CPG software integration: powering strategic growth

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.

Read more