Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation
Learn how Venture Life Group worked with Robert Half and Protiviti to deliver a successful Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation. This client story explores how combining consulting expertise with specialist recruitment helped accelerate delivery, overcome resource challenges and support a complex business transformation.
The interview
How did your relationship with Robert Half begin?
Daniel Wells: I first came out of practice when I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in my late teens or early twenties, and I was approached by Robert Half about moving into industry.
Roll on ten years or so, and I became a client of Robert Half myself. Our predominant contact is Sebastian Bentley from the Reading and Berkshire offices, and we also work with Luke Edgecombe.
Sebastian made the effort to turn up at the door with Luke, meet us in person, discuss our business and understand it properly. They understood the team and asked relevant questions.
Whenever I placed a role with Seb, I always felt that he made sure he presented a candidate who was fit for purpose, not simply another candidate. The relationship has continued from there.
How did your original engagement with Robert Half develop?
Daniel Rocker: My original engagement with Robert Half involved them placing me, and it was a slightly unusual placement.
The role they eventually placed me into was slightly different from what we had initially discussed. They looked at the real substance of what I was looking for, rather than simply the job title or responsibilities.
It ended up being an absolutely perfect placement for me. I have been at Venture Life ever since, and Robert Half has become our supplier of choice.
How did the transformation opportunity first emerge?
Tom Golding: Seb Bentley is someone who really values the relationship and genuinely wants to understand what his clients are going through; their challenges, general direction of travel and aspirations.
It was through the conversations Seb had with Venture Life that he uncovered the potential transformation plans the business was about to embark upon.
What challenges were you experiencing?
Daniel Rocker: By October 2024, we had approximately six or seven different legacy ERP systems in place.
This was creating a real bottleneck in our ability to report regularly.
What set Protiviti apart?
Daniel Rocker: What really set Protiviti apart was twofold.
First, the team engaged very quickly with how agile Venture Life is as a business. They were adamant from the outset that the timetables could be flexed.
The other element was the strength of the team they put forward. At leadership level, we were dealing with Mahendra, who is an incredibly experienced individual
How did Protiviti differentiate itself from the competition?
Mahendra Ballasaria: Venture Life was already speaking to a Big Four firm, so it was important for Protiviti to demonstrate its responsiveness.
Our agility in responding to the client and our ability to show value upfront were some of the key differentiators that the client really appreciated.
How did Robert Half support the programme’s delivery?
YoYo Chan: We sourced a Business Project Manager and a Business Analyst from Robert Half to support the programme delivery.
Bringing in the additional Project Manager and Business Analyst definitely helped the delivery of the engagement because it provided the client with the right technical support.
That additional support also helped improve communication with our delivery team because we had dedicated points of contact.
What impact has the ERP transformation had?
Daniel Rocker: The impact has been nothing short of transformative.
We have gone from a completely fragmented ERP solution to a single source of truth, within a single ERP and with one way of working.
Putting in Dynamics 365 has allowed us to leverage the wider Microsoft suite. Our Chief Technology and Digital Officer is starting to work with the business on how we can bring in other financial and non-financial information and begin building true market insights, with this quality ERP as the foundation.
That is before we even start talking about AI, machine learning and all the other things in the pipeline. The opportunity is absolutely enormous.
How do you reflect on the relationship with Venture Life Group?
Tom Golding: When I look back on our relationship with Venture Life Group, I am immensely proud of our delivery.
I am also immensely proud of how we worked together from a Protiviti and Robert Half perspective and, jointly, how we worked together with Venture Life Group.
