Just like Luke Skywalker within the Rebel Alliance, the inventory manager is essential to your business. Both are frequently consulted to ensure that their organisations run smoothly. Clearly, no business is viable if inventory is not a well-oiled operation. Like any Jedi, the inventory manager needs tools to lead the department, manage stocks and ensure that orders are deliverable. A report on the benefits of using an ERP system thanks to the experience of Luke Skywalker:
Inventory management: putting your trust in the ERP system
While there is no longer any need to demonstrate the benefits of an ERP system in a sales context, many managers in SMEs are still unaware that installing management software can benefit all departments within the business. Thanks to the "Inventory" module, the flow of information and materials around the business is managed automatically, removing the need for time-consuming tasks such as re-entering data, while significantly reducing error rates at the same time. Inventory management and traceability of goods will also be updated in real time in the ERP system. As such, the company data is more up to date and more reliable.
More broadly, your inventory module will follow every step of your processes: from inbound goods to shipment of orders and stock management. Orders can be prioritised according to pre-configured settings and your software will notify you of any emergencies. Order picking will also be simplified as it will become possible to prepare several orders at once. 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 improve your customer relationships.
How can the different 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. With real-time shipping data, stock levels will be updated automatically, triggering notifications to the production and procurement departments. Processes can also be set up to generate purchase orders automatically, for example.
The link between the sales team and the inventory department is just as critical. 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. If customers have any questions, the sales team will be able to respond immediately by checking the data in the ERP system.
Finally, integration with accounting will allow shipment of packages to be approved or held back based on automatic updates to the customer's payment status in the ERP system. And vice versa: customer refunds due to disruptions or lack of stock will be sent directly to the accounting team, who can take the necessary action.
Finally, which ERP system should you choose?
Even though all ERP software includes inventory modules, you still need to select one that fits your business. If you operate in e-commerce, for example, make sure you implement a modern ERP system that can support change. A solution such as Odoo can be integrated 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 to carry out benchmarking to find the solution that best suits the needs of your business. 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, depending on your needs. Don't automate all your processes all at once; this is the best way to avoid incidents.- Master Yoda's advice