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CASE STUDY

Michael Hill’s Azure Cloud Migration: Retail IT Modernisation in Australia

OVERVIEW

Michael Hill Jewellers Logo

Michael Hill, a leading international jeweller, partnered with Codify in 2017 to help develop and manage migration strategy to Microsoft Cloud, Azure. This strategic partnership has modernised the organisation’s IT infrastructure, enhanced operational efficiency, and supported innovation across its stores across Australia.

CHALLENGES

Outdated on-premises IT systems limiting growth and agility.

Legacy IT and Limited Innovation

With IT resources consumed by maintenance, there was little room to focus on improving customer experiences or innovating retail processes. The existing systems struggled to support Michael Hill’s growth ambitions.

Slow Acquisition Integration

Integrating new acquisitions, such as Bevilles jewellers, was a resource-intensive process, delaying the ability to leverage the full value of acquired brands.

Operational Scalability During Expansion

As Michael Hill relocated its headquarters, traditional IT systems could not scale to meet the demands of a growing business, creating potential risks to operations.

SOLUTIONS

Codify’s comprehensive Azure cloud strategy and migration plan

Codify managed Azure helped elevate Michael Hills IT function from a support service to business enabler. Continually designing and implementing tailored Azure cloud solutions, to address specific challenges in scalable, and innovative ways.

Seamless Migration to Microsoft Azure

The transition from on-premises infrastructure to Azure provided Michael Hill with a robust and scalable IT foundation, enabling the business to support growth while reducing risks associated with legacy systems.

Rapid Acquisition Integration

The Bevilles acquisition integration was completed in under eight months.

  • Bevilles staff were transitioned to Michael Hill’s payroll and were fully operational within its tenant to chat and conduct meetings in less than 2 weeks.
  • HR, ERP, and POS systems were seamlessly aligned with Michael Hill’s environment.

Innovative Applications for Enhanced Customer Experience

Michael Hill harnessed Azure to deliver transformative retail tools:

  • InstaQuotes App: Streamlined bespoke jewellery quoting by replacing a three-week process with instant quotes powered by machine learning. During Christmas 2023, InstaQuotes processed 56% of all quotes and contributed to 11% of purchases, demonstrating its efficiency during peak demand.
  • Internal Assist App: Improved employee support with a chat-based knowledge database, reducing reliance on the IT service desk and enhancing service speed.

Proactive Operational Support

Codify’s Proactive Assurance platform identifies potential issues before they escalate. As part of this managed Azure service, 64% of annual tickets are raised proactively, ensuring smooth IT operations across all stores.

RESULTS

Microsoft cloud migration success and continuous improvement

Cost Optimisation and FinOps Excellence

Michael Hill has embraced a FinOps culture, ensuring that cloud costs are continuously optimised even as usage grows. This is achieved through:

  • Clear ownership of application portfolios.
  • Cross-functional collaboration and accountability.
  • Codify’s governance-as-a-service solution, which prevents cloud bill shocks and keeps spending efficient.

Increased Innovation and Reduced Risk

With higher-value Azure solutions (PaaS and SaaS), Michael Hill is able to:

  • Explore personalised customer experiences and innovative ideas through its internal ‘shark tank’ process.
  • Quickly acquire and integrate new brands, streamlining its strategy and realising efficiency gains faster.

Enhanced Scalability Across the Retail Network

The process for launching new stores is now smoother and more scalable, enabling Michael Hill to expand its retail footprint without operational bottlenecks.

Maximised Cloud Investment Value

Michael Hill’s adoption of a robust cloud strategy has:

  • Reduced financial outlay.
  • Avoided long-term hardware commitments.
  • Supported scalable and flexible operations, positioning the business for future growth.

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Why Michael Hill chose to partner with Codify for it’s cloud migration and IT modernisation needs?

Codify’s expertise in Azure cloud solutions and its proactive support model have transformed Michael Hill’s IT operations into a key enabler of business success. As a trusted partner, Codify continues to help retailers realise the value of the cloud, drive operational efficiency, and foster innovation.

“Codify has been instrumental in our Microsoft Cloud journey. Together, we have developed a strong FinOps culture that has enabled us to reduce our risk, optimise our costs and deliver value for the business.”

“With Codify’s deep Azure expertise, they have been a strategic reinforcement to my own team, enabling us to shift our focus from managing IT infrastructure to now helping design and drive innovation across the business.”

Matt Keays CTO, Michael Hill