7 ERP Implementation Strategy Tips for Janitorial Supply Software

7 Steps to Plan for a Successful Janitorial Supply Software Implementation Strategy

In this blog series, our goal is to pass along our 30 years of supply chain management expertise in working with several types of ERP inventory management systems.  We hope this blog series helps you with your janitorial supply distribution challenges.  If your business is growing it's time to look into what janitorial supply software will help you grow with the right information you need to make the best decisions.  It's a daunting task evaluating ERP solutions.  If you are ready to start the conversation with one of our janitorial supply distribution experts, please contact us at 310-313-0047 x110.

When it comes to implementing an inventory management system for your business it's important to understand your inventory needs and the benefits of having an integrated system before even starting the selection process.

Here are more resources to help you along with your janitorial supply software selection process:

• 12 Indications it's Time for New Janitorial Supply Software to Help Avoid High Inventory Costs
• Increase Customer Service with Janitorial Supply Software
• Janitorial Supply Software Helps Boost Inventory Profitability

Whether your goal is to optimize your inventory operations for the first time or to upgrade to a more robust system, this blog post is an ideal resource for finding the right system – including information on how to build an effective project team, ask the right questions of your software reseller and successfully implement the system.

7 Implementation Strategy Tips for Your Janitorial Supply Software Success

1. Review Current System, Workflow and Processes:  In order to get the most out of your new inventory optimization system, you need to do more than simply add technology to your current processes. The more you know about the problems you expect the new system to solve, the more successful your final choice will be. Discuss what modifications need to be made to current system procedures. What works? What doesn’t? Consider not only how technology can automate current processes, but also examine other ways they can be improved. Encourage your team members to be candid about what they find frustrating, redundant or ineffective. Examine how your warehouse interacts with customers, suppliers and your organization’s departments; look for weaknesses and ways to improve these communications.

2. Change Management / Manage expectations:  Once you’ve agreed on the process and the time line, have each member of your team share their expectations for the new system. Conduct a session to brainstorm ways the existing system can be improved, including new functions and processes that aren’t currently in place.

3. Needs Assessment / Agreement:  Have each team member create a list of key functions they feel the new system needs to provide for the company. Then have them prioritize these items as Essential, Greatly Desired or Would Be Nice. Encourage team members to differentiate between functions they want and functions they definitely need. Achieve a general consensus within the team defining the rank of each function and then combine those items into a prioritized list.

4. Create your list of required functions:  Once you have consensus, refine your mandatory requirements into a formal Required Functions List. Your Required Functions List should be a short, one to two page prioritized list that includes all of your must-have functions. This list of mandatory features will help you quickly eliminate systems that don’t meet your needs.

5. Consider the benefits of back-office integration:  Selecting inventory optimization software that integrates with your accounting system ensures complete control and flow of information between your back-office and warehouse floor. An integrated system can automatically transfer data from your inventory to your accounting database, eliminating manual intervention and transcription errors while providing accurate and up-to-date inventory control. Look for a smooth-running system that can easily and reliably interface with your financial data – supplying in-depth information across the enterprise. Just as important, an integrated system will support your Web order and EDI needs, and send back Advance Ship Notices (ASNs) to notify vendors of incoming shipments.

6. Hard-to-quantify benefits:  The inventory management system that is best suited to fit your needs will help maximize the productivity of your warehouse staff. It frees them from tedious, time-consuming tasks and allows them to focus energy on picking the right items the first time, every time. It allows your company to benefit from increased inventory-handling accuracy and reduced carrying costs associated with obsolete and slow-moving stock.

7. Avoid RFPs:  Contrary to what your colleagues may tell you, the next step is not to create and send out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to resellers you are considering. Creating an RFP, sending it out, waiting for proposals and reviewing them can take months. You can achieve the same results in days by asking potential resellers if their system provides the key functions you require. Obviously, if your company requires you to use an RFP, this step is necessary.

We hope these pointers help you achieve a successful implementation. As ERP consultants, we specialize in inventory optimization for janitorial supply distribution companies. We are happy to help with any supply chain challenges you face.  

About Optimize Our Inventory

Established in 1988 and Headquartered in Orange County CA, Optimize Our Inventory is a division of aimINSIGHT Solutions, Inc. Our Vision is to serve the mid-sized Janitorial and Sanitary Supply and Distribution companies as well as a wide range of other Wholesale Distribution companies. We specialize in addressing and Bridging the Gap in technology. The goal of providing a single invoice, single shipment from multiple suppliers sources and multiple locations challenges that most Janitorial Distributors face. Our team of consultants will visit you onsite and design the solution that fits your unique budget and challenges. We have worked with most of the off the shelf software available today. Our software solution and technology consulting is designed to “Bridge the Gap” that you face.  

Another version of this blog was posted on Optimize Our Inventory's blog - http://inventory-management.optimizeourinventory.com/blog/janitorial-supply-software-7-implementation-tips

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