Embracing an effective ERP can streamline operations and provide seamless customer experiences as businesses usher in the retail renaissance era. According to research, 67% of companies identified inventory and distribution as one of the most critical ERP functions [1]. To stay ahead of the competition with three main benefits: Order management, product availability, and demand forecast, retailers soon adopt SAP Customer Activity Repository (CAR) by SAP S/4HANA.
Manual data sorting and inventory management processes can lead to errors when businesses face an influx of customer orders from different channels. Fortunately, merchants realized the necessity of a unified management solution to eliminate channel silos [2]. Hence, SAP Order Management System (OMS) is a comprehensive solution designed to automate the delivery fulfillment process and optimize the value chain within intricate supply networks that empower retailers to streamline their operations.
SAP CAR offers real-time visibility into product availability on store shelves that provide retailers valuable insights into inventory management with On-Shelf Availability (OSA) module. The module utilizes a sophisticated algorithm that analyzes sales data of specific products at individual stores. Companies can utilize visibility features from SAP OSA, enabling them to monitor and update timely throughout the order journey proactively. Retailers can keep customers informed throughout the order journey by identifying alternative solutions and delivering proactive communications.
Unified Demand Forecasting (UDF) is a key component within the comprehensive framework of SAP CAR empowering merchants with demand modeling and forecasting capabilities. UDF harnesses the power of SAP HANA to unlock valuable insights into consumer behavior. Embedded within SAP CAR, UDF technologies can enable retailers to analyze historical sales data, customer behavior patterns, and market trends to generate demand forecasts.
The constantly evolving global retail market is forecasted to reach USD 39.93 trillion in 2030 [9]. SAP S/4HANA provides transformative opportunities by integrating order management systems with diverse platforms, presenting a seamless and automated solution for generating shipments.
