Feed your ERP right: Why automated data Is your competitive edge

Every manufacturer and distributor knows the feeling. You've invested in an ERP system to speed up operations, but somehow you're still doing manual data entry. Your team spends hours copying information from one system to another, and mistakes inevitably slip through.

The problem isn't your ERP system—it's how you're feeding it.

Your ERP is only as good as the data flowing into it. When accurate data automatically enters your system, you unlock your ERP's full potential. When it doesn't, you're essentially running a high-performance sports car on low-grade fuel.

Real-time data means better decisions

Imagine your biggest retail customer suddenly doubles their usual order quantity. With automated data flow, your ERP instantly shows updated inventory levels, production capacity, and delivery timelines. You can confidently accept orders knowing you have accurate information at your fingertips.

Without automation? You're making decisions based on yesterday's data—or worse, last week's.

Manual processes just don’t scale

A mid-sized jewelry manufacturer used to manually enter thousands of purchase orders each month. As their retail partnerships grew, so did their order volume and error rate. Chargebacks from major retailers started adding up, consuming 2-3% of their annual revenue.

Once they automated their ERP data flow, compliance fines dropped to just 0.05%. That's the difference between $400,000 and $29,000 annually.

Hidden costs of manual data entry

Manual data entry isn't just slow—it's expensive. Every error creates a ripple effect:

• Order processing delays strain customer relationships
• Compliance fines from retail partners
• Inventory discrepancies lead to stockouts or overstock
• Staff time wasted on rework and corrections
• Delayed financial reporting and forecasting

One beauty products manufacturer cut their order processing time from 45 minutes to just 2 minutes per order by automating their data flow. Over ten years, that saved them 8,000 work hours and $500,000 in processing costs.

Compliance without complexity

For manufacturers and distributors working with major retailers, compliance isn't optional. Miss an EDI requirement, and you're facing chargebacks or even suspension of your EDI privileges—forcing you back to manual processing.

Automated data flow ensures your ERP system has the correct information needed to meet retailer requirements the first time. Validation checks can catch errors before submission, virtually eliminating costly compliance issues.

Scaling without adding headcount

As your business grows, so does your data volume. A third-party logistics provider increased their order volume by 17x while actually reducing their operating schedule.

How? By ensuring seamless ERP integration, which improved customer data flow and grew the 3PL’s revenue dramatically.

Bottom line: Well-fed ERPs drive growth

Automating the flow of accurate data into your ERP isn't just an IT project—it's a strategic business initiative that directly impacts your bottom line. It allows you to:

• Make better decisions with real-time data
• Eliminate costly compliance fines
• Reduce operational expenses
• Scale operations without proportional headcount increases
• Improve customer satisfaction through faster, more accurate service

By feeding your ERP system right, you're building a foundation for sustainable, profitable growth.

‍Talk to our team today to see how Tech85's EDI and ERP automation eliminates chargebacks and adapts to—rather than upends—your existing workflows.