How Can ERP Systems Transform Conventional Supply Chain Management?

The following blog comes to us from Hitendra Rathone of Software Suggest. 

Optimizing your supply chain management processes can result in significant savings, increased operational efficiency, easier scalability, and an enriched customer experience. Deploying the appropriate Enterprise Resource Planning system is often an effective way to reach these outcomes and provide for continued improvements.

Whether it’s dealing with vendors, streamlining logistics operations, fulfilling customer orders, or managing your warehouses, the right ERP system empowers your organization to tackle multiple initiatives at once.

Looking to transform your organization's approach to supply chain management? Take a look at some of the changes an ERP system could bring.

Automated Environment

Automation plays an increasingly large role in Supply Chain Management. As it continues to take hold, it removes the need for Procurement professionals to perform manual tasks and all but eliminates the possibility of human error.  Introducing a new ERP is a great way to begin building an automated supply chain environment.

Inventory management, for example, becomes much easier with the right ERP. One application might find the software sending out alerts regarding scare products and materials. It can they automatically trigger an order or direct the person responsible to do so. The automation will continue to divert Procurement's attention from routine tasks and allow the function to focus on business development, revenue generation, and other strategic goals.

Real-Time Analytics

Real-time access to information enhances the decision-making capabilities of any organization. A logistics organization might leverage an ERP to track the movement of cargo, identify any issues with routes, and automatically make the necessary adjustments. Organizations in any industry will find it easier to identify and set Key Performance Indicators to measure themselves against.

Data-Driven Decisions

ERP software allows software managers to generate reports consisting of more detailed information than previously possible. The platform won't just make it easier to generate reports, but will also provide for secure storage, streamlines sharing, and real-time editing.

This data-driven approach to collaborating, managing supply chains, and engaging suppliers is beneficial in every aspect. For example, an ERP system's forecasting tools can analyze incoming and outgoing stock to identify any issues before they cost your organization time or money.

Effective Financial Management

The main motive of any organization is to generate the maximum possible revenue without compromising quality or customer experience. An ERP system makes it possible to pursue this three-pronged goal effectively and efficiently. It can monitor any expenses incurred from the time of vendor interaction to the product delivery. These could include the costs of sourcing raw material, transportation, production, warehouse management, and so on. According to SAP, this gives you an opportunity to perform deep analysis and cut down expenses by up to 20%. This, in turn, increases the efficiency of your supply chain management.

Quality & Sustainability Compliance

Every organization works according to specific rules, regulations. These include mandates from outside organizations as well as internal policies. Failing to abide by any of these can drastically affect your business in terms of both revenue and credibility. An ERP system can be customized to monitor processes according to any environmental, legal, social, or self-prescribed guidelines. It can detect any deviations and intervene in real-time. It can even adapt to sudden changes in these policies For example, if quality guidelines have been revised, you can revamp the production process, and ensure strict adherence from the moment of implementation.

In addition to these, you can expect benefits like multiple device access, risk management and mitigation, and so on. Since good supply chain management is the backbone of any business, investing in an ERP system is undoubtedly a worthwhile endeavor. Procurement should take caution, however, not to make this decision lightly. Review every option thoroughly to arrive at an ERP software that will serve your unique objectives.

Author Bio

Hitendra is a Digital Marketing Executive and software analyst at SoftwareSuggest and loves helping people plan, optimize, and launch marketing strategies. He has spent the majority of his career in SaaS industry gaining experiences in areas such as Accounting Software, Asset Management Software and Pharmacy software analysis.