Defence to use Azure to host new ERP platform

The Department of Defence has selected Microsoft Azure as the underlying platform for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) modernisation program.

The Department will use Azure to host the SAP/4HANA implementation for the new platform, and has now securely connected its protected network to the Azure AU Central cloud region.

As part of the ERP modernisation program, Defence plans to deploy improved financial reporting capabilities this year, to be followed by a larger logistics and maintenance capability in 2022. Once in production, the platform will support around 85,000 users.

The new platform will deliver a near real-time, integrated view of critical information to allow Defence staff to make better informed decisions and deliver enhanced support for operations.

Microsoft Azure AU Central was eligible to be used in the deployment due to its certification to host government data up to the Protected classification level. Defence is already a significant Australian customer for the Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics 365 clouds.

“We are very proud to have been selected to provide the cloud foundations for this nationally important transformation that will provide a near real-time view of critical information across Defence to better inform decision-making,” Microsoft Australia Managing Director Steven Worrall said.

“ERP will modernise, integrate and transform Defence’s approach to managing its finances, human resources, logistics, engineering, maintenance and estate, with Azure delivering the performance, security and resilience which is essential for such a critical application.”

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