Microsoft case study

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates innovates with end-to-end omnichannel

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Digital transformation Retail Dynamics 365
Digital evolution Digital & data innovation Microsoft Business applications

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the third-largest premium wine company in the U.S., is the first worldwide to deploy Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce.

RSM implemented the 100% Microsoft end-to-end omnichannel solution.

Background

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the third-largest premium wine company in the U.S., is the first worldwide to deploy Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce. Microsoft has released an Azure-based e-commerce platform that is designed to work with the popular Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail application, enabling a 100% Microsoft end-to-end omnichannel solution. Col Solare, one of Ste. Michelle’s premium brands (www.colsolare.com) was the first on the new platform with the remaining brands transitioning shortly after.

RSM was selected to implement the end-to-end system. RSM was selected for its breadth of expertise and capability to deliver on multiple channels using a rapid approach.

RSM’s capabilities in delivering retail solutions for brick and mortar, call center and digital make them uniquely capable for this project. Because of RSM’s retail focused Rapid Verification Model, the project was implemented in just 19 weeks..
Joe Gregg, Chief Information Officer for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Path to Success

The Rapid Verification Model for retail has been developed internally by RSM. It includes a rapid configuration of the system and allows RSM’s clients to focus on strategic capabilities during the implementation.

“Our RVM methodology provides the basic blocking and tackling of retail right out of the gate so that our clients can focus on capabilities that give them an edge. Clients using RVM have implementation cycles that are measured in weeks instead of months,” says Lindsay Carpen, Partner at RSM.

The Microsoft e-commerce solution offers content management as a work stream that enables the digital brand manager with the tools needed to maintain the content of the site. This is a big change from Ste. Michelle’s old system where content was in line with the application code.

The Microsoft solution for Commerce is unique in the mid-market. Developer’s build modules using industry standard tools and languages that are the building blocks for the site. Pages can then be assembled from modules and content plugged in by the client’s digital marketing team.

When fully deployed, the Ste. Michelle solution will offer a unique wine club capability by allowing members to have visibility to and work with their club subscriptions across all channels. Guests will be able to sign up at the tasting room, through the call center or online. The functionality will also be available for members to add to their orders or swap out for other options at each wine club run.

Just as important as the wine club, Ste. Michelle has tasting rooms that host guests from all over the U.S. and the world. Providing a top tier guest experience is important for the brand experience offered by all fourteen brands in Ste. Michelle’s portfolio. RSM and Microsoft delivered a single platform solution that provides experiences unique to each brand. The ability to manage multiple brands in a single platform within a single legal entity is no small feat.

“RSM has enabled us to blend the technology into the tasting room branding experience.  With the new look and feel and Omni-channel features, including a tight integration to Ship Compliant, we are able to assist our guests with shipping all over the country, right from the tasting room floor,” says Melanie Baker, Senior Director of Direct-to-Consumer Operations for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

When fully deployed, the Ste. Michelle solution will offer a unique wine club capability by allowing members to have visibility to and work with their club subscriptions across all channels. Guests will be able to sign up at the tasting room, through the call center or online. The functionality will also be available for members to add to their orders or swap out for other options at each wine club run.

“Microsoft’s realized vision for omnichannel retail allows us to build this wine club functionality once and have it work in all channels at the same time.  Having this capability reduces friction and enables Ste. Michelle to offer the best experience to our guests,” says Joe Gregg, Chief Information Officer for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

Just as important as the wine club, Ste. Michelle has tasting rooms that host guests from all over the U.S. and the world. Providing a top tier guest experience is important for the brand experience offered by all fourteen brands in Ste. Michelle’s portfolio. RSM and Microsoft delivered a single platform solution that provides experiences unique to each brand. The ability to manage multiple brands in a single platform within a single legal entity is no small feat.

RSM has enabled us to blend the technology into the tasting room branding experience. With the new look and feel and Omni-channel features, including a tight integration to Ship Compliant, we are able to assist our guests with shipping all over the country, right from the tasting room floor.
Melanie Baker, Senior Director of Direct-to-Consumer Operations for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.