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        

Labor management is a good start to understanding operational performance, but productivity metrics alone are inadequate to drive efficiencies and business results at scale. Learn how Ferguson has superpowered their labor management practices with Operations Financial Management (OpsFM). Their sophisticated approach to data helps them quickly discern the root causes of performance lags – such as labor performance, processes, or a change in workflow. And by managing to both performance and cost metrics, they are able to bridge the understanding between operations and finance. Join Supply Chain Now hosts, Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy, along with Blake Engel of Ferguson and Dan Keto of Easy Metrics, as they show you how to bridge that gap. Learn how Ferguson manages their business by the numbers and drives operational efficiencies at scale. In this webinar you will learn: How to factor difficulty of work content and adjust labor to account for it How to identify the causes of waste and take action for efficiency gains The data sources you need to merge and unify to get visibility at this level How to approach metrics to understand process performance What are the key KPIs, from GM to employee, and how to cascade them