From Quick Fixes to Strategic Shifts: A Smarter Way to Modernize Your ERP and AP Processes

TL;DR:

You don’t need a full system overhaul to modernize your ERP and AP processes. In a recent panel with Mekorma and MSDW, TMC’s Mary Williams emphasized a smarter path forward—start small, communicate across departments, show quick wins, embrace AI, and choose the right partner. Whether you’re on GP or another legacy system, sustainable progress starts with phased change and trusted guidance.

You don’t need to rip and replace. You just need a plan.
Many of our clients are facing a common crossroads: your current system still works, but the future is changing fast. Microsoft Dynamics GP is sunsetting, AI is accelerating, and internal pressure to modernize is growing. So how do you move forward—without breaking what’s working?

In a recent panel hosted by MSDW and sponsored by our AP automation partner Mekorma, our Director of Client Engagement, Mary Williams, joined industry peers to explore this very question. The consensus? Strategic change doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. In fact, breaking your transition into bite-sized wins is the smarter, more sustainable approach.

Here are the key takeaways we’d like to share with our community:

1. Strategic Change Starts Small—But It Starts Now

At TMC, we’ve helped hundreds of organizations move from GP to Business Central, and we’ve learned that a 12- or 18-month “big bang” project often isn’t realistic.

“We’re moving into an era of continuous evolution, not one-and-done implementations.” — Mary Williams

Our approach is to stand up the essentials first—like core financials—and then build out the rest in phases. That way, your team sees value early, maintains control throughout the journey, and avoids being overwhelmed by change.

2. The Key to Adoption? Communication at Every Level

Major system shifts don’t just affect finance leaders—they ripple through every department.

“It’s not just about getting the C-suite on board—it’s about preparing the team on the ground.” — Mary Williams

Include Everyone from the Start:

Set expectations early
Clarify timelines
Give department leaders a voice

When end users understand why change is happening—and how it affects their day-to-day—they’re far more likely to embrace it.

3. Want to Ease Change Resistance? Show Quick Wins

Even if your team isn’t ready for a full ERP migration, you can still make meaningful progress now:

✅ Automate approval workflows
✅ Digitize your check printing
✅ Layer in fraud protection with vendor validation
✅ Move payments to the cloud with Remote Payment Services

These improvements don’t require a full system switch—but they lighten the load for your AP team, reduce risk, and build momentum for broader transformation down the line.

4. AI Isn’t Optional—It’s Already Here

At TMC, we’re an AI-first partner. We believe AI will reshape how finance teams operate—from invoice capture to analytics to forecasting.

“AI is evolving faster than any other innovation we’ve seen. It’s not a matter of if you’ll need it. It’s a matter of whether your current system will support it.” — Mary Williams

Why It Matters:

If you’re still on a legacy system, your access to AI capabilities is limited.
We help clients align their ERP roadmap with emerging AI opportunities—so they can lead, not lag.

5. The Right Partner Makes All the Difference

Whether you’re starting small or preparing for a full migration, success comes down to trust.

“A great consultant doesn’t just answer your question—they help you ask the right question.” — Mary Williams

At TMC, we:

Work as an extension of your team
Offer practical, real-world advice
Customize solutions that fit your goals and pace

Ready to Think Beyond the Quick Fix?

If you’re feeling the pressure to modernize your AP or ERP systems—but aren’t sure where to begin—we’re here to help.

Let’s talk about your goals, your challenges, and what smart, strategic progress looks like for you.