About Custom Systems

Custom Systems is a full-stack Microsoft solutions partner that works with organizations in complex, regulated industries, including cable & wire (industrial equipment), food & beverage, government, medical device, and retail. These environments require structured, compliance-aware system design that goes beyond standard ERP implementation, and Custom Systems provides exactly that.

Custom Systems is known for its process-first approach. Before any configuration begins, the team maps end-to-end business processes, defines data ownership, and establishes audit-ready structures across finance, operations, and supply chain. This ensures the software is aligned to how the business operates, not just how the software is typically deployed.

Custom Systems delivers managed services across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft 365, and Azure. This enables clients to work with a single partner across ERP, cloud infrastructure, identity, and ongoing support.

For organizations navigating operational complexity and regulatory scrutiny, Custom Systems provides ERP expertise, manufacturing domain knowledge, and full-stack Microsoft capability in a single partner relationship.

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ERP Excellence Starts Here

Your Business Central journey shouldn’t stop at go-live. See how we support every stage of your ERP experience, from implementation to optimization and ongoing support.

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FAQs

Pricing, Engagement Model, and Proof

Can you share references or case studies?

Yes. Once we understand your industry and size, we can share relevant case studies and references with client permission.

Can you help us build an ROI story for leadership?

Yes. We translate benefits like reduced manual work, better inventory accuracy, and faster financial close into a clear and simple ROI narrative.

Can you provide a phased or ballpark estimate?

Yes. We can provide a realistic budget range for phase one during the discovery phase, and outline expected ranges for future phases.

Do you offer fixed fee or time and materials pricing?

We offer time and materials, and hybrid approaches depending on how clearly defined the scope is and how much flexibility you want. Our solution blueprint is provided as a fixed fee engagement.

What are the main cost components?

Costs typically include Microsoft licenses, implementation services, integrations or ISVs if needed, and ongoing support.

Working with Custom Systems and What to Expect

What size and type of companies do you typically work with?

We primarily work with small and midsize companies, generally ranging from tens to a few hundred employees, in manufacturing, distribution, government, and services, often with e commerce or field service components.

Are we a good candidate for ERP now or are we still too small?

You are typically ERP ready when you have outgrown legacy systems or spreadsheets, manage real inventory, projects, or service, and need multiple teams working from one source of truth. We will review your size and complexity and give you a clear recommendation with options. Feel free to check out our blog article titled Spreadsheets vs. ERP, How Small is too Small for more insight.

How long have you been implementing ERP systems, and how many Business Central projects have you done?

We have been in the ERP and business applications space for over 50 years, with a growing portfolio of Business Central implementations across manufacturing, distribution, and service organizations. We can share current examples and case studies on a call.

What is the relationship between Custom IT Solutions and Custom Systems?

Custom IT Solutions is our sister company and serves as our managed services and IT infrastructure arm, while Custom Systems focuses exclusively on ERP and Dynamics 365 Business Central. We operate with aligned values, and clearly defined areas of responsibility.

Do you work exclusively with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, or also other systems?

Dynamics 365 Business Central is our core focus, but we regularly work with the legacy systems our clients are migrating from, including MAPICS, Infor, QuickBooks, Sage, Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, homegrown tools, and spreadsheets.

What does Custom Systems do ? Are you a Microsoft reseller, an implementer, or both?

We are a Microsoft partner who implements Dynamics 365 Business Central. We act as an end-to-end ERP partner covering strategy, licensing, implementation, integrations, and ongoing support.

Data Migration, Integrations, and Add Ons

Will Microsoft updates break our customizations or integrations?

We design solutions using Microsoft supported extensions and patterns so updates remain routine. We plan testing around major releases.

Which ISVs or add-ons do you recommend versus custom development?

We favor well supported ISVs for common needs such as advanced warehousing, reporting, and payments, and reserve custom development for truly differentiating requirements.

Can you integrate Dynamics 365 Business Central with our existing systems?

Yes. We evaluate your existing systems as part of discovery to determine the best approach. In some cases, the functionality already exists within Dynamics 365 Business Central. In others, we integrate using Microsoft APIs or proven ISVs to ensure a stable and supported solution.

Will you help clean up and restructure items and customers?

We do not directly clean or change your data. We guide and advise on recommended structures and best practices, but your team is responsible for making and validating any changes to items, customers, or other master data.

How do you avoid garbage in, garbage out?

Data quality is a shared responsibility. We provide the tools and process, and your team validates the data. Multiple iterations of data migration before go live.

How much historical data should we bring over?

A common approach is to migrate full master data, open transactions, and one year of financial history. Older data can be retained in your legacy system or an archive for reference if needed.

How do you handle data migration from our current systems?

We guide and support the data migration process by mapping data, defining structures, and running multiple test migrations. Your team is responsible for cleaning and validating the data. Once approved, we migrate master data, opening balances, and agreed history into Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Discovery, Implementation, and Support

What managed services do you offer after implementation?

We typically help with new features and modules, reporting and dashboards, integrations and ISVs, process improvements, and training for new staff.

Do you stay involved after go live? What does support look like?

Yes. After go live, we provide hypercare and then ongoing support through support plans or blocks of hours for questions, fixes, and enhancements.

What happens if new requirements are discovered mid project?

We document new requirements, estimate their impact, and either incorporate them if they are small and critical or defer them to a future phase to protect timeline and budget.

How do you handle change management and user adoption?

We involve super users early, provide role based training, keep initial processes simple, and stay closely engaged during go live and the first few weeks to resolve issues quickly.

How much time will our team need to commit, and which roles are involved?

Time commitment varies by role and phase. Key stakeholders such as finance, operations, and IT leads should expect to spend anywhere from a few hours up to 15 to 20 hours per week during more intensive phases like discovery, testing, and go live. We set clear expectations up front so there are no surprises.

Do you just implement software or also help improve processes?

We do both. We use Dynamics 365 Business Central to modernize your processes rather than simply recreating your old system.

Can the project be phased to spread cost and change management?

Yes. Projects are delivered in phases. Phase one typically focuses on core, out of the box Dynamics 365 Business Central functionality to establish a stable foundation. Enhancements such as advanced automation, AI features, and customizations are often planned for later phases once the system is live and users are comfortable.

Can we start small with finance only and add other areas later?

It is possible, but we typically recommend implementing the full scope together, so all areas work seamlessly from the start. In very few cases, clients begin with core finance and basic operations and then add manufacturing, service, projects, warehouse, or retail capabilities later when it makes sense.

How do you run discovery? Is it on site and who is involved?

Discovery can be remote or on site and usually includes an executive sponsor, process owners across finance and operations, and at least one super user per process area. It typically involves a small number of focused workshops per process area.

What does a typical implementation look like, and how long does it take?

Most implementations take three to nine months depending on scope and complexity. Our methodology follows these phases: