Modernising Bulla’s

Approved Suppliers Database

with Microsoft Power Platform

Bulla, a leader in the Australian dairy industry, needed to modernise its Approved Suppliers Database, which was built on IBM’s Lotus Notes. The system lacked support and no longer meet evolving business needs. SOCO was engaged to design, build and implement a custom, fit-for purpose solution. Leveraging several Microsoft technologies, our team of Business Applications experts successfully developed a scalable, future-ready solution that streamlined data management, allowing seamless supplier tracking, and providing an intuitive user experience, enabling Bulla’s Quality Team to maintain high-quality standards.

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Challenge

Bulla’s Quality Team required a modern ASD to manage supplier information, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. Some of the key challenges included:

Outdated technology: The legacy IBM Lotus Notes system was unsupported and no longer fit the evolving needs of the business.
Data integration needs: Data migration from SAP to ensure an accurate list of suppliers, materials, and services.
Comprehensive audit tracking: Historical data and detailed audit histories were essential for compliance.
Scalable architecture: A need for a user-friendly interface for efficient data management, and a future-proof, relational database model tailored to Bulla’s requirements, without disrupting ongoing operations.

SOCO Solution

Several solutions were recommended using SOCO’s 4D methodology approach to support the transition tailored to Bulla’s needs, including:

Dataverse Build: Create a scalable, compliant relational data model.
Dynamics 365 Integration: Utilise standard and custom tables for advanced data management.
Data Migration: Migrate legacy data from Lotus Notes and reconcile it with SAP extracts using SWING.
SharePoint Integration: Enable seamless document management via Dynamics 365 and SharePoint integration.
Workflow Automation: Streamline processes with Power Automate and Dynamics workflows.
User Authentication: Implement Entra ID for secure single sign-on, enhancing user convenience.

We are thrilled with the recent application developed by SOCO. From the initial consultation to the final deployment, their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of our needs. This application has significantly improved our Quality teams day to day, providing increased accuracy of data and reporting functionality.

Joe Anderson, Business Analyst

Technology snapshot

Microsoft Power Platform: A model-driven ASD application was built to provide a user-friendly interface and efficient data management.

Dataverse: Customised to securely store relational supplier and material data, ensuring scalability and consistency.
Dynamics 365: Served as the core application for data management and workflows, streamlining operational processes.
SharePoint Online: Integrated for document storage and access to essential files.
Power Automate: Used to create automated workflows, reducing manual effort and ensuring timely notifications.
SAP Integration: Supplier and material records were transitioned with a manual data flow, with plans for future API-based real-time updates.
Exchange Online: Enabled email notifications to streamline review processes and provide timely document reminders.

Outcome

The successful migration of the ASD from Lotus Notes to Power Platform delivered significant improvements for Bulla’s Quality Team, including:

Enhanced efficiency: A modern relational database and intuitive user interface streamlined supplier management processes.
Audit tracking and compliance: Captured detailed audit histories and ensured supplier compliance with food safety standards.
Future-proof scalability: A flexible data model designed to evolve with Bulla’s business needs.
Optimised user experience: Easy navigation, advanced search capabilities, and single sign-on boosted user productivity.

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