Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania (RbA) was grappling with the downstream effects of fragmented systems, manual processes, and inconsistent reporting. While the business had grown rapidly, its back-office operations had not kept pace. The result was a high administrative burden, limited visibility, and an over-reliance on manual workarounds to bridge the gap between systems.
425 Consulting Group was engaged to address these inefficiencies through a process-driven transformation focused on integration, automation, and scalability.
At the outset, RbA’s operations relied heavily on manual data entry, paper-based approvals, and disconnected systems. Key processes such as job setup, commission tracking, and reporting were inconsistent and time-consuming. The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system did not interface with the accounting software, leading to discrepancies, duplicate data entry, and delayed reporting. Calculating sales commissions was especially burdensome – managed through spreadsheets and emails, involving multiple personnel and frequent reconciliation errors.
425 began by standardizing and streamlining the job setup process in the CRM, ensuring accurate and consistent data capture at the source. We defined clear data ownership rules, eliminated paper-based workflows, and aligned data structures to support downstream financial processes. By automating the commission engine and tying it directly to job data in the CRM, we eliminated manual calculations, reduced the role of the sales team in the process, and created a single version of the truth for performance-based pay.
We then replaced the legacy accounting platform with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC), integrating it directly with the CRM. This not only eliminated redundant data entry but also enabled real-time data flow across systems. To support financial analysis and internal controls, we implemented reporting dimensions in BC and deployed Microsoft Power BI for executive dashboards, job-level reporting, and commission visibility.
One of the most impactful changes was replacing RbA’s manual, Excel-based commission process with a scalable, cloud-based solution. Sales reps gained access to real-time commission reports via Power BI, improving transparency and eliminating the need for manual payroll adjustments. Finance and operations teams can now track job performance and financial outcomes with clarity and consistency.
The solution delivered measurable improvements across finance, operations, and reporting in the following ways:
The strength of this solution has extended beyond Central Pennsylvania. We have successfully implemented it at many additional Renewal by Andersen affiliates throughout the U.S. We attribute this success not to selling software, but to taking the time to work through the core operational challenges first. We focused on designing the supporting processes, systems, integrations, and reporting needed to deliver a truly scalable and repeatable model.
As additional affiliates implement the solution, each brings forward new ideas that extend its value. At the request of one affiliate, 425 Consulting developed an automated Cost of Marketing report to reduce manual effort and speed up analysis. Another affiliate worked with us to design a Project Profitability Report that provides job-level margin visibility. These affiliate-driven innovations have become valuable additions to the broader solution, reinforcing the power of a shared platform tailored through real-world feedback.
To support continued collaboration and innovation, 425 hosts quarterly user group meetings where affiliates come together to share best practices, explore updates to Business Central and Power BI, and discuss current challenges. These sessions foster an engaged community and serve as a launchpad for future enhancements.
As new affiliates join and existing ones deepen their use of the system, we expect ongoing contributions that will further strengthen the RbA solution and continue driving efficiency, consistency, and value across the network.
This initiative demonstrates the power of a process-first approach to system modernization. By aligning people, processes, and technology, 425 Consulting Group delivered a scalable, efficient, and integrated solution, positioning Renewal by Andersen to support continued growth, reduce cost per transaction, and make faster, data-driven decisions.
Renewal by Andersen affiliates across the country are seeing the impact of a unified, process-first solution. They are now streamlining operations, increasing visibility, and scaling with confidence. If your affiliate is ready to reduce manual work, improve reporting, and build a back-office foundation for growth, we are here to help.
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In 2014, Rich co-founded 425 Consulting Group to bring large enterprise experience in business processes, systems, and business intelligence to small and medium-sized organizations. He is a multidimensional professional with extensive experience in accounting, financial management reporting, and corporate accounting systems.
If you want to learn more about 425 Consulting Group can transform your business, please contact us.
