Since 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has been a guiding force in canine advocacy. As the largest purebred dog registry in the world, the AKC is a trusted source of knowledge, inspiration, and support for dog lovers everywhere. The organization’s work touches countless lives, including hosting thousands of events annually and advancing groundbreaking research through the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
“Net at Work’s expertise has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us turn Sage X3 into the operational backbone we needed to manage our diverse business units effectively.”
Peter Rohslau, Controller, AKC
Behind the scenes, the AKC relies on a strong operational backbone to support its multifaceted organization, which includes six legal entities and a team of 500 employees. With business operations ranging from managing merchandise sales to sponsoring events and advocating for responsible dog ownership, the AKC needed a solution that could keep pace with its mission. For over a decade, Sage X3 and Net at Work have been vital partners in helping the AKC operate efficiently and fulfill its goals.
A challenge as big as the pack
The AKC’s operations are as diverse as the breeds it celebrates. Managing complex registrations, maintaining multiple eCommerce platforms, and ensuring smooth collaboration across departments and legal entities are no small tasks. The organization had relied on an older ERP application, but it simply couldn’t keep pace with the operation. The system wasn’t optimized for speed and performance, and data was siloed across various applications, making collaboration and decision-making more challenging.
Recognizing the need to align all aspects of the organization, the AKC partnered with Net at Work to conduct a full business process review and recommend a new, more robust ERP application. They selected Sage X3.
Fetching results with Sage X3 and Net at Work
With Net at Work’s help, the AKC unleashed Sage X3’s full potential, integrating diverse applications and workflows to create a single source of truth. AKC elected to host Sage X3 on the Cloud at Work Virtual Cloud, vastly simplifying maintenance and boosting accessibility. Today, eCommerce platforms, merchandise inventory, and data from their custom-built dog registration database flow seamlessly into the system. This streamlined approach replaced manual processes, saving time and improving accuracy across the organization.
Peter Rohslau, AKC’s controller, explains, “Net at Work’s expertise has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us turn Sage X3 into the operational backbone we needed to manage our diverse business units effectively.”
Staying out in front
With Sage X3 workflows, the AKC has automated key processes like purchase order approvals, transforming a once-paper-heavy system into an efficient digital operation. For an organization with over 50 departments, this centralization has been crucial for improving communication and reducing administrative bottlenecks.
The results speak for themselves. Department heads now receive timely, accurate reports every month—an improvement from the quarterly reports they relied on previously. This shift empowers the AKC to react faster to changing circumstances, whether reallocating resources or seizing new opportunities.
“Our ability to provide timely, actionable data has improved dramatically,” says Rohslau. “This allows us to stay ahead of challenges and support the strategic decisions that drive our mission forward.”
Growing the pack seamlessly
As the AKC has grown and added new legal entities, Sage X3 has made onboarding smooth and scalable. Even unique aspects of the AKC’s operations, such as their small-scale manufacturing process, are supported by Sage X3. With workflows configured by Net at Work, the AKC can manage production tasks efficiently, ensuring they stay on track without missing a beat.
Looking to the future, the AKC plans to implement additional tools, including workflow management and AP automation, further enhancing their ability to operate with agility and precision.
A top dog partnership
One of the AKC’s greatest strengths is its enduring partnership with Net at Work. For many years, the same consultant has supported the organization, ensuring continuity and a deep understanding of its needs. This consistency, backed by Net at Work’s deep bench of resources, has allowed the AKC to focus on its mission while confidently relying on its systems.
“Having the same partner, even the same consultant, makes all the difference,” Rohslau notes. “Net at Work understands how we’re built and ensures everything runs seamlessly. They’ve become an integral part of our success.”
Taking a walk into the future
The AKC’s mission impacts dogs, owners, and communities worldwide, from funding research that improves canine health to promoting responsible dog ownership. With Sage X3 as their operational backbone and Net at Work as a trusted partner, the AKC is poised to continue advancing its goals with efficiency and precision.
“Net at Work and Sage X3 give us the tools and support we need to keep moving forward,” Rohslau concludes. “With their help, we can focus on what matters to us—championing the bond between people and their dogs.”
Download the full Net at Work success story to read more about American Kennel Club’s journey to unleash Sage X3’s full potential.
