A Case Study on Transforming Operations and Finance for Bombay Halwa

Bombay Halwa has built its reputation on delivering high-quality traditional sweets and snacks to customers across the UK. As the company grew, the need for a structured and efficient operational and financial system became increasingly evident.

The transition to a more structured approach brought both opportunities and challenges, and Mercurius IT worked closely with the team to implement solutions that would enhance their daily operations while making the process as smooth as possible.

One of the initial challenges was staff reluctance towards adopting new systems. The team at Bombay Halwa was accustomed to traditional ways of working and showed little interest in entering data into the new system.

Recognising that engagement was key to success, a comprehensive training program was implemented. Through hands-on sessions and continuous support, employees gained confidence in using the system, and over time, participation increased.

“Once we started using the system, we could see how much time it saved us,” shared a team member. “The initial hesitation quickly faded when we realized how much easier things became.”

Data accuracy was another crucial focus area. During the master data upload, inconsistencies surfaced, highlighting the need for improved data management practices.

Standardised protocols were introduced to ensure that data entry was accurate and consistent. This not only reduced errors but also improved decision-making by providing reliable data.

The company’s organisational structure also needed refinement. Role definitions were unclear, leading to inefficiencies.

By assessing the existing framework, responsibilities were redefined, bringing clarity and accountability to daily operations. The team worked more efficiently with clear communication channels, knowing exactly what was expected of them.

Product shelf-life management was an area that required significant attention. With perishable goods, precise tracking is essential to minimise waste.

By customising Business Central’s inventory tracking features, Bombay Halwa could monitor expiration dates more effectively, ensuring that products were used within optimal timeframes.

“We no longer rely on manual tracking. The system helps us manage our inventory so much better,” said a production manager.

Weight measurement variations posed another challenge, as temperature fluctuations impacted consistency in product weights.

New weighing protocols were introduced to account for these variations, leading to greater accuracy in production records. The introduction of a routing process further ensured that discrepancies were minimised.

Quality checks were previously conducted only at the production stage, meaning potential issues with raw materials were sometimes discovered too late.

A new quality inspection process was implemented at the warehouse level, ensuring that only approved goods entered production.

Warehouse staff received training on inspection procedures, and quality data was integrated into Business Central, providing visibility and traceability throughout the supply chain.

On the financial side, the absence of a structured system meant that operations relied heavily on manual processes, including Excel spreadsheets for margin calculations and cross-transaction matching.

This lack of automation made financial reporting time-consuming and prone to errors. A standard cost rollup worksheet was introduced to address this, enabling the company to obtain accurate cost calculations at any time.

Implementing purchase requisition and intercompany sales processes streamlined procurement, reducing dependency on manual inputs.

Payroll data, which previously required significant effort to process manually, was now imported directly into the system, eliminating the need for manual journal entries.

With automated financial consolidation, reports such as sales margins and financial summaries could be generated in real time, giving the management team the insights they needed to make informed decisions.

The impact of these changes was felt across the organisation. Data accuracy improved significantly, ensuring that operational decisions were based on reliable information.

Staff engagement increased as they became more comfortable with the system, leading to greater efficiency in daily tasks. Inventory management improved with better shelf-life tracking, reducing waste and optimising stock turnover.

Consistent weight measurements resulted in more reliable production records, while proactive quality inspections minimised the risk of defective products reaching customers.

Financial processes became more transparent and efficient. Accurate costing and profitability calculations allowed the team to understand their financial position at any given time.

Accessing real-time inventory valuation and sales margin reports provided a clearer picture of business performance.

Automating journal entries and payroll processing saved time and reduced the likelihood of errors, freeing up resources to focus on strategic growth.

Mercurius IT helped transform its operations and financial management by working closely with Bombay Halwa.

The journey required effort and adaptation, but the results spoke for themselves.

With a structured approach, improved processes, and greater visibility into its operations, the company is now better positioned to continue delivering high-quality products to its customers while maintaining efficiency and control over its business.