Transform the way you do business with an ERP ecosystem built around the right eCommerce platform
When it comes to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, many wholesale distributors face significant challenges finding a solution that provides the functionality, flexibility, and capacity to effectively manage every aspect of their business. Industry-standard ERPs commonly used in the marketplace have been around for decades with few technological advancements made to satisfy the evolving needs of B2B distributors.
If you’re frustrated with your current ERP and are considering switching to a different system, consider the ramifications of this considerable move:
- A typical ERP implementation for 50 users takes, on average, 12 months to complete
- Once you move systems, chances are you won’t see a huge leapfrog in benefits; in fact, there’s a chance you could actually lose functionality and features you once had
- The costs, time, and resources to move to another ERP can be cost-prohibitive for many businesses
As the saying goes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and, in the case of an ERP implementation, you may have to endure a long, taxing journey to find that out. This isn’t to say there aren’t times when switching ERPs is the right solution for a business but, before making a change, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the reason you want to switch ERPs because of anger or frustration toward your ERP provider because you’re not getting the features or functionality you need?
- Are there gaps in the ability to do your job due to your ERP?
If you answered yes to either question, you most likely need a mindset shift, not a new ERP. Instead of focusing on what your ERP is not doing for you, look to other applications that can fill your ERP’s gaps.
Transform your ERP system into an enterprise ecosystem
As you shift your mindset, also shift your technology strategy. Migrate away from having a sole ERP system to run your business and work toward creating an ERP ecosystem with a suite of products. Think of your ERP ecosystem as a planetary system where your ERP is your primary IT asset (the sun) and supplementary software products (planets) revolve around your ERP to support it. For example, add customer relationship management (CMS) software to make it the system of record for customer information, an eCommerce solution to provide a more efficient way to create sales orders and make it easier for buyers to transact with you, or a warehouse management system (WMS) to provide better visibility into your supply chain fulfillment operations.
Within this ERP ecosystem, you can have smaller ecosystems or components built into software solutions or added to them to further support your business. Some eCommerce platforms, for instance, have a product information management (PIM) tool, content management system (CMS), and mobile app already integrated as part of their offering. In your new ecosystem, your ERP will become a transactional processing system as opposed to an enterprise system, and your other software products will handle all your other business needs.
Focus on the right investments
As a distributor, you’re faced with a constantly changing competitive landscape. To stay ahead requires investment, but not necessarily in a new ERP. For a better rate of return, spend your money on new technology that complements your existing ERP. Start by identifying your primary IT assets and other necessary systems that are critical to your business, then prioritize them so you know which to invest in first. Once you’ve created your ERP ecosystem, your applications will work in concert to better support your business, serve your customers, and improve your operational efficiency.
An eCommerce solution is a revenue driver for distributors which is why it is typically the first product to be integrated with their ERP. Unlike an ERP which has limited product information to reference and a rudimentary interface to build quotes and enter sales orders, a dedicated eCommerce platform can transform the way you do business. CX1 eCommerce from Unilog is a feature-rich platform that streamlines your selling process so your sales team can search and find better product information more quickly and easily, create project proposals and RFQs in minutes, and complete sales orders in a frictionless manner. Providing a deep feature set for your customers and critical capabilities for your business, our digital platform meets your customers where they are and elevates your ability to sell. CX1 eCommerce integrates seamlessly with your existing systems to fit your needs today and has the versatility to grow with you in the future.