Port of Olympia looks to upgrade ERP platform 

The Port of Olympia is planning to upgrade its enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform to better manage its finances and operations, according to a staff update to the Port of Olympia Commission at a meeting on Monday, July 14. 

Port of Olympia Director of Enterprise Services Brent Barnes told the commission the port has been using Microsoft Dynamics SL as its ERP system since 1998. The port has to replace the platform, as Microsoft is phasing out the tool and will stop supporting it by 2028. 

Barnes said staff conducted an RFP process to find a provider and received 12 proposals. The choices were narrowed down to two firms, before finally picking Advaiya, an Indian-based firm that has an office in Bellevue. The firm is proposing to use Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, a cloud-based ERP solution.  

If the port commission approves a contract with the company, Barnes said the initial investment for the first year is $179,316, which covers implementation and licensing fees. The annual cost would be $44,816 in subsequent years. 

Barnes explained there was a list of requirements for finding a new platform. 

The new platform would have to allow port staff to provide real-time reporting, ensuring that managers and port commissioners have up-to-date information on the port’s performance. 

The tool must be based on Microsoft Dynamics, which is what port staff are trained in. 

The new platform would also need to be able to integrate with various programs the port is using. Such programs include Molo for marina reservation, FSM for fuel management system, ManagerPlus for asset management, Laserfiche for electronic content management, and ADP for payroll management. 

Barnes said he would return in two weeks with Advaiya’s contract and to ask for the commission to authorize it. Once approved, implementation of the new platform would take 48 weeks, according to Barnes.