Are your systems fit for purpose?
The wholesale distribution sector is constantly shifting, changing. To keep up, you need the right tech on board. Businesses with powerful, flexible and future-proofed systems will be more likely to survive – and thrive – even as new challenges emerge. Get all the details in our new eBook, Tech transformation for wholesale distribution.
The supply chain is one of the most crucial, integral cogs in the wholesale distribution machine. If it's not functioning effectively, that's to the detriment of the entire operation, especially when large amounts of goods are involved. Just like any other supply chain, wholesale distribution businesses face a number of challenges when it comes to supply chain management, including:
Frequent challenges:
Infrequent challenges:
It's also worth noting that with the rise of digital transformation, wholesale distribution organisations that haven't innovated and invested in purpose-built tech will struggle to manage their supply chains effectively. New technologies such as AI, IoT, Blockchain and 3D printing are changing the way supply chains operate.
When companies are dealing with broken links in their supply chain, there will be inevitable delays. Customers won't receive their orders on time, and payments can be held up as well.
If supply chain issues aren't resolved, resulting in on-going delays and inventory shortages, customers will take their business elsewhere. This means loss of orders and the income that comes with them. While some importers try to mitigate this issue by buying large amounts of product and keeping it in stock, this also has risks. They’ll need to pay for warehousing, and if demand goes down, they could end up with unsellable stock.
The overarching solution to the challenges of today's wholesale distribution supply chains is technology. With the right tech on board, wholesale distribution businesses will maximise resilience and flexibility. A wholesale distribution business with an efficient supply chain is better positioned to identify upcoming issues and respond proactively, rather than scrambling to deal with problems when they arise.
Investing in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system enables a wholesale distribution company to integrate various business functions, such as manufacturing, inventory management, accounting, and customer relationship management, into a single source of truth. When it comes to supply chains, the right ERP will provide a number of tangible benefits, including:
The right ERP solution will provide a comprehensive, integrated view of all aspects of a wholesale distribution supply chain, enabling companies to optimise operations and improve performance.
Wholesale distribution is evolving. Discover all the ways that tech is proving invaluable for the industry, especially in the face of on-going disruption. Download the eBook today.