8 Features & Benefits of ERP Inventory Management Systems
As businesses grow, inventory management becomes an essential part of business operations. At some point, managing orders by hand or on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet becomes inefficient, and that’s when many companies turn to an inventory management solution like an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
ERP solutions manage and optimize all processes related to inventory, logistics, operations, and more. If your organization is looking to improve your approach to inventory management, consider the many benefits and features of implementing an ERP platform.
What Is ERP Inventory Management?
Enterprise resource planning systems help businesses manage their inventory, control logistics and operations, automate manual activities, track and manage processes, and improve efficiency across operations. Additionally, these solutions provide accurate, real-time inventory data so manufacturers and distributors can make data-driven decisions about inventory as well as improve customer service.
ERP platforms also operate business activities like marketing, sales, human resources, accounting, and warehousing from a singular system to streamline the exchange and sharing of data while reducing occurrences of human error. These powerful inventory management solutions can be customized to fit the unique needs of organizations across a variety of industries.
8 Features of ERP Inventory Management Systems
ERP software offers a wide range of inventory management benefits. Business operations across a variety of industries can take advantage of these key features.
1. Provides Visibility Across the Entire Supply Chain
With real-time inventory updates via all channels, ERP systems provide updated inventory visibility across the entire supply chain, including in various locations like warehouses, stores, etc.
2. Offers Advanced Data Security
Unlike a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet saved on a business computer’s local hard drive, ERP systems are secure and backed up on the cloud. ERPs also make it easy to monitor and control access to customer data, resulting in advanced data security.
3. Analyzes Customer Purchasing Behaviors
ERP systems collect customer purchasing data and analyze customer behavior. With these reports, you can optimize your inventory management process to account for buying behavior, off-peaks, and stocking needs.
4. Enhances Customer Service
Since ERP systems provide up-to-date customer data and purchasing history, employees will always have the information they need at their fingertips. Using that data, they will be able to answer customer queries and solve problems quicker and more successfully, leading to a more positive customer service experience.
Additionally, many ERP solutions can integrate with your existing customer relationship management (CRM) platform to centralize all relevant customer information in a single dashboard.
5. Improves Data-Driven Decision-Making
ERP platforms not only centralize and update data automatically but also provide accurate and consistent reports. With this real-time and historical data, you can more accurately forecast revenue as well as make better strategic decisions regarding inventory management.
6. Automates Business Operations
Many manual inventory management tasks can be automated by ERP systems. Automating purchase orders, pricing updates across selling channels, and inventory restocking streamlines business operations and reduces the possibility of human error.
Automation of business operations also allows for instantaneous information sharing across departments and teams, ensuring all employees are working with consistent, accurate data.
7. Improves Product Identification
ERP systems improve the product identification process through the use of codes and numbers. This improved product identification not only optimizes your inventory organization but also gives you a global overview of your stock.
8. Seamlessly & Fully Integrates Information in Real-Time
ERP software seamlessly and fully integrates information in real-time for business operations across all facets of your company. It automatically integrates inventory management data, provides up-to-date demand forecasts, and reduces risks like inventory shortage or overstocking.
Streamline Your Business Operations with CAI ERP Inventory Management Systems
At CAI, we create innovative, production-oriented software to help our customers across a variety of industries streamline business processes and optimize their manufacturing, processing, or distribution environment. Our goal is to provide you with industry-leading solutions that improve your business operations, all with excellent service and support.
Whether you are looking to automate production, increase your return on investment, reduce costs, or streamline operations, we can help. With our suite of ERP systems and access to our expert team, optimizing your business processes is easier than ever.
Contact us today for a free consultation.