The digitization of supply chain management is inevitable, with more and more manufacturers and distributors looking to take advantage of the revolutionary advantages ERP systems offer.
Supply chain management is the process of overseeing the flow of goods from raw materials to finished products. It’s an incredibly complex system that includes all of the steps it takes to get a product from the factory floor to the customer’s doorstep.
Today’s supply chain managers are tasked with optimizing every step in this process while maintaining high levels of quality control, which can be challenging when there are so many variables involved.
With supply chain management, the supply chain is traditionally managed by a variety of software tools and spreadsheets, which requires manual data entry, often with some degree of human error and lots of room for improvement. With the right ERP system, you can streamline your entire supply chain and gain efficiencies along the way.
Modern ERP systems are more integrated, more flexible and better able to communicate with other systems. As a result, they can handle complex supply chain management issues, from forecasting and demand planning to safety stock optimization.
ERP systems are also being used to manage procurement and inventory. They can establish new business rules around when orders are placed, using sophisticated algorithms and predictive analytics to determine the most efficient way to maintain inventory levels.
The supply chain is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when you’re considering your business strategy. If you can’t deliver on time or make your customers wait, you’ll lose their trust and potentially their business as well.
A modern ERP system will give you the data-driven tools to enhance your supply chain management and stay ahead of your competition. Here’s how:
An ERP system can help you predict demand and optimize production
An ERP system is a valuable tool for predicting demand, optimizing production, and reducing inventory costs across the board. Modern machine learning algorithms let you forecast demand, automate material planning and replenishment, and set up optimized cost-based production plans with real-time data that’s synchronized across all systems within your company.
When you have a handle on what’s happening with your inventory, it becomes easier to predict demand and plan for future orders.
An ERP system can significantly improve efficiency and inventory management
If your inventory isn’t organized, every step in the process becomes more difficult and time-consuming — not just for employees, but for your customers as well. The longer they have to wait, the less likely they are to stick around!
When everything is in one system, it’s easier for everyone involved in the process to manage inventory, manage logistics, plan production schedules, and track orders and payments. This real-time visibility helps prevent bottlenecks that slow down operations or lead to underperformance from any part of the company.
An ERP system streamlines your business processes by consolidating data from multiple departments into a single platform that saves time and minimizes human error.
You can also use an ERP system to manage inventory levels in real time, minimizing labour costs while maintaining an accurate view of your inventory levels at any given time across multiple locations or warehouses.
A modern ERP system can streamline your regulatory compliance process
Regulatory compliance is a major concern for most companies. And it should be. One misstep can lead to enormous fines and even cause your company to lose its license to trade.
The typical supply chain management process is complicated, involving a number of companies, each with their own set of rules and regulations. Adding to that complication, the regulatory landscape is changing constantly, often with little warning.
To add to this complexity and challenge, achieving compliance is critically important — it could be the difference between being able to ship products and losing thousands of pounds in potential revenue.
A modern ERP system can streamline your regulatory compliance process. As rules and regulations change, you need an ERP system that can adapt quickly, ensuring that your business remains compliant at all times. This is one area where a traditional ERP system falls short — it lacks the flexibility needed in a constantly changing regulatory environment.
A modern ERP system offers Just In Time processes, inventory management, and tracking technology.
In supply chain management, better information leads directly to better decisions.
Just-in-Time (JIT) processes, built into a modern ERP system, allow you to monitor inventory levels on an ongoing basis, giving you data that helps determine when you need to reorder materials so they arrive when you need them — not too early or too late — which improves efficiency and minimizes waste.
With JIT processes in place, you are also less likely to run out of supplies because these processes keep your inventory at optimal levels at all times.The distribution industry is approaching a major paradigm shift. Many distributors are still using outdated technology, and they’re feeling the pressures of increased competition, tightening margins, and new consumer expectations.
Your customers have come to expect real-time tracking on their packages. They want to know exactly where their order is, at any given time—and they should. But traditional warehouse management systems are not designed for this kind of visibility, making it difficult for you to meet these expectations.
>Upgrading to a modern ERP solution allows you to provide the kind of service your customers demand while driving down costs and increasing efficiency in your business.
The supply chain industry is evolving rapidly. With the rise of ecommerce, factories are under pressure to keep up with increased demand.
To stay competitive, distribution companies need to adopt the latest technology and digitize for the new economy.
A modern ERP system is the only solution that can keep up with this evolution. Today’s leading ERP systems are integrated solutions that combine normal business functions like accounting and inventory management with industry-specific features (like compliance and quality control). These systems enable companies to automate processes, optimize production, and manage everything from anywhere.
With a modern ERP system, supply chain companies of all sizes can take advantage of the latest technology to streamline operations and supply chain management. These systems allow for better collaboration between departments, as well as between companies in a supply chain. Businesses can also take advantage of powerful analytics software that provides insight into every aspect of their operation – from suppliers to customers and beyond.
All of this means increased productivity and better customer service, which translates into higher profits, lower costs, and more satisfied employees.
ERP is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have if you want to survive in today’s market. To discuss SAP Business One for supply chain management and manufacturing for your business, please contact one of our friendly industry experts today!
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