Borders’ Failed Model: The Case for Selling Online with Integrated ERP
Posted Wednesday, January 4, 2012 by Don Kapuscinski
The recent announcement that Borders Books would be filling for Chapter 11 bankruptcy was tough news. As devastating as it is to see another Michigan-based business fall subject to the economy, this was definitely not a surprise. With online powerhouse retailers like Amazon who generally offer lower prices, greater selection, and more efficient distribution, it was just a matter of time until Borders’ impending bankruptcy. Not only was Borders too late in addressing the online sales channel, but when they did, they ended up outsourcing much of their online business directly to Amazon. Borders’ fate ultimately lay in its inability to properly address the internet sales channel in a world that is moving away from just a brick and mortar business towards one that is investing more in e-commerce.
Integrating an online sales channel into your business can have tremendous benefits, especially when connected through an organization’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The ability not only to order from anywhere online at any time, but also to allow dealers, customers, or the internal sales team to view account information, product availability, and quotes and orders, creates a more efficient environment for selling. Microsoft Dynamics GP has helped numerous companies go from no online presence to conducting 40% or more of their business online. Whether you are a B2B or B2C business, capitalizing on an online business has many advantages including the ability to diversify beyond traditional markets and geography, as well as generating new revenue streams.
Microsoft Dynamics GP specializes in helping all types of companies and organizations in a variety of industries such as retail, distribution, food and beverage, and automotive with their E-commerce business. Learn how Microsoft Dynamics GP has helped companies get their businesses online with b2b and b2c storefronts.
MRP Consulting has become the largest Dynamics GP Manufacturing partner in North America, specializing in manufacturing, distribution and e-commerce. We have worked with over 600 companies Worldwide and are available, at ZERO cost to you, for a 1-day onsite visit in which we will map out your current processes and measure them again your current systems. Sometimes a “tune-up” is all that is needed to keep your business running as it should. We can all agree that having the right software will not only improve internal processes and productivity, but will also improve customer relationships.
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