THIS DATA- BACKED ,

DECISION- MAKING

APPROACH ENABLES SMES

TO RESPOND QUICKLY

TO MARKET

CHANGES AND ADAPT THEIR STRATEGIES ACCORDINGLY .

Robert Sinfield , Global Head of Product , Sage

Every month , we pose industry experts a question pertinent to the issues of the day . This month . . . .

OUR EXPERTS EXPLAIN

In today ’ s fast-paced and competitive business climate , small- and mid-sized businesses ( SMBs ) face numerous challenges in managing their operations efficiently . That ’ s where Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) systems come to the rescue .

ERP systems are productivity superheroes for SMEs due to the numerous benefits they offer in streamlining operations , improving efficiency and enabling data-driven decision-making – all of which help provide SMEs with a competitive advantage in today ’ s business environment .

For example , manual processes using Excel and Outlook can be tedious and prone to errors . ERPs address this challenge by transforming them into secure digital workflows . One of the primary advantages of ERP systems is automation , which simplifies day-to-day tasks and boosts productivity while reducing costs . By automating low value-add tasks and data entry processes , employees can focus on more strategic activities , leading to improved overall efficiency . This automation also reduces the risk of human errors , ensuring data accuracy , which is critical for making informed decisions .

Data is the new gold . ERPs provide a unified and real-time source of data within a multientity , multi-language and multi-currency framework . This centralised database ensures that all team members have access to up-to-date information , promoting better collaboration and co-ordination among teams . In this data-driven era , such a shift from data

Furthermore , real-time visibility into inventory levels , re-order points and manufacturing components enables SMEs to optimise inventory management , leading to reduced carrying costs and better supply chain management . This not only helps them to be more efficient – it allows them to be more robust in an ever-changing world .

Data discovery , powered by role-based , taskcentric dashboards , empowers employees at different levels to access relevant data and reports , facilitating faster and more informed decision-making . This data-backed , decisionmaking approach enables SMEs to respond quickly to market changes and adapt their strategies accordingly .

Lastly , ERP systems play a crucial role in enhancing customer and supplier relationships . By utilising data analytics , SMEs can shift from transactional interactions to strategic partnerships with customers and suppliers . This customer-centric approach helps retain existing clients , attract new ones and gain a competitive edge in the market .

The comprehensive capabilities of ERPs empower SMEs to stay competitive , respond quickly to market changes , optimise inventory management , reduce costs and build stronger customer and supplier relationships . By adopting Sage Distribution and Manufacturing Operations or similar ERPs ( like Sage X3 or Sage 300 ), SMEs can lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth and success in today ’ s dynamic business landscape .

20 intelligent

. tech

Intelligent SME . tech