A leading Belgian retail group, recognized for its strong focus on vertical integration, faced a critical challenge. Its technical department, responsible for managing and maintaining infrastructure such as buildings, machines, equipment, and rolling stock, relied on tailor-made mainframe applications to support essential processes. These systems had become outdated and were approaching the end of their support period, creating an urgent need for modernization.
To address this, the organization launched a large-scale digital transformation program aimed at replacing legacy systems with industry-standard ERP solutions. The new architecture combined advanced platforms for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), asset and location management, and indirect purchasing and warehousing. This transformation would impact more than 1.500 users and required a future-proof solution aligned with industry best practices.
The transition from mainframe applications to modern ERP systems was far more than a technical upgrade. It required a complete redesign of business processes, seamless data migration, and stakeholder alignment across multiple departments. The scope included indirect purchasing, warehouse management, asset and location management, and maintenance operations. The complexity of this transformation demanded expertise in ERP implementation, process optimization, and change management.
Tactical Advisory Group deployed a multidisciplinary team of consultants, each bringing specialized expertise to ensure success.
Business Analysts focused on redesigning processes to align with the new ERP system. They organized workshops, documented requirements, and performed gap analyses to ensure that business needs were fully captured. They also created functional specifications for integrations between ERP and other applications, prepared test scenarios, and validated the solution during user acceptance testing. Training activities and hypercare support were essential to guarantee a smooth transition.
Functional Analysts worked on translating requirements into system functionalities and configuring the new software. They collaborated closely with developers for custom enhancements and managed the migration of master and transactional data from legacy systems. This included defining migration scripts, building and testing migration tools, and validating data quality. They also prepared detailed cutover plans and ensured a successful go-live.
Project Managers led critical tracks such as MRO and asset management. They defined scope and requirements, prepared workshops, and implemented blueprints for service requests, planning, and work order processes. Managing a team of 15 analysts, architects, and implementation consultants, they ensured stakeholder alignment and applied industry best practices throughout the implementation.
Together, these roles ensured that the new ERP system was not only technically sound but also fully aligned with operational needs.
Our consultants’ deep understanding of the Belgian retail sector was a decisive factor in the success of this program. Knowledge of procurement processes, maintenance operations, and infrastructure management allowed us to anticipate challenges and design solutions that were both practical and scalable. This expertise ensured that the new ERP system supported the organization’s operational model while enabling future growth.
The program successfully replaced outdated mainframe systems with a modern ERP architecture. This transformation enabled the organization to adopt industry best practices, improve process efficiency, and ensure long-term system support. The technical department, with its 1.500 users, now operates on a future-proof platform that integrates maintenance, asset management, purchasing, and warehousing processes.
Data migration was completed within the planned timeframe, and hypercare ensured rapid resolution of incidents and implementation of quick wins. By modernizing its core systems, the organization strengthened its ability to manage infrastructure efficiently and maintain its competitive edge in the retail market.
At Tactical Advisory Group, we combine strategic insight with operational excellence. Our consultants bring sector-specific knowledge, proven methodologies, and a commitment to delivering measurable results. For large-scale programs in Belgium and beyond, we are the trusted partner for projects that matter.
