This post was updated in January 2024.
The global supply chain is experiencing strange times. We’ve seen manufacturing come to a dead stop and bottlenecks so tight it was impossible to estimate deliveries. The chaos has left business inventory management planners at a disadvantage—especially at small and midsized businesses (SMBs), where supply chain issues can significantly hinder growth.
During uncertain times, a cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is your secret weapon. With a cloud ERP solution, you can manage every aspect of your organization on one robust platform that provides a streamlined, transparent view of operations, improves decision-making, and keeps you on top of vital functions.
Cloud ERP optimizes three critical areas to navigate supply chain chaos and ensure businesses can run efficiently despite any obstacle.
360-Degree Supply Chain Visibility
Procurement management requires more attention during manufacturing slowdowns and capacity crunches. A cloud ERP solution give businesses:
- A clear view of the supply network
- The ability to see forward and backward in the supply chain
- Real-time supply chain data
- Traceability to track goods as they travel through the global supply chain
With cloud ERP solutions, your supply chain is never in the dark.
Time Creation
33% of business leaders said increasing process automation was a priority for improving efficiency.
Navigating supply chain chaos drains valuable time and resources from other business areas—but automation gives you that time back. Cloud ERP solutions automate processes, eliminating tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone manual data entry and giving you more time to innovate and grow your business.
Improved Inventory Management
Properly managing inventory, resources, and materials is vital to overcoming supply chain obstacles. Target inventory levels fluctuate with economic conditions but features like automated inventory forecasts can help you plan for what’s to come. Cloud ERP solutions centralize supplier information and synchronizes inventory and delivery dates, giving you a complete view of inventory and lead times for better spending decisions.
Cloud ERP solutions offer the flexibility you need to adapt in an unpredictable industry and stay ahead of the competition during supply chain interruptions using integrated supply chain and inventory management features.
What Are the Best Cloud ERP Solutions for SMBs?
SAP is a global leader in business solutions for SMBs, with multiple options that meet businesses’ needs in every industry. As a technology pioneer, SAP has designed some of the most robust cloud ERP solutions available.
Whether it’s SAP Business One, SAP Business ByDesign, or SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition, an SAP cloud ERP solution will transform how your business operates and keep you ahead of supply chain challenges.
Learn More
Watch the short video below to see how to tackle the supply chain with one simple solution.
You’ll see how ERP transforms your operations by:
- Integrating with your warehouse management and eCommerce systems
- Centralizing inventory and supplier information
- Creating a transparent view of operations
- Optimizing warehouse productivity
- Improving demand forecasting
- Managing bills of materials
