HOUSTON — March 19, 2012 — Technology has changed a lot of things in business, but one thing remains true — people make the biggest difference when it comes to assessing a company’s success. Putting the right person in the right place with the right tools remains the best way for a company of any size to stay competitive.

This week at the Convergence 2012 conference in Houston, Microsoft is sharing the evolution of its vision for business software: designing Microsoft Dynamics business solutions to focus on helping companies create a more empowered workforce, one individual at a time.

19

World Vision At Work

World Vision International, a Christian humanitarian organization that serves more than 100 million people in nearly 100 countries worldwide, is dedicated to working with children, families and communities to fight poverty and injustice.

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

Preparing for Disaster

World Vision faced serious challenges with its supply chain management process. Its essentially manual system for allocating resources across underdeveloped countries created a disorganized and disconnected supply chain — a burden on any business, but particularly damaging for an organization whose employee base is working in the most remote areas or disaster sites. World Vision selected Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 to streamline its supply chain management system by automating purchase requisition approvals and ensuring that workflow runs smoothly and transparently.

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

Organizing Supplies for Distribution

By automating and integrating its purchase orders, World Vision eliminated some formerly error-prone processes. Electronically securing approvals made procurement cost-efficient and timely, and enhanced inventory control and asset tracking streamlined operations and increased visibility. Also, the ability to obtain approvals electronically rather than manually has increased the safety of World Vision employees. “Our front-line staff no longer has to traverse difficult and often dangerous terrain to authorize purchases,” says Sharon Boyle, associate director of global supply chain for World Vision International, who led the Dynamics implementation in Mongolia.

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

Welcome to MetLife Stadium

The New York Jets are a storied football franchise with 165 full-time employees and up to 30 seasonal part-time staff. With the team’s 2010 move to the new MetLife Stadium, the Jets wanted to grow its business and build a more robust sales-and-service infrastructure. It turned to Microsoft Dynamics CRM implemented with partner Kore Interactive. Russell Scibetti, director of Relationship and Database Marketing, says, “Microsoft Dynamics CRM enables us to effectively manage a wealth of information in a flexible and customizable manner.”

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

Relocating and Reconnecting With Fans

Using Microsoft Dynamics CRM, the Jets were able to integrate ticketing, surveys, customer preferences, communications, contracts and more into one scalable system. The solution allowed the team to migrate its fans into the new building with minimal disruption, resulting in optimal seat locations for season- ticket holders while maximizing revenue to the organization. The migration was followed by the Jets’ first outbound sales effort that combined direct mail, phone and email to new buyers. Also, Microsoft Dynamics CRM allowed the team to report on all components of these efforts easily and efficiently.

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

The “Best Jets Experience Possible”

The capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics CRM allowed the Jets to focus on the task at hand and achieve a sell-out of its new stadium. Even during the NFL lockout of 2011, the team maintained its rate of season-ticket renewals. More importantly, the team has gained a deeper understanding of its fans and customers and is able to more accurately forecast its sales and retention efforts for future seasons. Client Relations Representative Jared Angelozzi says, “Our system puts all of the customer information I need at my fingertips, letting me work efficiently and giving me the ability to deliver to our fans the best Jets experience possible.”

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

Take the Stage in Kansas City

Performance home to the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and other innovative programming, the Kauffman Center’s vision is to enrich the lives of communities throughout the region, country and world by offering extraordinary and diverse performing arts experiences. As a nonprofit, the Kauffman Center needed to maximize the effectiveness of its budget and run a lean organization to maintain its rich slate of performances. Photo by Chris Lee courtesy of the Kansas City Symphony.

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

Take it to the Cloud

As part of its restructuring, the Kauffman Center outsourced its information technology and communications systems to partner NetStandard Inc., which implemented a suite of cloud-based solutions. As a result, the center is now equipped with an enterprise-class infrastructure that hosts Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010, Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint Services, providing all the functionality and scalability it needs to be successful.

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

Less IT Costs, More Culture

After three years using Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 through a hosted cloud service, Connie Silverman, controller at the Kauffman Center, estimates it has saved more than $136,000 (U.S.) in capital expenditures. In addition, by outsourcing its technology support, the center has saved an additional $468,000 (U.S) in staffing costs. Further, by utilizing a cloud-based infrastructure, the center has maintained essential operations during adverse weather conditions, such as tornadoes and ice storms. The money saved has gone directly into the Kauffman Center’s efforts to create vibrant cultural programs for the Kansas City region.

Image: Web | Page | Thumb

---

Click here to embed this slideshow in your website or blog

New versions of Microsoft Dynamics applications will work seamlessly across more systems and devices and will provide access to more data in more locations than ever before. New social functionality can help people tackle challenges right in the context of the application. Integration with the cloud is also providing a new dimension to give organizations great flexibility in designing a system that works to answer their unique needs.

It’s a strategy that builds on Microsoft Dynamics’ long history of unleashing the power of information for individuals and companies, no matter what the organization’s size. Check out the slide show below for some examples of how Microsoft Dynamics helps customers get to the heart of what really makes an organization successful: empowering its people to make an impact every day.