Industry-focused standard solutions are the path to digital results

As technological opportunities expand and business demands evolve rapidly, companies need to adopt a new approach to digital transformation. They are no longer looking for generic solutions that fail to meet the needs of their industry, nor are they interested in starting from scratch with entirely custom-built IT systems. To deliver the solutions customers expect and rely on, it is essential to offer preconfigured systems based on best practices and tailored to specific industries.

At Cepheo, we see it as our responsibility to bring this understanding of how to design the right solution effectively directly to our customers. We work closely with businesses to align their IT with their strategic goals, creating measurable impact through digitalisation.

From custom projects to standardised platforms

Just a few years ago, developing an IT system was often a lengthy process. Every requirement had to be uncovered, and the system was built from the ground up. Delivering a solution could require tens of thousands of work hours and significant resources.

Today, things are different. By starting with industry-focused, preconfigured platforms, we can deliver solutions far more efficiently. The success criteria are simple: it must be “fit to standard,” based on a best-fit assessment approach. By building on existing platforms and applying best practices, we ensure that companies gain fast access to tools that make a real difference.

Success requires a deep understanding of the industry's unique needs

The vast majority of companies operate within complex ecosystems, with requirements spanning sales, marketing, customer service, logistics, financial reporting, and ESG compliance. That is why Cepheo has made significant investments in mapping processes across industries down to the smallest details.

One example is in manufacturing, where solutions that combine logistics or supply chain management with production optimisation can reduce waste, improve delivery times, and strengthen competitiveness. By leveraging a mix of standard platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 and industry-specific extensions, we help our customers achieve results that directly support their business objectives.

The right solution with the right mix of technologies

Finding the right solution is about assembling the optimal combination of technologies. Our approach is structured around a five-step model:

1. Stick-to-standard: Here, we assess how far the company can go with a solution based on standard ERP or CRM applications within the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform. For simple needs that cannot be met with out-of-the-box applications, we introduce the Microsoft Power Platform. Power Platform enables new functionality and integrations without compromising core standard structures and workflows, while also reducing the need for manual coding.

2. Best-of-suite: If standard applications cannot fully meet the requirements, we explore available applications from Cepheo on Microsoft AppSource. These extend capabilities while remaining rooted in Dynamics 365’s standard applications. Examples include DocuSign for digital signatures, Continia and AMC Banking for bank integration, and Experlogix for managing Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) processes.

3. Best-of-breed: If needed, we consider other well-developed third-party solutions that address specific industry requirements but are not available on Microsoft AppSource. These might include platforms like Flexport for port logistics, applications for process control, or industry-specific solutions tailored for sectors such as fisheries, energy, or retail.

4. Azure development: If your business has particularly complex needs, we are ready to leverage and customise the applications and services available on the Microsoft Azure platform. Azure provides a powerful engine for advanced functionality or calculations. These capabilities are especially relevant for companies that prioritise governance, monitoring, security, and control of data and processes.

5. Custom development: We turn to custom development only when all other options have been considered. In these cases, we extend the Dynamics platform by building tailored functionality on top of standard features, ensuring the solution is precisely aligned with your company’s specific needs.

Empower the workforce of the future with technology

It’s not just systems that have changed – employee expectations have evolved as well. More and more employees entering the workforce today expect modern, intuitive solutions. They demand tools like Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate, which enable them to boost productivity and turn ideas into solutions on their own, while the IT department ensures structure and governance to keep creativity from leading to chaos.

This transformation requires companies to embrace the possibilities offered by Microsoft Power Platform — a technology that not only supports employees in their daily work but also drives innovation forward. Our experience shows that organisations that embrace this shift are better positioned to attract and retain top talent.

Empowered business development in a digital era

Moving to the cloud isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s about freeing up your people and their resources to focus on innovation and development rather than maintenance and operations. With modern cloud solutions, you can reduce technical complexity while gaining access to the latest, most advanced technologies and features.

Cloud technology opens the door to smarter ways of working, better decision-making, and entirely new business models, all supported by continuous updates that keep your solutions modern and effective. By combining this with managed services, you can focus on your core business while experts take care of the daily operations.

At Cepheo, we work with companies that want to create real value on their digital journey. We see it not just as a technological task, but as business development where IT becomes a strategic driver.

By combining industry focus, preconfigured solutions based on best practices, and flexible technologies, we help businesses unlock their full potential — quickly, efficiently, and with future readiness in mind.

Are you ready to take the next step?