Customer success
May 6, 2024
How NILE strengthens its market position and paves the way for future growth through the integration of state-of-the-art IT solutions
Brief Profile of Nile Clothing AG
Nile Clothing AG, a Swiss fashion company established in 1983, has built a strong market presence in Germany and Switzerland with its own retail stores and a robust e-commerce platform. With a dedicated team of around 200 employees spread across various locations, including warehouses in Switzerland and Austria, a design studio, and multiple retail stores, NILE faced the challenge of fundamentally modernizing and harmonizing its IT infrastructure.
Need for IT Infrastructure Modernization
NILE’s IT infrastructure was previously characterized by numerous self-developed applications and isolated solutions, leading to high complexity and limitations. To prepare the company for further growth and effectively address the challenges of digitalization, the existing IT landscape needed to be transformed into a seamless, modern, and future-oriented solution.
The goal was to establish a streamlined core IT architecture with minimized interfaces and a unified system for ERP, warehouse management, controlling, and reporting. This system would enable seamless management of the NILE Group across various business units and international borders. Additionally, the new solution needed to be adaptable, allow easy integration with online marketplaces, offer advanced reporting features that could be created in-house by NILE, and provide scalability for international expansion projects.
Together with NILE, SPH AG explored and implemented the possibilities of a homogeneous and modern IT infrastructure.
Choosing the Right IT Solution
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and IN:FASHION
NILE chose Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O and IN:FASHION by SPH, a fully integrated industry solution specifically designed to meet the unique needs and demands of the fashion and apparel industry. This solution includes features for comprehensive management of wholesale, retail, and e-commerce sales channels, as well as intercompany functionalities and advanced warehouse management with mobile devices.
SPH AG was selected as the consulting and implementation partner due to its focus and extensive experience in the fashion and retail industry, its best practices, and its pragmatic use of the standard solution. SPH AG also stood out with the necessary expertise to address the specific requirements of the Swiss market.
The successful implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O provided NILE with a unified business logic within the ERP system and complete integration, making the solution internationally scalable.
The Commerce Scale Unit enabled seamless communication between Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O and the webshops, allowing real-time exchange of content, product descriptions, inventory information, and pricing without external interfaces. In collaboration with SPH AG, NILE also benefited from additional services such as POS setup and the use of PowerApps for the in-store customer loyalty program.
Agility and Success:
A Look at the Implementation and Beyond
Dividing the project into two phases, starting with the implementation of Finance in the first phase, had a highly positive impact, ensuring a smooth project flow and a successful go-live. The SPIM project methodology by SPH AG, characterized by clear structuring, high flexibility, and transparency through sprints, fostered an agile approach without lengthy analyses and was instrumental in achieving an efficient project process. Since the go-live, NILE’s project team has been supported by SPH AG’s professional and excellent service center, which has been available to address any questions.
A key success factor was the full integration and commitment of management and key users, whose adaptability significantly contributed to the project’s success. Following the implementation, NILE not only enhanced its IT infrastructure but also gained business advantages by leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform to develop custom applications and solutions for analyses and dashboards quickly and cost-effectively. These include tools for in-store analytics, customs tariffs, customer card registration, and the use of Microsoft Fabric as an insights platform.
The Crucial Role of Collaboration in Successful Projects
The successful implementation of Dynamics 365 F&O and IN:FASHION through the partnership with SPH AG marks a pivotal milestone in NILE’s digital transformation, providing a robust platform for future growth and paving the way for further expansion. The collaboration was characterized by exceptionally positive, constructive, and friendly teamwork, with a clear focus on the opportunities offered by the IN:FASHION standard and best practices. This positions NILE perfectly to meet the dynamic demands of the market and further expand its leadership in the fashion industry.
Technological Innovation Powered by Microsoft
At the same time, Microsoft embodies a forward-thinking technology company that continuously redefines the boundaries of what is possible and develops groundbreaking digital solutions. With its strong commitment to artificial intelligence, Microsoft sets new standards in research, development, and implementation of AI technologies, providing intelligent solutions for the business world. Artificial intelligence has become indispensable in modern business, and Microsoft is pioneering tools that streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and deliver valuable insights across industries.
