Redefining cloud-based financial management software for diocese: a case study
SylogistMission, in partnership with the Diocese of Biloxi, is using customer feedback to optimize the transition to cloud-based financial management software SylogistMission ERP.
One of Sylogist’s long-standing clients, the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, recently underwent the transition from an on-premises version of SylogistMission ERP to our cloud-based SylogistMission ERP. Previously, the Diocese of Biloxi maintained their own servers and local version of SylogistMission ERP.
Upgrading to the cloud-based version of SylogistMission ERP comes with some challenges and lots of benefits. SylogistMission has a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges dioceses face and we purpose-build software solutions for mission-based organizations like Dioceses and Archdioceses.
Why ERP Systems are SO Important for Dioceses
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are crucial for dioceses because they streamline and integrate various administrative processes, enhancing overall efficiency and transparency. Dioceses are complex and can encompass multiple types of entities and can include hundreds of individual parishes, schools, and ministries.
Each entity has a hand in the financial management of the Diocese. This can amount to thousands of financial transactions on a monthly, weekly or even daily basis, including donations, operational expenses, program services, and investment activity.
Diocese staff must manage diverse financial operations including:
- Budgeting & forecasting
- Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Shared services for parishes and schools
- Investment and trust management
- Deposit & Loan Administration
- Detailed financial reports for internal and external stakeholders
- Form 990 reporting
- Payroll
- Insurance Programs
Add to that list all the highly specialized functions that diocese, who are nonprofit organizations, must address including:
- Fund accounting
- Grant management and reporting
- Donation and contribution management
- Donor acknowledgements
- Parishioner relationship management
This complexity means that one person or team cannot manage all the daily functions required to ensure that operations are secure, efficient, and transparent.
Diocese of Biloxi’s Story
The Diocese of Biloxi recognized the benefits in upgrading from their local version of SylogistMission ERP to the cloud-based version powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Overall, Diocese staff recognize that their transition has been a significant step towards greater efficiency, despite some initial challenges.
Shortly after the migration, Tammy Dilorenzo, CFO of the Diocese of Biloxi, identified issues with the investment allocation in their Foundation and some of her staff had encountered difficulties with processing other items and they had general questions. Tammy brought these challenges to the Sylogist team managing the transition and it was clear that the project had not sufficiently tackled these complex issues and were not being sufficiently addressed with the appropriate Sylogist resources.
Sylogist asked their Diocesan subject matter experts to investigate the allocation and meet with Tammy to understand the shortcomings. After meeting with Tammy, Sylogist came up with a comprehensive solution to address the shortcomings Tammy highlighted. In response, the Sylogist customer support team and consultants worked together to address the shortcomings, and simultaneously Sylogist sent a Professional Services Manager and Consultant to Biloxi to spend 2-1/2 days on-site to focus on the allocations face to face, and to provide Tammy’s finance team with support and guidance.
Sylogist’s primary goals were to resolve the allocation issues, ensure accurate financial reporting, and provide comprehensive user training to facilitate a smooth transition to the cloud version of SylogistMission ERP.
Working side-by-side with Diocese of Biloxi users allowed Sylogist to swiftly address 90% of the outstanding issues while they were onsite. The rest were resolved within two weeks of Sylogist’s visit.
This high-touch, in-person approach proved invaluable. The ability to communicate directly and efficiently fostered a collaborative environment, enabling Sylogist to overcome obstacles quickly. The diocesan staff helped to not only improve their own experience with the product, but they also paved the way to help Sylogist more effectively respond to customer support issues, to more quickly involve subject matter experts, and in the future to encourage on-site visits to wrap up projects.
"The transition to SylogistMission ERP was challenging at first, but the in-person support and dedication from the Sylogist team made all the difference. Their commitment to resolving our issues and providing thorough training has been instrumental in our successful adaptation to the new system."
The in-person presence of the Sylogist customer support team at the Diocese of Biloxi allowed both groups to collaboratively resolve the technical issues identified. It also reinforced the cherished partnership Sylogist has with the Diocese of Biloxi. Finally, it reinforced Sylogist’s commitment to their success and allows for seamless SylogistMission ERP cloud implementations in the future.
SylogistMission ERP: Purpose-Built for Dioceses, by Dioceses
With over 30 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations like dioceses and archdioceses, Sylogist understands the unique challenges faced by these entities. SylogistMission ERP, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, reflects Sylogist’s expertise in product development, successful implementations, and exceptional customer service. This specialized approach ensures that SylogistMission precisely caters to the distinctive requirements of nonprofit organizations, setting it apart from repurposed ERP solutions.
SylogistMission ERP offers dioceses and other types of nonprofits a comprehensive solution tailored to their unique needs, backed by the power of the Microsoft Stack and unparalleled expertise in global implementations. Contact us today to learn more about how SylogistMission can support your organization’s mission and drive meaningful change.
Additional Resources for Dioceses
Diocese of Venice in Florida Case Study
Safeguarding Your Mission: How Dioceses Can Use Church Management Software to Enhance Security
2024 Trends – Cloud-Based and SaaS Software
8 Differences Between SaaS and Perpetually Licensed Software
8 Key Considerations for Nonprofits Choosing a Software Vendor
Top 5 Reasons to Move Your Infrastructure into Microsoft Azure
