Why Should You Automate Procurement With ERP Software for Shipping?

Challenges in Manual Procurement for Shipping Companies

Manual procurement processes in shipping companies present significant challenges that hinder operational efficiency and effectiveness. Let us look at some of the major ones here:

• Inefficiencies and errors in manual procurement processes create bottlenecks and waste valuable time and resources. The reliance on manual data entry, paper-based documentation, and manual communication channels often leads to errors, duplications, and miscommunications, resulting in delayed procurement activities and increased costs.
• Limited access to information and fragmented data storage further exacerbate the challenges faced in manual procurement. Important procurement documents, such as purchase orders, invoices, and supplier information, are often scattered across different systems or stored in physical files, making it difficult to access critical information quickly. This lack of centralized data management hampers decision-making, supplier evaluation, and analysis of procurement performance.
• The complexities of procurement in the maritime industry add another layer of challenge. Procurement managers must navigate factors such as vessel location and route, fluctuating fuel prices, compliance with maritime regulations, and the availability of suppliers in different ports. These unique considerations require a specialized approach to procurement that manual processes often struggle to accommodate.

Benefits of Automating Procurement with ERP Software

Automating procurement with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software brings a host of benefits to shipping companies, revolutionizing their procurement operations and driving efficiency throughout the organization.

• Improved efficiency and time savings through automation: By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as purchase requisitions, order processing, and invoice management, ERP software eliminates manual errors, accelerates the procurement cycle, and frees up valuable time for procurement teams to focus on strategic activities. This leads to increased productivity and overall operational efficiency.
• Streamlined procurement processes and centralized data management: ERP software provides a centralized platform for managing all procurement activities. It streamlines workflows and standardized processes and ensures consistency in procurement practices across the organization. With all procurement-related information stored in one place, stakeholders have easy access to real-time data, fostering transparency, collaboration, and better decision-making.
• Real-time data insights for informed decision-making: ERP software generates comprehensive reports and analytics, providing valuable insights into procurement trends, supplier performance, and cost analysis. Real-time data empowers procurement managers to make informed decisions, negotiate better terms with suppliers, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize procurement strategies.
• Enhanced collaboration and communication with stakeholders: ERP software facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among internal stakeholders, such as procurement teams, finance departments, and warehouse personnel. It enables real-time sharing of information, status updates, and approvals, ensuring everyone is on the same page and reducing delays and miscommunication.
• Better inventory management and cost control: ERP software enables efficient inventory management by providing accurate visibility into stock levels, tracking orders, and automating replenishment processes. This minimizes the risk of stockouts, eliminates excess inventory, and improves cost control by optimizing purchasing decisions based on real-time data and demand forecasting.

By embracing automation through ERP software, shipping companies can unlock these benefits and gain a competitive advantage in their procurement processes.

Streamlined Procurement and Cost Reduction: A Case Study

A large shipping company experienced significant cost reductions and improved efficiency by implementing SHIPMATE. Manual procurement processes were replaced with automated systems, resulting in a 43% reduction in manual costs and millions of dollars in savings year-over-year.

The software offered more efficient ways of handling procurement, including streamlined workflows, enhanced statistical analysis, faster procurement processes, improved controls, and adherence to budgetary constraints.

The company faced challenges with manual procurement, such as inefficiencies, errors, and fragmented data storage. By automating procurement with SHIPMATE, they achieved improved efficiency, time savings, and better decision-making. The software provided a centralized platform for managing procurement activities, enabling easy access to real-time data and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Real-time insights and comprehensive reports facilitated informed decision-making, cost analysis, and supplier evaluation. SHIPMATE also optimized inventory management, reduced stockouts, and improved cost control by automating replenishment processes and leveraging demand forecasting.

Key Takeaway

Automating procurement with ERP software for shipping offers numerous benefits and advantages. Through streamlined processes, centralized data management, and real-time insights, shipping companies can achieve improved efficiency, time savings, and better decision-making.

At SBN Technologics, we have developed SHIPMATE as a powerful ship management software. It provides a comprehensive ERP solution tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of the maritime industry.

Embracing digital transformation and leveraging SBN Shipmate can revolutionize procurement operations, leading to enhanced collaboration, cost control, and optimized inventory management.

Want to take the leap towards efficiency and success with ERP? Get in touch with us to learn how SHIPMATE is helping thousands of maritime clients with ship procurement automation.