Having multiple manufacturing and warehouse locations is becoming commonplace, even for small and mid-size businesses. While multiple locations can improve efficiencies and lower costs, they also increase the complexity. Managing multiple locations can be difficult.
Without efficient management of multiple locations, the benefits of these sites may be wiped out by the costs. To be successful, it must be fast and easy to share information between facilities. Successful multi-location companies have enhanced access to data from all points of their business to enable increased efficiencies, better planning, and reduced costs. These enhancements are possible with advanced manufacturing and warehouse automation that is seamlessly integrated with ERP.
Enhanced Information Sharing
One of the biggest challenges that companies with multiple locations face is sharing data from one part of the company with another. Even when all portions of the company want to share, it’s often hard to figure out the best way to do so. Emailing information makes sense, and it’s fast, but it’s also inevitable that someone is going to be left off of the email chain who needs the information. Shared networks are great, but you have to know where to look for the information in order to find it.
The solution is simple: fully integrated manufacturing and warehouse management systems. With these solutions, all of a company’s information flows easily and seamlessly into one system. They offer access via multiple locations and types of devices, so employees can query the system and receive the data they need. It makes sharing information much easier across the company.
Greater Operational Efficiencies
Another benefit for businesses operating multiple locations is the ability to increase and enhance operational efficiencies. With an automation system seamlessly integrated with your ERP, you can see all points of the supply chain. Automated equipment notifications can help you flag idle machinery and move production to other locations. You can then use all resources efficiently to maximize production and profits.
Better Customer Service
Comprehensive manufacturing and warehouse automation systems also enhance customer service for multiple-location businesses. In the past, if a customer called one location, he may have received only a partial answer because information from other locations was lacking. Phone calls had to be made to find parts or portions of an order to provide a status update.
With an integrated automation system in place, you can query a database and receive real-time updates on order status whether it is on the manufacturing floor or in the warehouse. Supply chain visibility makes it easy to see where everything is in the process and provide customers with an answer to their inquiries. This faster response may mean the difference between keeping and losing a customer.
Scalability
Lastly, warehouse and manufacturing automation systems are highly scalable, so as your company expands to new locations, the data can keep flowing. You don’t have to worry about adding new networks, systems, or updates. Cloud-based solutions scale easily to accommodate new locations.
Making Your Work Easier
Manufacturing and warehouse management systems make multi-location operations so much easier. Improved visibility, enhanced efficiencies—the list goes on and on. If you manage multiple locations, factories, or warehouses, having easy access to data can have a huge impact on your company’s future.
BCS ProSoft Can Help You With Multi-Location
When you need advanced solutions for your manufacturing and warehouse operations, take a look at BCS ProSoft can help you find the best manufacturing automation solutions to run your business better. Even a small business using Sage 100 can have a broad suite of functionality for its warehouse. We can help you automate and manage multiple warehouses.
Our mission is to transform how companies handle warehouse management. We have partnerships with a number of companies providing warehouse management software and support, barcoding software and label printing, and much more. Learn more about our services online or contact us.
