With the festive season right around the corner, if you run a distribution business you need to make sure you’re prepared for the busiest time of the year. Your business needs to operate as effectively as possible to handle all the pressure that comes with running a supply chain business. This means dealing with more client orders and moving high volumes of stock faster than your staff might be used to. Here are some major areas to check in preparation for the festive season.
Can your current system handle an increased workload?
Your financial system is the backbone of your company’s business. It can monitor your inventory and order coordination including manufacturers, suppliers and retailers in real time. Using secure, fast and flexible infrastructure like an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, will speed up the efficiency of your supply chain.
In our fast-paced world, distributors need to be ahead of the game and more flexible to meet customer demands, especially for last-minute deliveries. Checking the capacity of your current system is critical for running an efficient distribution business. You must identify any limitations or constraints that may exist within your sites and determine how your system handles high volumes of orders and unpredictable spikes.
Consider moving to a cloud-based ERP
While many distribution companies continue to use on-site ERP systems, the benefits of a cloud ERP for the distribution industry will improve efficiencies tenfold, especially when it comes to complex logistic operations.
Using a cloud ERP allows your company to manage vital data in real-time. This is crucial when you’re working across numerous sites with multiple delivery drivers. You need to ensure information is shared securely with suppliers, transporters and customers.
Data security is of utmost importance for any company. Data breaches can become a big problem and can lead to permanent damage to your company’s brand. Sometimes security breaches happen due to staff mistakes, which are more likely to happen when staff are busy and stressed. To help you protect your customers, suppliers, assets and brand, it is important to assess the security of your current system and identify vulnerable areas. Make sure employees have the appropriate training to understand how the ERP system works before the end-of-the-year rush.
The end of the year can be a busy time for everyone, but whilst it’s busy, it doesn’t have to be chaotic and disorganised. By taking the time to ensure your ERP system is up to date before the end-of-year rush, you can rest assured that you will be ready and have a successful festive period.
How can Acacia help?
At Acacia, we are an MYOB Advanced Platinum Partner and an industry leader in helping businesses overcome issues, rebound and become more profitable. We help optimise, automate and improve the traceability of your business. Acacia has the knowledge and experience across a range of businesses to provide the most cost-effective solution for your business. If you are interested in talking through the advantages of using a cloud ERP, please contact us to find out more.
