For growing small and midsize companies, there are fundamental shifts in customer expectations that are shaping the direction of business management. In order to stay competitive, businesses must meet expectations with systems that support new methods of doing business.
Many companies are finding that they have to move from an accounting system to an ERP (Enterprise Resource System) to support those changes. Through SaaS (Software as a Service) and hosting options, powerful ERP is now within reach for all companies. ERP will help you connect to your customers through any channel, deliver information online and put
centralized data in the hands of your employees, no matter where they are.
Multi-channel distribution
Expanding the channels that you use to distribute your products and services will help your reach more customers. Some of the ways that businesses are expanding channels include:
- Retailers adding online stores,
- Distributors selling direct to customers online or through EBay,
- Manufacturers selling through non-traditional retailers or distributors.
ERP systems allow you to manage the processes that will support new channels — like variable pricing, real-time inventory, integration to online stores and more.
Online customer service
When your customers are ready to purchase they want to know if the product is in stock or when they can schedule the service. With an integrated ERP system, you can let customers know how many items are in stock and when they will ship. Integration with scheduling systems allows customers to make appointments at their convenience.
Information in the field
Even when your employees are in the field, customers expect them to have information at their fingertips. Customers want answers — not in a day or a week — but now.
With a mobile device connected to ERP, your employees can check inventory, prices and specifications no matter where they are. An additional benefit from connection to the field is the ability for your employees to process service orders and invoices immediately – accelerating cash flow.
Is it time for you to do a better job meeting your customer’s expectations? Let’s talk about how ERP can change the way you do business.
Published on 28th September 2012 by Jeanne DeWitt.
