Hwam

From Spreadsheets to Smart Solutions: HWAM Modernizes for the Future with TRIMIT

For over 50 years, HWAM has been at the forefront of high-quality wood stove manufacturing. Known for their collaboration with architects and their commitment to innovative design, HWAM has continuously evolved to meet market demands. But while their products remained state-of-the-art, their internal systems were falling behind.

"When I left the company 20 years ago, we were using XAL. When I returned, we were still using XAL. That is simply not sustainable for a company of our size and ambition", says Anne Balleby, IT manager at HWAM.


For decades, HWAM relied on outdated manual processes and Excel spreadsheets to manage operations.
Over the years, this approach eventually made the company highly dependent on a few key employees who held critical business knowledge about processes, workflows, and best practices in their heads rather than in a structured system that other coworkers could access.
"What is really, really great about TRIMIT is its configuration capabilities. That’s exactly what we bought into, because a lot of companies can provide a Business Central 365 system. But the real advantage is TRIMIT’s extra engine, and the fact that TRIMIT excels at integrating other products, like Document Capture and NXM,"

ANNE BALLEBY

IT MANAGER AT HWAM

Reducing Vulnerability by Systematizing Knowledge

Many of these key employees have been with the company for decades, and while their experience is invaluable, it also creates a risk. If they decide to leave, retire, or otherwise become unavailable, large amounts of essential knowledge would disappear with them. This could severely impact daily operations and decision-making:

"We don’t know if key employees will be here in five or ten years. That’s why it’s crucial that our business knowledge is stored in a system rather than in people's heads," says Anne Balleby.

While the risk of losing essential knowledge is one of the most crucial factors in terms of creating a vulnerability in HWAM, the other employees’ dependency on the key employees also slowed down processes and created bottlenecks – especially when dealing with complex tasks like order handling, product configurations, and financial reporting.


Furthermore, the modern workforce is more mobile and in today’s job market, employees rarely stay at the same company for decades. Generation Z and younger professionals often seek new opportunities, making job transitions more frequent. Companies can no longer assume that employees will build careers spanning 20-30 years in the same workplace.

To decrease vulnerability, modernize operations, increase efficiency, and make the company more attractive to the next generation of employees, HWAM made the strategic decision to implement TRIMIT as their new ERP system.


"Our competitors are already offering B2B portals and we can’t afford to lag behind. With TRIMIT, we’re not just upgrading our ERP; we’re preparing for the future of business."


ANNE BALLEBY

IT MANAGER AT HWAM

TRIMIT: The Perfect Match for Specific Configuration Needs

When evaluating ERP solutions, HWAM knew they needed more than just a standard Business Central 365 system. They needed a solution that could adapt to their specific needs and integrate seamlessly with other essential business tools.

"What is really, really great about TRIMIT is its configuration capabilities. That’s exactly what we bought into, because a lot of companies can provide a Business Central 365 system. But the real advantage is TRIMIT’s extra engine, and the fact that TRIMIT excels at integrating other products, like Document Capture and NXM," Anne Balleby explains.

With TRIMIT, HWAM can eliminate information silos, reduce reliance on individual employees, and ensure that business knowledge is stored, structured, and accessible. Moreover, the system’s configurability allows HWAM to automate workflows, streamline order handling, and future-proof their operations.

A Game-Changer for Business Management

One of HWAM’s key priorities was to gain better control over business operations and finances. Their outdated system made it difficult to track financial performance in real-time, leaving the company vulnerable to unexpected losses.

With TRIMIT’s fully integrated ERP solution, HWAM will have instant access to financial data, allowing them to monitor performance minute by minute:

"We will now be able to track where money is going in real-time, ensuring better financial oversight and smarter business decisions," says Anne Balleby.

In addition, TRIMIT’s automation capabilities will help eliminate repetitive manual tasks that have long been a bottleneck for HWAM. Tasks like creating product numbers, processing orders, and handling internal workflows will now be streamlined - saving time for both employees and customers.

For over 50 years, HWAM has been at the forefront of high-quality wood stove
manufacturing. Known for their collaboration with architects and their commitment to
innovative design, HWAM has continuously evolved to meet market demands.

Transforming the Business: Laying the Groundwork

Beyond improving internal efficiency, TRIMIT will lay the groundwork for a future-proof company, enabling B2B e-commerce integration, self-service customer portals, and data-
driven decision-making. Anne Balleby emphasizes the importance of implementing a modern
ERP system:

"Our competitors are already offering B2B portals and we can’t afford to lag behind. With TRIMIT, we’re not just upgrading our ERP; we’re preparing for the future of business."

Therefore, HWAM’s transition to TRIMIT is not just an IT upgrade; it is a business transformation. By moving away from outdated systems, embracing automation, and building a digital infrastructure that supports both employees and customers, HWAM is ensuring that they remain competitive in an evolving market.

"For 10 years, this was something we wished we had. Now, we need it to survive," Anne Balleby concludes.

With TRIMIT, HWAM is ready for innovation far into the future.

Talk to an expert
For 10 years, this was something we wished we had. Now, we need it to survive.

ANNE BALLEBY

IT MANAGER AT HWAM

Therefore, HWAM’s transition to TRIMIT is not just an IT upgrade; it is a business transformation. By moving away from outdated systems, embracing automation, and building

a digital infrastructure that supports both employees and customers, HWAM is ensuring that they remain competitive in an evolving market.

"For 10 years, this was something we wished we had. Now, we need it to survive," Anne Balleby concludes.

With TRIMIT, HWAM is ready for innovation far into the future.

Do you want to make sure that all of your business knowledge is secured, reduce
vulnerability and make your company future fit? Reach out to us and learn how TRIMIT can help you.

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