Manufacturers in the food and beverage market navigate changing consumer demands much like every other industry. But what F&B professionals know is that they do it all while handling perishable ingredients in a highly regulated landscape. Managing all aspects of a food and beverage operation with a cloud-based ERP platform gives a big advantage. Here are four ways that ERP platforms give a clear advantage to food & beverage manufacturers.

1. STREAMLINED OPERATIONS AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Unifying all operations into a single source of truth is a game changer. When manufacturers integrate all aspects into one platform, all departments are working in tandem with the same data. Purchasing, production, sales, distribution and financial operations have access to real-time, accurate information. Challenges associated with manual data entry or siloed management styles are eliminated with ERP coordination, and all data is traceable and accessible from anywhere at any time.

Because nutritional and lifestyle trends move quickly, manufacturers employing ERP platforms can adapt quickly. Need to change your product line from whole wheat to gluten free? Want to replace your plastic packaging with a recycled cardboard box? ERP management integrates your inventory data with your production workflow to help you calculate replacement costs, timelines and quantities. No matter what changes you need to make, ERP management can help you eliminate overstocking, under-stocking, and inefficient financial management.

2. OPTIMIZED CUSTOMER SERVICE RECORDS

When your ERP platform connects your data with your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to your production records, you have access to priceless information. This integration allows you to harness important data regarding customer preferences and feedback. Managing your data in this way makes it easy to adjust production schedules, track shipments and adapt according to known buyer habits and preferences.

By building brand loyalty and harnessing the power of satisfied customers, you have a distinct edge for product line expansions, new offerings or reformulated best sellers. And with secure data, you can make improvements regarding fulfillment, transactions and interactions — whether through your eCommerce website, social media channels or direct communications.

3. BUILT-IN COMPLIANCE AND FOOD SAFETY SECURITY

ER P platforms enable end-to-end traceability, from raw materials to finished products. Detailed records and customizable reports are ready at a moment’s notice for scheduled compliance reporting and surprise audits and inspections. In an industry where product quality is a matter of public safety, compliance is paramount. Time matters when a recall is issued, and an ERP platform ensures a quick response. Whether allergens are detected, a raw material has been contaminated or a foreign object entered the production line, a manufacturer’s timely response is aided by end-to-end traceability from the beginning of the process to the product’s final destination. Recalls can happen at a moment’s notice, and all corresponding records are immediately accessible to achieve regulatory compliance.

Recalls happen in every industry, and being able to respond effectively and efficiently is what builds consumer confidence in a food and beverage brand.

4. ENHANCED DECISION MAKING AND SCALABILITY WITH REAL-TIME DATA

Because the food and beverage sector is prone to frequent market changes, manufacturers must be adaptable. An ERP platform enables fast-paced changes and new product launches to meet ever-evolving customer preferences. Production planning is rooted with data-driven analytics, and production scheduling is reinforced with customizable integrations. Your workflow can quickly respond to market demands when it is supported by a whole operation single source of truth.

And the same system that helps you run efficiently as a two-person team making one product is the same system that scales with you to a 250+ operation with two warehouses and a complete line of products. An ERP platform is capable of adding functionality as needed, so it will grow with you. Decision making requires accurate data and the ability to forecast, and an ERP system offers a clear picture of where you were, where you are, and where you’re going.

The food and beverage industry is a fast-paced and highly competitive market with layers of regulation. Manufacturers who operate with a cloud-based ERP platform have a clear advantage to adapt as needed. With streamlined operations, optimized CRM, built-in compliance and data-driven scalability, F&B manufacturers can effectively and efficiently succeed.

Why You Should Use Wherefour’s Cloud-Based ERP

Wherefour’s ERP Suite offers customized solutions designed with Food & Beverage Manufacturers in mind. Formula management, inventory management, customer and vendor records, batch tracking, end-to-end traceability, sales management, accounting functionality, quality control, supply chain management AND MORE are seamlessly integrated into a single source of truth. With all aspects of your operation running in sync, Wherefour helps you optimize operational efficiency and profitability, and it helps you prioritize and food safety for consumers.