Sage X3: Transform the Distribution Processes through Digitization
Supply chains are more complex than ever. Driven by bottlenecks brought to light during the pandemic, manufacturers have rapidly diversified supply lines to help reduce the risk of shortages or delays. However, the introduction of more suppliers to existing supply chains has also increased overall complexity. Consequently, companies now face the challenge of effectively managing the sheer volume of orders, payments, and distribution needs across distributed supply chains. Here’s how Sage X3 distribution can help.
Challenges in Streamlining Supply
According to research firm McKinsey, aerospace manufacturers typically have 200 tier-one suppliers; however, they have more than 12,000 across all tiers. Conversely, automakers have 250 tier-one suppliers and over 18,000 across the entire supply chain.
Even technology companies have more than 7,000 suppliers across all tiers. Moreover, considering the current (and ongoing) shortage of components, this number may still not be high enough. Consequently, companies might need to expand their supplier base further to mitigate supply risks.
The massive amount of suppliers now necessary to sidestep potential supply issues, however, means that companies are consequently managing multiple orders and payments simultaneously. As a result, they must implement effective strategies to handle this increased complexity. Furthermore, adopting these strategies will help streamline operations and mitigate potential challenges. Order too much from too many suppliers and the result is wasted money and at-capacity inventory space. Order too little or lean on a single supplier too much and the result may be delays in production that could lead to consumer dissatisfaction and customer churn.
Adding to this complexity is the need for ongoing supplier evaluation. Are suppliers living up to expectations in quality and quantity? Are they meeting delivery targets? This ties directly into distribution for brands with a global supply footprint: If legacy IT infrastructure can’t keep pace with evolving supply expectations, the results could be costly.
The Sage X3 distribution Advantage
Sage X3 makes it possible for companies to digitize key supply and distribution processes, in turn reducing complexity and streamlining key operations to improve the customer experience.
Key advantages of Sage X3 include:
Supply Chain Visibility
See what’s happening across your supply chain with real-time visibility into global supply networks. Armed with complete visibility, businesses are better prepared to anticipate potential challenges, respond to emerging issues and ensure that components and products get where they’re supposed to be ASAP.
Warehouse and Inventory Management
Sage X3 provides complete understanding of your warehouse and inventory processes. This covers product profitability, order-to-cash, and warehouse operations, making stocking, picking, and fulfilling orders more efficient.
Operations Optimization
Sage X3 helps companies optimize purchasing decisions and assess product margins by managing supplier quality and performance. This make it possible to pinpoint potential weak sports in current supply chains and make adjustments to ensure reliable distribution.
Native Mobile Support
Don’t tie yourself to desktops.
Sage X3 empowers a mobile sales force with customer data, stock levels, past purchases, quotes, and promotions on any device.
Sales and Marketing Integration
Go beyond supply with full sales and marketing integration to manage assignments, track targets, and calculate commissions.
Delivering on Distribution
It’s one thing to talk about benefits; however, it’s another to highlight hard data. Indeed, while discussing benefits can be informative, presenting hard data, on the other hand, provides concrete evidence of effectiveness. Consequently, relying on data allows for a more objective assessment of value.
On average, Sage X3 users saved 5 FTEs annually, reduced overstock by 13%, and saved over $2,080 in customer service hours.
Here’s why: With the right tools, businesses can integrate distribution, monitor suppliers, optimize inventory, and use mobile apps, making distribution a value proposition.
Put simply, Sage X3 empowers companies to take control of their distribution from end-to-end. By digitizing key functions and delivering on customer expectations, organizations can delver on the potential of business transformation.
Take your supply and distribution management to the next level with Sage X3. Ready to get started? See how IWI Consulting can help. Get in touch today.