3 Ways ERP Systems Streamline Order Processing
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are becoming the go to business solution to automate orders and grow business. As cloud-based ERP systems are more prolific, accessible and affordable, manufacturers and companies that provide Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) are experiencing a new level of automation and the ability to compete for business on a global scale.
The order to cash cycle can be significantly increased with an efficient ERP system, such as with the software as a service (SaaS) model offered by companies like Kenandy. Unlike legacy business software programs, cloud-based ERPs are accessible from any web browser and mobile device. Integrated data solutions offer complete visibility of the information needed to optimize each step of the order process, such as production, inventory levels, and fulfillment – enabling orders to quickly and efficiently move through the sales cycle.
The following steps are required to optimize decisions throughout the order to cash cycle:
- Order – purchase order presented
- Sales – issue sales order
- Customer Service – order confirmation expressed to customer
- Finance & Accounting – approve sales order and terms of credit
- Supply Chain – manage inventory, prepare order for delivery
- Fulfillment – move order to delivery phase, confirm procurement
- Cash – customer receives goods and pays outstanding invoice
Automated order capturing, accelerated order fulfillment, and enhanced customer experience are a few ways ERP systems can improve upon and speed up the Order-to-Cash process to help your companies retain customers and expand business opportunities.
- 1. Automated Order Capturing
As the public becomes more and more web savvy and mobile enabled, there has been a huge shift away from traditional sales channels such as in-person, mail, phone, fax and even email. Tech enabled sales channels are plentiful and sophisticated, including: mobile applications, e-commerce sites, and online catalogs. As these new channels become easier for consumers to navigate, the expectations on order responsiveness, status updates, and short turnaround times are elevated. Reliable automation is the answer to quick and accurate order captures.
- 2. Accelerated Order Fulfillment
With order automation comes the expectation for faster order fulfillment. The accessibility of cloud-based ERP programs allow sales, customer service, finance and fulfillment a place to go for real-time data and collaboration in order to keep the order process moving quickly and skillfully through the virtual value chain and keep order fulfillment on track.
- 3. Enhanced Customer Experience
Portal integration meets today’s customer expectations for responsiveness and immediate information. Slow response time to order inquiries is the most cited reason for unsatisfactory customer service, which can result in cancelled orders and shrinking business. Automation saves your company time and reserves human resources for business growth.
As the business technology and landscape continues to change, organizations of all sizes want a powerful tool to help them seamlessly adapt, integrate and compete in a global marketplace. From order automation, to collaboration, to customer satisfaction—cloud-based ERP programs take the worry out of day-to-day functions and allow your company to focus precious resources on business growth.
