Top Ten Problems Solved by SAP Business One in Manufacturing.
Problem #3: Lack of Real-Time Visibility
This is the third in our series of blogs exploring ten of the most common challenges facing manufacturers, and how SAP Business One helps address them. In the previous posts, we looked at inventory inaccuracy and poor material planning. In this post, we examine the problems resulting from a lack of real-time visibility.
The visibility problem
When decision-makers can’t see what’s happening across sales, inventory, purchasing, and production in real time, decisions are delayed, misinformed, or simply wrong.
The consequences? Overproduction, missed deadlines, lost sales, stockouts, and excessive inventory. Not to mention stressed teams constantly reacting to problems instead of proactively managing the operation.
Many manufacturing businesses rely on spreadsheets and disconnected systems to run their operations. This creates blind spots between departments and slows everything down. Without timely, accurate information, even the best teams can struggle to deliver.
What causes poor visibility?
A few common issues lie at the heart of the problem:
- Isolated systems
When departments each use different tools or databases, it’s difficult to get a consolidated, real-time view of operations. - Manual reporting
Time-consuming and prone to error, manual reports are often outdated by the time they reach decision-makers. - Lack of standardisation
Without consistent processes, it’s hard to trust the data, or even know where to find it.
How SAP Business One can help
SAP Business One provides a single, integrated platform for all your core business functions, including sales, purchasing, inventory, production, and finance. That means no more jumping between systems or chasing spreadsheets.
Let’s look at how it improves real-time visibility across the manufacturing process:
1. Single version of the truth
With SAP Business One, everyone works from the same data – from shop floor to boardroom. Whether you’re checking stock levels, tracking production orders, or reviewing sales performance, the information is live, accurate, and consistent.
2. Real-time dashboards and alerts
Customisable dashboards give you instant access to the metrics that matter most. Whether it’s production status, stock availability, or order fulfilment, you can monitor operations at a glance. Automated alerts notify you of issues before they escalate, such as stock falling below minimum levels or a delay in a production run.
3. Enhanced production visibility
From order to delivery, the system tracks every stage of the production process. You can see what’s in progress, what’s delayed, and what’s needed – all in real time. This enables faster, more informed decisions, and helps eliminate surprises.
4. Mobile access for warehouse and shop floor teams
Shop floor and warehouse users can access and update information in real time using handheld devices. This improves data accuracy and gives managers a live view of movements, production output, and stock transactions.
5. Improved customer experience
When teams have instant access to stock availability, order status, and delivery dates, they can give customers faster and more reliable answers. Fewer errors and delays lead to higher satisfaction and stronger relationships.
Take the next step
In the next blog in this series, we focus on the problem of disconnected systems and departments.
To find out how SAP Business One from LAKE could help your business, download a copy of our SAP Business One Beginners Guide – Manufacturing or take a virtual tour.
By Paul Barns