As previously mentioned, many MMS vendors must adapt themselves to the different verticals within retail due to the diversity of the retail industry. Much of this customization relates to non-core areas. Some vendors even develop new functions and features to satisfy their clients. The down side of this approach is that these new capabilities are not always used by all companies, and the added features can become confusing for end users.
Another approach is for vendors to acquire, or enter in a partnership with, third party companies, and develop an interface that allows the two solutions to communicate. By creating these interfaces, vendors can offer a best-of-breed solution to large enterprises, and they can also stay competitive for smaller retailers by customizing the MMS to their customers' needs. However, since the software comes from different vendors, the graphical user interface (GUI) and navigation through the system is not consistent. Thus, more user training may be required.
The following is a list of the third party systems or non-core components most commonly associated with merchandise systems.
1. Financial. Financial software includes general ledger, fixed assets, cost accounting, cash management, budgeting, accounts payable (AP), reporting, and other bookkeeping requirements. For more information on financial components, see Customer Choices for Achieving Growth.
2. SCM. SCM pertains to the management of supplier, manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and customer business processes. SCM addresses demand management, warehouse management, international trade logistics, transportation execution, and many other issues that are necessary for a complete solution. For more information on SCM, see Supply Chain Portfolio 2004.
3. ERP. ERP systems support a range of production capabilities, such as production planning, shop floor control, product costing, batch control and reporting, formula and routing, and material management capabilities. They also provide information for discrete and process manufacturing, as well as other enterprise management modules. For more information on ERP, see ERP: Origins, Development, and Trends.
4. Customer relationship management (CRM). CRM modules have the capacity to manage customer interactions, marketing campaigns, sales force automation, help desk support, and other important CRM functions. For more information on CRM, see Comparing On-demand Customer Relationship Management Service Alternatives.
5. Warehouse management system (WMS). A WMS manages the movement and storage of products throughout the warehouse. It should include capabilities such as yard management, inventory management, order picking, receiving, logistics, shipping, and distribution.
Another approach is for vendors to acquire, or enter in a partnership with, third party companies, and develop an interface that allows the two solutions to communicate. By creating these interfaces, vendors can offer a best-of-breed solution to large enterprises, and they can also stay competitive for smaller retailers by customizing the MMS to their customers' needs. However, since the software comes from different vendors, the graphical user interface (GUI) and navigation through the system is not consistent. Thus, more user training may be required.
The following is a list of the third party systems or non-core components most commonly associated with merchandise systems.
1. Financial. Financial software includes general ledger, fixed assets, cost accounting, cash management, budgeting, accounts payable (AP), reporting, and other bookkeeping requirements. For more information on financial components, see Customer Choices for Achieving Growth.
2. SCM. SCM pertains to the management of supplier, manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and customer business processes. SCM addresses demand management, warehouse management, international trade logistics, transportation execution, and many other issues that are necessary for a complete solution. For more information on SCM, see Supply Chain Portfolio 2004.
3. ERP. ERP systems support a range of production capabilities, such as production planning, shop floor control, product costing, batch control and reporting, formula and routing, and material management capabilities. They also provide information for discrete and process manufacturing, as well as other enterprise management modules. For more information on ERP, see ERP: Origins, Development, and Trends.
4. Customer relationship management (CRM). CRM modules have the capacity to manage customer interactions, marketing campaigns, sales force automation, help desk support, and other important CRM functions. For more information on CRM, see Comparing On-demand Customer Relationship Management Service Alternatives.
5. Warehouse management system (WMS). A WMS manages the movement and storage of products throughout the warehouse. It should include capabilities such as yard management, inventory management, order picking, receiving, logistics, shipping, and distribution.
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