When a ransomware event accelerated CKS Packaging’s move from on-premises Business Central to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS, ArcherPoint by Cherry Bekaert helped the team restore critical operations and move forward in just days.
When enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems go down, the impact extends far beyond information technology (IT). Sales, shipping, invoicing, and cash flow can all be affected, making business continuity an immediate priority — especially for manufacturers managing high-volume operations.
Manufacturing Operations Disrupted by Ransomware
CKS Packaging, a manufacturer of plastic containers, experienced a ransomware attack that impacted a large portion of the business, including its on-premises Dynamics 365 Business Central system. The disruption affected several critical functions, including:
- Sales order processing
- Shipping operations
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Customer communication and tracking
While production could continue, the inability to access core systems created immediate business pressure. As the testimonial makes clear, shipping products is only part of the equation — processing transactions, tracking customer information and getting paid are just as critical.
Accelerating a Cloud ERP Strategy
Before the ransomware event, CKS Packaging had already planned to migrate to Business Central SaaS over 12 to 18 months. That timeline changed dramatically when the business needed to restore access to critical systems as quickly as possible.
With ArcherPoint by Cherry Bekaert’s support, what had been a long-term cloud roadmap became an accelerated recovery effort. The team helped:
- Stand up a temporary SaaS environment
- Configure permissions and access
- Restore the most important business functions first
- Support the transition back into the primary tenant after recovery
That combination of speed and prioritization allowed CKS Packaging to move from a long-range SaaS plan to an urgent deployment in a matter of days.
Why Cloud ERP Matters for Business Continuity
One of the clearest lessons from the experience was the value of cloud-based ERP. For CKS Packaging, moving critical systems off-premises created greater separation between the internal IT network and the business systems needed to keep operations running.
The move to SaaS was no longer just about modernization. It became a practical business continuity decision to improve resilience and reinforce the importance of protecting the systems that support orders, customer service and revenue cash flow.
The Value of a Responsive Manufacturing Collaborator
Throughout the event, ArcherPoint by Cherry Bekaert’s responsiveness and familiarity with the business were critical. The team was able to:
- Identify which systems and processes need to be restored first
- Mobilize the right resources quickly
- Provide real-time support during a high-pressure situation
CKS Packaging also emphasized ArcherPoint by Cherry Bekaert’s understanding of manufacturing operations. Rather than acting as a generalist, the team brought process awareness, business context and proactive recommendations shaped by years of working together. That combination of technical experience and manufacturing knowledge helped drive better decisions when timing mattered most.
An Engagement Built on Responsiveness and Trust
Over time, the relationship between CKS Packaging and ArcherPoint by Cherry Bekaert has grown beyond a typical vendor engagement. Across support, consulting and strategic guidance, ArcherPoint by Cherry Bekaert has remained:
- Responsive across teams
- Collaborative in solving problems
- Invested in the business’s long-term success
That level of collaboration was especially important during a disruptive event, but it also reflects something broader: when an advisor understands your business, priorities and processes, they are better equipped to help when the stakes are highest.
Your Guide Forward
If your manufacturing organization is evaluating cloud ERP or preparing for unexpected disruptions, learning from real-world recovery and migration experiences can help you plan more effectively. Reach out to ArcherPoint by Cherry Bekaert to explore how a responsive, experienced ally can support your ERP strategy
