Visionary robotics company achieves efficiency and compliance

Meet Apollo. He’s 5-foot-8, weighs 160 punds and can carry 55 pounds. But he’s not human. He’s the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, the brainchild of a visionary company called Apptronik.

Founded in 2016 in Austin, Texas, Apptronik is dedicated to bringing forth the next generation of robots that will change the way we live and work. They started by developing exoskeletons and bipedal locomotion for the U.S. Department of Defense. Then, after obtaining $14.6 million in seed funding in June 2022, Apptronik began its exponential growth, enabling the creation of Apollo. Designed for use in logistics, retail and manufacturing, Apollo automates routine tasks so humans can take on higher-skilled roles.

With ambitious growth goals and an eye on commercial success, Apptronik sought innovative ways to help their engineers spend more time inventing. Doing so meant consolidating their business processes into one enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Additionally, Apptronik needed a team that could keep them compliant with government regulations without sacrificing the multiple benefits of next-gen cloud-based technology.

A plan to achieve commercial success—without limits

To manufacture and assemble an advanced humanoid robot, engineers need huge volumes of detailed information at their fingertips. Apptronik recognized that an advanced ERP system could help them combine their manufacturing, financial and contracting data. The keys to success: finding the right solution—and an implementation provider who could bring their vision to life.

Apptronik sought a team with vast experience in government contracting. They also needed advisors who could build a future-focused ERP without limitations, positioning them for success in the commercial space. RSM checked all the boxes.

Helping Apptronik build a better robot

Using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, RSM designed a customized ERP capable of meeting Apptronik’s unique needs. The flexible system relies on core Business Central capabilities, giving Apptronik a powerful tool for warehouse management, project management, purchasing, item management and core finances.

Additionally, RSM streamlined Apptronik’s back-office processes to lay the foundation for commercial expansion. This included creating tight integrations between Business Central and two of Apptronik’s mission-critical platforms. An API integration with the Arena quality management system gives Apptronik a single source of truth for bill of materials management. The Continia Document Capture app—a Business Central plug-in—enhances Apptronik’s accounts payable automation and project accounting needs.

To enable the company to derive game-changing insights from their ERP data, RSM structured dimensions, item categories and tasks with guidance from Apptronik management. Now, teams can access detailed cost allocation data among departments, projects and builds, including information related to labor and materials.

Most importantly, with DCAA and DFARS regulatory requirements built into their customized ERP, Apptronik has an environment of ongoing government compliance.

Comprehensive training sessions from RSM ensured a smooth transition to the new ERP system. In addition, ongoing post-implementation support allows Apptronik’s teams to maximize the benefits of their new solution.

The road ahead

With Business Central, Apptronik now has a highly scalable ERP platform that’s as innovative as the robots they create. Streamlined resource management processes give users the functionality they need to optimize project allocation and cost tracking for commercial and government projects.

What’s more, the customized ERP is scalable, allowing Apptronik to grow in the commercial space confidently, without compromising compliance or efficiency. Best of all, the company’s engineers can keep focusing on cutting-edge innovations for humanoid robots, confident their work will benefit society for generations to come.