How a partnership approach transformed tax operations across 30 countries.
Two companies. Similar size, similar tax challenges, identical technology budgets. One transformed its tax operations in just eight months. The other struggled for two years with limited results. What made the difference?
At Thomson Reuters, we’ve seen that true transformation isn’t driven by technology alone. It’s shaped by how organizations orchestrate the entire implementation ecosystem. Our trusted partner network, featuring certified implementers like GTM and solution providers like Orbitax, plays a pivotal role in delivering consistent, high-impact results.
Pyxus International’s global rollout offers a compelling example of what’s possible when the right partnership model is in place from the start.
Jump to ↓
| What successful tax technology implementations have in common |
| Building the right implementation approach |
| Defining success through measurable outcomes |
| Why the TR, GTM, and Orbitax partnership works |
| How ongoing collaboration drives continuous value |
What successful tax technology implementations have in common
Many organizations focus primarily on technology features when planning implementations. However, leading tax departments understand that success requires coordinated expertise across multiple dimensions:
- Deep product knowledge across integrated solutions
- Proven methodologies for organizational change
- Industry-specific experience with tax workflows
- Strategic orchestration of people, processes, and technology
Consider Pyxus International, a global agricultural enterprise operating in 30 jurisdictions, each with unique tax requirements. Their goal is to simplify tax preparation while laying a digital foundation for future innovation.
“The need for high-quality tax data is increasing exponentially,” explains Ashley Bristow, Sr. Tax Director at Pyxus. “Tax departments are one of the largest consumers of data across the company, yet they often struggle with data gathering and sensitization.”
Building the right implementation approach
Successful tax technology implementations don’t happen by chance. They’re built on strategic planning and expert execution. The most effective approaches combine integrated platforms with certified expertise to meet both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic goals.
For Pyxus, GTM crafted a tailored solution that integrated Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE with Orbitax technologies. This approach addressed current challenges while positioning the tax department for ongoing adaptability.
Three critical success factors for tax technology implementation
Three core elements consistently separate high-performing implementations from those that fall short:
1. Deep product expertise
- Understanding how integrated solutions work together
- Best-practice configurations
- Experience across multiple solution providers
2. Proven implementation methodology
- Project management frameworks
- Change management expertise
- Risk mitigation strategies
3. Industry-specific experience
- Familiarity with tax department workflows
- Knowledge of compliance requirements (e.g., Pillar 2)
- Insights into common implementation challenges
Defining success through measurable outcomes
For Pyxus, success meant more than adopting new tools. It meant achieving lasting impact. Through a strategic collaboration with GTM, and by leveraging ONESOURCE and Orbitax, Pyxus reimagined its tax operations across three dimensions:
Operational excellence
ONESOURCE Income Tax became the backbone of Pyxus’s solution, enabling the team to:
- Automate tax return preparation
- Streamline return-to-provision calculations
- Reduce manual labor via ONESOURCE Workpapers
- Standardize data collection with ONESOURCE DataFlow
Strategic enablement
The integrated approach allowed tax professionals to:
- Review and update data outside peak periods
- Focus on meaningful tax inputs and calculations
- Improve audit clarity and traceability
Future-ready scalability
With consolidated tools and seamless data sharing, Pyxus is now equipped to:
- Absorb new legislation like Pillar 2 without extending close cycles
- Deliver timely, high-quality data across local teams
- Simplify U.S. outbound tax planning with Orbitax International Tax Calculator
- Manage OECD Pillar 2 provisioning via Orbitax Global Minimum Tax solution
Why the TR, GTM, and Orbitax partnership works
The success of Pyxus’s transformation wasn’t just about using the right tools, it was about choosing the right partners. This collaboration brought together a powerful mix of technology, expertise, and strategic alignment.
Three key selection criteria that drive results
1. Integrated platform architecture
ONESOURCE is purpose-built as a unified platform, enabling certified partners to build scalable, tailored solutions.
2. Strategic partner ecosystem
Thomson Reuters maintains a curated network of certified implementers and specialized providers, ensuring consistent methodologies and simplified vendor management.
3. Continuous innovation
Ongoing investments in platform enhancements and emerging technologies ensure implementations remain current and future-ready.
This comprehensive, collaborative model enabled Pyxus to achieve global transformation with both immediate impact and long-term value.
How ongoing collaboration drives continuous value
Tax transformation isn’t a one-time event — it’s an ongoing journey. The most successful technology implementations extend far beyond go-live.
Continuous value drivers
Platform evolution: ONESOURCE enhancements roll out automatically, minimizing disruption.
Regulatory adaptation: Integrated platforms and partner support help organizations respond to changes like Pillar 2 quickly and seamlessly.
Strategic growth support: Whether expanding into new markets or integrating acquisitions, the ecosystem provides a scalable foundation.
Partner coordination: Ongoing relationships with GTM and Orbitax ensure continuous optimization and strategic evolution.
Ready to explore your tax transformation?
Connect with our team to discuss your specific tax challenges and transformation goals.
