Simplifying ERP for a Global Network at Lineage

ComActivity partnered with the world’s largest temperature-controlled logistics company in a multitenant cloud migration – in the middle of a pandemic.

Lineage Logistics is the largest provider of temperature-controlled storage and logistics solutions, with a global network of facilities that combine to form one of the world’s most dynamic companies in temperature-controlled logistics. In 2020, Lineage Logistics acquired Emergent Cold – a leading global provider of cold storage solutions for the food and beverage industry. Originally operating solely within Australia, since 2018 Emergent had integrated a number of business acquisitions across growing and developed markets across the Asia Pacific region.

With significant business growth and ERP requirements across an expanding multi-region network, ComActivity supported Lineage Logistics in designing and rolling out a multi-tenant cloud implementation across each region, using Infor CloudSuite™ Food & Beverage – a powerful cloud-based ERP solution built for the needs of large food & beverage companies with complex and evolving models.

Adding to the complexity of the project was the fact that multiple stages were undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic, making its success an even more impressive achievement.

Background

Lineage Logistics is the largest provider of temperature-controlled storage and logistics solutions, with a global network of facilities that combine to form one of the world’s most dynamic companies in temperature-controlled logistics. In 2020, Lineage Logistics acquired Emergent Cold – a leading global provider of cold storage solutions for the food and beverage industry. Originally operating solely within Australia, since 2018 Emergent had integrated a number of business acquisitions across growing and developed markets across the Asia Pacific region. Following Emergent’s significant business growth and ERP requirements across an expanding multi-region network, ComActivity supported Lineage Logistics in designing and rolling out a multi-tenant cloud implementation across each region, using Infor CloudSuite™ Food & Beverage – a powerful cloudbased ERP solution built for the needs of large food & beverage companies with complex and evolving models. Adding to the complexity of the project was the fact that multiple stages were undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic, making its success an even more impressive achievement.

“Using the cloud, we benefit from advanced visibility which allows us to see ‘at a glance’ exactly what’s happening in any business in any of our worldwide locations.”

Raelenne Smith
Senior Financial Accountant
Lineage Logistics

THE NEED

A single, easy-to-access ERP system for a global network.

Lineage Logistics’ recent acquisition, Emergent Cold, had embarked on a growth plan that saw acquisition integration in locations across Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Although the company had been using the on-premise version of Infor M3 ERP with great success in its main operations in Australia, the complexity of managing networks across multiple regions meant migrating to a cloud environment was a logical solution for the rapidly growing organisation. A multi-tenant cloud set-up would offer a single, easy-to-access system for all global entities. Given the business-critical nature of their ERP, the implementation needed to involve minimal operational disruption and a smooth transition that would allow businesses in every region to migrate seamlessly to the cloud.

THE SOLUTION

Migrating to a multi-tenant ERP cloud environment.

To meet the organisation’s complex needs, the decision was made to migrate to Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage – a multi-tenant cloud-based platform built around the core M3 ERP which offers rich industry-specific functionality. As ComActivity had been working with Emergent since 2015 – implementing a highly successful business-wide migration to Infor M3 – the company already had a solid understanding of its business history, requirements, and preferred way of working.

In addition, ComActivity brought its unrivalled solutions expertise, with extensive experience implementing, upgrading and integrating Infor M3, Infor CloudSuite and complementary solutions. This expertise was supported by the company’s deep knowledge across a wide range of ERP elements, including finance, warehousing, procurement and sales.

As a result, the multi-region implementation was achieved with great success across New Zealand and Sri Lanka (Vietnam is currently being rolled out) – an especially difficult feat given the additional challenges of COVID-19 – and the project became one of the most successful Infor multi-tenant cloud implementations of the last two years.

“No matter what we ask of ComActivity, they listen to us and accommodate it, demonstrating a great deal of patience with our often-changing requirements.”

Raelenne Smith
Senior Financial Accountant
Lineage Logistics

THE BUSINESS BENEFITS

Simplicity, security and visibility for every location:

Easy deployment in every country

Rather than having to join multiple networks together to accommodate the numerous geographies involved – which would have required significant work and infrastructure – the multi-tenant cloud set-up meant all that was needed was a URL and internet access. This made deployment incredibly simple, with a fast turnaround and minimal disruption, even when migrating businesses in many different locations.

Out-of-the box disaster recovery

With data recovery offered out-of-the-box with Infor CloudSuite, the move to a multi-tenant cloud brought added peace of mind, with no requirement for a second solution (as would have been the case for an on-premise set-up). Similarly, CloudSuite’s built-in back-ups provided a robust system for all regions.

‘Set and forget’ system updates

M3’s innovative technology offers the longer-term benefit of continuous system updates which occur incrementally on a monthly basis. This ensures that users across the network will always be running the most up-to-date versions of software with no requirement to manually update. Aside from saving time and effort, the advantages of always-current software include improved functionality, better technology, and enhanced communication for all users.

Exceptional visibility across the network

With operations across multiple global regions, a multi-tenant cloud solution gave Lineage Logistics the visibility they needed, offering a transparent system that enabled improved collaboration, comprehensive monthly reporting across regions, and enhanced business intelligence throughout the network. “Using the cloud, we benefit from advanced visibility which allows us to see ‘at a glance’ exactly what’s happening in any business in any of our worldwide locations”, said Raelenne Smith.

World-leading security

With cyber-attacks on the increase, the potential implications of a security breach could be disastrous for a company like Lineage Logistics. As Infor CloudSuite is deployed and provisioned on Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers, the organisation benefits from a highly secure environment that leverages the security expertise of one of the world’s leading companies.

If you would like to know more about Infor CloudSuite, or to discuss your transition to the cloud, contact us today.

About Lineage Logistics

The world’s largest temperature-controlled storage and logistics company, Lineage Logistics is reimagining the world’s food supply chain by preserving, protecting and optimising the distribution of food. Lineage draws on innovative technology, streamlined operations, and a global network of facilities that combine to form one of the world’s most dynamic companies in temperature-controlled logistics.

Lineage Logistics