Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Hellmann) sought to replace its legacy ERP with a scalable solution that increases transparency, productivity, and efficiency.
Dynamics 365 Finance delivers flexibility and security to meet Hellmann’s global standards, easily integrating with its Transportation Management System and other applications.
Global finance operations are now supported by standard processes and data and a single source of truth with a 360-degree view of the business.
Since its foundation in 1871, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has developed into a leading international logistic provider, that offers a range of services, including air and sea freight, contract logistics, road and rail transport, and customs clearance. With more than 12,000 employees and 243 offices in 57 countries, Hellmann serves customers across various industries, such as automotive, healthcare, retail, consumer goods, and others. The Hellmann Group has a mission to deliver reliable integrated logistics solutions powered by technology, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit. Connecting the world every day. Sustainably.
As a company that operates in a highly competitive and dynamic market, Hellmann needed to modernize its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) infrastructure and business processes to keep up with the changing customer demands and regulatory requirements.
Insufficient transparency of its legacy ERP applications limited Hellman’s ability to manage internal processes and productivity efficiently and effectively. The company realized that it needed a new scalable solution that could support its digital transformation and growth strategy.
As we implemented Microsoft Dynamics Finance globally, we were impressed by its ease of use, allowing us to seamlessly navigate complex topics with clarity and efficiency. The software met our global standards while providing the flexibility needed to adapt to regional and country-specific regulations.
Martin Eberle, Group CFO, Hellman Worldwide Logistics
After evaluating several options, Hellmann decided to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance as its new finance ERP system. The company chose Dynamics 365 because of its user-friendly interface, and its flexibility, functionality, and integration capabilities. Dynamics 365 Finance offered a cloud-based, modular, and unified platform with customized country template to fulfil local legal requirements that could address Hellmann's diverse and complex business needs, as well as integrate with other Microsoft solutions, such as Azure, Power BI, and other Office applications.
Hellmann worked with HSO, a Microsoft Partner, to deploy Dynamics 365 Finance by creating a golden template covering the main processes of the Hellmann Group with a built-in internal control system, based on input from finance experts across geographies in a standardized format. The golden templatewas introduced to key users to develop a training concept and validation of processes and designed solution in application, resulting in continuous improvement of the template through customizing and configuring the solution. The transformation involved training the users, migrating data from the legacy system, and standardizing processes across geographies as Hellmann migrated to Dynamics 365.
The implementation was done in phases, starting with the pilot countries of Singapore and Malaysia beginning in 2023. Within the year, two European countries and the entire APAC region covering 14 countries totaling 22 legal entities migrated to Dynamics 365 with 166 users.By mid-2024, an additional 11 countries with 24 legal entities with 123 users were successfully migrated as well.
Global Head of Systems and Processes, Santhosh Rao, explains, "We are very satisfied with the pace with which we can implement Dynamics 365 Finance. Dynamics 365 has enabled us to standardize and harmonize our processes, data, and systems across the world. It has also given us the agility and scalability to adapt to the changing market conditions and regulatory environments."
With Dynamics 365, Hellmann has transformed its global finance operations and achieved significant business and technical value, including:
Improved efficiency and productivity
Dynamics 365 has streamlined and automated Hellmann's core finance processes such as Bank Reconciliation, Credit & Collection management, reporting with various dimensions, and Indirect Tax Reporting. The solution has integrated with other applications and data sources, such as Transport Management System (TMS) and Business Intelligence (BI), to provide a single source of truth and a 360-degree view of the business.
Timely integrations and visibility
An automated process runs every 30 minutes, pulling the TMS transactions into Dynamics 365 keeping the finance system up to date and synchronized.
Ability to collaborate and work remotely
Hellmann has improved its collaboration and communication across the organization, by using the integrated tools and features of Dynamics 365, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook. The company has also enabled its employees to work remotely and securely, by accessing the Dynamics 365 solution from company issued devices.
Enterprise standardization of migration
Hellmann has standardized and harmonized its processes, data, and systems across the world using a common and consistent platform that can support its global finance operations. The company has also migrated from its legacy systems to Dynamics 365, by using a proven and structured methodology that ensured a smooth and successful transition.
Trust and security
Hellmann has leveraged the built-in security features and controls of Dynamics 365, such as encryption, authentication, and authorization.
With Dynamics 365 at its core, Hellmann is continuously optimizing and enhancing the solution to meet its evolving business needs. By mid-2026, Hellmann will migrate all remaining 30 countries to Dynamics 365 Finance.Group CFO, Martin Eberle reflected,“As we implemented Microsoft Dynamics Finance globally, we were impressed by its ease of use, allowing us to seamlessly navigate complex topics with clarity and efficiency. The software met our global standards while providing the flexibility needed to adapt to regional and country-specific regulations.”
We are very satisfied with the pace with which we can implement Dynamics 365 Finance. Dynamics 365 has enabled us to standardize and harmonize our processes, data, and systems across the world. It has also given us the agility and scalability to adapt to the changing market conditions and regulatory environments.
Santhosh Rao, Global Head of Systems and Processes, Hellman Worldwide Logistics
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