Foycom vs. Traditional ERP Systems: Why Specialized Warehouse Software Wins
Given how hypercompetitive today’s market is, too much reliance on manual work will prove to be detrimental. Increased error margins, unexpected delays, and inefficiencies are the key challenges. To overcome these, supply chain businesses adopted ERP software. It came with innumerable advantages, from unified dashboard for reporting to automation tools. But then again, its capability was limited.
Scalability, flexibility, and integrations became the major hurdles. Hosting such software on the premises incurred huge infrastructure expenses. Security and data compliance also became a pain point. This is where modern, agile, cloud-based ERP solutions like that of Foycom came to the rescue. It’s important that businesses understand the necessity of this technological shift for running their operations smoothly.
Challenges with a traditional ERP system
Most traditional ERP systems, like SAP R/3, were designed for stable businesses. Whether it’s the architecture or the features, everything depended on an assumption that the business processes would remain consistent over the years. While it could have been true, the modern day supply chain industry is highly dynamic. As a result, aligning a traditional ERP software with the fast-paced business needs emerged as a huge challenge. Here's why.
- These tools lack the scalability required to configure new processes or features. For example, a traditional WMS software will require a ground level customization to integrate new product picking methods. These customizations are so complex that businesses face a lot of disruptions.
- Most traditional systems work in the batch processing mode. In other words, the inventory records were updated regularly in real time. It became impossible for supply chain businesses to have in-depth visibility. This also led to increased error margin in stock levels and delayed order fulfillment.
- Implementation and deployment of new updates are time consuming for our traditional ERP software. Given how fast-paced the supply chain industry is, this became a bottleneck.
- The older versions were specifically designed for a single environment. However, third party logistics companies usually deal with multiple clients, different product catalogs, and omnichannel orders. As a result, the software failed to accommodate these diversities without requiring customization at a granular level.
How Foycom redefines the capacity of the ERP software?
Real-time inventory and order visibility
Having an end to end visibility of the entire inventory is crucial for every 3PL business. That’s why the ERP software from Foycom comes with a modern inventory management feature. It updates the stock levels in real time after every scan, pick, and pack. Hence, you will know the accurate number of items from every SKU. Following are some of the benefits it offers.
- Prevention of overstocking and understocking
- Accurate demand forecasting
- Correct order placement for refill
- Reduction in unnecessary order cancellation due to stockouts
To top it off, you can also configure real-time alert notifications. The system will automatically inform you once the stock falls below a pre-decided threshold.
Multi client and multi warehouse support
The Foycom software is designed for multi-client business models. It allows 3PLs to:
- Smoothly on board new clients
- Define SLAs
- Assign storage locations
- Keep operations segmented
Each client will have their own portal. The features can be customized to cater to the business needs. Furthermore, the tool offers live dashboards for complete visibility and transparency. It automatically eliminates data siloes and prevents collisions.
Faster onboarding and integration
Implementing a traditional ERP software takes weeks, if not months. Foycom excels in this arena by offering a plug-and-play architecture. The WMS software can go live within a couple of days, allowing 3PLs to start their operations much earlier.
What’s more, it can be seamlessly integrated with multifarious portals, like:
- Marketplaces including Shopify and Amazon
- Carrier software
- Sales portal
- Payment providers
There’s no need to develop the integration APIs from scratch. Foycom has taken care of the same by designing ore-built connectors for seamless connectivity across the system.
Intelligent order routing and fulfillment Optimization
While dealing with multiple warehousing infrastructure, order assignment is one of the most concerning arenas. A traditional ERP doesn’t have enough flexibility to accommodate order routing. That’s why 3PLs require a modern system like that of Foycom. It assigns the orders received to the correct warehouse by analyzing parameters like:
- Priority
- Stock availability
- SLA
- Geographic location
Businesses can define specific rules to direct the orders for fulfilment. Automating this process will reduce the error margin and speed up the workflows.
Cloud native and scalable
Unlike the on premise traditional ERP system, Foycom has designed a cloud native software. It's highly scalable, easily accessible from remote locations, and ensures maximum server uptime. Scaling the capacities is now much easier as businesses can integrate new payment methods, onboard new customers, or add more product catalogs.
To top it off, businesses now won't have to invest in expensive hardware infrastructure and upgrades.
Conclusion
A modern ERP software like that of Foycom fosters innovation and agility. Third party logistic businesses can adapt according to the market dynamics and deliver a stellar customer experience. What's more, this tool comes with numerous customization offers so that the features can be aligned with the business processes and specific workflows.
