How Marshall Lumber Uses Lumber POS Software
Lumber POS Software embedded in Microsoft Dynamics supports how Marshall Lumber serves contractors and retail customers in Macon, Georgia. A Microsoft Dynamics customer since 2012, the Orgill dealer and Andersen Window dealer relies on System Solutions LLC for a familiar point-of-sale environment, special-order tracking, and connected accounting that fit the way the lumber and building-material business operates.
Marshall Lumber chose Microsoft Dynamics after its previous provider discontinued support for the company's earlier software, and Marshall realized investing in a Microsoft built software product was the best short and long term solution. The replacement needed to fit an independent business without imposing a larger product than the operation required, and needed to a great value.
Customer Profile
Marshall Lumber's operation includes a storefront, an Andersen Windows showroom, and substantial moulding inventory. Those departments reflect a business that handles everyday counter sales while coordinating configured products and special orders.
Challenges Before Microsoft Dynamics
Marshall Lumber previously used an Epicor platform that they discontinued, with no affordable alternative. When support for that software was discontinued, the company needed a replacement appropriate for a smaller independent operation.
Right-Sized Business System
Marshall Lumber did not need the larger replacement product offered by its former provider. The company researched alternatives and identified Microsoft Dynamics as a closer operational fit.
Special-Order Visibility
Special orders represent a significant portion of Marshall Lumber's business. The company needed dependable tracking across quotes, purchase orders, work information, expected dates, invoices, and customer details.
Connected Accounting
The operation needed point-of-sale activity to work with its accounting process more easily than the previous arrangement.
Lumber-Specific Units
Marshall Lumber purchases lumber by linear foot and sells by board foot, making unit-of-measure handling an important operational requirement.
Why Marshall Lumber Chose System Solutions LLC
After identifying Microsoft Dynamics, Marshall Lumber needed a provider that had LBM industry experience, and could supply and support the system. System Solutions LLC provided existing-user references, and Marshall Lumber moved forward after receiving favorable recommendations.
“We happened upon System Solutions and were provided current users to contact. With good recommendations, that has been fourteen years ago.”Buddy Marshall, Marshall Lumber
The longevity of the relationship matters because Marshall Lumber values continuity rather than unnecessary operational change. The company has emphasized preserving a familiar counter experience while maintaining support for established workflows.
Implementation Experience
Marshall Lumber implemented Microsoft Dynamics POS with special-order tracking and connected accounting. The combination addressed the company's two clearest needs: following orders that extend beyond an ordinary counter transaction and moving sales activity into the accounting workflow.
System Solutions LLC has continued to assist with routine Microsoft Dynamics support or customizations when business needs changed.
Lumber POS Software Results
The tracking workflow remains valuable because specialty orders are a large part of Marshall Lumber's business.
Connected accounting has been easier for Marshall Lumber to work with than its previous accounting arrangement.
Microsoft Dynamics has supported the company's familiar counter and back-office processes since 2012.
How Lumber POS Software Supports Daily Operations
Marshall Lumber processes sales through three POS stations, tracks specialty jobs beyond the initial transaction, manages posting activity, and preserves operational practices that staff already understand.
How Marshall Lumber Uses Microsoft Dynamics Today
Marshall Lumber relies on Microsoft Dynamics for point-of-sale and related store-management work. The documented environment includes three POS stations, special-order tracking, purchase-order processing, inventory workflows, receipt printing, customer statements, connected accounting, complex units of measure, and supplier or estimating-system connections as future needs evolve.
Functions, Workflows, and Devices Used by Marshall Lumber
Point-of-Sale Functions
- Three Microsoft Dynamics POS stations support counter transactions.
- Any register, printing, or device issues are covered by ongoing support.
Customer Service and Account Workflows
- Customer statements are produced and have been adjusted for the company's terms presentation.
- Customer phone numbers have been used as a practical reference for locating special-order activity.
- Marshall Lumber needs quotes, orders, expected dates, work information, purchase orders, and invoices to remain easy to find.
Supplier Purchasing and Receiving
- Purchase orders are handled in Microsoft Dynamics.
- Posting support has included purchase-order exceptions and supplier-related issues.
- Orgill is just one supplier relationship, with a heavier concentration in premium building material products like: Andersen windows, Windsor windows, ThermaTru doors, Trex decking, Weyerhauser, and Stanley.
Inventory Management
- Physical inventory procedures and inventory reports support stock control.
- Lumber unit conversion is important because product may be purchased in linear feet and sold in board feet.
- The storefront, window showroom, and moulding inventory require support for varied product categories.
Pricing and Item Maintenance
- Item and customer records are maintained in Microsoft Dynamics.
- Item maintenance and delivery is entirely managed within the Microsoft Dynamics environment.
Statements, Receivables, and Accounting
- Point-of-sale activity connects to the accounting workflow.
- Batch and journal posting are recurring back-office processes.
- Open receivables and historical accounting data is required for top notch customer service.
Payment Processing and Daily Closeout
- Card payments use standalone payment terminals by Marshall's choice and Microsoft Dynamics does not mandate the credit card processor, whether stand alone or integrated.
- Closed batches and accounting posting are part of periodic processing.
- Receipt printing is a daily operational dependency.
Reporting and Administration
- Physical inventory totals, customer statements, sales posting, and purchase-order activity are documented reporting or administrative needs.
- Remote support is available to diagnose workstation, posting, printing, or any other operational issue.
Integrations and Connected Services
- Connected accounting is actively used.
- Special-order tracking is actively used.
- Andersen IQ, estimating software, and direct email workflows are the next potential integrations.
Hardware and Business Continuity
- Three POS workstations are documented.
Customer Experience
Marshall Lumber's strongest result centers on the workflow that matters most to the business: special orders. Tracking provides continuity after the initial customer conversation and supports work involving outside suppliers, configured products, deliveries and related documents.
“The special-order tracking add-on has been very useful over the years as this is a large part of our business.”Buddy Marshall, Marshall Lumber
The accounting connection also replaced a more difficult prior process with one that better fits daily work.
“The connected accounting system integrated with the point of sale has been much easier to work with compared with previous account software.”Buddy Marshall, Marshall Lumber
Practical Next Steps
Microsoft describes Dynamics 365 Business Central for small and mid-sized organizations as a business management solution spanning finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, shipping, projects, service, and related workflows. Any future move for Marshall Lumber would require customer-specific validation before those capabilities could be presented as implemented.
Discuss Your Lumber or Building-Material Workflows
Businesses evaluating point of sale, special-order tracking, connected accounting, or a future Microsoft Dynamics transition can contact System Solutions LLC to review the workflows that matter to their operation.