Is RISE with SAP Right for My Wholesale Distribution Business?
The wholesale distribution industry faces many unique challenges, from managing complex supply chains to maintaining inventory accuracy. To address these challenges and drive growth, many businesses are turning to digital transformation. One such solution for digital transformation is RISE with SAP, a comprehensive offering designed to help companies transform their operations and achieve greater agility and efficiency. But how do you know if RISE with SAP is the right fit for your wholesale distribution business? We explore some of the key factors that can guide your decision below.
UNDERSTANDING RISE WITH SAP
RISE with SAP is a subscription-based offering that bundles together SAP's core ERP system, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, with a range of additional tools and services, including its AI copilot Joule. The goal is to simplify the path to an intelligent enterprise by providing a complete package that includes business process intelligence and technical services.
For wholesale distributors, RISE with SAP offers several key benefits. Its cloud-based nature allows businesses to scale their operations seamlessly, adapting to changing market demands and operating with greater flexibility and agility. Continuous updates and access to the latest technologies also ensure that businesses can leverage innovative solutions.
ASSESSING YOUR CURRENT CHALLENGES
Before considering any digital transformation solution, it’s essential to take stock of your current challenges. In the wholesale distribution industry, common pain points often surround:
Managing large volumes of inventory
Gaining real-time visibility into the supply chain
Enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs
Meeting the demands of customers
Overcoming tight IT talent pools
Rising pressure to meet sustainability goals
If your business is grappling with these issues, RISE with SAP could offer the solutions you need.
REALIZING THE ROI OF RISE WITH SAP
Real-Time Analytics
With embedded analytics and real-time reporting capabilities, wholesale distributors can gain insights into their operations and make data-driven decisions. For example, using predictive finance capabilities, you can simulate future bookings to forecast your financial close, anticipate issues, course-correct to avoid them, and reduce finance costs by up to 20%.
Enhanced Customer Experience
RISE with SAP includes tools for customer relationship management (CRM), enabling businesses to better understand and serve their customers. In fact, companies have seen a 40-70% improvement in claim handling efficiency. By leveraging data analytics, businesses can tailor their offerings to meet customer needs and improve satisfaction.
Automation and Efficiency
Automation is a cornerstone of RISE with SAP, helping businesses streamline routine tasks and reduce manual intervention. This extends to various aspects of the business, from order processing to inventory replenishment, leading to significant efficiency gains. For instance, companies that leverage RISE with SAP can see a 16% shorter order fulfillment lead time, 25% faster time to market, 84% lower maintenance costs, and 100% automatic load optimization.
The cloud-based nature of RISE with SAP also ensures that businesses can scale their operations up or down based on demand for maximum efficiency, which is particularly beneficial for wholesale distributors who often experience fluctuating market conditions.
RISE WITH SAP FOR WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION
If you’ve determined that RISE with SAP aligns with your business needs, you should begin by conducting a thorough needs assessment. This should involve key stakeholders from across the organization and will help to identify the specific areas where RISE with SAP can provide the most value. Once your specific needs are pinpointed, engage with SAP experts or partners who can provide insights and guidance on getting started with RISE with SAP. It’s these partners who can help you understand the nuances of the solution and tailor it to your specific requirements and industry.
Ready to get started with RISE with SAP for wholesale distribution? Contact Crescense here.