In early 2023, TDL Canada, a leading wholesale distributor of consumer electronics and networking gear, was hindered by an outdated Adagio system and manual warehouse processes. To future-proof their operations and improve efficiency, the company partnered with supply chain experts at LIDD to deploy Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud, enhanced by applications from Insight Works and TrueCommerce.

Strategic Overhaul

The deployment wasn’t just a software upgrade—it was a strategic transformation. LIDD led the implementation of Business Central, Insight Works’ Warehouse Insight and Dynamic Ship apps, and TrueCommerce EDI. These tools created a robust, scalable platform tailored to wholesale distribution’s needs. A mid-project acquisition of Gentek prompted a phased rollout, starting with TDL’s core operations to minimize disruption.

Addressing Longstanding Challenges

TDL faced significant hurdles moving from manual to digital systems. Staff had to unlearn ingrained processes like paper-based order tracking and manual backorder handling. LIDD responded with structured change management and targeted staff training, smoothing the transition and boosting team confidence.

Technology Stack

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central centralized TDL’s data and workflows, eliminating silos and automating core processes.
• Warehouse Insight by Insight Works revolutionized warehouse operations through real-time mobile scanning, reducing data entry errors and boosting accuracy. The app ran on both Honeywell CK65 and Datalogic Skorpio X5 devices.
• Dynamic Ship by Insight Works streamlined TDL’s shipping by embedding rate shopping, label generation, and shipment tracking directly into Business Central.
• TrueCommerce EDI replaced TDL’s old EDI system, enabling faster and more accurate order handling. The new EDI system was live within two months, just in time for the holiday season.

Results That Matter

The upgrade unlocked significant performance gains. TDL increased their December order shipments from 6,146 in 2022 to 19,000 in 2024—a 209% increase.

Operationally, the improvements were clear:

• Efficiency: Automation reduced manual entry and sped up fulfillment.
• Data Access: Teams gained real-time inventory, sales, and order visibility.
• Customer Satisfaction: Faster shipping and better backorder management improved service levels.
• Scalability: TDL is now positioned to integrate new business units with minimal disruption.
• EDI Optimization: Integrated workflows with Dynamic Ship ensured seamless ASN communication with trading partners.

Moving Forward

According to Lance Tennier, VP of Operations, the transformation didn’t just improve operations—it redefined what TDL could achieve. The company is now equipped to grow, expand, and adapt rapidly in a fast-moving industry.

As TDL integrates Gentek in the next phase, the strategic investment in Microsoft’s ecosystem ensures they can scale effectively, confidently, and without missing a beat.