth.
To start your business transformation journey, contact ProStrategy at [email protected]