Today’s small and medium-sized businesses are expanding across borders to find higher quality and cheaper suppliers and vendors. Not only are their customers international, their operations are going global, too. Going global has become a strategic imperative for businesses of all sizes.
With production, distribution, and offices located around the world, business can get complex. Even small companies need an easy way to manage multiple locations to minimize overhead costs. With enterprise-wide software, these businesses can provide data access at all locations to enable increased efficiency, better planning, and reduced costs.
Global Data Access
One of the biggest challenges companies with multiple locations face is sharing data from one part of the company with another. Even when all portions of the company want to share, it’s often hard to figure out the best way to do so. Emailing information makes sense, and it’s fast, but it’s also inevitable that someone is going to be left off the email chain who needs the information. Shared networks are great, but you have to know where to look for the information in order to find it.
The solution is simple: an ERP like Sage 100 or Acumatica. With these ERP solutions, all of a company’s information flows easily and seamlessly into one system. They offer access via multiple locations and types of devices, so employees can query the system and receive the data they need. It makes sharing information much easier across the company.
Decreased Operational Costs
Another benefit for businesses operating multiple locations is the ability to increase and enhance operational efficiencies. With an ERP system, you can see all points of the supply chain. Automated equipment notifications can help you flag idle machinery and move production to other locations. You can then use all resources efficiently to maximize production and profits.
Improved Customer Service
Comprehensive ERP systems also enhance customer service for multiple-location businesses. In the past, if a customer called one location, he may have received only a partial answer because information from other locations was lacking. Phone calls had to be made to find parts or portions of an order to provide a status update.
With enterprise software in place, you can query a database and receive real-time updates on order status. Supply chain visibility makes it easy to see where everything is in the process and provide customers with an answer to their inquiries. This faster response may mean the difference between keeping and losing a customer.
Flexible Growth
Lastly, ERP systems are highly scalable so, as your company expands to new locations, the data can keep flowing. You don’t have to worry about adding new networks, systems, or updates. Cloud-based ERP solutions scale easily to accommodate new locations.
ERP software makes multi-location operations so much easier. Improved visibility, enhanced efficiencies—the list goes on and on. If you manage multiple locations, factories, or warehouses, having easy access to data can have a huge impact on your company’s future.
ERP Systems Made for Multi-Location Operations Management
ASI offers proven ERP solutions to help you manage multiple locations and global operations simply and effectively. Contact us for more information.