When lease agreements, revenue, finance, procurement, and maintenance are tracked across disconnected systems, it becomes difficult to see how the shopping mall is performing as a whole. An integrated management platform can first help standardize data and processes, then support the expansion of advanced analytics. TECHWORLD has developed an industry-focused approach based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC) and BES.
Why do shopping malls need a unified management platform?
Shopping mall operations involve multiple workflows: tenant and lease management, revenue recording, reconciliation, purchasing, cost control, and the management of supplies and technical assets. When data is spread across different systems or individual spreadsheets, businesses may find it difficult to reconcile information, track receivables, and compile reports in a timely manner.
The challenge is not just technological. Unstandardized processes also make data difficult to compare across business units, limiting oversight and decision support. A digitalization roadmap should therefore begin with how the business operates and is managed, rather than simply adding another piece of software to the existing environment.
Combining D365 Business Central and BES to meet industry needs
D365 BC is the ERP platform identified in the materials for core functions such as finance, accounting, budgeting, accounts receivable and payable, procurement, and asset management. For shopping malls, the proposed scope also includes tenant information, lease agreements, fixed and revenue-share rent, as well as invoicing and payment processes.
BES extends the solution ecosystem for the retail industry. The materials describe an omnichannel direction, centralized management, and the ability to connect business activities with operational data. For shopping mall operators, combining a core management platform with relevant capabilities from the BES ecosystem provides a basis for considering how to connect retail and service activities. The specific scope should be defined according to each business’s operating model, existing systems, and requirements.
Management and finance
Centralize accounting, budgeting, accounts receivable and payable, and data for reporting.
Tenants and revenue
Standardize tenant information, lease terms, rental revenue, and processes for recording and tracking payments.
Operations and assets
Connect procurement processes, supply controls, and tracking for technical assets, maintenance schedules, and related costs.
A phased roadmap: from standardized operations to intelligent management
The materials propose a step-by-step implementation approach that limits risk and establishes a foundation before expansion. The timelines below are indicative guidance from the materials, not a delivery commitment applicable to every project.
1. Standardize the foundation
The initial phase, estimated at around 6–7 months, focuses on lease, revenue, collection and reconciliation, procurement, finance, and operational reporting processes. The proposed approach is to complete a standard model and then replicate it for the next business unit where appropriate.
2. Expand analytics capabilities
The next phase, estimated at around 4–5 months, aims to introduce multidimensional dashboards, revenue and cost analysis, technical asset management, HR, and data-driven alerts. AI applications are positioned for after the underlying data has been standardized.
This phased approach allows businesses to address operational needs first, then expand into asset optimization and advanced analytics. Rather than implementing everything at once, an organization can define the scope and priorities according to its management objectives.
The benefits of working with Microsoft and TECHWORLD
The value of the partnership model lies in combining Microsoft’s platform with the partner’s consulting, implementation, and localization capabilities. According to the materials, channel partners define project scope, implement and extend functionality, and support users; Microsoft contributes the Dynamics platform and supports solution development. This provides a basis for designing an approach aligned with business processes rather than applying the same configuration to every business.
- A unified management view: Helps consolidate financial and operational information on a shared platform, with access controls tailored to the organization’s needs.
- Phased implementation: Prioritizes standardizing core business processes before expanding reporting, asset management, and analytics.
- A foundation for data-driven decisions: Better-organized data and dashboards can help managers monitor performance and identify areas for review.
- Room to grow as needs evolve: The roadmap can be considered for expansion across multiple business units or for connecting additional relevant retail capabilities.
These benefits depend on scope, data quality, process design, and user adoption. Business process assessment and agreement on objectives should therefore come before selecting an implementation configuration.
From operational ERP to an intelligent management platform
Digitalizing a shopping mall is about more than replacing manual tasks. The goal is to create a sufficiently consistent foundation for leaders to monitor operations, control costs, and progressively incorporate data into decision-making. Depending on the defined scope, D365 BC combined with BES can provide an end-to-end approach to this journey—from core management to the retail and analytics capabilities set out in the roadmap.
Discuss a digitalization roadmap for your shopping mall
TECHWORLD can work with your business to review its processes and existing systems, and establish priorities to define an appropriate scope for D365 BC and BES.