Bobux implements NetSuite solution to meet changing global market demands.
“I’d highly recommend CloudZone One to anyone that asks” – Matthew Smith, CFO/Acting CEO
The Business Challenge
Bobux, a successful business headquartered in New Zealand, has been designing shoes for babies and infants for over 30 years. With a fast-paced increase in global operations, Bobux had outgrown its IT architecture and was operating with a number of workarounds. Bobux’s speed to design and innovate was reduced due to the slow, outdated architecture. Minimising operational risk and future-proofing the business for continued expansion was essential. Covid changed the global purchasing landscape meaning Bobux needed an improved online B2C model in addition to its existing B2B model. Bobux worked with Auckland-based NetSuite Partner, CloudZone One, who implemented a fully integrated ERP solution to manage all aspects of the business and ensure operations would meet the needs of a changing market.
Covid – Changing The Global Buying Landscape
When Covid lockdowns struck, bricks and mortar operations worldwide were closed and Bobux saw an explosion in online demand for products! They needed to quickly deliver an improved B2C service model. Action was needed to maintain market position, support existing B2B operations worldwide and deliver an improved B2C service for new consumers.
Discovery
The first steps were for Bobux to carry out a full discovery exercise. One of the key findings was they were over-burdening their ERP system and asking it to perform activities that it really wasn’t designed for. This meant taking a full ecosystem approach and looking for an integrated omni-channel solution to manage all operations.
“NetSuite will grow as we do – the innovative developments and enhancements will help keep us ahead in the marketplace” – Matthew Smith, CFO/Acting CEO
CloudZone One put a strong business case forward outlining how NetSuite could manage operations globally including Accounting, Ecommerce, ERP, Customer Relationship Management and Professional Services Automation. Says Matthew: “they demonstrated their understanding of our challenges and how NetSuite could help us. The business case made it straightforward to put to the board. The implementation timescales were key – between 3-4 months – as we wanted to respond quickly to global market needs.”
Implementation Plan
CloudZone One carried out workshops to ensure that they understood the business and could demonstrate how NetSuite would deliver business value and benefit. Bobux is a large and successful business – it operates in 43 countries, has 14 URLs and thousands of SKUs. Using its RAPID implementation methodology, a plan was prepared and signed-off by the operational and functional team members. States Matthew “we originally laid out a 4-month implementation which meant a quick delivery to market. However, due to Covid lockdowns, we had to delay the project. We went live in August 2021”. Bobux and CZO started with financials and then moved through inventory and the other aspects of the solution. Modules were tested and used thoroughly giving the business time to learn and feel comfortable with the new solution.
Benefits Realised
Bobux now has an omni-channel B2B and B2C ERP solution which allows speedy design and innovation for new products. The integrated systems deliver real-time information across all aspects of the business which is easily reported on. Global operations are supported with reliable and robust ecommerce capability to meet demand and will allow further expansion of Bobux product ranges. NetSuite is a scaleable solution which will grow as Bobux does, therefore future-proofing the business.
Working with CloudZone One
“It was a really good and smooth implementation, the team at CZO made it as easy as possible. We now have a solution that we are confident in, it supports the global business and our distributors and direct customers. It’s fully integrated so we can see what’s happening across the business at all times. This enables us to make considered, strategic decisions.” – Matthew Smith, CFO/Acting CEO, Bobux
