Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software centralizes business processes into a single system. Integrated shipping is a prime example of a function these systems can transform to improve visibility, strengthen service levels, create efficiencies, right-size resources, reduce errors and improve the customer experience.
In this article, we’ll:
Integrated shipping brings routing plans, logistics providers, tracking, reporting, customer service and other functions together in a way that makes things easier and more cost effective. This is just the kind of thing ERP software does well. So how do you set your ERP implementation up for success?
First, how are things getting done now? Run through typical shipping processes and line out what happens and how—manual tasks, technology and partners used—everything. Next, take an inventory of current IT systems in place and determine how they might need to be managed during ERP integration. Also, ask what capabilities, specifically, you’d like this implementation to enable. This will help establish the scope of the implementation and set expectations.
Assess several ERP software systems, paying particular attention to shipping features. Develop a short list of the three or four systems you feel could best suit the specific needs you’ve outlined. When you have your short list, conduct what’s known as a fit-gap analysis. This is just another way of saying you need to compare defined requirements against each proposed ERP software.
Determine how your workflows and tasks translate to the ERP’s features. What tools could help address issues and how the system could scale as business grows? Conduct follow-up discussions covering any concerns or questions. Don’t forget to take that list of technologies and infrastructure from your assessment and check for any potential compatibility issues. Lastly, consider the vendor’s pricing, support and implementation capabilities. More expensive isn’t necessarily better.
Once you’ve made your choice, it’s time to share your ERP implementation plans to all relevant parties. Don’t forget to include the “why” by outlining the intentions behind implementing an ERP.
For customers, it’s about ensuring they get the best possible service. For employees, it’s about making their jobs easier. For partners, the implementation will mean tighter collaboration and planning.
Next will come the internal employee training. Change is rarely popular initially, but once employees learn the new system and become proficient they won’t want to return to the old ways. Your ERP software will likely include some initial training as a part of its implementation fee to ensure stakeholders understand new processes.
ERP implementation will be a collaborative process. The provider will do its own discovery, then map out your existing shipping workflows and configure the software to fit your processes. This will include any development of custom interfaces. They’ll migrate your data to the new system and begin testing and troubleshooting.
Even with the best systems and implementation teams, there will be issues. Training will happen concurrently so that by the time the new system goes live, your people will already have a head start.
Your ERP software provider will assign a project manager to help plan, organize and control your implementation. You can work with the provider to determine a set of metrics for monitoring and measuring progress—including a timeline of when you’d like to reach milestones such as data migration, final testing and go-live. There will be quality checks and baseline confirmations, integrity tests, robust quality control and, eventually the new system will be brought online.
The project doesn’t stop when the system goes live. Successful deployment is an iterative process. Your implementation will include a formal support plan. When something isn’t working correctly, even something small, tell your ERP software provider.
Of course, problems aren’t the only reason to keep optimizing the system. Other ongoing ERP implementation considerations include double-checking compatibility when adding new technologies, keeping your software up to date, performing all of the required security maintenance and ensuring that your service level agreements are being met.
Careful planning of your ERP implementation can enable integrated shipping that's more streamlined, accurate and cost-effective.
First, find out how things work now and what's not ideal—then find ERP software that can fill those gaps. Once you choose, tell everyone what you're doing and why. Make sure your staff is trained. Work collaboratively during the ERP integration to optimize the system. Don't expect flawlessness out of the gate; expect ongoing improvement. By putting in the work up front, you can level-up your business and bottom line through integrated, ERP-enabled shipping.