{"id":32795,"date":"2024-02-23T17:09:14","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T13:09:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/?p=32795"},"modified":"2025-03-26T04:47:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T00:47:59","slug":"why-traditional-erp-isnt-enough","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/why-traditional-erp-isnt-enough\/","title":{"rendered":"Optimizing 5-Gallon Water Bottle Delivery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to picking a software solution for your company, the choices are practically endless.This is especially true for niche businesses, e.g., <\/span>5-gallon water bottle<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> delivery companies, where a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn\u2019t work.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With so many potential options available, how do you know which solution is right for you? We have put together this guide to help you identify the kind of software that aligns best with your business needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>What is ERP Software?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different ERP softwares that businesses use to streamline and standardize routine tasks across all departments.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a comprehensive suite of programs that brings together a multitude of business activities onto a cohesive, centralized platform.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automates end-to-end workflows;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consolidates key processes;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrates core functions like accounting, sales, human resources, finance, marketing, customer relationship management, etc.;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streamlines data exchange and storage; and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improves <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/forbesbusinesscouncil\/2023\/11\/02\/16-ways-to-build-your-business-up-for-agility\/?sh=7f73c2ba3ee8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">agility <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and visibility of daily operations.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s say you run a <\/span>5-gallon water bottle<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> delivery business. Your ERP might handle aspects like:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Processing and managing orders<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scheduling and dispatching delivery personnel<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handling calls and enquiries from customers<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring stock levels and reorder points<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining a staff of drivers, dispatchers, and schedulers<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping the vehicles in working order<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining a database of customer information, feedback, and service requests<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tracking payment status and managing billing cycles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And so on.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key objective of an ERP implementation is to streamline and automate back-office or administrative tasks and minimize time inefficiencies associated with manual processes.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>What is Water Delivery Software?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water delivery software is a solution designed for field-centric tasks like tracking deliveries, managing orders, scheduling journeys, handling assets, overseeing field sales operations and managing customers.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The common characteristics of water delivery softwares include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back-office automation<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Field force automation through native mobile apps<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Route planning &amp; optimization<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Van stock management<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automated invoicing &amp; billing<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electronic proof of delivery<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electronic signatures<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cash, card, &amp; credit payments management<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottle returns management<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real-time notifications<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live customer support\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good delivery software will also provide AI-powered <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/p\/predictive-analytics.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">predictive analytics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and reporting tools that allow managers to monitor performance and make data-driven decisions in real time.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Why Traditional ERP Isn&#8217;t Enough<br><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional ERP offers the advantage of immediate deployment. It\u2019s developed for the mass market and incorporates various modules to cater to a broad user base from different service industries. However, traditional ERP softwares are implemented on premise and cater to back office operations like purchasing, HR, accounts and payroll etc. Therefore, they often fall short compared to industry-specific SaaS delivery solutions tailored for specific business needs for delivery companies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firstly, traditional ERP is designed to be used by any and all industries or business sectors. In the context of water deliveries, an ERP usually streamlines the administrative side of things, including the back office operations such as accounts, payroll and HR. On the contrary, water delivery software primarily addresses delivery personnel, orders management, assets management and field sales in real-time, which is largely missing in traditional ERP software.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secondly, ERPs handle massive data, thereby requiring complex architecture and subject matter experts to use it, unlike a typical software. This complexity often restricts access to authorized users within an organization. On the other hand, water delivery software is mostly an easy-to-use, web or mobile-based, SaaS application readily available to anyone with a device or computer with an internet connection. This can be particularly advantageous for field personnel who need to use the application while on the move or across multiple devices. Also, unlike ERPs, water delivery applications are commonly developed with an emphasis on user-friendliness, making them easy to use and navigate for delivery fleets and customers alike.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thirdly, setting up an ERP system is expensive. The costs include buying the software licenses and spending time and resources to train everyone in different departments. On the other hand, a SaaS application is cheaper to build in comparison, and hence, is more economically viable for companies with budget constraints.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fourthly, and lastly, your lack of control over features and the fact that tools in traditional ERPs come with limitations, hinder its appropriateness for your unique business goals and long-term growth. Though a tailor-made ERP can provide you with a good amount of flexibility and scalability, going the custom route often ends up being much pricier throughout the software&#8217;s lifespan and can bring unexpected challenges, especially when you\u2019re modifying your modules or maintaining them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking of which, it\u2019s worth noting that regular maintenance is essential for ERPs just as it is for standard software applications. This is crucial to ensure their optimal functionality and to maintain security, reliability, and up-to-date performance. The maintenance process may involve minor patches, version upgrades, or sometimes, even entirely new versions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That being said, most traditional, on-premise ERPs go through upgrades once or twice a year. If you have a highly customized system, each upgrade will require redoing the customizations. In many cases, it might also inconvenience the end users. Moreover, over time, you might lose tech support for traditional software, and upgrades could become either costly or completely unavailable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast, SaaS applications are hosted on web servers. This architecture empowers businesses to promptly address software bugs, security risks, or performance bottlenecks without interrupting user experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Mile\u2019s 5-Gallon Water Bottle Delivery Software: Bridging the Gaps&nbsp;<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are looking to improve field sales, efficiency, and accountability of your water delivery business in real time, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/water-delivery-software\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mile<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s software solution can help. In addition to streamlining the order management for <\/span>5-gallon water bottles<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, our water delivery software allows bottled water distributors to monitor and track the accurate count of returned bottles per customer.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers have their own native apps with which they can generate new orders, produce invoices, and instantly update stock levels in both online and offline modes, whether operating from the back office or in the field. This flexibility ensures uninterrupted workflow even in locations with limited or no internet access.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other salient features include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital loadout &amp; offloading<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Route-optimized journey plans<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automated dispatching &amp; zones management<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recurring orders management\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrated geo-enabled CRM<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer &amp; product-based unique discounts and flexible pricing<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free-of-cost and sample product issuance<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fully integrated workflow process for approvals and reconciliations<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily settlements and field force management<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Much like any other business, running a water delivery company needs a lot of effort and dedication. But more than that, it requires seamless operations management and quick response strategy to navigate business challenges.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using traditional ERP has its perks, but there are some downsides too. ERP vendors are often quick to highlight all of the benefits that their solutions provide and conveniently ignore some of the gaps that must be considered when determining the most suitable software for bottled water distribution business.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you&#8217;ve understood why traditional ERP isn&#8217;t enough and given its complexities post-implementation, it only makes sense to integrate it with Mile\u2019s water delivery software to simplify your order fulfillment processes and enhance their efficiency.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to try it out? Schedule a demo today: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/book-demo\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/book-demo\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to picking a software solution for your company, the choices are practically endless.This is especially true for niche businesses, e.g., 5-gallon water bottle delivery companies, where a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn\u2019t work.&nbsp; With so many potential options available, how do you know which solution is right for you? We have put together [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32792,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32795"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32795\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36069,"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32795\/revisions\/36069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milenow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}