Manufacturing and Job Shop

Modern ERP Software Paves the Way to the Future of the Supply Chain

Written by Nancy Phillippi | Jun 18, 2020 5:00:00 AM

Download "The Future of the Supply Chain" eBook

Supply chain logistics is a rapidly evolving industry with a diverse set of requirements. Modern ERP software such as Dynamics 365 can solve many dysfunctions within your operation. To compete today and in the future, you have many options to streamline operations such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, analytics software, and big data. An ERP system is a good starting point to integrate your data and communications between sales orders, CRM, eCommerce, inventory management, manufacturing, and shipping. The eBook, "The Future of Supply Chain," is a 27-page guide to the new technologies that will move our manufacturing and supply chain to compete in the global marketplace. 

The modern ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software integrates all  functions and processes of the supply chain. Your investment in modern ERP software accelerates and streamlines your processes and reduces the risk of human error. Thereby, you are in a better position to cut costs and increase profits. You have more options, and many are more affordable than in the past thanks to cloud technologies lowering the cost of ownership.  

Starbucks is a great example of a company leveraging the functions and processes of the new Microsoft technology. They are implementing a coffee traceability feature for the Starbucks mobile app.  Eventually, customers will be able to use the Starbucks mobile app to trace the journey of Starbucks packaged coffees. The customers will be able to see the path of the coffee beans in their cup from where the beans were grown (farms in Colombia and Brazil) to where they were roasted (Kent, Washington). These traceability tools will potentially include information about brewing methods and ethical and sustainable sourcing, as well as tips for brewing the perfect cup. Starbucks is partnering with Microsoft on its digital traceability technology, using the Microsoft Azure Blockchain platform. Read more about how Starbucks is leveraging Microsoft's advanced technology here.

Caterpillar is another well known company using Microsoft's modern ERP software to stay competitive using better business planning. Caterpillar wants to diversify their offerings from exclusively selling machines to selling total solutions. If their customers are building a new runway at an airport, for example, Caterpillar wants to provide and manage the entire fleet of machines. This allows them to more effectively manage operating hours.  IoT components give Caterpillar more insight into the effectiveness of their machines and help them predict machine failures.  (Your company may not be as large as Caterpillar, so keep in mind that Dynamics 365 is designed for the larger enterprise with 50 or more system users). Read more about how Caterpillar leverages Microsoft's modern ERP software here.

The eBook covers additional functionalities than just traceability and business planning--it covers how to improve digital operations by utilizing intelligent business applications like sensors, networks, and ambient intelligence to create autonomous supply chains. This enhanced infrastructure will ensure better inventory management and cost savings and help close the gap between demand and fulfillment for your customers.

This eBook "The Future of Supply Chain: Trusted, Sustainable, Intelligent" describes five macro forces changing the way we design, make, sell, source, and supply products:

  1. Digital transformation
  2. Industry convergence
  3. Regulations
  4. Sustainability
  5. Customer experience

The eBook was designed by Microsoft to help begin the journey toward a better supply chain for your business today and tomorrow. When it comes to supply chain logistics, Microsoft has been a leader and innovator for decades.  Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations is a complete modern ERP software from CRM to WMS and can help you gain a competitive advantage and start you on the road to the factory of the future. 

Microsoft ERP Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain (Dynamics 365) is prepared to meet the demands of today's and the future’s supply chains.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

The Clients First Difference

Our Clients First team is passionate about implementing and supporting affordable ERP solutions. Congratulations to our consultants who have invested in many hours of rigorous training and testing to help us better serve our customers. We have the expertise and the methodology to smoothly implement and support Dynamics 365. It is critical to invest our time to keep up with the latest technological advancements.  Avoid ERP implementation failure, and contact Clients First for a free assessment.

Industry expertise and experience – Clients First consultants have direct experience in the industries we support. The Clients First Texas office is known for its vertical expertise in manufacturing, job shops, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for aviation or heavy equipment organizations. We have customers in other industries, too, including make-to-order/engineering job shops, project manufacturing, field services, and wholesale distribution.

We’re a Microsoft Gold ERP Partner, a Certified Cloud Service Provider (CSP), and an Acumatica Gold Partner.

Contact Us: Email: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, or call us at 800.331.8382. We are located in Dallas, Texas and service companies worldwide.