Mastering ERP & Supply Chain Performance: Expert Q&A with Peter Paquette

Discover practical insights on maximizing ERP solutions and addressing manufacturing and supply chain challenges in this in-depth Q&A.

Implementing an ERP system and optimizing your supply chain can be daunting for businesses of all sizes. From aligning existing processes to integrating new software extensions, companies often struggle to identify the best approach. In a recent Q&A session, Peter Paquette, CSCP, CPIM, Supply Chain Solutions Engineer at Kwixand Solutions, shared his in-depth insights based on years of experience helping businesses implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and optimize manufacturing and operational processes.

This blog post highlights Peter’s practical advice on optimizing manufacturing and supply chain performance and getting the most out of your ERP solution. If you’re seeking actionable guidance on improving efficiency, compliance, and scalability in your business, this article will give you clear strategies to implement immediately.

From ERP Customizations to ISO Certification: Your Top Questions on Supply Chain and Quality Control Answered

1️⃣ When It Comes to ERP Solutions, How Should Companies Approach Customization?

Most ERP solutions already have extensive out-of-the-box functionality. The first step is to assess whether adjusting your standard operating procedures (SOPs) could align your business processes with the ERP system. The level of complexity and the number of data points vary among ERP systems. Some systems offer extensive capabilities, others offer a medium level of functionality, and some are designed for smaller businesses with fewer data points.

For example, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central falls into the medium range. It provides a robust structure for manufacturing and can integrate well with your company’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Before creating any custom extensions or software modifications, companies should evaluate whether changes to their SOPs are viable. Aligning business processes with the ERP can sometimes provide the utility you’re seeking without the cost of developing a new software extension. However, it’s important to consider the cost and scalability of these SOP changes, especially when they may require:

• New machinery

• Additional staffing

• Facility modifications

• Operational restructuring

  
  

In cases where process changes are either too costly or unnecessary because the existing processes work well, developing an ERP extension or using a specialty add-on is often the better solution. Many ERP systems, including Business Central, offer apps through platforms like Microsoft AppSource. These apps typically:

• Often cover 85–90% of functionality but may not meet 100% of requirements

• Can be paired with small SOP adjustments

• Reduce the need for heavy customization

• Are typically faster and less expensive to implement

  
  

As a personal example, Recently, the Kwixand Solutions team collaborated with a company called B2Wise to create a DDMRP connector for Business Central, which we’ve also made available through AppSource. Projects like this illustrate the potential of leveraging complementary systems without reinventing the wheel.

🔎 Read More: 7 Ways to Optimize Your Manufacturing Processes with D365 Business Central

2️⃣ What Are the Most Common Challenges Companies Face When Consulting With Them About ERP or Supply Chain Improvements?

A big challenge is that many companies simply don’t know what they don’t know. Often, bringing in a consultant feels like an intrusion at first because we ask a lot of questions, sometimes very detailed ones. But those questions are critical for understanding the business and providing the right solution.Several challenges that frequently arise include:

• Resistance to Change: Employees may resist updating SOPs, even when necessary.

• Departmental Silos: Teams sometimes treat supply chain or ERP issues as someone else’s responsibility.

• Incomplete Documentation: Insufficient information can hinder problem diagnosis.

  
  

I emphasize breaking down issues into smaller, manageable components. Fixing one small problem at a time often produces better results than attempting to fix everything at once.

3️⃣ What Areas of Improvement Do Companies Often Overlook?

Quality control is one of the biggest areas that companies underestimate. In some manufacturing environments, quality control is reactive; anything the customer rejects is considered a quality control issue. But proactive quality control is crucial as it helps prevent issues in the first place. Implementing strong quality control processes helps:

• Improve Product Knowledge: Documenting processes and tracking raw material specifications helps employees understand what they are producing.

• Create Company-Wide Accountability: When QC is prioritized, everyone in the company effectively becomes responsible for maintaining standards.

• Vendor Compliance: Sending clear specification documents to vendors ensures incoming materials meet requirements

  
  

For instance, Kwixand Solutions implemented ISO 9001 certification across four plants for one of our manufacturing clients. By creating detailed specification documents and requiring vendors to confirm compliance with each shipment, the company achieved certification within nine months, an impressive feat for a medium-sized business.

4️⃣ What are the Benefits of ISO Certification in Manufacturing?

ISO certification serves as a formal validation that a company adheres to internationally recognized quality standards. The benefits include:

• Standardized Quality Processes: Ensures all plants or locations operate consistently.

• Enhanced Employee Understanding: Documentation and compliance processes educate employees about product specifications, materials, and procedures.

• Vendor Accountability: ISO requirements often extend to suppliers, ensuring higher quality inputs.

• Operational Efficiency: Certification encourages companies to identify gaps and streamline processes.

  
  

Achieving ISO certification can also serve as a milestone for continuous improvement, demonstrating to customers, vendors, and internal teams that quality is embedded in company culture.

5️⃣ What Should a Specification Document Include?

The level of detail in a specification document depends on the product, regulatory requirements, and the company’s objectives.

• Product Description: For simple products, a brief description may suffice. Example: “White copy paper with 30% recycled content.”

• Detailed Specifications: For complex products, such as garments or chemicals, documents should include exact colors, materials, manufacturing processes, chemical compositions, and expiration dates.

• Vendor Instructions: Specifications should clearly outline what vendors must meet for compliance.

  
  

For companies seeking ISO certification, auditors can guide how specific the documentation needs to be. Well-documented specifications not only improve quality but also make audits, compliance checks, and process adjustments easier in the future.

6️⃣ How Should Businesses Approach Process Improvement?

Businesses should recognize that process improvement is incremental and often starts with asking the right questions. Consultants focus on uncovering root causes, documenting processes, and identifying opportunities for efficiency.

• Step-by-Step Approach: Instead of attempting to solve large-scale issues at once, address smaller components methodically.

• Documentation: Ensure SOPs and processes are well-documented to identify bottlenecks and gaps.

• Communication: Provide complete information when requesting solutions, rather than asking vague questions.

• Continuous Learning: Employees across departments should understand their impact on supply chain and quality control.

  
  

This approach ensures that process changes, SOP adjustments, and ERP customizations are effective, measurable, and sustainable.

🔎 Read More: What is Business Process Optimization and Why You Need It

7️⃣ How Important Is Scalability in SOP and ERP Adjustments?

Scalability is essential. When adjusting SOPs or implementing extensions, companies must ensure whether changes will support growth over time. This involves:

• Evaluating whether process adjustments can handle increased production.

• Ensuring ERP extensions can scale with additional users or new product lines.

• Analyzing long-term ROI versus short-term costs.

  
  

Combining ERP capabilities with strategic SOP adjustments ensures efficiency, compliance, and flexibility for future growth.

Key Takeaways: Actionable Advice For Businesses

Here are some actionable strategies companies can implement:

• Assess ERP Functionality Before Customization: Fully explore out-of-the-box features of your ERP system before building extensions.

• Document SOPs Thoroughly: Map every process step to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

• Prioritize Quality Control: Develop specification documents for products and vendors to prevent errors before they occur.

• Engage Vendors Proactively: Require compliance confirmation for incoming materials to minimize downstream issues.

• Adopt Incremental Problem-Solving: Break complex issues into smaller parts for effective resolution.

• Consider ERP Add-Ons: Evaluate specialty apps on platforms like AppSource before investing in custom development.

  
  

Conclusion

Implementing ERP systems and optimizing supply chain processes is not simply a technical exercise; it requires strategic planning, proactive quality control, and ongoing engagement across all departments. Success comes from a combination of leveraging your ERP solution, thoughtful process adjustments, detailed quality control, and vendor accountability.

Ultimately, businesses that embrace structured problem-solving, incremental improvements, and proactive quality management are better positioned to scale, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality standards. Whether through internal process changes or ERP extensions, the goal is to create a system where efficiency, quality, and growth are sustainable.

For companies looking to explore ERP solutions or enhance supply chain performance, engaging experts, documenting processes, and fostering a culture of quality across all levels of the organization are crucial first steps.

Looking to Optimize Your ERP Solution? Kwixand Solutions Can Help

Kwixand Solutions is a Vancouver-based Dynamics 365 Partner that helps organizations in Canada and the US digitally transform, streamline processes and get the most value out of your ERP solution. From evaluating SOPs and preparing for ISO certification to advising on ERP extensions, operational workflows, and vendor compliance, our experts can work with you to build practical, scalable solutions tailored to your needs. Book a free consultation with us to start solving challenges, optimizing your operations, and driving meaningful improvements across your business.