ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, a management approach. What this does is integrate all of an organisation's information and processes to achieve better, more efficient business operations.
The accelerated rate of change over the last decades has seen a rapid rise in automation and its use in business operations. This means that the adoption of ERP has become more important than ever. One way to do so is by implementing ERP software, which has numerous benefits, including helping streamline business operations, improving communication and efficiency, and ultimately boosting profits.
This is also reflected in the figures reported by Linchpin SEO, which showed that ERP improved business processes in 95% of the companies that implemented it. With more firms recognising the value of ERP, the ERP market is entering a phase of explosive growth, with a value expected to exceed US$117.69 billion by 2030, as per figures quoted in Strategic Market Research’s report.
In this article, we explore how ERP systems can help businesses in the logistics and supply chain management industry. By improving communication and coordination between different departments, as well as between suppliers and customers through harnessing the power of ERP, companies can set themselves up for success.
Understanding what ERP’s role is in logistics and supply chain management
As technology advances, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to adapt their operations and automate their processes to ensure optimal growth.
While systems for enterprise resource planning offer numerous benefits to most businesses, they are even more vital in logistics and supply chain management.
The supply chain ecosystem usually comprises manufacturing, suppliers, distributors, retailers, and customers.
What ERP software does for the supply chain is to provide a single, integrated system that can track and manage the entire process, improving efficiency and ensuring that all parts of the business work together like a finely oiled machine.
Advantages of implementing ERP systems for your business
Logistics management is the foundation for any supply chain business. In today’s fast-paced age of digital technology and discerning customers, providing quick and reliable service is paramount.
Let’s dive into the many advantages of integrating ERP systems into the workflow.
1. Streamlines inventory management
ERP systems benefit businesses through helping them manage inventory by tracking stock levels and managing orders. This can help companies ensure they always have enough stock on hand, avoid overstocking, and reduce the amount of wasted inventory.
In addition, the system can help you track each item's location, the quantity in stock and issues with delivery. As a result, you'll have better inventory control and can minimise the cost of holding on to large amounts of stock.
2. Offers a consolidated view of the entire supply chain
The entire supply chain has numerous stakeholders and a whole lot of moving parts. From manufacturers to customers, ERP systems offer companies the advantage of having a centralised view of the entire workflow throughout the organisation.
The ability for an organisation to have a single view of its supply chain provides much more accurate and up-to-date information. This can then be used to make business decisions that lead to cost and time efficiencies.
3. Real-time reporting for greater efficiency
With powerful reporting capabilities, ERP software can help provide real-time data for you to make quick, agile decisions that can ultimately impact your bottom line. Keep track of critical information like inventory movement and supply chain performance, and use these data to improve operational efficiency.
4. Better evaluate vendor performance
ERP systems make it easier for businesses to measure the performance of their vendors, helping management make smarter partnership decisions. With ERP software, you can also benefit from the ease of comparing vendors based on price, quality and turnaround time to ensure that you find the right fit for your project.
5. Increased customer satisfaction
Above all, the customer is king. All the advantages of an ERP system work together to streamline organisational workflows to ensure the timely delivery of products and, ultimately, customer satisfaction.
Leveraging innovative tools is essential for long-term business success. Find out other ways of capitalising on automation to further streamline your business processes.
Reap the full benefits of an ERP system with a streamlined logistics solution in place. Start by opening an account with DHL Express today!
