{"id":11755,"date":"2024-03-27T08:42:41","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T15:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qad.com\/blog\/?p=11755"},"modified":"2024-04-23T01:46:30","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T08:46:30","slug":"demand-planning-data-sources-erp-crm-plm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qad.com\/blog\/2024\/03\/demand-planning-data-sources-erp-crm-plm","title":{"rendered":"Demand Planning Data Sources: ERP, CRM & PLM"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11756″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Having a good Supply Chain Management (SCM) process is crucial for offering excellent customer service. Research from Gartner found that <\/span>83% of businesses<\/span><\/a> believe that the supply chain is key to enhancing customer experience. And one of the keys for a good supply chain management (SCM) is gathering data from various areas of the business. You should then process this data using a well-organized and unified approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

So far, we’ve seen how data is an integral part of the<\/span> demand planning cycle<\/b><\/a>. <\/span>However, completing this task becomes complex when multiple systems store<\/span> demand planning<\/b><\/a> data.<\/span> First, you would need to extract the data, then consolidate it. Therefore, a crucial step to take into consideration is where you store the information.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may have acquired new facilities or expanded to new territories. You also might have different departments using different tools to house their information. It\u2019s fair to say that your information is likely not unified in one system offering a single source of truth. But, it doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019re stuck with siloed or disjointed data by department, facility, and\/or function.<\/span><\/p>\n

Multiple ERPs, CRM and PLM are common in global businesses. But what do each of these tools do and what kind of information does each one provide? Here is a quick overview of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)<\/span><\/h2>\n

An<\/span> Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)<\/b><\/a> system is an integrated business management tool that maintains business processes in real time. It organizes, collects, stores, manages, and interprets data from many business functions. From quality assurance, interactive technology, manufacturing, item masters, new development and finance, ERP solutions can house this and much more.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ERP is the nerve center of the business. This software helps businesses keep track of raw materials, orders, cash, production capacity, purchase orders, inventory levels, and more. The demand planning process can use all the information in the ERP. This will allow you to improve the forecasting of demand and inventory management, as well as production planning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)<\/span><\/h2>\n

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a business process that manages interactions with customers using data analysis. CRM platforms compile communication information from a range of sources, email, telephone, website, and even social media. It also stores data from the company’s sales and marketing strategies and results. Therefore, the data stored in CRM systems provide a comprehensive view of a business target audience and customer engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using CRM data effectively helps sales and marketing analyze customer behavior, preferences, and trends. This data-driven approach enables personalized marketing strategies, tailored product offerings, and enhanced customer experiences to increase both sales and customer engagement and satisfaction. It also helps the company develop demand plans based on assumed conversions and sales KPIs. This way you can gain the competitive edge needed in today’s dynamic market landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

In summary, a CRM serves as a comprehensive solution for a business to manage its customer relationships effectively, drive revenue, and define <\/span>data-based demand planning strategies<\/b><\/a>. A comprehensive CRM tool and process helps keep your ecosystem connected.<\/span><\/p>\n

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)<\/span><\/h2>\n

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools handle the information surrounding goods as they move through the stages of product life:<\/span><\/p>\n