In recent years, the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model has gained unprecedented traction within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. This paradigm shift is reshaping the way brands interact with consumers, compelling businesses to rethink their strategies and operations. Understanding the causes behind this rise, the results it generates, and the digital transformation solutions available is essential for CPG companies to thrive in this new landscape. 

Understanding the Causes of the Rise of D2C in the CPG Industry

Shifting Consumer Preferences 

The emergence of eCommerce and changing consumer behaviors have significantly contributed to the rise of D2C. Consumers today seek convenience, personalized experiences, and greater control over their shopping journeys. As a result, many brands are opting to establish their own eCommerce platforms to connect directly with customers. According to a recent study, over two-thirds of consumer product companies struggle with limited data and analytics capabilities, which hampers their ability to accelerate consumer engagement models like eCommerce. However, those that invest in robust D2C platforms can gain invaluable consumer insights and create strong loyalty programs. 

Direct Consumer Insights 

The D2C model allows companies to gather and analyze data across the consumer journey. This direct access to consumer insights enables brands to understand purchasing behaviors, preferences, and trends, informing product development and personalized marketing strategies. Building a comprehensive view of the consumer through omnichannel engagement and advanced analytics is now more crucial than ever. 

Cost Savings and Increased Margins 

Another compelling reason for the D2C trend is the potential for significant cost savings. By bypassing traditional distribution partners, manufacturers can save around 15% from wholesalers and up to 40% from retailers. This not only provides greater control over pricing and promotions but also positively influences profit margins. While the customer acquisition and marketing costs associated with D2C can be higher, the overall financial benefits are substantial. 

The Benefits (and Potential Challenges) of Effective D2C

By prioritizing direct engagement with customers, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction, promote cost and fulfillment efficiency, and empower companies to make informed decisions and quickly adapt to consumer trends. Embracing D2C can transform not just the customer experience, but the overall CPG business landscape. However, this shift in dynamics can create rifts within established retail partnerships and may lessen the bargaining power of CPG when negotiating future contracts. 

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction 

Direct interaction with buyers enables brands to receive immediate feedback, which can be leveraged to improve products and services rapidly. This responsiveness contributes to 30% higher customer retention rates compared to traditional retail models. D2C companies prioritize customer-centric cultures that enhance the overall experience, resulting in greater trust and loyalty. 

Cost and Fulfillment Efficiency 

By eliminating intermediaries, brands can save on costs associated with wholesalers and retailers, leading to better margins. However, they must also invest in efficient logistics and supply chain management to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment. This includes optimizing warehousing, inventory management, and last-mile delivery. Companies can significantly improve efficiency by integrating technology for inventory tracking, order management, and real-time analytics. 

Real-Time Data Access 

Real-time data access provides brands with visibility into inventory levels, helping them optimize stock management. Companies using real-time data for supply chain management report a 25% reduction in delivery times, which enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. Real-time inventory tracking can also reduce stockouts by 30% and overstock situations by 20%, leading to more efficient inventory management. 

Channel Conflicts 

As brands increasingly adopt D2C models, they face potential conflicts with traditional retail partners. Effective management of these conflicts is critical. Companies must establish clear boundaries and strategies that ensure D2C efforts complement rather than compete with retail channels. Offering unique value propositions—such as exclusive products, personalized services, or subscription models—can help differentiate D2C offerings while maintaining healthy retailer relationships. 

Embracing Digital Transformation

To navigate the complexities of the D2C landscape, CPG companies must embrace digital transformation. Here are some strategies that can alleviate the challenges associated with this shift: 

• Invest in Robust Technology: Building a strong technological infrastructure is essential for D2C success. Brands need to invest in advanced eCommerce platforms that support scalability, data analytics, and seamless integration across touchpoints. By leveraging technology, companies can streamline operations and improve customer interactions, ultimately enhancing the D2C experience. 
• Technology and Strategic Partnerships: Successful D2C transitions necessitate investment in the right technology and resources. Brands must develop robust eCommerce platforms, implement advanced data analytics, and ensure seamless integration across various digital touchpoints. Partnering with third-party technology providers can accelerate this process and reduce initial capital expenditure. An agile, test-and-learn approach allows companies to adapt quickly to market changes and consumer feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation. 
• Enhance Data Capabilities: Developing advanced data capabilities allows brands to build a comprehensive view of consumer behavior. By harnessing real-time data, CPG companies can make informed decisions and respond quickly to changing market conditions. Investing in data management tools can enable brands to improve consumer engagement models and drive effective marketing strategies. 
• Optimize Logistics and Fulfillment: Efficient logistics and fulfillment are critical for D2C success. Companies must focus on optimizing warehousing, inventory management, and last-mile delivery to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment. Forming strategic partnerships with third-party logistics providers can help brands scale their fulfillment operations without significant capital investment. 
• Foster a Customer-Centric Culture: D2C companies often thrive on customer-centric cultures that prioritize consumer needs and preferences. By actively engaging with customers and building community, brands can cultivate stronger relationships that lead to increased loyalty and satisfaction. A focus on providing exceptional customer experiences is paramount for long-term success in the D2C space. 

Leveraging Third Wave and SAP for Success

An ERP solution like SAP Business One can significantly facilitate the move to digital transformation for CPG companies navigating the D2C landscape. By integrating various business processes—such as inventory management, customer relationship management, and financial accounting—SAP Business One provides a comprehensive view of operations. This centralized system enables real-time data analytics, allowing businesses to make informed decisions quickly and adapt to changing market conditions. 

Trusted partners like Third Wave are instrumental in guiding companies through the implementation of SAP Business One. With extensive industry expertise and deep understanding of the CPG landscape, Third Wave’s airtight implementation process and digital solutions like Versago and Bizweaver ensure that businesses are well-equipped to successfully navigate the D2C surge.  

• Bizweaver – Bizweaver automates processes and streamlines production management by synchronizing workflows across the organization. It serves as a hub for all the transaction information flowing in and out of your business.
• Versago – Versago streamlines digital communication by connecting departments, channels, partners, employees, and locations with SAP Business One data. It gives you the flexibility to streamline collaboration and address specific issues with optimization, resource allocation, and more. 

The rise of the D2C model presents both opportunities and challenges for CPG companies. By understanding the causes behind this shift and embracing digital transformation, businesses can position themselves to thrive in the D2C landscape. With the right tools and partnerships, CPG companies can master the complexities of D2C and capitalize on the opportunities it presents. Connect with Third Wave today to explore how SAP Business One can ensure long-term growth and profitability for your business in an increasingly competitive market. 

ECommerce has emerged as a double-edged sword in the ever-evolving landscape of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG). While it presents vast opportunities for growth and engagement, it also introduces significant complexities that can hinder success. As CPG companies strive to adapt to the demands of digital commerce, understanding the intricacies of eCommerce is vital. Explore the complexities of eCommerce, the consequences of ineffective channels, and understand how digital transformation can illuminate the path to success.

Understanding the Complexities of eCommerce in the CPG Industry

Omnichannel Strategy

The rise of eCommerce has made adopting an omnichannel strategy increasingly critical for CPG companies. An omnichannel approach integrates multiple sales channels—both online and offline—to create a seamless and consistent customer experience. According to KPMG, companies that implement omnichannel strategies report a staggering 30% higher lifetime value from omnichannel shoppers compared to single-channel shoppers. This integration not only enhances customer satisfaction but also ensures that brands can effectively fulfill orders from the most appropriate location, whether it be a warehouse, a retail store, or a third-party provider.

Effective omnichannel engagement involves leveraging various touchpoints, from websites and mobile apps to in-store experiences. Brands that can interact with customers through multiple channels increase their chances of conversion and loyalty, with studies showing that omnichannel customers spend 15-30% more than those who shop through a single channel.

Data Integration

Another significant complexity arises from data integration. Creating comprehensive customer profiles requires merging data from different touchpoints, such as eCommerce platforms, in-store purchases, and customer service interactions. This integration allows CPG companies to offer highly personalized experiences tailored to individual customer preferences. According to McKinsey, brands leveraging integrated data for fulfillment operations report a 25% improvement in order accuracy and a 20% reduction in delivery times, demonstrating how effective data utilization can enhance operational efficiency.

Product Catalog Management

Effective catalog management is vital for enhancing the customer shopping experience – especially when 75% of consumers expect consistent product information across multiple channels. A well-organized and updated product catalog ensures that customers can easily find the information they need, such as product specifications, prices, and availability. Brands that utilize automated catalog management tools experience a 30% reduction in manual errors and a 25% increase in operational efficiency.

Implementing a centralized Product Information Management (PIM) system allows brands to manage product information from a single source, ensuring consistency across all eCommerce platforms. Regular audits help identify inconsistencies, outdated information, and errors, maintaining the catalog’s accuracy and relevance.

Channel Conflicts

Channel conflicts are another significant issue in the CPG eCommerce landscape. Conflicts arise when brands sell through multiple distribution channels—such as direct-to-consumer (D2C), traditional retail stores, and third-party online marketplaces—that compete against each other. Up to 25% of CPG companies experience conflicts due to inconsistent promotional strategies across different retail partners, and according to Sutherland Global, 30% of consumers encounter pricing discrepancies between a brand’s D2C site and third-party marketplaces, which leads to confusion and dissatisfaction among customers. Addressing these conflicts is essential for maintaining healthy relationships with retail partners and ensuring customer loyalty.

The Results of Ineffective eCommerce Channels

The complex challenges posed by the modern eCommerce landscape can lead to significant negative outcomes for CPG companies who lack the proper tools. Here are some of the critical consequences of having ineffective eCommerce channels:

Increased Operational Costs

Complexities in managing multiple sales channels can lead to inefficiencies and increased operational costs. Ineffective data integration and poor product catalog management may result in higher error rates, which in turn require additional resources to rectify. This inefficiency can severely strain profit margins, especially in a market where cost control is paramount.

Customer Dissatisfaction

When brands fail to provide a consistent and seamless shopping experience, customer dissatisfaction is inevitable. Inconsistent product information, pricing discrepancies, and fulfillment errors can frustrate customers, leading them to seek alternatives. As CPG companies aim to build long-term relationships with consumers, maintaining trust is crucial.

Lost Revenue Opportunities

Ineffective eCommerce strategies can result in lost revenue. A disjointed approach may lead to abandoned shopping carts, decreased conversion rates, and ultimately, lost sales. In the highly competitive eCommerce environment, every missed opportunity can have a substantial impact on the bottom line.

Erosion of Brand Loyalty

When customers encounter channel conflicts—such as inconsistent pricing or promotions—they may become disillusioned with the brand. As they shift their loyalty to competitors, the long-term ramifications can be detrimental. Erosion of brand loyalty not only affects current sales but can also hinder future growth potential.

Embracing Digital Transformation

To avoid these eCommerce pitfalls, CPG companies must embrace digital transformation. This involves adopting technologies that enhance visibility, improve data integration, and streamline operations. Here are several key strategies for successful digital transformation:

• Unified Data Management: Implementing a unified data management system allows CPG companies to integrate data from various channels, creating a comprehensive view of customer interactions. This integration enables brands to offer personalized experiences and make informed decisions based on real-time insights.
• Centralized Product Information Management: Investing in a centralized PIM system can help brands manage product information efficiently. By ensuring consistency across all eCommerce platforms, companies can enhance the customer experience and improve conversion rates. Regular audits and updates are essential for maintaining accuracy and relevance in product information.
• Streamlined Order Fulfillment: An efficient order fulfillment strategy is critical for delivering exceptional customer experiences. Brands should leverage technology to optimize inventory management, ensuring that products are readily available and orders can be fulfilled from the most appropriate location. This approach can reduce delivery times and improve order accuracy, driving customer satisfaction.
• Enhanced Customer Engagement: Leveraging multiple touchpoints for customer engagement can lead to increased conversion rates. By utilizing online channels, mobile apps, and in-store experiences, brands can create a holistic shopping experience that fosters loyalty. Engaging customers through various channels increases the likelihood of conversions and encourages repeat business.

Leveraging Third Wave and SAP for Success

An ERP solution like SAP Business One can be a game-changer for CPG companies navigating the complexities of eCommerce. By integrating business processes like inventory management, customer relationship management, and financial accounting, SAP Business One provides a comprehensive view of operations. This centralized system enables real-time data analytics, allowing businesses to make informed decisions quickly and adapt to changing market conditions.

Trusted partners like Third Wave play a crucial role in facilitating this digital transformation journey. With their industry expertise and understanding of the CPG landscape, Third Wave leverages the capabilities of SAP Business One and other digital solutions like Versago and Bizweaver to ensure that businesses are well-equipped to streamline operations, enhance data integration, and navigate the complexities of eCommerce successfully.

• Bizweaver – Bizweaver automates processes and streamlines production management by synchronizing workflows across the organization. It serves as a hub for all the transaction information flowing in and out of your business.
• Versago – Versago streamlines digital communication by connecting departments, channels, partners, employees, and locations with SAP Business One data. It gives you the flexibility to streamline collaboration and address specific issues with optimization, resource allocation, and more.

As CPG companies face the challenges of eCommerce complexity, embracing digital transformation is essential for survival and growth. With the right tools and partnerships, CPG businesses can not only overcome the challenges posed by eCommerce but also seize the opportunities it presents. Connect with trusted partners at Third Wave to master the intricacies of eCommerce and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.u master the challenges of your supply chains and emerge stronger.

Pre-built SAP Business One Integration to Shopify

Many Third Wave customers have accomplished integrating Shopify orders with SAP Business One and other e-commerce platforms. This is done with a pre-built solution implemented with Bizweaver integration and process automation application. We have decided to write up a series of posts around our Shopify integration and include videos showing e-commerce integration with SAP B1.

Pre-built with Flexibilty

The solution is also designed for easy modification to meet the unique needs a business may have, for example, user-defined fields (UDF’s). One of the most time-consuming aspects of application integration is understanding the APIs. With this solution, you do not have to spend hours learning the Shopify integration API. That work has been done.

API Mapping and Error Monitoring

Our solution connects and passes Shopify orders via the Shopify API, which provides the essential data mappings to both systems out of the box, stages the data prior to updating Shopify, provides run-time error monitoring and correction, and provides easy access for customization.

The solution includes the requisite data mappings to/from the Shopify API. One of the key benefits of this solution is the ability to trap any transactions with erroneous or malformed data without interrupting processing. Administrators are provided with a web UI using the Versago Portal Platform for viewing and correcting the errors. The corrected transaction will then process automatically, and the correction can easily be added to the workflow to auto-correct the issue if it occurs in the future.

Error Handling Made Easy

Another nice feature of this solution is error handling at the point of updating either Shopify or SAP. If for any reason a transaction is not passing the SAP DI or Web Services APIs (perhaps because they are momentarily down) the transaction can be reprocessed without interrupting other processing.

How to Nail Your SAP Business One to Shopify Integration

There are many application integration tools and solutions a business can choose from. We believe Bizweaver and our pre-built solutions provide the best balance between simplicity and control at an affordable price.

Recording: Integrating Shopify Orders with SAP Business One

Innovation at the Core

As the most experienced SAP Business One Gold Partner in North America, we help scale and support your business, every step of the way. Our expertise extends beyond SAP Business One and ERP. Our customers enjoy having a single provider for all their needs. No matter how your business system requirements grow and change, we are there to assist you.

Third Wave’s implementation process and consulting team has created a customer retention level average of 98.7% year over year and is the only partner to achieve 100% customer retention. We have a 95% implementation success rate. Contact us and see how we can help you get the most out of SAP Business One.

Talk to an expert today and discuss how we can help you get the most out of SAP Business One

Versago and Bizweaver

SAP Business One runs better with Versago and Bizweaver, our innovative portal and business process automation platform for modern operations.

Extend the power of SAP with a connected workforce and smart integrated eCommerce, CRM, EDI, and 3PL with SAP Business One.

Pre-built SAP Business One Integration to Shopify

Many Third Wave customers have accomplished integrating SAP Business One Inventory with Shopify and other e-commerce platforms. This is done with a pre-built solution implemented with the Bizweaver integration and process automation application. We have decided to write up a series of posts around our Shopify integration and include videos showing e-commerce integration with SAP B1.

API Mapping and Error Monitoring

Our solution connects and passes inventory into Shopify via the Shopify Inventory API, provides the essential data mappings to both systems out of the box, stages the data prior to updating Shopify, provides run-time error monitoring and correction, and provides easy access for customization.

The solution includes the requisite data mappings to/from the Shopify API. One of the key benefits of this solution is the ability to trap any transactions with erroneous or malformed data without interrupting processing. Administrators are provided with a web UI using the Versago Portal Platform for viewing and correcting the errors. The corrected transaction will then process automatically, and the correction can easily be added to the workflow to auto-correct the issue if it occurs in the future.

Pre-built with Flexibility

The solution is also designed for easy modification to meet the unique needs a business may have. One of the most time-consuming aspects of application integration is understanding the APIs. With this solution, you do not have to spend hours learning the Shopify integration API. That work has been done.

Error Handling Made Easy

Another nice feature of this solution is error handling at the point of updating either Shopify or SAP. If for any reason a transaction is not passing the SAP DI or Web Services APIs (perhaps because they are momentarily down) the transaction can be reprocessed without interrupting other processing.

Nail Your Shopify Integration

There are many application integration tools and solutions a business can choose from. We believe Bizweaver and our pre-built solutions provide the best balance between simplicity and control at an affordable price.

Recording: Integrating SAP Business One Inventory with Shopify

Innovation at Heart

As the most experienced SAP Business One Gold Partner in North America, we help scale and support your business, every step of the way. Our expertise extends beyond SAP Business One and ERP. Our customers enjoy having a single provider for all their needs. No matter how your business system requirements grow and change, we are there to assist you.

Third Wave’s implementation process and consulting team has created a customer retention level average of 98.7% year over year and is the only partner to achieve 100% customer retention. We have a 95% implementation success rate. Contact us and see how we can help you get the most out of SAP Business One.

Versago and Bizweaver

SAP Business One runs better with Versago and Bizweaver, our innovative portal and business process automation platform for modern operations.

Extend the power of SAP with a connected workforce and smart integrated eCommerce, CRM, EDI, and 3PL with SAP Business One.

Easily integrate eCommerce platforms with SAP Business One using Bizweaver as a connector. Let’s talk about Magento SAP Business One integrations, one of the many eCommerce platforms, Bizweaver is commonly used to draw valuable connections between platforms.

SAP Business One is an inexpensive, easy-to-implement ERP solution that can manage an assortment of organizational requirements, from accounting and CRM to stock control and warehouse management.

Dedicated third-party applications such as Magento, one of the leading eCommerce platforms available undeniably aids in exploiting online sales channels for numerous businesses, but if the channel isn’t fully integrated with SAP Business One, challenges can occur.

Magento SAP Business One Integration with Bizweaver

The Bizweaver Magento integration solution can fulfill this requirement by enabling organizations to seamlessly integrate Magento with SAP Business One, as well as adding workflow and automation capabilities.

Without automation, users would have to remove the data from Magento and re-enter the information into SAP Business One, and vice versa. This takes time, is susceptible to errors, and becomes a redundant and wasteful cost.

With a proper integration between both platforms, there is no repetition of effort. Data is inputted once into SAP Business One and then shared between systems. All in all, Bizweaver stops administrative headaches from being pushed further down the line.

Pushing Order Statuses

Anyone dealing with eCommerce knows that data needs to be pushed up. Data such as order statuses, new products, stock level changes, and delivery tracking numbers are entered into Magento. Normally, this would be a manual task, but Bizweaver automatically extracts data from SAP Business One and pushes it straight into Magento.

This process can then be synchronized across Magento stores worldwide and through other channels such as Amazon Marketplace, eBay, and Walmart. It also takes the annoyance out of reconciling transactions across numerous stores and regions as well as streamlining tax and duty calculations, thanks to SAP Business One’s native support for various currencies.

Adding Workflow to Magento Order Management

Synchronizing Magento order transactions and available stock data are other processes that businesses look to automate immediately. But what happens when an order depletes your stock to below an acceptable level? How would you know, and is it effective to manually identify and resolve this critical issue?

Bizweaver enables organizations to add workflow processes to the critical relationship between orders and stock. SAP automation tools send business notifications and alerts when levels are breached (email/SMS) and trigger PO requisitions for approval and processing.

Drop Shipping in Real-Time

Many Magento store owners sell products that they do not physically hold in stock. In this situation, the speed in which the order is passed to a fulfillment partner(s) is crucial to the reputation of the company. Yet employees have physical limitations and are prone to mistakes. Bizweaver’s Magento database trigger capabilities ensure that orders are instantly processed within your organization and dynamically sent to the correct fulfillment partner.

An additional administration task that Bizweaver can automate is taking the orders from SAP Business One and placing them with a preferred courier service. It will also automatically print the labels out for the dispatch team to process.

On their own, SAP Business One and Magento are both extremely useful applications, helping businesses to either run smoothly or to exploit sales opportunities. Integrating them together, however, can give businesses a competitive edge by giving managers on-demand access to critical real-time information, helping them make better business decisions, as well as improving workflow, cutting costs and the ability to exploit all sales opportunities.

Bizweaver can Integrate with more than Magento

Bizweaver can provide a plethora of eCommerce integration solutions that extend further than the initial synchronization of sales orders. Bizweaver can also integrate your business systems with Volusion, PrestaShop, Shopify, eBay, Amazon Marketplace, Bigcommerce, X-CART, 3dcart, eSellerPro, and other eCommerce applications.

A small selection of other integration and business process automation scenarios adopted by Bizweaver for SAP Business One users include:

• Email integration
• Credit Control Automation
• Single and multi-level purchase order authorization workflows
• External alerting from SAP Business One to ensure consistency and frequency of communications with suppliers and customers

How easy is it to implement?

In the first instance, SME’s look for software application integration tools that are easy to install and use. Bizweaver tasks can be easily created by anyone with a basic understanding of your organization’s database structures and combined with Third Wave Business Systems knowledge and experience in implementing Bizweaver to suit your exact requirements, your next integration and business process automation projects couldn’t be simpler.

If you would like to find out more about how Bizweaver can simplify your SAP Business One integration projects and added functionality it can provide your organization, contact us today.

In a fast-paced business environment, we hear the term “e-commerce” thrown around frequently. We know that e-commerce provides an online platform for ordering goods and services, but how would it help your business specifically? Implementing an e-commerce solution to manage an online store and take online orders, while integrating with SAP Business One is a lot easier than you might think.

To conduct business over the internet and integrate online sales with back office operations, you need to make sure you have a strong connection between your eCommerce solution and your ERP solution. Luckily, SAP Business One is well-suited to do so. To better understand how an eCommerce solution should work, let’s dive into a little business scenario:

Mr. A is the purchasing manager for XYZ Corporation. He needs to purchase some computer equipment, so he logs into his online catalog and navigates to the item he needs. In this case, it is a printer. While in the online store, he can also check his account data to make sure all the information is accurate. In addition, he can also view order history to see past orders, pricing, and delivery status. In this case, Mr. A goes to select the printer model he would like, but then sees that it is currently out of stock. Since all the stock information is pulled directly from SAP Business One, Business One updates the availability status in real-time and automatically recommends an alternate model. Mr. A then selects the alternate model and adds it to his cart. As a result, SAP Business One updates the price to reflect the quantity.

Mr. A decides that while he’s in the online store, he might as well purchase a backup printer as well. He selects the item and adds it to his cart. This time, he decides he also wants support service for this item, so he selects the recommended support option. Now Mr. A is ready to check out. His shipping data is automatically populated, he can specify that the online store should bill him for the order, and the order is submitted. This begins the process of creating sales orders and invoices.

Jane Smith is the office manager at ABC Printers & Computers. As a result of Mr. A’s order, Jane receives an alert in SAP Business One with the order details. In these details, she can see where the order came from and when it was placed. From here, Jane can easily generate a sales order with complete details, including items, quantities, and prices. With a single click, she can drill down to review customer data, meaning all the orders the customer has placed plus a graphical view of revenue generated. Additionally, she can also view detailed information, like real-time inventory data and order confirmation documents that are automatically sent to the customer.

Now Jane is ready to create an invoice for that order. The sales order data is automatically copied to the invoice and currency options are selected. The invoice due date gets automatically populated at this step. Jane then assigns a serial number to the printer which Mr. A requested support for. At this point, SAP Business One automatically creates a service contract. Jane can now view the invoice generated by Business One, can import it into a Word document, and can add comments before sending it off to Mr. A. Since the invoice is fully integrated with SAP Business One financial accounting, all financial ledgers are updated automatically as well.

Hopefully, this brief business scenario has shown you how SAP Business One allows you to quickly and easily conduct business over the internet while integrating online sales with back-office operations. To find out more information about why you need an e-commerce solution to manage inventory and orders across channels, contact Third Wave today!

One unstoppable trend in modern business that we see is the movement to the internet. You are being driven by your customers’ expectations and demands; therefore your business needs to make the necessary changes to reflect that.

A strong web presence will assist with increasing your customer base, as well as increasing sales. Great news, but watch out for often unforeseen issues when trying to get information to and from your ERP system. You may run into trouble getting your products to your E-Commerce site and, in turn, getting your order information back into your ERP system for the accounting process. However, it is entirely possible to find a solution that will seamlessly integrate data between your E-Commerce site and your ERP system.

It is important that your E-Commerce solution communicates all transaction data seamlessly with your ERP system across the following spectrums:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
• Placing & tracking orders
• Viewing invoices
• Tracking shipments
• Inventory control
• Manufacturing demand planning

By integrating your E-Commerce system with your ERP system, your business will reap the benefits of visibility, increased ability to react, and improved labor efficiency. You will increase your self-service functionality for your customers (and employees).

With your systems integrated from the ecommerce site through to your accounting systems, you can obtain real-time data from your ERP system on through to the store front – so now your customers can have a view into available inventory, order status, and tracking shipments.

You will also likely see a reduction in your inventory carrying costs because your sales information will be updated on a consistent basis. With an end-to-end integrated system, you will be able to generate financial reports in your ERP system, based exclusively on those web transactions allowing you to better track your revenue by route to market.

All of this ultimately leads to increased internal productivity. With tightly integrated systems, you will see reduced human resource involvement in moving data and increased accuracy. Because your processes are now so efficient, you will see an increase in customer satisfaction, leading to overall better control of your business in general.