CPG software integration: powering strategic growth
Table of contents
What is CPG software integration?
What CPG software integration solutions are essential?
What are the benefits of CPG software integration?
How to choose the right CPG software for your business
TELUS Consumer Goods: CPG software integration
Getting started with CPG software integration
Common integration challenges and solutions
Making the most of your integration
At TELUS Consumer Goods, we believe that linking sales planning to execution is crucial for consumer packaged goods manufacturers. This connection offers vital visibility across your operations through real-time data integration.
Old-fashioned manual methods, like spreadsheets, often fall short. They make planning, forecasting and tracking difficult. This leads to data silos, where information gets stuck in separate systems across your organization.
Creating the "perfect store" requires a comprehensive view of your operations. With this visibility, you can better plan, execute and optimize promotions in a continuous improvement cycle.
By integrating CPG software, you transform existing processes – that may be disconnected and manual – into data-driven operations. The outcome? Sustainable growth for your business through integrated systems that break down silos and help to maximize margins.
What is CPG software integration?
CPG software integration connects various applications used in the consumer packaged goods industry. It creates a unified system where streaming data flows smoothly between different processes and business units.
This data integration solution helps revenue growth management (RGM) strategies align with execution and distribution solutions. By connecting these systems, you can eliminate data silos, improving coordination and efficiency across operations and teams.
Key aspects of CPG software integration
CPG software integration involves several crucial elements that can help optimize business operations:
Data harmonization: Standardizes data file formats through an agreed upon data governance structure for a smooth exchange of information across platforms and departments.
Data visualizations: Delivers real-time insights across the organization using comprehensive dashboards and reports.
Process streamlining: Empowers organizations to make informed decisions quickly by automating data flows.
These components work together to transform the foundation of business operations that can help drive growth and improve day-to-day performance.
What CPG software integration solutions are essential?
To build a connected system and start growing strategically, focus on software solutions that link these key areas:
Sales planning solutions
Enterprise resource planning (ERP): Connect all business operations by integrating finance, inventory and supply chain management
Trade promotion management (TPM): Drive account planning through contract management, promotion planning, accruals and sales reporting
Trade promotion optimization (TPO): Measure promotion return on investment (ROI) at the account level and analyze pre and post events
Supply Chain Management (SCM): Monitor inventory, coordinate logistics and manage supplier relationships
RGM Analytics: Transform sales planning with advanced promotional analytics, simulate pricing strategies and optimize assortment planning
Sales execution solutions
Retail execution or salesforce automation (SFA): Drive sales team performance by focusing on margins and revenue growth
Sales enablement or a customer relationship management (CRM) tool: Manage customer interactions and data effectively, especially in foodservice channels
E-commerce and order management system (OMS): Handle direct-to-consumer sales and manage online retail partnerships
Direct-store delivery (DSD): Optimize distribution routes, control inventory and track sales performance
These digital integration solutions are designed to create a complete software system for CPG manufacturing. This will help with data integration and data management, allowing systems to easily share information across the organization.
What are the benefits of CPG software integration?
Implementing integrated CPG software solutions offers numerous advantages:
Enhanced forecast accuracy: Access to real-time data across departments allows for more informed and timely decisions
Revenue and margin growth: Connecting sales planning and execution removes data integration silos and extra steps, creating a path to measurable revenue growth
Streamlined operational efficiency: Streamlined business processes reduce manual work and minimize errors
Strengthened retailer relationships: Integrated systems provide a 360-degree view of accounts
Increased agility: Connected systems lead to faster responses to market changes and consumer demands.
Scalability: Integrated systems can more easily adapt to business growth and changing needs
Improved compliance: Centralized data management helps in maintaining regulatory compliance and traceability
How to choose the right CPG software for your business
CPG software integration is more than just an upgrade. It’s a smart choice that can change how your business works. Boost efficiency by linking your systems, standardizing data integration and allowing for real-time information flow. This can help you make more informed decisions and stay competitive no matter how unpredictable the market.
As you start your integration journey, remember that it needs careful planning. You will also need teamwork from different departments and a clear vision of your business goals.
With the right approach, CPG software integration can be the catalyst for unprecedented growth and success in your organization.
First, define what your organization needs. Then, research and compare CPG software options by reading reviews from industry experts. Finally, request a demo.
Getting started with CPG software integration
The path to successful integration starts with small steps. Many companies begin with one or two key areas. This approach helps teams adjust to new ways of working. It also shows quick wins that support bigger changes.
Here's how to start:
Review current systems
List all your current software tools
Note which systems need to talk to each other
Pinpoint bottlenecks in data integration processes where data gets stuck or lost
Find manual processes that waste time
Set clear goals
Define what success looks like
Choose metrics to track progress
Set realistic timelines
Get buy-in from all departments
Plan your integration
Create a detailed timeline
Assign team responsibilities
Plan for training needs
Common integration challenges and solutions
Many companies face similar challenges when integrating their systems. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
Data integration and data management issues
Clean your data before migration
Set clear data standards
Train teams on new data rules
Check data quality regularly
Team adoption
Involve teams early in planning
Provide thorough training
Show benefits for daily work
Celebrate early wins
Technical hurdles
Test systems before full rollout
Have backup plans ready
Keep old systems until new ones prove reliable
Provide technical support
Making the most of your integration
Once your systems are connected, focus on these areas to get the best results:
Regular reviews
Check system performance
Track key metrics
Listen to user feedback
Make needed adjustments
Ongoing training
Keep teams updated on new features
Share best practices
Track and encourage system use
Address concerns quickly
Future planning
Watch for new integration needs
Plan for system updates
Stay current with technology
Scale as your business grows
Remember, just like revenue growth management, CPG software integration is an ongoing journey. Start with clear goals, move forward steadily and adjust as needed. With the right partner and approach, you can transform your business operations and drive lasting growth.
TELUS Consumer Goods: CPG software integration
TELUS Consumer Goods offers comprehensive CPG software integration solutions that have the ability to revolutionize business operations. The suite includes TELUS RGM Analytics, Trade Promotion Management, Retail Execution and Sales Enablement.
These powerful tools work well with current systems that your business may already have in place. This includes ERPs, data lakes and third-party deduction programs. Our solutions offer the flexibility to meet your specific needs.
TELUS Consumer Goods transforms critical business operations by helping you:
Link assortment optimization to TPM: plan volume changes, pricing and promotions on the right mix of products
Make pricing decisions as you plan: Key account managers and demand planners can try different strategies. They can see the effects using real pricing elasticities.
Improve trade spend ROI: Use real syndicated data or shopper data to make decisions. This data integration helps you see how changes at each account affect your bottom line.
Align your planning with execution to boost margin growth: Ensure the promotional plans you created are followed at the point of purchase
Whether you need our complete end-to-end suite of CPG software solutions or want to integrate a single tool with your existing systems, TELUS Consumer Goods delivers tangible results.
Ready to start your integration journey? Contact TELUS Consumer Goods today to learn how our solutions can help your business grow.
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