Aviate Technologies Accelerates Microsoft Cloud Integration and Cuts Delivery Costs with DCG’s Power Learn Talent

About Company

Aviate Technologies is a Minnesota, US-based IT services and consulting firm specializing in helping manufacturing clients migrate to the Microsoft Cloud stack. Known for their deep industry knowledge and nimble delivery model, Aviate partners with mid-sized to enterprise manufacturers to modernize operations using Dynamics 365.

Business Overview

Aviate was working with a high-priority manufacturing client that required extensive customization and integration of Microsoft Dynamics 365. The client’s goals included aligning sales and finance operations, improving process visibility, and streamlining data flow between business systems.

To support delivery and control project costs, Aviate partnered with DCG to source talent through Power Learn Academy, an accelerator program for Microsoft consultants trained in Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and practical ERP scenarios.

Business Challenge

Aviate needed a skilled functional consultant who could:

  • Analyze and tailor Microsoft solutions to fit the client’s unique business methods
  • Document and enhance the Lead-to-Order sales process across D365 CE and F&O
  • Customize and upgrade dual-write integration for long-term sustainability
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to streamline invoicing and task management
  • Reduce manual work and improve turnaround times without increasing the cost of delivery

Traditional sourcing models were either too costly or lacked the depth of ERP required for success.

Technology & Approach

Real-Time data sync

Power Platform

Technology & Approach

My functional consultant] had a lot of experience with ERP and manufacturing software, and I think that helped out a lot. We really didn't have to work at it

Mark Blevins

President, Aviate Technologies

DCG’s SPEAR-Led Transformation

Critical Implementation Milestones

  • Built and upgraded dual-write maps for seamless integration between F&O and Sales
  • Defined and documented the Lead-to-Order business process
  • Migrated the dual-write application to support the Global Address Book module
  • Created Power Automate flows to capture communication data and eliminate rework
  • Developed plugins to expedite invoicing and enhance CRM usability
  • Designed a work queue and dashboard system for real-time task tracking across internal teams

Strategic Wins

  • Repeat business: secured from an impressed, high-priority client
  • Rapid ramp-up:  achieved with minimal onboarding time thanks to prior ERP expertise
  • Process automation: reduced manual steps and improved time-to-completion
  • Dashboard visibility: empowered users and leadership with real-time insights

How SPEAR Made the Difference

Even though this engagement wasn’t a rescue per se, it closely followed the principles of DCG’s SPEAR framework to drive clarity, alignment, and strategic outcomes:

Surveillance

Established visibility into operations and process bottlenecks.Established visibility into operations and process bottlenecks.

1

Performance

Measured execution speed, efficiency gains, and identified misalignment risks.

2

Excellence

Optimized processes for scalability and user experience.

3

Automation

Designed intentional and sustainable automation with Power Automate flows and plugins.

4

Requirements & Roadmap (L1–L5)

Prioritized business needs, solution sequencing, and mapped milestones toward long-term value.

5

Key Benefits

Accelerated Time-to-Value

Rapid consultant ramp-up and automated workflows reduced rework, shortened completion cycles, and delivered results within days.

Seamless Integration

Dual-write customization and upgrade—including the Global Address Book—executed with zero data disruption.

Enhanced Client Satisfaction

Custom plugins, streamlined sales processes, and faster invoicing impressed the client and secured repeat business.

Operational Visibility

Dashboards and work queues gave both users and managers real-time transparency into cross-team activities.

Cost-Effective Delivery

Powered by DCG’s affordable Power Learn resources, Aviate reduced delivery costs while maintaining high-quality outcomes.