As the repercussions of COVID are still echoing through supply chains around the world, how can businesses adapt to the new reality of constant uncertainty? Optimas Solutions, a major parts distributor and manufacturer, has seen both supply and demand reliability turned upside down. In this session, we’ll have a candid discussion with Optimas’ President of Americas, Daniel Harms and ToolsGroup’s General Manager, Americas, David Barton, about how Optimas maintains service to customers amid protracted supply constraints. You’ll hear practical advice for how manufacturers and distributors can actually plan for uncertainty and lean on technology to keep performance high despite staffing challenges.

ERPs are pivotal in streamlining operations; however, not all ERP solutions provide adequate inventory optimization functionality. SMBs need functionality that provides inventory visibility, automated processes to reduce excess stock and avoid stockouts, precise forecasting capabilities, and predictive analytics to minimize supply and demand risks. Customizing your ERP can lead to expensive challenges in the long term, especially when performing automatic upgrades. Consider using best-in-breed inventory solutions from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to enhance ERP functionality without unnecessary complexity, ensuring long-term adaptability and efficiency To balance inventory and costs, businesses need to understand what tools are fit for purpose to help achieve inventory optimization, financial success, and market competitiveness.   From this discussion, the audience will have a better understanding of: – The functionality of ERPs – How to assess if ERPs deliver on inventory goals and capabilities – Identify missing gaps for better inventory planning and optimization – What key features to prioritize when selecting an inventory add-on solution – Rearview vs front window when it comes to forecasting and risk in your ERP – How to measure ROI – how best-of-breed solutions like Netstock show ROI when integrated with an ERP