How do you know if you need a Fashion Apparel ERP?
October 27, 2020How do you know if you need a Fashion Apparel EPR system? Most companies realize they require a Fashion Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to be able to grow and succeed in a fast-paced apparel marketplace. The question becomes when to invest.
Some telltale signs would be:
- Having to maintain multiple systems that have become part of the company’s operations.
- Lack of accuracy and efficiency with data retrieval.
- Inefficient use of resource capacity, or too much time spent on unnecessary tasks.
- Negative feedback or issues with Customer service.
- High operational costs of sustaining the current procedures.
An ERP system provides the synchronization of data across all areas of the business, establishing connectivity and collaboration between all departments in an automated and efficient manner.
There are many types of ERP systems, so what make a fashion apparel ERP different?
Product variations in the apparel world such as style, season, color, dimension, size, prints, fabric, pre-packs, and bill of materials, present a unique set of business requirements when it comes to the system your business will require.
An ERP system designed to service the apparel industry sets it apart from an ERP system designed for hard goods. How? It is far easier to have an apparel-based ERP system handle non-apparel types of products than the other way around. This should be a very important consideration when researching possible solutions.
As your business prospers, you may be faced with the decision to invest in systems to sustain the current growth and to ensure you are positioned to take advantage of future opportunities. These decisions are more manageable when they are part of a plan as opposed to a crisis.
In today’s market competition is too fierce to allow for a second chance. Businesses must be ready for any challenge that comes their way and be able to pro-actively promote their system capabilities to existing and potential customers and partners.
The search for an ERP provider should first be based on evaluating your company’s current and future requirements. The right provider should be able to assist with these discovery efforts as part of their system integration methodology. Look for a provider who has apparel experience, the knowledge of your industry and most importantly, one who is willing to listen.
The provider you are considering should show their investment in technology, experienced resources, success in the field and a constant commitment to product enhancements. Your chosen provider should also be able to offer cloud-based SaaS solution as well as on premise solutions.
A strong fashion apparel ERP system provider will not only have the software solution but should also have integration capability to allow your business to take advantage of Omnichannel opportunities. They will allow for connectivity and automation with partners such as Amazon, Shopify, Big Commerce, EDI, 3pl, Joor, NuOrder, and others. This, combined with the ERP’s cloud and mobile solutions are key decisions factors to be considered.
An innovative ERP provider should also offer proprietary cloud based B2B solutions to empower your salesforce, your customers, and your suppliers to have access to relevant real-time data on a 24/7 basis.
Look for a provider who takes a consultative approach to apparel ERP software solutions as opposed to a mass market distributor.
The ERP solution will be the hub of all the processes and the central repository of data to allow the business to have immediate access to accurate data across the operation. The ERP system will establish communication and collaboration across all departments from design, product management, sourcing, costing, demand management, supply chain tracking, warehousing, allocation, shipping, and finance.
Consolidated reporting combining key data from the various business operations will allow for proper monitoring and provide exception-based reporting and alerts, to allow for quicker reaction and pro-active decision making.
Business Intelligence reporting that is flexible and provides all levels of management with key indicators to the business, should be an essential component of the ERP provider’s solution.
In summary, an apparel fashion ERP system should be part of your business plan. Choosing the right system which caters to your industry, with the technology required to enable your business to succeed in an Omnichannel world is key. Reach out to Momentis today to see how our years of experience and constant commitment to investing in technology and our product, make us the perfect fit for your company.
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Momentis has over 30 years of experience in providing ERP solutions to wholesalers and retailers in the fashion apparel, accessory, and footwear industries, and has recently expanded their offering to manufacturers of home goods and textiles. Momentis uses a consultative approach to client relations.