Leaders in the wholesale distribution industry have learned over the last few years that the key to managing consumer demands is to use the latest, new capabilities that ERP and related digital technology can provide.
Wholesalers and distributors today face a competitive market filled with demanding customers, in addition to the pressure to lower prices, boost margins, and develop the business. How can top-performing wholesalers and distributors set themselves apart from the pack? By delivering the right goods to the right consumers at the right time at the right price, and industry leaders are doing this by leveraging modernized technology, and specifically Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
New Channels
Customers have different channels to get their products thanks to eCommerce and online shopping, allowing competitors to reach markets they previously couldn’t serve. Smart wholesalers and distributors are looking to streamline processes and manage their supply chains to remain ahead of the competition. This will not only allow you to achieve more with less resources, but will also allow companies to more effectively manage inventory and keep prices low.
Integrated Technologies
It is critical to provide an ERP that integrates with technology that support distribution and supply chain objectives in order to thrive. Here are a few strategies that leaders use to keep ahead of the competition while still meeting consumer demands:
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and ERP are combined by top industry performers to create a centralised hub for customer data that communicates with the supply chain functionality.
They use eCommerce and customer self-service portals to improve customer contact and make it easier for them to place orders with the business, resulting in increased sales.
They incorporate a set of capabilities to help them make better decisions and collaborate with customers and suppliers.
Leading wholesalers and distributors rely on ERP data to make informed decisions, such as more accurate demand planning.
Wholesalers and distributors with a lot of moving parts need real-time insight into the status of business processes and data. Organizations can better prepare, predict demand, enhance customer support, minimise costs, and advise improvements in workflows by combining data and analytic capabilities.
As a result, executives recognise that integrating capabilities in their ERP systems is critical to fulfilling consumer demands. In a competitive market, a modern ERP implementation helps wholesalers and distributors provide better customer service and fulfil customer standards.