Context

The modernization initiative focuses on moving away from a heavily customized SAP ECC system toward a clean‑core model using Dynamics 365 Finance and Power Platform applications. Most business processes have already shifted to the modern platform, reducing risk and eliminating parallel systems as SAP ECC is retired. A core principle guides this approach: no ERP customizations, neither in the old system nor the new one.

Challenges

Legacy SAP ECC contained many embedded customizations,such as pipeline inspection tools and coded procurement workflows—making changes slow, costly, and dependent on ABAP development cycles. Traditional SAP workflows were rigid, not mobile-friendly, and difficult to adapt. Any future ERP migration would force a complete rebuild of custom logic. There was also a need for cloud-based approvals, field-ready apps, and AI-assisted audit support without reintroducing ERP technical debt.

Solution

A clean‑core, sidecar architecture was adopted, rebuilding all custom workflows outside the ERP using Power Apps, Power Automate, and Copilot Studio, while Dynamics 365 Finance becomes the financial system of record. Custom SAP tools were recreated as independent cloud apps, procurement approvals moved to Power Automate with Teams-based interaction, and a digital‑twin strategy ensured workflows remain reusable across any future ERP system. Supervisors gained unified tracking surfaces, operators received mobile‑friendly apps, and an AI agent now supports audit and workflow insights. This modern approach cuts technical debt, accelerates change, and enables long-term upgrade flexibility.