Taming the Titans: How ERP can help overcome key wholesale industry challenges

The wholesale industry can often be complex with lots of fast-moving processes that can typically hinder growth and efficiencies if not well aligned. Common supply and demand issues can make a significant impact on razor-thin margins with companies feeling as if they are battling against mythical titans to boost their bottom lines.

But help is at hand. Monster challenges can be tamed. Fast-growing companies can equip themselves with a powerful weapon in their arsenal to boost margins. SAP Business One is a widely used ERP solution for different types of wholesale and distribution companies helping to streamline processes and automate critical tasks.

Here are some of the key challenges your business may be facing within the industry – and how this affordable, end-to-end system can assist in turning problems into profits.

Challenge #1: The Inventory Hydra: Multifaceted and extremely hungry

One of the biggest challenges for any type of wholesaler is managing its inventory. Overstocking leads to wasted storage space, tied-up capital, and potential product obsolescence. On the flip side, understocking, results in lost sales, frustrated customers, and potential damage to your reputation. This two-headed monster requires a multi-pronged approach.

SAP to the rescue: SAP Business One includes a core warehouse management system that provides real-time inventory visibility. This allows users to gain instant and accurate insight to track stock across multiple warehouses. There are features to automate sales orders based on stock levels and powerful forecasting tools to minimise the risk of over or understocking goods. Batch and serial tracking also help SMEs to ensure product quality and maintain industry compliance.

Challenge #2: The Margin Minotaur: Eating into your profits

The wholesale industry is fiercely competitive. Small delays can lead to big supply-chain problems. Any inefficiency – such as data duplication, human errors or even prolonged supplier negotiations, can make big impacts on delivery dates. To avoid eating into your profits, you’ll want to take a holistic view of operations.

SAP to the rescue: SAP Business One has a centralised database where all key information is stored. This is your single source of truth. When combined with a raft of standard automations to streamline supply-chain processes, your business can quickly identify cost-saving opportunities. Real-time analytics and dashboards in SAP help to track purchasing trends, identify the best deals from your suppliers and optimise pricing strategies based on market trends.

Challenge #3: The Chimera of Customer Demands: Changing expectations

Today's customers, both in the B2C and B2B sectors, expect a seamless omnichannel experience. This is matched with expectations of consistent product availability and fast delivery times. When combined together, these demands are like wrangling with a mythical Chimera to keep customers and key accounts satisfied. To battle against constantly changing industry issues, businesses need agility – and, more importantly adaptability.

SAP to the rescue: SAP Business One can connect your business to your customers. The solution seamlessly integrates into a host of popular online stores and marketplaces – plus a range of couriers for distribution. Data is processed instantly providing real-time sales order tracking and faster delivery times boost customer satisfaction levels.

Learn more about SAP Business One

SAP Business One is a proven solution used globally by 78,000 businesses. Wholesale businesses can achieve greater operational excellence, optimise margins, streamline supply chain management tasks – and deliver improved customer services.

When you’re fighting against ever-changing industry issues, SAP Business One can help win the battle for success. Learn more today about running every aspect of your wholesale business from a single, integrated solution. Call one of our ERP experts on 01932 212 777.