Choose the right ERP software for companies in the food sector

Why choose ERP software for your company in the food sector

The first thing to remember when choosing ERP software is that SAP Business One has specific solutions for the food sector that are also modular. This means that you can contract the modules you need at any time and update them as you go.

However, there are a number of practical reasons that make purchasing ERP software for the food sector worthwhile. It is worth remembering that, nowadays, working with a niche solution is no longer an option, but an obligation. The reasons for this are as follows:

Control of incoming goods

A key aspect of this type of tool is that it facilitates the control of incoming goods. Each incoming unit will be assigned to a batch, and you will be able to check the source, when needed. Therefore, it is a good way to record the journey of each unit of goods.

Product calibration

Product calibration is a particularly important issue in certain food industries, such as fruit and vegetables. This ERP system also helps to differentiate between product units according to the size of each one.

Individualised traceability management

Individualised traceability management allows you to know the journey of a good or a batch of goods from when it is a raw material to when it becomes a processed product ready for the market, keeping all the history. This process is especially important for health and safety reasons.

Product labelling

ERP software is effective for product labelling, as each unit has associated information. And, in some cases, the software will also serve to label the different units with guarantees of verified information.

Guarantee compliance with food safety regulations

Food safety regulations are closely associated with correct traceability. Use the software to determine if there are problems and, more importantly, where they have occurred in order to prevent them from spreading. For this reason, it is the ideal ally to help you comply with food safety laws, as the software is up to date with new regulations.

Get information on costs

One notable element of ERP systems for the food sector is that the crucial role that supplier information plays in optimising costs. Having this aspect covered helps to make your company more competitive.

ERP implementation stages and costs in food companies

The implementation of ERP in a company in the food sector goes through specific stages. Below, we will see the stages of ERP implementation:

1. Project planning: Firstly, you need to determine the who, when and how of ERP implementation.

2. Analysis of the different options: an analysis of the different areas of the company is key to determining which modules to purchase and which aspects will be most important. Food-sector companies engaged in manufacturing will find inventory to be relevant.

3. Actual implementation: the implementation process consists of the installation and the ability to use the software without limitations.

4. Final preparation: this stage consists basically of verification. The aim is to ensure that the system operates correctly and that the needs for which the ERP was installed are effectively met.

5. Support and monitoring: once the ERP system is implemented, you need to monitor to ensure there are no errors. Therefore, this process will focus on verifying the different problems or incidents that come about.

The cost of implementing an ERP system, in these cases, is indicative. In any case, remember that the normal period for implementing these tools is about twelve weeks.

Benefits of implementing SAP Business One in food companies

There are numerous benefits to implementing SAP Business One in food companies. Below we go over the most salient ones:

Real-time inventory control

Real-time control of inventory and operations is one of the ERP system's functionalities. This is particularly important, as it serves to determine the status of the situation, as well as to make changes if necessary and to record these changes.

Improve commercial activity

Improving commercial activity is another benefit of using a specific ERP system, provided you activate the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool. In this case, it is all about following up with customers to deliver what they want at the right time. This will make it easier to follow a practical commercial policy.

Instant report generation

Instant report generation is an attractive way to obtain data and make decisions. Thanks to this tool, you can select the data you want by fields and filter them properly. This factor is decisive in times of Big Data.

Control activity using a unified platform

One of the virtues of an ERP system is that it centralises information on a single platform, which can be accessed from any device using a password. This will help you to work on the different models and make the appropriate modifications; however, it should be remembered that this step is fundamental in horizontal organisation models. Therefore, it is a good way to avoid the dispersion of information and to monitor all processes.

An ERP system that only brings benefits

Working with a company in the food sector is easier if you have an ERP system in place. This is precisely what you can achieve with SAP Business One, which, in addition to helping you throughout the implementation process, provides permanent technical support when choosing the right ERP system for your company. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out more!