You’ve come to the right place if you’re seeking the top ERP for supply chain logistics. We will go through what to look for in an ERP in this blog article and how to discover the best option for your company. Your supply chain’s effectiveness can be increased, and operations can be optimized with the correct ERP. Read on for advice on selecting the finest ERP for your needs, whether you’re just starting or seeking to switch to a new system!

When picking an ERP system for your supply chain, there are a few important variables to consider. Scalability is the first. You’ll need a system that can adapt and expand your business as it unavoidably does over time. Integration is the second thing to take into account. So that you may keep using the resources you’re accustomed to, an ERP system should be able to interact with your current hardware and software. Lastly, you should pick a system that provides in-depth reporting and analytics. By doing so, you can monitor your development and pinpoint your areas for growth.

It’s time to start looking around for an ERP system now that you know what to search for! Talking to other professionals in the field is the most excellent place to start. They can share first-hand knowledge about their employed systems and advise (or warn you against). You can also read online reviews, but remember to approach them with caution. Scheduling a demo with a few different vendors is the most excellent way to identify your company’s ideal ERP. Given your particular requirements, this will allow you to observe the system in use and understand how it would operate.

When it comes to your supply chain, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ERP system that best suits your company’s demands is the ideal one to use. By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to locate a system that can assist you in streamlining your processes and expanding your company. So why are you still waiting? Start looking around for the ideal ERP right now!

It is a fantastic way to begin. For more information, see The Benefits of an Integrated Supply Chain Management System in our blog post. And if you’re still unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us; we’ll be pleased to assist you in locating the ideal solution for your company!

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to your supply chain. The ERP system that best suits your company’s demands is the ideal one to use. By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to locate a system that can assist you in streamlining your processes and expanding your company.

ERP (enterprise resource planning) for the supply chain was developed to handle the particular difficulties of supply chain optimization. You can find standalone ERPs created especially for supply chain management, and many broader ERP packages incorporate capabilities that are specially tuned to needs in this area. The benefits of supply chain ERP, the qualifications to look for, and our top picks for supply chain ERPs your company should consider are all provided here.

Leading ERP solutions

-Workday:

Workday is an ERP system that combines finance, planning, and HR into a single platform in the cloud. Enterprise users access complete tools for enterprise planning, finance, human resource management, analytics, and professional services automation. These insights are available in real-time and are strategic.

-Kinetic:

Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP system that you can customize with little to no coding to fit the way you work. The platform offers solutions for product management, global supply chain management, business intelligence and analytics, manufacturing operations, human resources, and finance.

What is Supply Chain ERP?

Business resource planning must be understood first to understand supply chain ERP fully. Simply said, ERP systems aggregate data from several sources into a single platform to enable users to make better business decisions. All significant corporate departments, including finance, people, operations, manufacturing, sales, marketing, customer relationship management, and procurement, are integrated by most ERP systems.

A supply chain ERP is a service first provided as a component of a more comprehensive ERP system, like SAP or Oracle. Corporations have recently introduced stand-alone solutions for firms that just require an ERP for the supply chain management. These products offer a more specialized solution if you don’t need the other components of enterprise resource planning.

What are the Benefits of Supply Chain ERPs?

You don’t think your supply chain needs enterprise resource planning, do you?

Here are some benefits you will realize with an adequately implemented supply chain ERP.

-Inventory management visibility:

Global visibility into inventory management, which enables users to view everything in one integrated ERP system, is one of the critical benefits of supply chain ERP. Users can base their business decisions on thorough information if all of this data is accessible in one place.

-Vendor performance monitoring:

ERPs for supply chains can aid businesses in monitoring supplier interactions and vendor performance. With a specialized ERP, all supply chain partners are centralized in one location, and users can dig deeper into each vendor’s specific results to determine what is and is not working. If a supplier is no longer meeting their needs, a supply chain ERP may help firms decide whether to terminate connections with them.

-Planning and procurement:

You can immediately spot redundancies and obstacles in your supply chain by combining all of your data into one ERP system and then working to remove them. In the long run, this will increase productivity (and earnings).

-Analytics, reporting, and forecasting:

You can receive analytical data on the current health of your company in real-time from good supply chain ERP software, ensuring that you always know how much merchandise is being handled. The top tools will also estimate upcoming market conditions and offer suggestions for how your business might adjust.

-Reduced disruptions:

One of the most frequent issues in supply chain management is the ongoing disruptions brought on by big weather events, medical emergencies, political changes, transportation issues, and other causes. ERPs for the supply chain may reduce interruptions to the chain and increase output by giving better insight into each stage of the process and aiding in forecasting supply and demand changes.

-Decreased costs and increased revenue:

Together, these elements can aid your company’s supply chain costs by, for instance, directly cutting labor and transportation costs or assisting in avoiding delays and duplications. Additionally, by boosting output and enhancing accounting procedures, employing an ERP designed for the supply chain can also increase profitability.

What are the Key Features of a Supply Chain ERP Solution?

You should be mindful of a few features while selecting an ERP solution for your supply chain operations. Here are some of the more crucial ones:

-Inventory management:

Inventory management is essential to supply chain management; hence any supply chain ERP should include it as one of its core features. Any effective supply chain ERP should offer complete supply chain visibility, from demand planning to raw material purchases to product manufacturing to delivery to the final destination. While standalone inventory management solutions are available, there are more benefits to incorporating it into a full-service supply chain ERP.

-Warehouse management:

Warehouse management is another aspect of supply chain management critical to any specialized ERP. Users should be able to locate goods or materials anywhere in a warehouse or distribution center, including stock picking, shelving, delivery, or reception. While stand-alone solutions can be used to manage warehouse administration independently, you’ll benefit more from it if it’s integrated into a complete supply chain ERP solution.

-Forecasting and analytics:

Systems for supply chain management depend on forecasting. Whether a corporation under- or over-estimates customer demand will impact its ability to earn a profit. Robust analytics must be built into the ERP software so that you can use it to make informed commercial decisions regarding your suppliers while also gaining insight into the current health of your supply chain.

-Data security:

Like all ERPs, a supply chain ERP should ensure that your data and company information is secure from unintentional and intentional attacks. Any ERP supply chain system must adhere to strict data security requirements, including multi-factor authentication, encryption, and more, to maintain a competitive advantage.

-Automation:

By automating tedious procedures, AI and machine learning rapidly change the ERP sector and free up workers’ time and attention for more crucial company operations. Effective automation in supply chain ERPs can reduce the time spent on manual labor and lower the possibility of human error, leading to even higher efficiency.

-Cloud-based platforms:

Although many ERPs, particularly those in the supply chain industry, were initially intended for on-premises use, many businesses are looking for cloud-based solutions that enable users to access the software while on the go. If your workforce needs to access your supply chain ERP from many devices, look for an ERP with a cloud-based platform. For the best of both worlds, some ERPs even provides cloud-based and on-premises solutions.

-Integrations;

Every firm has various requirements for ERP connections. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider your current and planned software applications when selecting a supply chain ERP. Check your top prospects carefully to ensure they can satisfy your needs and/or offer integrations for your most crucial applications, such as carrier management and warehouse management, even if you’re considering a full-stack provider like Oracle or SAP.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Supply Chain ERP

The size of your company is one consideration you should make when selecting a supply chain ERP, and we haven’t covered it yet. Not just how big it is now but also how big it might get. So that you won’t have to go through the entire procedure again in a few years and migrate to another ERP, you want an ERP that can grow with your business.

Don’t automatically assume that the most feature-rich ERP is the best option—these comprehensive packages are often too complex and pricey for small organizations. Having enough room to expand while yet being able to suit your current needs is the happy medium.

Choosing between a stand-alone supply chain ERP and supply chain solutions within a broader full-stack ERP ecosystem, such as Oracle, SAP, or Microsoft, is a similar question. Although standalone supply chain ERPs are frequently better suited to the unique requirements of logistics, integrating them with other software packages may be more difficult (they might not be available at all). Full-stack ERP solutions provide the advantages of all your ERP processes under one platform that links seamlessly, despite being more difficult and expensive to set up.

However, many of these more complete ERP packages could not offer all the supply chain features you need, and they might also have some features that aren’t important to your business. Before committing, ensure you fully grasp the value you will receive from a total-stack ERP solution.

Best ERPs for Supply Chains

Look no further if you don’t know where to begin your search for a supply chain ERP. Some of the top choices are listed below.

-SAP Supply Chain:

SAP offers a range of SCM software options that address manufacturing, product lifecycle management, supply chain planning, and execution, among other topics. You can mix different SAP solutions to create a solution that best meets the particular needs of your business. If you already use SAP for other ERP requirements, these solutions are beneficial because they integrate easily with the rest of the SAP stack.

-Blue Yonder:

The top option in the globe for supply chain management digital transformations is Blue Yonder. Blue Yonder has you covered with solutions that address supply chain management, including demand planning, labor management, life cycle pricing, and more. Utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, its Luminate platform offers end-to-end supply chain optimization so you can conveniently manage it from a single spot. Unlike Oracle or SAP, BLUE Yonder was developed exclusively for supply chains and provided a more specialized interface.

-E2open:

Many large organizations rely on the well-known company E2open for assistance with many facets of their product cycle. E2open is well-liked by its consumers and provides life cycle services in addition to software suites for forecasting and buy-sell management. The intelligent application software from E2open is the solution to your supply chain management needs.

-Manhattan Associates Supply Chain:

With more than 30 years in the industry, Manhattan Associates provides various supply chain management software solutions, such as transportation management, extended enterprise, distribution overview, and carrier management. Keep in mind that they divide the direction of the warehouse, the transportation, and the point of sale.

Getting Executives on Board for Supply Chain ERPs

To become an SCM success story, you must first win over the support of the main stakeholders in the firm, especially the C-suite. Be ready to describe how a supply chain ERP may help you save money, increase earnings, distinguish yourself from competitors, and enhance customer happiness because the CEO will want to observe things from a distance. If you’re advocating for a full-stack ERP system that includes a supply chain as one of its components, keep that in mind.

Before meeting with your CIO or CTO, learn about software product deployment and integration. Consider discussing your ERP’s security capabilities and the benefits and drawbacks of an on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid solution. Additionally, be prepared to describe how the new supply chain management ERP will either integrate with existing software or replace current keys.

Your CFO will also want to discuss the finances, so be prepared with precise data and figures on the supply chain ERP’s costs and how much you anticipate it will save over time. Be truthful with your numbers and be able to identify the source of your estimates.

If you’re looking for an ERP or TMS, you should be aware of several benefits to adopting an industry-specific supply chain ERP. Try our ERP Software Product Selection Tool if you’re looking for more possibilities or aren’t sure where to begin your search. You can use it to quickly get recommendations based on your demands for features, prices, and company size.

What is the supply chain management process?

Demand management, supply management, S&OP, and product portfolio management are the four fundamental components of the supply chain management process.

1. Demand management

Demand planning, merchandise planning, and trade promotion planning are the three core responsibilities of demand management.

• In its simplest form, demand planning is estimating consumer demand for a product to ensure it can be given dependably. Demand planning may boost profitability, align inventory with peaks and troughs in customer demand, and improve revenue estimates.

• Merchandise planning balances your inventory so that you can profit while also selling the products people want when they want them and at a price they are willing to pay.

• Retailers employ trade promotion planning as a marketing tactic to boost consumer demand for their goods. Special pricing, product demonstrations, value-added bonuses, obligation-free presents, and other promotions are used to accomplish this. Trade promotions boost short-term customer demand for goods often offered in retail settings.

2. Supply management

There are different supply management areas.

• A crucial aspect of supply management is the planning of products and services. The objective is to strike a balance between supply and demand to allow the company to achieve its financial and service goals.

• Production planning is centered on the organization’s manufacturing and production procedures. It considers how workers, resources, and production capacity are distributed.

• Planning for supply and production.

• The solutions, platforms, and tools assist you in managing your suppliers.

• You can monitor your manufacturing process with production scheduling, ensuring everything is going according to plan. You may increase your overall efficiency by setting a schedule to assist you in preventing delays and interruptions in the production process.

• Planning your inventory helps you keep the right amount of stock on hand at the right time to coincide with production and sales.

• A capacity planning business strategy is used to project future demand for goods and services. It entails determining the manufacturing personnel and tools required to meet that demand.

• A supply chain must be established as part of the distribution management process, including network design and planning. Planning the distribution of items and designing the network is responsible for getting goods from a producer or supplier to the point of sale. Distribution management includes inventory, warehousing, supply chain, and logistics.

3. Sales and operations planning (S&OP)

• Senior leaders can concentrate on critical supply chain drivers like sales, marketing, demand management, production, inventory management, and new product introduction by using the monthly integrated business management process known as sales and operations planning (S&OP).

• S&OP links numerous plans and strategies used throughout the company, enabling leaders to make more informed decisions. S&OP allows supply chain management while guaranteeing that a firm may concentrate its resources on satisfying client requests. However, this is frequently done monthly.

4. Product portfolio management

The strategic procedure that manages a product from conception to launch is called product portfolio management in a firm. Similarly, a product must have an exit strategy if a company’s profits drop or the product isn’t selling.

Product portfolio management includes:

• Introducing a new product to the market is known as a new product introduction.
• The preparations you make for your care and final wishes as you approach death are considered end-of-life planning.
• Cannibalizing your industry as a cost-cutting measure
• Proof’s preparation and commercialization
• Analysis of margin contribution
• managing a portfolio of investments
• Creating a development plan for your platform, portfolio, and brand

5. Supply chain management best practices

You’ll need an integrated supply chain that runs the length of your company and beyond if you want to succeed in the expanding global market. The following five steps will help you create an integrated supply chain plan.

-Make the move to real-time supply chain planning

Estimating future sales can be challenging for businesses using historical spreadsheets and ERP systems data. These sources don’t accommodate changes, which may be an issue if supply or demand changes abruptly. To estimate how many products it will sell in the upcoming quarter, a corporation can, for instance, utilize the figures from the previous year. However, we wouldn’t have enough supply if a severe hurricane were to destroy one of our distribution facilities. However, you can develop “what-if” scenarios and plan more efficiently using Anaplan’s real-time linked supply chain planning technology, ensuring you are prepared for disruptions. By doing this, we can stay ahead of surprises in the future.

-Unify supply chain planning with enterprise planning

Bringing together supply chain planning with sales, operations, and financial planning is a crucial second step. Companies can inventory projections and supplies in real-time in this fashion. Additionally, by working together across the organization to achieve short-term operational goals, important stakeholders can adjust to changes in profitability brought on by unforeseen events.

-Anticipate the demand of the end customer

Predicting what customers want and when they want it is a never-ending challenge for consumer packaged goods companies. Anaplan provides end-to-end intelligence across the supply chain, enabling you to identify consumer demand signals. Businesses, partners, and customers gain from increased earnings, margins, and lead times when shifting customer attitudes can be quickly spotted and the demand for the product modified.

-Leverage real-time data across all points of the supply chain

When supply chain planning involves a variety of suppliers, channels, consumers, and pricing strategies, models may grow large and cumbersome—mainly when spreadsheets are utilized as the primary planning tools. Real-time data-based solutions can be included in your plan to improve planning accuracy while reducing the likelihood of stock-outs or excess inventory.

-Ensure the flexibility to cope with change

When technology allows for quick preparation and prompt responses, as in the case of emergency response software like Geopulse, disruptions aren’t such a huge concern. As a result, productivity is improved along with time and financial savings.

Conclusion

Businesses aiming to enhance their supply chain operations must have ERP systems. You can locate the ideal system for your company’s requirements by conducting your study and knowing what to look for in an ERP. Ultimately, the correct ERP can help you streamline processes and increase supply chain effectiveness. Are you prepared to locate the ideal ERP for your company? Call us right away for additional details!