Picking the Right ERP Software for Export-Import Business

When it comes to taking a pick for the software for export import business which is right for your business you may feel a bit overwhelmed. But when your ERP software for exports needs to have a specific functionality the task can quickly become a headache. Accounting, Inventory, Basic CRM functions are handled by almost all ERPs. But at the same time if still stick to manual procedures in other processes it won’t help your business much. You need to consider not only the ERPs that provide a comprehensive functionality but also which ones can be tailored to suit your needs.

The Factors that need to be considered

If you consider the functions, there are a number of components which are important in an import- export management tool. Tasks like tracking costs, the ability to account for various currencies and customs processing done the automated way fall under their preview. Besides, the functionality you should also consider support, costs and the satisfaction of previous clients with the software tool.

In order to have your inventory costs accurate the software has to take into account landing costs. Such costs are inclusive of taxes, brokerage, freight and duty. Once you have detailed reports about the products cost you can then set an appropriate selling cost for individual products.

If you are operating on a global scale then you just have to deal with multiple currencies. This makes it easier to change your selling price according to cost fluctuations. The scope of human error in calculation is also removed. You just must have software for export import business that keeps a track of what your customers owe you and in which currency and what do you owe them.

Automation of customs procedures saves loads of time which would otherwise have been spent in the manual organization, entry and updating all the relevant information.

Customer satisfaction too should figure prominently in your ERP checklist. Don’t be afraid to ask people using the ERP in order to know its advantages and drawbacks. Let the ERP vendor get acquainted with your business and make a customized pitch. A vendor who understands the needs of your business, as well as the particular industry you operate in, will be in a better position to be of help to you.

Lastly, keep in mind the support factor. If you may need round the clock support does the ERP vendor offer that? Remember that large software companies outsource their support services while a startup will be able to provide a more customized support experience in-house.

To Sign Off

Before you hand over the check for your ERP make sure that the system is best suited for your business processes and industry relevant practices. Some vendors customize their products while others offer specialized modules out of the box. The latter is usually less expensive and chances are that the vendor too is experienced with the needs of your industry.

The Key Takeaways from Manufacturing ERP Software

As far as technological tools are concerned manufacturing ERP software is one of the foremost priorities for businesses engaged in this sector. This is due to a host of reasons but primarily because the manufacturing landscape is full to the brim with competition. This forces business concerns to build, design and deliver the products that are only of the highest quality that too keeping strict time frames in mind without having your manufacturing costs blown out, so that you may acquire new customers and retain existing ones.

But the challenge that lies in front of manufacturing firms too is considerable. You have stay on top of the game in the various processes of production, distribution, and sales.With the right ERP for manufacturing industry firms can take advantage of the advanced functions and features it offers and improve the facets of their diverse operations be it engineering, procurement and sourcing, production, testing the quality of products up to final delivery.

Modern manufacturing ERP software lets companies do the following:

• Better their visibility

With an ERP in place, all the respective departments have all of the information necessary for the optimal execution of their tasks in real time at the click of a mouse. And this data remains consistent throughout the various processes of the business. Coordination between the various teams and departments within an organization is thus made as smooth as possible and all procedures along with processes may be executed in a far better way.

• Boost their efficiency

 ERPs meant for manufacturing sector lets firms track the entire activities going on in the supply chain that too in minute detail right from the word go till where the procedure ends a task not thought possible earlier. Bottlenecks and problems may thus be identified with ease and corrective action taken in order to ensure efficiency.

• Deliver within stipulated time frames

 All of the benefits of a good modern ERP contribute towards improving delivery times keeping in mind the stipulated time frames for the same delivery. This is a crucial metric used to gauge performance in the manufacturing industry as it is today.

• Better quality of products

 By putting into use an ERP meant for the manufacturing industry, it becomes easier for firms to monitor defects and problems in products and pinpoint with accuracy the place where the design or production flaw is exactly occurring. Then they are free to take corrective measures and ensure product quality. This will lead to an increase in the sales of the firm, ensure satisfied customers and peg up profits.

• Reduction of costs

ERPs reduce costs in manufacturing as well as other industries. The productivity of workers in boosted. Precision in production results in a reduction of scrap and re-work that can quickly exhaust the available financial resources of an organization. Components of goods and finished product’s turnovers can be tracked in more detail. Demand planning is made more accurate and excess inventory is minimized. Improved visibility results in pinpointing the areas where more savings may be made. All of this reduces the cost of goods to the company.

• Better collaboration

ERPs enable a company to share their data with not only employees but with suppliers, vendors and distributors as needed and to the extent needed. Communication between the varied parties involved is enhanced and coordination reaches an optimum level.