Brexit and Beyond – 5 Ways Oracle NetSuite Can Help Manufacturers Stay Competitive

With Brexit and the pandemic the ultimate catalysts for change, price inflation is just one of the latest concerns for manufacturers right now, prompting organisations across the sector to carefully re-think their gameplan as they re-build and re-adjust against a backdrop of uncertainty. From raw materials and skills shortages, to logistical delays due to international supply chain hold-ups, manufacturers without a holistic view risk losing control of the many moving parts – and thus the very future of the business itself. So, how can solutions like Oracle NetSuite really make a tangible difference to manufacturers not only striving to stay afloat, but striving to stay competitive and grow?

When it comes to the moving target of today’s climate, enhanced flexibility and real-time transparency are key for manufacturers wishing to deliver the very best service and the very best products at whatever stage of the cycle. With the expectations of customers now higher than ever before, Oracle NetSuite helps SMEs that manufacture, sell and distribute meet them by providing an all-encompassing view – with enhanced control over key processes via an integrated Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. From Lean Manufacturing and MRP to Shipping Integration and Logistics, we’ll explore 5 ways Oracle NetSuite can bolster the efforts of manufacturers – like our customer Accora – within a post-Brexit, post-pandemic world.

View the bigger picture with supply chain management

As Brexit continues to put supply chains – both in the UK and overseas – under increased strain, Oracle NetSuite’s manufacturing, distribution and supply chain management capability can help manufacturers improve their visibility and regain control from a single application. For operations working across multiple continents and time zones, Oracle NetSuite makes it easy for decision makers to drive action – regardless of where in the world a product happens to be made. Whether it’s real-time visibility over supply chain status with handy alerts, having optimised delivery plans and reducing lead times, or simply reducing costs with the ability to identify and act on discrepancies, this Oracle NetSuite feature supports manufacturers from planning through to execution (with comprehensive support during and beyond completion).

Gain real-time ‘Business Intelligence’

For enhanced transparency across all business functions at any given moment, Oracle NetSuite’s Business Intelligence feature ensures decision making is never compromised; when it comes to data, a single version of the truth can guarantee this remains both reliable and timely. Thanks to real-time dashboards built in and comprehensive, easy-to-use reporting and analysis tools, manufacturers can identify issues at speed – without the need for in-house specialist technical resources – with the ability to drill down into specific transactions, or act quickly on recurring trends. To help eliminate duplication, manufacturers can also benefit from the Multi-Subsidiary Customer feature for a concise view of clients across multiple subsidiaries. For additional supply chain visibility, the Supply Chain Snapshot element gives businesses granular control over the bigger picture.

Read about NetSuite’s Supply Allocation feature in detail here, in our Functionality Focus blog.

Optimise your procurement processes

Gone are the days of manually processing requests via catalogues and fax machines! From purchase requisition that’s customisable to a company’s policies, to purchase order management via a configurable Procurement Dashboard, Oracle NetSuite’s procurement service can help manufacturers streamline the often-time-consuming process of purchasing. With a procurement solution in place, businesses can buy goods and services at the very best cost (and in a timely manner) by directing those purchases to pre-approved suppliers and pre-agreed contracts. Through a combination of automation and linking key procurement transactions, the process of procure-to-pay is also streamlined with greater accuracy; supporting internal controls and compliance requirements, Oracle NetSuite’s SuiteFlow also provides users with approvals and matching workflows.

Streamline your warehouse operations

Designed to enhance the operations of warehouses great and small, Oracle NetSuite enables control over inventory, fulfilment and shipping costs – empowering manufacturers to restructure and improve efficiency of warehouse operations. With supply chains stretched following Brexit and the impact of the pandemic, having faith in the company’s inventory data is essential to the smooth operation of all aspects of a manufacturing business’ process. The Oracle NetSuite Warehouse Management System (WMS) and new Packing Station solutions can support managers of warehouses both big and small by providing the critical functions that give control over the inventory asset and the organisation to manage every step of the cycle; from open purchase orders to implementing a more efficient pick, pack and shipping process.  Linking this to the Inventory Management capability that offers native tools to track inventory in multiple locations, manufacturers can ensure that the service level expectations of both internal and external customers are always met.

For even more in-depth information, head over to our post about tackling pain points in retail and distribution – ‘How to make your warehouse and distribution operations more efficient’.

Grow your ecommerce to meet omnichannel demand  

With organisations industry-wide prioritising company growth so as to futureproof operations as well as communicating with customers in news ways post-pandemic, manufacturers can benefit from Oracle NetSuite’s SuiteCommerce solution. It is designed to deliver a streamlined, information-rich journey for customers at every stage of the lifecycle. Seamlessly integrating ecommerce capabilities with back-end operational systems from one single location, manufacturers can transition to high-growth businesses – with the capabilities to investigate additional revenue opportunities as and when they arise. Order Management (a native feature of the SuiteCommerce platform) also ensures order fulfilment excellence – exceeding customer expectations for omnichannel fulfilment (and thus increasing loyalty). Boosting profitability and enabling manufacturers to scale more effectively, the Order Management capability delivers a flexible, flawless customer experience designed for omnichannel engagement.

Want to futureproof your manufacturing organisation in a way that is beneficial for your customers and cost-effective for your business? Learn more about Oracle NetSuite and how an end-to-end SaaS solution could bolster your offering both now and beyond the challenges presented by Brexit and the pandemic. Get in touch to discuss your challenges with our team of experienced business consultants.