Supporting Australian Construction: The Nexus Story
Founded in 1981, Nexus Construction Systems has established itself as a prominent provider in the Australian construction industry. As a 100% Australian-owned company, Nexus operates from four branches located in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. The company specialises in the precast and tilt-up concrete sectors, providing essential products and services that cater to various construction needs.
Nexus offers a range of solutions, including cast-in consumables, panel formwork, bond breakers, lifting clutches, and equipment hire. Their focus on delivering personalised service and adhering to industry standards has earned them a reliable reputation among clients. They cater to diverse markets, from small residential projects to large-scale commercial developments, positioning themselves as a wholesale provider of high-quality construction materials and services.
The Need to Construct a Stronger Future
As Nexus continued to grow and expand its services, it became evident that their existing on-premises version of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central was no longer meeting their needs. The company was operating on an older version of the software, which presented several challenges related to performance, reliability, and functionality.
One of the main motivations for upgrading was their aging infrastructure. Nexus had encountered issues with their servers, which risked disrupting business operations during downtimes. The prospect of a server failure was a significant concern, as it could interrupt operations until the systems were restored. This uncertainty led the management team to consider moving to a cloud-based solution that would provide greater reliability and security.
Additionally, the on-premises system lacked the automatic updates available with a cloud-based solution. Without these updates, Nexus was missing out on new features and improvements that could enhance their operations. The need for more functionality and the ability to adapt to evolving industry standards were key factors driving their decision to upgrade to Microsoft Cloud.
Navigating Implementation Challenges
Transitioning from an on-premises solution to a cloud-based system came with its own set of challenges. Nexus experienced limited support from their previous Business Central partner, making the initial implementation of moving to the cloud difficult. This resulted in frustration and uncertainty regarding how the business’s workflows and processes were structured.
Additionally, moving their data and operations to the cloud posed logistical concerns. It was crucial to ensure that all key information was transferred correctly and that daily operations could continue without major disruptions. Nexus needed a partner that could assist them through this process by providing guidance and resolving any technical challenges that arose.
Selecting the Right Partner for a Seamless Transition
Recognising the importance of finding the right partner, Nexus turned to Fenwick for assistance in upgrading to Microsoft Cloud. Fenwick understood the unique challenges Nexus faced and committed to providing the support needed for a successful transition. Our team took the time to understand Nexus’s specific requirements and operational processes.
Working collaboratively with Nexus, we developed a tailored implementation strategy that would address their needs. Through our Business Central expertise, the team guided Nexus through the upgrade, ensuring that the new cloud-based solution was aligned with the company’s operational goals.
The transition to Microsoft Cloud has delivered substantial benefits for Nexus, significantly improving their business operations. One of the standout outcomes has been the enhanced efficiency and ease of use offered by the cloud-based platform. With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, employees can now navigate the system more smoothly, allowing them to access and analyse data quickly. This has streamlined daily tasks, enabling staff to focus on their core responsibilities without being hindered by technical challenges.
Unified Solutions for Maximised Operational Success
Upgrading hire systems for enhanced cloud compatibility
Previously, Nexus had been using an equipment rental system that was not equipped to handle the demands of a growing business, particularly in a cloud-based environment. The system wasn’t ready for Microsoft’s cloud-hosted infrastructure, creating a roadblock during the upgrade process. Nexus had reached the cutover stage when they realised their existing hire solution wasn’t compatible, which led them to seek out a better alternative.
Once Nexus identified a more suitable solution that would integrate seamlessly with Dynamics 365 Business Central and Microsoft Cloud, we assisted them with transitioning over to their new equipment rental partner.
The new rental system was integrated directly with Business Central, providing Nexus with the scalability, flexibility, and cloud compatibility they required. With this upgrade, Nexus could manage their entire hire operation from a single, centralised platform, eliminating the need for multiple systems and reducing the risk of data duplication or errors.
The new rental solution not only improved operational efficiency but also gave Nexus greater control over their equipment rental processes. They could now track their hire inventory in real time, monitor availability, and ensure accurate billing, all while maintaining a comprehensive view of their equipment across multiple branches. This level of integration has been particularly beneficial for Nexus, as their hire services are a core component of their business model. The ability to manage hires more effectively has enabled Nexus to provide faster responses to customer inquiries and meet demand with greater accuracy.
Integrating Power BI for data-driven insights
In addition to the hire solution, Nexus integrated Power BI to enhance their operations further. This allowed them to unlock the full potential of their data, transforming their approach to analytics and reporting. Power BI’s advanced features allowed Nexus to automate data collection and analysis, providing real-time insights that were previously unattainable.
The integration with Business Central facilitated the efficient transfer of sales, inventory, and equipment hire data into Power BI. This allowed employees to create customised dashboards and reports tailored to their specific needs. Power BI’s visualisation capabilities also helped Nexus identify trends and respond effectively to changing business requirements. With this functionality, their team could monitor inventory levels, track equipment utilisation, and analyse sales performance across regions.
Working with the Fenwick team on our BC upgrade and add on systems was great! The team’s in-depth product knowledge, and solid understanding of standard business processes ensured that the implementations went smoothly and on time. Communication with the team was easy and the team were always responsive to our needs. We transitioned to Fenwick from another partner, and have been very happy with their professionalism, service, and support at every level
Claire Woodbridge, Financial Controller, Nexus Construction Systems.
Working with Fenwick and Looking Forward
The collaboration between Nexus Construction Systems and Fenwick has laid the foundations for continued growth and innovation. By adopting a cloud-based platform, upgrading their hire systems, and integrating Power BI, Nexus has boosted operational efficiency and strengthened their ability to make data-driven decisions. With plans to introduce Tasklet’s handheld scanning devices for their warehouse and enhance their CRM capabilities, Nexus is preparing to further refine their operations to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.
