Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., DBH Distributing is the largest master distributor of Hunt Brothers Pizza, a family-owned pizza business serving the convenience store industry. Its network of store partners spans 10,000 locations across 33 states.
The challenge
DBH used Microsoft Dynamics GP as its ERP system for more than a decade. When Microsoft announced it would be discontinuing support for the platform, this news raised urgent questions and concerns for DBH. Operating within a direct store delivery (DSD) model, DBH depends on its ERP system for a wide range of core business processes, warehouse management, financial accounting, and customer relationship management (CRM). Since an ERP replacement would be necessary, DBH decided to assess how its new ERP system should ideally function within the context of the entire technology suite.
The solution
As DBH’s advisor, we began by assessing their overall technology stack. We interviewed functional groups over the course of multiple days to understand how they used the ERP; how it interacts with their CRM, route accounting, and route planning systems; and DBH’s top business priorities. With experience working on hundreds of ERP assessment projects for similar clients, plus extensive knowledge of DSD businesses, we brought an independent perspective rooted in industry best practices.
Through our on-site and remote reviews, we discovered that some of DBH’s existing systems were already working quite well, particularly those for route accounting, warehouse management, and truck routing. However, we also showed DBH how a new ERP system could present a valuable opportunity: the chance to create a new data concept with a multiplatform data warehousing setup. Additionally, by purchasing modern accounting software better suited to their specific business needs (both current and forecasted), DBH would experience both better business insights and financial management.
Using the insights we provided, we worked with DBH to develop their technical requirements for selecting a new ERP. Our team guided them through the contract negotiation process with their chosen vendor — NetSuite — identifying time- and cost-saving opportunities and necessary protections to add to the statement of work (SOW). Having worked with other vendors, we’re knowledgeable about pricing within the market, and we brought that data knowledge to the negotiation table to support DBH.
The benefits
Our ERP assessment, selection, and advisory services positioned DBH to:
- Design a system strategy that supports their growth and business goals.
- Develop thorough ERP technical requirements based on their specific needs and in accordance with best practices.
- Choose the right ERP solution for their business environment and operations.
- Integrate existing systems into the new ERP in a secure, compliant, and efficient manner.
- Save significant costs as part of contract negotiations.
- Identify and implement improvements within existing business processes.
With the support we provided to DBH, Hunt Brothers Pizza continues to grow across the United States as the largest made-to-order pizza brand in the convenience store industry. With the right ERP and system strategy in place, they’re prepared to empower this business success in the years to come.
Contact us to learn more about how our advisors can support all stages of your ERP and IT life cycle.
