Implementing a new ERP system at a drinks business is no small feat. The stakes are high and the process can seem daunting. But, it doesn’t have to be. Yes, there are challenges, but there are also benefits that significantly outweigh the hurdles. Luckily, we’re industry experts at crafting a step-by-step drinks ERP implementation plan to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Challenges in drinks ERP implementation
1. Operational downtime
All savvy businesses are concerned about the risk of operation disruption during a new technology implementation during go-live. The stakes are particularly high in the drinks industry, where tight profit margins and customer service are paramount. Planning the timing of your drinks ERP implementation carefully is essential to minimise downtime and maintain customer trust – and yes, it can be managed smoothly.
2. Employee resistance
It’s human nature to be sceptical of change. Particularly when it affects day-to-day working practices. When considering a new drinks ERP implementation, you must not only plan it carefully but also communicate how and when it is happening effectively. Transparency is paramount. Keeping your team in the loop on the why (what are our problems today, why are we solving them and what are we set to gain) plus the ‘what’s in it for me’ will reduce human resistance and ultimately have a knock-on effect for a successful implementation.
3. Financial investment
A new drinks ERP implementation is a significant financial investment for any business. The bottom line is still the bottom line – you need to see a clear and quantifiable return on any investment you make into your business. To be able to plan for and see the biggest return that you can, your ERP implementation project needs clearly defined objectives, including financial ones. And experienced partners like ourselves can help you hit these goals.
4. Data migration
Data is the lifeblood of all modern drinks businesses: details of your customers, suppliers, products and sales need to be readily accessible and up to date. Therefore, a major part of any implementation is a smooth and coordinated data migration from your legacy system to your new drinks ERP implementation. The right data needs to be transferred at the right time, and in the right format to ensure success. Done correctly, and you’ll gain a single version of the truth in your business from go-live.
5. Complex industry needs
The alcoholic drinks sector operates within a highly specialised market, characterised by unique operational demands and stringent regulatory requirements. Complex supply chains, duty compliance obligations and industry-specific workflows means that businesses like yours need tailored ERP functionality to operate most effectively. This can only be delivered by an industry-specific ERP system, such as Bevica, or by heavily customising a generic one.
Benefits of an ERP system in the drinks industry
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Businesses built for success don’t shy from challenges, they spend time understanding them and take steps to mitigate them – they don’t avoid growth altogether. When it comes to investing in a drinks ERP implementation, you don’t need to be the expert – you just need to partner with one. And in doing so, here are some of the benefits you can expect to realise:
1. Improved employee productivity
Automating key processes with a new AI-powered ERP like Bevica will reduce manual input and minimise errors. This will allow your employees more time to spend on other value-adding activities.
2. Enhanced traceability
Real-time visibility of all your inventory is key to success in a drinks business. Bevica, a modern ERP system built on Microsoft’s leading ERP solutions, will give you an end-to-end inventory management system. You will know where your stock is, when it’s coming in and who it’s promised to at all times.
3. Scalability
t’s no good implementing an ERP that suits you today, but won’t suit you tomorrow. You want a system that grows with your business. Many drinks ERPs have a modular approach and Bevica is no different – just built uniquely for beverage businesses. You start with just the features you need and then scale up as you grow or your requirements change.
4. Better customer insights
Implementing a new drinks ERP will centralise all your data in one place, creating a single source of truth for your business. And voila – you are set to make better inventory decisions, improve service and personalise customer experiences.
5. Informed decision-making
A modern ERP system for the drinks industry, like Bevica, uses data dashboards and analytics to give you real-time access to key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics. With this information at your fingertips, you can monitor performance and respond to changes quickly.
Roadmap to a successful implementation
A new ERP implementation is a journey that needs careful planning and navigation. To reach your destination you’ll need a well-defined roadmap to guide you on the way. To help, we have charted a roadmap to ensure a smooth and successful journey.
1. Have clearly defined objectives
At the heart of any digital transformation project is a business challenge that needs resolving. Be clear on what this is and how you want it resolved. Do you want to improve inventory accuracy, cut costs, increase employee efficiency? All of the above? Your objectives need to be well-documented so that you have a benchmark for success once you are up and running.
2. Choose the right ERP partner
Once you are clear on your objectives, you need to choose the right ERP partner to help you achieve them. As drinks industry experts, we believe you will benefit most from an ERP system created specifically for the drinks industry and working with a partner who has experience with your business’s unique requirements. Once you have a short list of potential partners, you can evaluate them according to their experience in the industry, track record, scalability capabilities, and the support services they can offer.
3. Create a detailed plan
Next step is a detailed and comprehensive implementation plan. This should include a step-by-step timeline of all milestones for system configuration, testing, training and go-live. Ensure you include a register of potential risks and contingency plans to address them.
4. Focus on your data
Data is key in any successful ERP implementation. Make sure that you audit and clean all your existing data before migration. It is also important to map out data flows. This will ensure there is seamless integration between your legacy systems and the new ERP.
5. Make training and change management a priority
You want your new drinks ERP users to be ready to go from day one. They will all need comprehensive and relevant training. This will minimise operational disruption at go-live and will guarantee that users are happy to work with the system right from the off.
6. Test, test, test
The only way that you will know if the system is set up right is to test it, test it some more, and then test it again. Testing should cover system set-up and all new operational processes. Involve end-users in testing so that you know the system meets real-world needs.
7. Plan a phased rollout
You can minimise risk by rolling out your ERP implementation in stages. This will allow you to monitor performance at every stage and then make any necessary adjustments to your approach.
8. Monitor and optimise post-go-live
Even if your go-live was a great success and your users are happy with the system, there is always room for improvement. Implement a system of continuous performance monitoring and gather feedback from users. Use finding to create your future development roadmap.
Bevica: the ideal new drinks ERP for your business
Implementing a new drinks ERP doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Understanding the challenges, leveraging the benefits, and following a structured roadmap, you can ensure a smooth transition and set your business up for long-term success.
Choosing the right solution and implementation partner is crucial. Here at TVision Technology, we have been helping drinks businesses grow for over 20 years. As a result, Bevica is the ideal ERP solution for the industry. It is a tailored, scalable, and cost-effective ERP system that streamlines operations, enhances traceability, and supports business growth.
The TVision team has a deep understanding of your industry-specific challenges. Our experts will provide you with the end-to-end support—from planning and implementation to post-go-live optimisation—needed to ensure you get the maximum value from your investment.
Ready to transform your business?
Contact us today to learn how a tailored ERP system for the drinks industry can benefit your business.
