Companies throughout the U.S. and around the world have benefited over the past twenty years from ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software.

1. ERP Solution For Importers Software
Companies throughout the U.S. and around the world have benefited over the past twenty years
from ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software. In this day and age, when computer technology
plays such an important role in our day-to-day business life, it’s essential to take full advantage of
the technological advances available in order to stay competitive. ERP software does just that by
integrating virtually all business functions throughout an organization.
It only stands to reason that the more complex a business is, the more it would benefit from ERP
software. The importing business is arguably one of the most complicated industries in existence
today. Just consider some of the challenges faced by importing companies:
• Keeping track of a global inventory of product.
• Accurate forecasting of market demand, including planning and anticipating how and when
to meet the demand.
• Maintaining professional, effective and consistent communication with vendors and
customers, which is oftentimes complicated by language barriers.
• Seamless delivery of product and providing superior customer service.
There are several ERP software solutions available that are powerful enough to provide what is
needed by importing companies. Exact Macola, for example, is importer software designed to suit
the needs of any size company.
ERP software for importers should have the ability to answer specific concerns, including:
• Determining optimal purchase quantity and delivery schedule. Purchasing too much or too
little product can be a problem. If you purchase too much, you’ll be stuck with the
inventory burden and interest payments. This is particularly a problem if your customers
cancel or delay their longterm purchasing. If you purchase too little, you’ll have angry
customers canceling your orders.
• Making the future Inventory delivery schedule easily visible to both Importers and suppliers.
The schedule should flag goods on the ocean since their arrival date is firm.
• The delivery schedule should be easily revisable, preferably through electronic
communication or importing/exporting a spreadsheet with the backend ERP system.
• Projection of future delivery problems. Customer Service or buyers should be able to easily
see future inventory projections, identify potential hot spots and take action by:
o Notifying customers of anticipated delays
o Rushing vendors to speed up delivery
o Expediting goods with a fast delivery method (i.e., air cargo vs ocean transport)
• Providing landed cost support. Having accurate costs is important in running a successful

2. business. Importers often face duty and a large amount of freight. Therefore, the landing cost
handling is a crucial part of the ERP functionality.
Whether you choose Exact Macola or one of the other ERP products currently available, make sure
the importer software you select is effective at addressing the many and varied challenges facing
importers today.
For more information regarding Importer Software and Macola Software please visit:
http://www.elliott.com