Overview
A major trucking company was weighed down by third-party tools and slow integrations. A GForce health check revealed they were using roughly 40% of their ERP's capabilities. While not yet ready for a full transformation, the company engaged GForce to stabilize operations, optimize what exists, and prepare for a future move to a modern ERP.
Results at a Glance
- System Stability More stable environment with fewer disruptions to daily operations
- Manageable Integrations Integrations streamlined and easier to maintain
- Faster Resolution Issues identified and resolved quickly through dedicated support
- Clear Visibility Clearer visibility into current limitations and future options
History with the Client
GForce identified optimization opportunities within the company's Lawson environment and maintained targeted outreach over time. When internal challenges reached a tipping point, accounting leadership engaged. The relationship began with a health check in Spring 2024 and quickly expanded into managed services and targeted optimization efforts. With close geographic proximity, the teams have worked together on-site, building a practical, hands-on partnership.
The Story
This organization is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States: privately owned, nationally recognized, and operationally lean. Like many long-tenured Lawson V10 customers, the system evolved over time but not always intentionally. Instead of stepping back to re-evaluate how the ERP could support the business, the organization adapted around immediate needs. Processes were adjusted to keep operations moving, tools were added to address specific gaps, and workarounds became part of daily operations. Over time, that approach created a fragmented environment that was harder to manage, slower to operate, and more expensive to maintain.
The Challenge
When GForce engaged, the environment was heavily dependent on third-party tools and integrations. The company had implemented solutions for reconciliation, AP automation, reporting, and approvals, each requiring integration into Lawson. The result was increased integration complexity, slower data movement, and more points of failure. What should have taken minutes often took hours or longer.
- Reports ran overnight instead of on demand
- Month-end close stretched beyond expectations
- Data was not always timely or actionable
- Teams spent more time managing systems than using them
- IT operated in constant reactive mode
- Key system knowledge lost due to turnover
- Documentation was limited
- Visibility into Lawson's full capabilities was slow
The company was using roughly 40% of its ERP's functionality, while continuing to support an increasingly complex ecosystem around it.
Why GForce was Chosen
Their previous partner had shifted focus away from Lawson, creating gaps in both expertise and responsiveness. GForce brought deep Lawson V10 expertise, a practical hands-on approach, and the ability to deliver value immediately. Consistent outreach opened the door, but the expertise built trust. The company needed a partner who could step in quickly, stabilize the environment, and provide guidance without forcing a large-scale transformation before they were ready.
How GForce Responded
Health Check
GForce conducted a full assessment of the Lawson environment, including system structure, third-party tools, integrations, and data flow. The key takeaway was not just what was broken but where the ERP was underutilized. Many existing challenges could be addressed by better leveraging capabilities already within Lawson, combined with more efficient integration design.
Integration Optimization
GForce focused first on improving integration performance between Lawson and key third-party systems by simplifying data flows, removing unnecessary steps, and reducing processing delays. The team also evaluated dependencies on legacy infrastructure, including AS400, and identified opportunities to reduce bottlenecks.
Allocations Enhancement
GForce improved allocation processes within Lawson, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency in a historically time-consuming area.
Managed Services
Recognizing the gap in internal expertise, the company engaged GForce for ongoing support including issue resolution, system guidance, targeted training, and cross-functional support. Rather than rebuilding internal capabilities immediately, the company now has consistent access to experienced Lawson resources.
The Takeaway
Not every organization is ready for a full ERP transformation. But standing still is not a strategy. Stabilizing your current environment, reducing unnecessary complexity, and understanding what your system can actually do puts you in a stronger position, whether you stay where you are or move forward. Too often, companies add tools to solve immediate problems without fully evaluating what already exists. The result is more complexity, not less. A health check brings clarity. The right partner helps you act on it at the right pace.