Digital Transformation: Modernising Legacy Systems

Overview

A prominent UK water utility embarked on a transformational journey to modernise its operational landscape. Historically reliant on fragmented on-premise systems and legacy applications, the organisation faced limitations in agility, integration, and long-term scalability. Veriland Consulting Ltd. was selected as the partner to lead a holistic digital transformation, replacing over 20 legacy systems with an integrated, cloud-first Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem tailored for asset and work management.

Challenge

The client’s operational model had evolved into a complex environment of siloed systems, bespoke tools, and disjointed processes. These included a mix of mobile apps, spreadsheets, legacy reporting tools, and custom-built scheduling and notification platforms.

The key challenges included:

System Fragmentation: Multiple systems with overlapping functionalities and no centralised integration.
Legacy Burden: Many tools were unsupported, obsolete, or at risk of security vulnerabilities.
Operational Inefficiencies: Manual workflows, inconsistent user experiences, and lack of real-time data hindered productivity.
Field Service Gaps: Key frontline domains such as Leakage and Production Ops operated independently, with limited digital oversight.
Scalability Issues: Inability to expand services or adopt new digital capabilities like IoT, real-time analytics, or automated scheduling.

Outcome

Veriland implemented a domain-driven, matrix-based transformation model. Each operational domain was analysed for functional needs and mapped against the capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure technologies.

The implementation approach included:

Fit-for-purpose Platform Alignment:

Dynamics 365 Field Service: Enabled modern mobile workforce operations across key domains such as Ground Maintenance, Jet Vac, and Sewerage.

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (SCM): Addressed asset-heavy operational needs like R&M Supply and Production Ops.

Power BI & Azure Synapse: Delivered robust data reporting and performance visibility.

Microsoft 365 Stack: Teams, SharePoint, and Forms enhanced internal collaboration and structured data collection.
Functional Coverage:

Asset management and work generation integrated with GIS.

Financial operations migrated to D365 Finance.

HR functions transitioned from legacy systems to D365 HR.
Decommissioning Legacy Systems:

More than 20 legacy applications were replaced, including in-house tools, scheduling apps, and bespoke reporting engines.

Outdated text-based notifications were migrated to Power Automate flows.

Solution

Veriland implemented a domain-driven, matrix-based transformation model. Each operational domain was analysed for functional needs and mapped against the capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure technologies.

The implementation approach included:

Modernised Architecture

Fully cloud-based infrastructure with real-time reporting and data integration.
System Rationalisation
Over 20 legacy applications successfully decommissioned.
Operational Clarity
Each domain now has a clearly defined digital owner and mapped technology stack.
Real-Time Insights
Power BI dashboards and Azure Synapse pipelines enable immediate visibility into KPIs and operational performance.
Scalable Foundation
The platform now supports future integration of IoT, AI, and automated workflows.

Key Benefits

Benefit	Benefit Description
Field Service	Integrated job scheduling, tracking, and dispatch with Dynamics 365 Field Service
Asset Management	Centralised control of physical and digital assets with real-time status updates
Reporting & Compliance	Dynamic dashboards and audit-ready reporting powered by Power BI
Collaboration	Enhanced teamwork through Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and structured workflows
Cloud Transformation	Secure, scalable infrastructure aligned with regulatory and environmental needs

Why Veriland ?

Veriland Consulting Ltd. delivered end-to-end services including solution architecture, system integration, configuration, and operational support. Our domain-specific knowledge and deep expertise in Microsoft technologies enabled a transformation that was not just technically successful, but strategically aligned with the client’s long-term objectives.

Looking Forward

The platform now acts as a digital backbone for ongoing innovation—whether integrating AI-powered asset monitoring, predictive maintenance models, or expanding services to new geographies or regulatory environments. This engagement stands as a benchmark for how water utilities can move from legacy lock-in to agile, data-driven enterprise operations using Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Country

United Kingdom

Segment

Large Enterprise

Industry

Utilities - Water

Products and Services

Dynamics 365 Field Service Dynamics 365 SCM Microsoft Azure Cloud Microsoft Azure Data Factory Microsoft Azure Data Synapse

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