Retail Merchandiser Volume 63, Issue 3 Volume 63, Issue 3 | Page 25

____________________________________________________________________________________ Digital transformation
Bespoke coding and customizations
If there are any actions team members are finding really insufferable or timeconsuming to execute and the standard functionality within your ERP software doesn ’ t present an obvious solution , it doesn ’ t mean the challenge can ’ t be eradicated . Your technology partner and its expert developers will have in-depth knowledge of the system and scripts to explore the options ( there are always multiple ways to achieve the goal ) and create a bespoke solution that ’ s effective and futureproof . For example , here ’ s a micro-project we delivered for one customer that offers a bespoke service on products , where items are manufactured to order with one or more elements of owned inventory – such as a chair in a certain colour with a particular fabric .
Before , our customer would have raised a purchase order to the supplier , raised a work order , transferred the components to the supplier to consume , transferred the item back from the supplier , and received the PO for the goods and / or service it was sent out for . We created links behind the scenes with the ERP software so that after the initial PO is raised , all processes are automated in a workflow . Our retail customer can now undertake such special outsourced manufacturing tasks and ensure consumed stock is accurately captured with less manual hours required , while also managing inventory held in different locations .
A digital optimization project can be anything from a tiny tweak , that will make a huge difference to members of staff , to integrating one or more markets into the existing ERP architecture , so that leaders can benefit from a single truth about their global business . We ’ d recommend you begin with a review of processes ( carefully understanding whether people follow them or not !) and consider where the pain points or barriers to efficiency lie . Working with your in-house or external ERP experts , strategize on what will deliver the greatest ROI and plan achievable mini-projects or phases . Whatever you do , don ’ t stand still . Evolve . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Gary Hawkesford brightbridgesolutions . com
Gary Hawkesford has over 15 years of experience with ERP , HCM and GRC software and is the Sales Manager of BrightBridge , a leading Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution provider with its headquarters located in Sharnford , Leicestershire . BrightBridge ’ s operations team has far-reaching knowledge and expertise having worked with all the major software vendors . Now in its ninth trading year the firm has over 120 customers serviced by a business of over 40 people . It serves businesses in various vertical markets including B2B / B2C retail and wholesale distribution , tech and FinTech , not-for-profit , membership organizations and professional services .
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