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From Fragmented Systems to Measurable Efficiency: RWDI’s Journey with Microsoft and aec360
As RWDI scaled globally, fragmented systems and manual processes limited efficiency - until the firm connected and automated its systems on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and aec360, turning complexity into measurable gains.
Established in 1972, Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc. (RWDI) is a specialty consulting engineering firm. Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, RWDI has evolved over the past four decades, growing into a global firm, respected across the industry for deep technical expertise and the ability to solve some of the world's most demanding building performance, climate engineering, and environmental challenges. Today, the RWDI group of companies has offices in Canada, the US, India, the United Kingdom, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Australia.
As RWDI scaled globally, efficiency became a business priority
As RWDI grew, managing pursuits, projects, finances, and operations across disconnected systems became increasingly difficult. Teams relied on spreadsheets and separate tools to bridge gaps between systems, creating rework, delays, and limited real-time visibility into performance. Processes that should have been straightforward — project tracking, billing, and reporting — required manual effort and reconciliation, slowing execution and obscuring financial clarity as complexity increased.
To address this, RWDI adopted Microsoft Dynamics 365 and aec360, a connected platform built for architecture and engineering firms. The goal was clear: reduce friction, automate manual tasks, and give leaders a unified view of operations from project pursuit through delivery and payment.
A Unified Platform for Efficiency and Control
RWDI moved to a unified platform that brought business development and marketing, accounting, procurement, human resources, and project management together into a connected platform. Instead of information living in silos or being re-entered across tools, data now flows seamlessly across the organization — supporting work from initial pursuit through project delivery and payment.
With shared data and automated workflows, teams spend less time managing processes and more time moving work forward. Finance has clearer visibility. Project teams operate with fewer handoffs. Business development and operations stay aligned. The result is firm-wide efficiency that extends beyond individual teams and compounds as the organization scales.
The outcomes were tangible and measurable.
30% reduction in payment cycle time
RWDI accelerated how quickly the firm moved from completed work to invoicing and cash receipts, tightening cash flow and reducing administrative lag.
2,000–3,000 hours saved annually through streamlined project management processes
By automating repetitive tasks and connecting project data end to end, the firm gave time back to project teams and reduced the effort required to manage work across departments.
These gains didn’t just improve efficiency; they changed how the business operates. With real-time visibility into the pipeline, projects, and finances, leaders can make faster, better-informed decisions. Teams spend less time on low-value tasks and more time delivering outcomes that matter to clients.
30% reduction in payment cycle time
2,000–3,000 hours saved annually through streamlined project management processes
A Real-World Example of AEC Digital Evolution
RWDI’s journey shows the impact of unifying systems and automating core operations across the business. As manual work is reduced and information flows freely, clarity improves, confidence increases, and operational efficiency becomes a built-in advantage. Microsoft Dynamics 365 and aec360 provide the foundation to support that shift.
Read the full Microsoft case study
Microsoft tells the full RWDI story, including how Dynamics 365 Project Operations supported firm-wide efficiency and visibility.
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