Just like Luke Skywalker within the Rebel Alliance, the inventory manager is essential to your business. Both are frequently consulted to make sure their organizations run smoothly. Clearly, no business is viable if inventory isn’t a well-oiled operation. Like any Jedi, the inventory manager needs the right tools to lead the department, manage stock, and ensure that orders can be delivered. A report on the benefits of using an ERP system drawing on the experience of Luke Skywalker:
Inventory management: putting your trust in the ERP system
While there is no longer any need to prove the benefits of an ERP system in a sales context, many managers in SMEs still don’t realize that implementing management software can benefit every department in the company. Thanks to the “Inventory” module, the flow of information and materials across the company is managed automatically, eliminating time-consuming tasks such as re-entering data, while at the same time significantly reducing error rates. Inventory management and traceability of goods will also be updated in real time in the ERP system. As a result, your company data will be more current and more reliable.
More broadly, your inventory module will track every step of your processes: from inbound goods to order shipment and stock management. Orders can be prioritized according to preconfigured settings, and your software will notify you of any urgent situations. Order picking will also be simplified, since it will be possible to prepare several orders at the same time. Finally, packing labels will be generated automatically and an email confirming shipment will be sent directly to the customer, together with the tracking number. In short, a well-configured ERP Inventory module will save you time and strengthen your customer relationships.
How can other departments in the business benefit from this system?
Apart from inventory, the benefits of this module will also make a difference to the business's other departments. In fact, thanks to real-time shipping data, stock levels will be updated automatically, notifying the production and procurement departments. Processes will also be put in place to generate purchase orders automatically, for example.
The link between the sales team and the inventory department is similarly vital. On one hand, customer orders will be transmitted directly via the ERP system. On the other, once packages have been shipped, the data will be updated automatically. As such, if customers have any questions, the sales team will be able to answer them immediately by viewing the data in the ERP system.
Finally, the interface with accounting will mean that shipment of packages can be authorized or declined as a result of automatic updates to the customer's payment status in the ERP system. And vice versa: customer refunds due to disruptions or to non-availability of stock will be sent directly to the accounting team, who can do what is needed.
Finally, which ERP system should you choose?
Even though all ERP software includes inventory modules, you need to select one that is compatible with your business. If you operate in the e-commerce field, for example, make sure you get a modern ERP system that can support change. In fact, a solution such as Odoo can interface with your e-commerce website, as well as with online sales platforms such as Amazon, allowing you to automate your management processes.
More generally speaking, a modern ERP system will offer you a more comprehensive set of options, such as multi-drop solutions or drop shipping. Take the time to set your objectives and carry out benchmarking to find the solution that best suits your business needs. Above all, don’t hesitate to seek support.
Luke Skywalker himself needed help to destroy the Death Star.
"This module, progressively you will install."
Don’t rush: install the module progressively, according to your needs. Don’t automate all your processes at once; this is the best way to avoid incidents. - Master Yoda’s advice