The secret? A technology-led carve-out powered by SNP SE, a major global player in SAP data transformations and selective migrations. Working alongside AWS and Redington, SNP executed the project using its CrystalBridge platform and the BLUEFIELD methodology. The result: 20% of a massive 6-terabyte SAP ECC database was surgically migrated to two new target systems with full data integrity, auditability, and minimal business disruption.

“The volume of this selective data migration amounted to about 20% of the 6-terabyte database,” said Anish Mohamed, Group CIO at Lulu. “SNP has demonstrated the ability to be a highly reliable SAP transformation partner… Their expertise gives us confidence for the next phase of our digital transformation—a move to SAP S/4HANA.”

For any enterprise preparing to go public, the ability to isolate and cleanly segregate business units from a shared SAP environment is both critical and high-risk. The Lulu carve-out was driven by IPO timing and regulatory scrutiny—requiring verifiable, compliant, and independent financial systems for the divested entities. Traditional migration methods would have introduced high cost, risk, and downtime.

Instead, SNP’s software-defined transformation provided:

• Selective, auditable data carve-out
• Less than 48 hours of cutover downtime
• End-to-end validation and data integrity

“We support companies like Lulu in tackling both current and future challenges by optimizing their IT systems and business processes,” said Ravi Mahalingam, Managing Director of SNP Middle East. “Our software platform ensured a fast, secure transformation journey from system analysis to seamless data migration.”

The business value was immediate. Lulu not only met its IPO deadlines but now has a future-ready SAP landscape, already planning its SAP S/4HANA migration with SNP as its strategic partner.

What this means for ERP Insiders

Elevate data carve-outs from risk to competitive advantage. CIOs and CFOs managing divestitures or IPOs should rethink manual extraction or greenfield rebuilds. SNP’s CrystalBridge and BLUEFIELD methodology offer an option to carve out complex SAP environments quickly, with governance built in. The Lulu project shows how data segregation can serve not just compliance, but strategic timing and cost reduction.

Automate for accuracy, speed, and scalability. The scale of Lulu’s 6-terabyte system would tax even the most experienced consultants. SNP’s software-driven approach enabled precise extraction of just 20% of the data—at speed, and with full traceability. As organizations prepare for cloud migrations, selective automation is the difference between high-velocity transformation and multi-year risk.

Future-proof SAP landscapes with modular software-based transformations. SNP’s success with Lulu is not just about a carve-out. It’s about setting the stage for modular SAP evolution. With the SAP S/4HANA migration already planned, the flexibility and trust built in Phase 1 will enable an agile, phased deployment. Tech leaders should consider this approach to navigate transformation with precision and control.

The post Cutting Clean: How SNP Enabled Lulu Group’s IPO-Ready SAP Carve-Out in Record Time appeared first on ERP Today.

The company was working with Infosys to migrate their Oracle EBS Financials, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Project Modules to Oracle Cloud. They chose Opkey to ensure that 40 Operating Units (OUs) were migrated without any hiccups.

Download the Case Study Here

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Faced with failing registers and outdated processes, Tim Kralovic, Vice President of Donated Goods, led the charge to overhaul the retail operation. His goal: implement a modern retail management platform that could streamline transactions, improve data visibility, and ultimately increase revenue to support the nonprofit’s community mission. 

To modernize its point-of-sale system the organization chose Epicor Propello, a cloud-native POS system purpose-built for the unique needs of modern retailers. 

Out with the Old: Reaching a Tipping Point 

Prior to implementing Propello, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio operated 15 retail locations using dated Casio cash registers paired with standalone credit card readers. The system was fully manual, labor-intensive, and prone to error. “We needed an intuitive system that made transactions as simple as possible for both our employees and customers,” says Kralovic. “Reducing manual entry and the risk of human error was a top priority.” 

The search for a modern solution led the team to evaluate multiple platforms—but many posed challenges. “Some systems pushed features we weren’t ready to use and came with inflated costs,” he explains. After speaking with other Goodwill branches already using Epicor Propello, Kralovic found what he was looking for: a scalable, user-friendly solution that wouldn’t strain the budget. 

Fast, Smooth Implementation 

Epicor Professional Services took the reins on implementation, completing the rollout to all 15 locations in just 90 days—despite the complication of a store remodel mid-project. “Epicor went above and beyond,” Kralovic recalls. “I was in the middle of a remodel and felt no pressure at all. The team had it covered.” 

Even staff who missed formal training due to the remodel picked up the system quickly. On opening day, with five times the usual customer volume, employees managed the surge with confidence after only a short morning walkthrough. 

Daily Efficiency Gains 

The benefits of the new system were immediate and tangible. One of the most impactful changes was the reduction in end-of-day closing activities. By automating processes that were previously manual—like counting tills—Goodwill saved roughly two hours of payroll per day per location. 

These time savings compound quickly across the organization, freeing up hours that can be redirected to other high-value activities that benefit both staff and customers. 

Driving Loyalty and Donations 

With Propello, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio launched a new points-based customer loyalty program that gives shoppers tangible rewards when spending thresholds are met. The program, fully integrated into the checkout process, allows cashiers to notify customers of their points in real time and even prints reward details on receipts. 

Beyond building loyalty, this switch also improved margins. By consolidating disparate discounting efforts into a single reward program, the portion of sales affected by discounts dropped from 5% to 3.5%, boosting profitability. 

Meanwhile, the automated “round up” donation prompt at checkout has revolutionized customer giving. No longer reliant on manual cashier prompts or math, the automated feature has led to a 33% increase in donations at the register, directing even more funds to the nonprofit’s mission. 

Empowering Employees and Reducing Turnover 

Propello’s intuitive interface has also played a key role in improving employee satisfaction. For an organization heavily reliant on part-time labor—often from individuals requiring flexible work schedules—the ability to rapidly onboard new hires is crucial. 

“Eighty percent of our employees report being ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the tools they have,” says Kralovic. As a result, the organization has achieved a 25% reduction in employee turnover, a significant win in a challenging labor market. 

Data That Drives Smarter Decisions 

For the first time, store managers and employees alike have access to real-time data on sales and inventory. Each store can tailor its stock based on localized sales trends, while head cashiers and leadership use Propello dashboards to track performance and celebrate wins. 

One standout metric: average ticket size increased from $15 to $17.10, representing a 15% jump in transaction value. “Employees can now see the results of their efforts in real time, and it motivates them,” Kralovic says. 

Scalable with Room to Grow 

Perhaps the most powerful part of Goodwill’s transformation story is the flexibility of the Propello platform. With its cloud-native foundation, Propello offers the scalability and configurability needed to evolve alongside the organization’s needs. 

“We see Propello as a blank canvas,” says Kralovic. “It allows us to create a sales environment that works for us now, and it has room to grow as we diversify and expand.” 

For Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, the decision to implement Epicor Propello has delivered results that extend well beyond retail performance metrics. From operational efficiency and improved customer engagement to happier employees and increased mission funding, the transformation has touched every part of the organization. 

In a sector where every efficiency gained translates to more lives impacted, the right technology doesn’t just improve business—it powers purpose. 

What this means for ERP Insiders 

Prioritize Scalable, User-Friendly Systems to Support Workforce Agility
Goodwill’s success with Epicor Propello highlights the value of intuitive, easy-to-learn platforms—especially for organizations with high employee turnover or part-time staff. Investing in technology that minimizes onboarding time and reduces friction in day-to-day tasks can improve employee satisfaction and retention while maintaining operational continuity. 

Use Integrated Technology to Turn Everyday Transactions into Strategic Revenue Streams
By automating donation prompts and consolidating loyalty programs within their POS, Goodwill turned checkout interactions into powerful tools for fundraising and customer retention. Tech leaders should look for systems that allow for seamless upsell, donation, and engagement opportunities at the point of sale. 

Leverage Real-Time Data Visibility to Drive Smarter, Store-Level Decisions
Goodwill’s ability to access daily sales data and performance dashboards helped them increase average transaction size and fine-tune inventory. Business technology leaders should ensure their platforms offer actionable analytics that empower frontline teams and improve organizational alignment. 

The post Modernizing Mission-Driven Retail appeared first on ERP Today.

In 2019, Lifetime made a pivotal move: replacing its outdated ERP with Microsoft Dynamics 365. This wasn’t merely a software upgrade. It marked a strategic shift designed to enhance customer experience, empower employees, and strengthen competitiveness in a demanding market. 

Breaking Down Legacy Barriers 

Prior to the transformation, Lifetime struggled with an aging ERP system that limited data access and operational agility. “The initial driver was getting accurate business intelligence,” said John Bowden, CIO at Lifetime Products. Siloed data and limited visibility into operations hindered informed decision-making and restricted the company’s ability to act with speed and precision. 

Bowden also emphasized that professional development for employees was a key metric for success: “One of our major deployment ROI initiatives was to ensure professional growth for our employees.” Legacy systems, with their clunky interfaces and disconnected workflows, had been holding staff back. The move to Dynamics 365 represented a chance to remove those obstacles. 

A Collaborative Transformation 

Lifetime’s implementation of Dynamics 365 wasn’t a solo act. Partnering with Microsoft’s FastTrack for Dynamics 365 team, the company focused on a business-first approach that put people and process at the center of the deployment. The goal was to create a unified platform that could support not only current operations but future innovations in automation and AI. 

“Dynamics 365 was working so well, we felt that we could rebalance to optimize employee opportunity,” said Sinahi Lopez, Global IT Functional Manager at Lifetime. “Using AI and autonomous agents is just the next level for us.” 

Autonomous Agents in Action 

With a stable ERP foundation in place, Lifetime quickly moved to introduce autonomous agents within Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. These agents tackled tedious, repetitive tasks—such as account reconciliation and e-commerce order processing—freeing employees for more strategic work. 

The results were dramatic. In one division, automating order processes led to a 95 percent efficiency improvement within two months. Manual tasks were eliminated, order fulfillment accelerated, and customers reaped the benefits. 

“With autonomous agents in Dynamics 365, we’re giving our people the tools they need to make an impact,” said Ted Esplin, COO. “I’m proud of that.” 

A New Workforce Strategy: Rebalancing 

Instead of framing automation as a job-reducing force, Lifetime adopted a more holistic approach they call “rebalancing.” The concept focuses on maximizing existing labor—redistributing time saved through automation to higher-value activities across the business. 

This collaborative, incremental approach helped ease fears around job displacement. Lifetime estimates it can ultimately rebalance 20 percent of its knowledge workforce—freeing employees to take on more creative and strategic roles. For example, in its Mexico division, automating accounts receivable tasks enabled the sales team to focus more on marketing and strategic initiatives. 

Leading Cultural Change Through Learning 

Implementing automation isn’t always smooth sailing. “Sometimes they’re pretty tough conversations,” Bowden admitted. But a longstanding culture of operational efficiency made it easier to introduce new technologies with employee buy-in. 

A commitment to continuous learning also played a key role. Lifetime actively encourages Microsoft certifications and technical upskilling. “Exploring the technology deeply and deploying autonomous agents has elevated my team,” said Lopez. “It’s rewarding to see how much people appreciate the time we save them.” 

What’s Next: A Roadmap of Intelligent Automation 

Lifetime is continuing its automation journey with the planned rollout of a Supplier Communications Agent to proactively reduce delays in its supply chain. And the potential doesn’t stop there. “The agents and automations get better over time,” Bowden explained. “You can revisit an area and get a second wave of rebalancing.” 

That iterative model—introducing one automation wave, learning, and then optimizing further—has become central to Lifetime’s transformation strategy. 

Advice for CIOs: Think Business First 

For peers embarking on similar journeys, Bowden is clear: “These aren’t IT projects. They’re business-driven initiatives.” He emphasized that he and his team spend more time working alongside business leaders than in the IT department. Understanding the needs of business units is critical to identifying and implementing the right solutions. 

Maintaining a strong relationship with HR is just as essential. “When you get to the rebalancing area, you need a lot of support from HR,” he noted. That partnership is key to managing transitions, addressing employee concerns, and aligning workforce planning with automation gains. 

Bowden also encourages leaders to take advantage of available resources, pointing to Microsoft case studies as valuable blueprints for successful transformation. 

A Blueprint for Modern ERP Success 

Lifetime Products’ journey with Dynamics 365 and autonomous agents is a compelling example of how ERP modernization can drive meaningful organizational change. By aligning technology with workforce strategy, prioritizing employee development, and maintaining close collaboration between IT, business, and HR, the company has created a model for intelligent transformation—one that’s as focused on people as it is on process. 

What This Means for ERP Insiders 

Rebalancing the workforce through automation drives efficiency and resilience. Lifetime Products used Dynamics 365 to strategically rebalance 20% of its knowledge workforce, not by cutting jobs, but by automating routine tasks and reallocating employees to higher-value roles. This approach reflects a broader trend: McKinsey reports that organizations using automation and reskilling to redeploy labor can reduce workforce costs by 20% to 30% while improving productivity. With Dynamics 365’s AI-first architecture and agent-based automation capabilities, companies can unlock similar efficiencies—provided they align technology deployment with clear workforce strategies and robust change management. 

Cross-functional collaboration and governance are essential for sustainable transformation. Lifetime’s success with automation was rooted in tight coordination between IT, business leadership, and HR. This ensured that automation served business priorities and employee development alike. Deloitte research shows that companies with strong cross-functional collaboration are three times more likely to achieve their transformation goals. However, the technical architecture of Dynamics 365—while highly extensible through Power Platform and Azure—also introduces complexity. To avoid overcustomization and technical debt, organizations must establish clear governance, adopt a composable architecture, and maintain disciplined change management across teams. 

Upskilling and AI readiness will define tomorrow’s competitive edge. Lifetime’s culture of “aggressive learning,” backed by Microsoft certification programs, prepared its workforce to actively embrace automation and AI. This aligns with PwC’s Global Workforce Survey, where 77% of employees expressed willingness to retrain to stay competitive. As cloud ERP adoption grows at a projected 14% CAGR through 2030, and AI becomes central to enterprise software value, Dynamics 365’s native AI integration and predictive analytics will drive operational intelligence. But realizing this potential requires more than deployment—it demands that companies invest in data quality, modular processes, and employee readiness to sustain digital momentum and capitalize on autonomous orchestration. 

The post Leveling Up with Automation: How Lifetime Products Empowered its Workforce with Microsoft Dynamics 365 appeared first on ERP Today.

One of the most illustrative examples is the long-standing partnership between TCS and Coop Denmark, a grocery cooperative with nearly 900 stores. Coop began a multi-year SAP transformation journey in 2019, but the true value began to materialize when TCS helped the retailer stabilize, operationalize, and now—optimize—the business post-implementation. “ERP success isn’t go-live. It’s value realization,” Niyogi emphasized.

What sets TCS apart in a crowded services landscape is its focus on filling the “white space” left by traditional ERP and commerce platforms. TCS’s Optumera, for instance, is an AI-powered merchandising assistant that simulates scenarios for pricing, space, and assortment optimization—proactively recommending actions to boost revenue or outmaneuver competitors. “It’s like equipping your merchants with predictive binoculars,” says Niyogi.

Another flagship solution, OmniStore, offers a unified commerce checkout platform that is as composable as it is scalable. Retailers such as B&Q (UK) and Croma (India) use it to enable everything from mobile checkout and contactless payments to personalized in-store promotions and “save the cart” features. Unlike monolithic POS systems, OmniStore’s microservices architecture allows retailers to plug and play only what they need.

With AI infused at the core, both platforms are now evolving toward agentic AI capabilities—intelligent assistants that not only learn from historical data but reason through new contexts to assist with tasks like promotions, inventory management, and customer personalization in real time.

But technology is just one part of the story. TCS’s philosophy revolves around strategic partnership, not volume-based sales. “We don’t work with 10,000 customers. We work deeply with a few hundred,” Niyogi said. The majority of TCS’s retail contracts are outcome-based, some even including gain-sharing models tied to business KPIs like forecast accuracy, store productivity, or revenue uplift.

For TCS, the path to transformation begins with operating model simplification, leveraging decades of domain and IT expertise to eliminate redundant roles, streamline governance, and align service levels to business metrics. As Niyogi puts it, “Retailers want fewer moving parts, not more dashboards. They want business impact, not just green IT SLAs.”

What this means for ERP Insiders

Operational transformation can yield returns that can fund ongoing digital transformation. Retailers embarking on ERP transformations should treat go-live not as an endpoint but a springboard for operational reengineering. TCS’s work with Coop Denmark illustrates the value of long-term stabilization, business adoption, and continuous optimization. Retailers should insist on value realization phases post-deployment—backed by KPIs—and use trusted partners to drive workforce alignment, supply chain agility, and personalized commerce initiatives from the core out.

Excellence as a GSI and ISV is a rare combination. TCS’s dual role as a systems integrator and software innovator provides unique leverage. Platforms like Optumera and OmniStore are not bolt-ons but composable, retail-native systems designed to fill ERP gaps. Optumera uses AI to dynamically optimize pricing and inventory strategies, while OmniStore ensures seamless checkout experiences across physical and digital channels. Together, they give retailers actionable levers for margin growth, customer retention, and omnichannel excellence—without abandoning existing ecosystems.

TCS’s USP appears purpose-built for retail modernization demand. In a global retail tech market expected to surpass $500 billion by 2030, TCS’s blend of verticalized consulting, patented solutions, and outcome-based services is a differentiator. While Accenture and Capgemini offer scale, few can match TCS’s domain depth and proprietary IP. The company’s approach—focusing on composability, business alignment, and agentic AI—is well-positioned to resonate with retailers under pressure to modernize without disruption. With a growing customer base in Europe and the Americas, and active co-innovation across platforms like SAP, Microsoft, and Oracle, TCS is poised to expand its influence as a strategic transformation partner to the retail elite.

The post From Checkout to Connected Commerce: How TCS is Modernizing Retail Tech and Operations appeared first on ERP Today.

Espresso and coffee-enthusiast Clive Coffee took the home barista experience to the next
level when its online sales business grew during the pandemic and it added a subscription
service and an educational component. But it soon became obvious that they couldn’t use
QuickBooks, a separate eCommerce system, and order processing with inventory and go
through the manual rotations needed to consolidate all the data. So, Clive Coffee implemented
Acumatica Cloud ERP, gaining a single integrated platform that provides real-time financial
visibility, increased inventory accuracy, and helps Clive continue in its mission to guide its
clients in their pursuit of great espresso, design, and quality that lasts.

KEY RESULTS
• Acquired a single, integrated, cloud-based solution, eliminating manual
reconciliation processes
• Provided instant and accurate financial reporting, improving decision making
• Gained deep and connected data transparency, streamlining operations
• Avoided hiring additional staff in finance, scaling transaction volume more efficiently
• Improved the customer experience, shipping products 50 percent faster, exceeding
consumer expectations
• Obtained a connected platform for growth that can scale rapidly as the business
continues to evolve

Download the Case Study Here

The post Clive Coffee appeared first on ERP Today.

Shopee holds 48 percent of the e-commerce market share in Southeast Asia, making the integration a significant opportunity for businesses. Odoo’s centralized platform lets Shopee sellers manage multiple stores across various regions from one interface, reducing the complexities of handling data from multiple platforms.

The Shopee Connector ensures real-time inventory synchronization by capturing Shopee orders instantly and updating inventory status at regular intervals. The feature aims to improve efficiency in both sales and inventory management, enabling businesses to maintain accurate and up-to-date order statuses across systems.

Retailers are expected to streamline order-to-delivery management with features like one-click access to Shopee shipping labels and tracking numbers. The integration also supports the FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) delivery method, allowing businesses to handle shipments from Shopee alongside orders from other sales channels.

With advanced reporting tools, the Shopee Connector empowers retailers to analyze sales performance, optimize inventory and pricing strategies, and make informed marketing decisions. 

Matts Fievez, director of Odoo APAC, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting business growth in the region:

“At Odoo, our mission remains to provide truly user-friendly and affordable tools to help our customers scale their businesses.

I am sure this will greatly advance our customers in Asia to expand their scope and lead in retail and their respective industries.”

As Odoo kicks off the new year, the company is preparing webinars, events and business shows to showcase its latest technologies. 

What it means for ERP insiders

Revolutionizing daily operations for Shopee sellers: For Shopee sellers, inventory managers and e-commerce strategists, Odoo’s new Shopee Connector promises to transform the way of work. By enabling seamless synchronization of Shopee orders and inventory through Odoo’s ERP platform, this integration can eliminate the headache of manual data entry and fragmented workflows. Imagine spending less time toggling between systems and more time optimizing your operations with real-time insights into sales and inventory. Whether for small business owners expanding into new markets or inventory managers striving for operational efficiency, this tool promises to simplify day-to-day tasks while supporting scalability in the competitive APAC e-commerce market.

Riding the wave of e-commerce growth in Southeast Asia: The launch of the Shopee Connector aligns with the booming e-commerce market in Southeast Asia, a region where online retail is projected to reach $234bn by 2025, according to Google’s e-Conomy SEA report. With Shopee commanding nearly half of the e-commerce market share in the region, this integration offers businesses an advantage. Odoo’s move positions it against other ERP providers like SAP and Oracle NetSuite, which also offer omnichannel commerce solutions but often come with higher price points. 

Key evaluation criteria for ERP solutions in e-commerce: When selecting an ERP solution for e-commerce integration, businesses should prioritize usability, scalability and cost-effectiveness. A user-friendly interface, like Odoo’s, ensures that non-technical staff can quickly adapt to the platform. Scalability is essential as businesses expand across multiple regions and platforms, making seamless integrations a critical feature. Cost-effectiveness remains a major consideration, especially for SMEs operating in price-sensitive markets. Additionally, robust reporting and data analytics capabilities can offer invaluable insights for strategic decision-making. In a crowded ERP landscape, solutions like Odoo’s Shopee Connector stand out by addressing these priorities while empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The post Odoo launches Shopee connector to boost omnichannel commerce in Asia appeared first on ERP Today.

“At Wayfair, we believe gen AI is the key to unlocking the next generation of retail experiences,” said Fiona Tan, Chief Technology Officer at Wayfair. “With Google Cloud, we’ve been able to efficiently scale and enrich our product catalogs, enabling us to support a more seamless and engaging shopping experience for our customers.”

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, surfacing the right products at the right time is crucial. Wayfair is already seeing results from its use of Gemini on Google Cloud, which currently serves customers in more than 200 countries, including:

• Faster Time-to-Market: Instead of manually tagging each new product across its 30 million product portfolio, Wayfair is using Gemini on Google Cloud to automatically categorize products, reducing the time needed to curate new and update existing product listings by 67%.
• Significant Cost Savings: By removing the tedious process of manually tagging attributes like color and style, Wayfair estimates it will drive hundreds of thousands in cost savings per year.
• Better Listing Quality: Gemini’s ability to analyze images opened up new possibilities for Wayfair, such as automatically catching errors in product dimensions listed in the catalog, leading to better customer satisfaction.
• Improved Customer Experience: Increasing the accuracy of product attributes like color and subject, and improving the coverage of these attribute tags in the catalog, improved conversion rates when customers use these filters by ~2%.
• More Responsible Content Management: With Gemini, Wayfair now has a scalable, AI-augmented process for identifying and flagging inappropriate materials.

In addition to catalog enrichment, Wayfair is also leveraging Gemini for Google Workspace, which boasts more than 3 billion users and over 10 million paying customers, to improve the productivity of employees and create better experiences for them. Wayfair has had success using Gemini in Gmail, Google Docs, and more to help employees streamline and collaborate on tasks like drafting and responding to emails, summarizing and proofreading documents, building presentation templates, and more. Wayfair is also finding success using Gems, which are customized versions of Gemini to help with tasks or get deep expertise in new areas. With Gemini for Workspace and Gems, Wayfair has seen a boost to employee productivity, enhanced collaboration, and improvements in creativity across the organization.

“Wayfair is redefining what’s possible in retail with Google Cloud’s generative AI,” said Matt Renner, President, Global Revenue at Google Cloud. “By harnessing the power of Gemini and Google Workspace, Wayfair is not only automating complex tasks and boosting employee collaboration, but also creating more personalized and engaging experiences for every shopper. This is a prime example of how AI can transform businesses and deliver tangible benefits to customers and employees.”

What this means for ERP Insiders

GenAI to become e-commerce standard by 2027. GenAI in online retail is accelerating, with projections indicating that by the end of this year, 2025, 84% of e-commerce businesses will have integrated AI into their operations. Retailers are utilizing GenAI to offer tailored product recommendations, virtual try-ons, and AI-informed suggestions, significantly improving customer engagement and satisfaction. AI tools are also automating the creation of product descriptions, marketing materials, and social media content, ensuring consistency and reducing manual workload. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are providing instant responses to customer inquiries, enhancing service efficiency and availability. Given the rapid advancements and the competitive advantages offered by GenAI, it is anticipated that by 2027, GenAI functionalities will become standard in e-commerce platforms worldwide. That said, some challenges loom, such as ensuring customer data is handled securely and in compliance with regulations is paramount. Building trust in AI-driven interactions requires transparency and consistent positive experiences. While AI implementation can be resource-intensive, the long-term benefits often justify the investment.

Integrate AI-enabled e-commerce platforms with ERP. Integrating AI-enabled e-commerce platforms with ERP systems is critical for online retailers to enhance automation, personalization, and operational efficiency. If available, use pre-built ERP connectors offered by platforms like Shopify, Magento, or BigCommerce. Use RESTful or GraphQL APIs to facilitate seamless communication between AI-enabled e-commerce platforms and ERP systems. And leverage integration platforms like MuleSoft, Zapier, Dell Boomi, or Celigo to simplify connectivity. Enable bidirectional data flow between ERP and e-commerce systems for inventory levels (avoid overselling and stockouts); product catalog updates (pricing, descriptions, AI-generated product recommendations); and customer orders (seamless order fulfillment and tracking). And implement webhooks or event-driven architecture to keep data up-to-date in real-time. Integrate AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT, Amazon Bedrock AI) with the ERP system to provide real-time order status, return processing, and support. Also, enable AI-powered product recommendations based on ERP-driven purchase history and real-time browsing behavior. And use AI to generate dynamic pricing by analyzing ERP-driven inventory levels and demand fluctuations.

Online retailers should prioritize deployment of GenAI functionalities based on ROI potential. Retailers like Wayfair would be well served to focus first on high priority, immediate ROI capabilities like AI-Powered Product Recommendations, AI Chatbots and Virtual Assistants, and AI-Generated Content and SEO Optimization. Next should be medium priority features that drive profit and cost efficiency like AI-Driven Dynamic Pricing, AI Fraud Detection, and AI Inventory and Supply Chain Optimization. Finally, retailers should look at lower priority features with longer-term payoffs, like AI-Powered Visual Search and Virtual Try-On. As an example, AI-powered product recommendations have an ROI potential of 10-30% increase in conversion rates, with a revenue impact of $3-$5 return per $1 invested. Amazon, the world’s second-largest retailer, currently attributes 35% of sales to AI-driven recommendations. AI-Driven Chatbots and Virtual Assistants have a potential ROI of 30-50% reduction in customer service costs and efficiency gains in the form of 24/7 automation of 60-80% of inquiries. And AI-Generated Product Descriptions and Content Creation have a potential ROI of 20-40% reduction in content creation costs and a 5-15% increase in organic online traffic.

The post Wayfair and Google Cloud Expand Partnership to Transform Online Retail with Gemini appeared first on ERP Today.

The rise of new channels, such as e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, has significantly impacted supply chain operations. In an ebook, Glovia OM cited a study by Nielsen Homescan that showed about 40% of consumers have used buy-online and pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) services.

Moreover, the number of touchpoints for a shopping journey has grown to more than 20 for something as small as buying candy or more than 500 for booking a flight, often going back and forth between mobile and desktops. The ebook states that companies with strong strategies for omnichannel customer engagement see an average of 89% for customer retention versus 33% for companies with weak omnichannel strategies.

“A lot of times, we see that companies may have excellent products, but the customer experience may not match the product experience when interacting with a company,” said Ruchir Patel, GLOVIA OM practice lead at Fujitsu America, Inc.

Why supply chain transparency matters

Supply chain transparency is critical for efficient order fulfillment, inventory management, and accurate demand forecasting. Without a single system of truth, businesses can face challenges like managing multiple scheduling systems, limited partner visibility, and locked-out inventory due to a lack of location awareness. This hinders AI-powered planning and limits opportunities for new business models and revenue streams.

Legacy systems often restrict achieving this transparency, but the opportunity cost of inaction is significant. Thus, businesses need agile, responsive platforms to improve customer experience and service levels.

An Order Management Platform (OMP) gains importance in this scenario. It provides real-time visibility into all order aspects, from shipping to promotions. It also enables inventory tracking across multiple locations to provide retailers and manufacturers with agility and improved planning abilities.

In some cases, manufacturers can even drop-ship directly to consumers. Integrating the OMP with a CRM platform enhances its value. Customer service teams gain direct access to orders, inventory, and customer information, improving communication and service. Tracking key KPIs related to inventory and supply chain challenges also helps enhance the customer experience.

The ebook concludes that manufacturers and retailers can improve their supply chain readiness now and in the future with a modern OMP that seamlessly integrates with existing systems, is easy to deploy, and is affordable.

What this means for ERP Insiders

Businesses must adapt to fulfill orders across various channels. Retail organizations must have a robust omnichannel strategy that integrates inventory management, order fulfillment, and delivery across all sales channels to help them maintain efficiency and minimize costs.

Meeting customer expectations is paramount. Today’s consumers demand fast, reliable, and personalized service. This necessitates a focus on speed and agility throughout the supply chain. Companies must be able to respond to changing demand quickly, minimize lead times, and ensure on-time delivery.

Effective inventory management enhances customer experience. Manufacturers need platforms that provide channel partners with real-time information and enable feedback loops for improved forecasting and inventory management. Retailers also must evaluate key variables impacting their supply chain, such as seasonality and carryover inventory, especially during crises.

The post Navigating the retail industry’s evolving supply chain landscape appeared first on ERP Today.

SUSE Edge Suite is a comprehensive bundle that combines capabilities from SUSE’s Linux and Rancher offerings into a complete solution for Retail Edge scenarios. Benefits reported by SUSE include:

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Reduced Costs: SUSE’s edge solutions aim to ensure consistent and reliable performance across stores, warehouses, and beyond, resulting in improved operational efficiency and reduced costs.
• Robust Security: With SUSE’s security features, retailers can protect critical systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) systems and customer data, from cyber threats and exfiltration, and ensure compliance.
• Accelerated Innovation: SUSE’s flexible open source platform supports the rapid deployment of new capabilities and use cases that enhance customer experience and drive business growth. This includes use cases such as responsive merchandizing and smart payments that build on technologies such as data analytics, automation, and AI/ML.
• Fraud Detection and Prevention: With SUSE’s edge solutions, data is processed real-time, allowing for quick identification and notification of suspicious activities. This enables eCommerce platforms to take immediate action to prevent fraud.

SUSE Edge Suite is based on SUSE Edge 3.2, the latest version of its edge computing platform. Newly launched SUSE Edge 3.2 includes a number of new features and enhancements, including:

• Validated designs that ensure consistent and easy deployment on commonly used hardware and system architectures
• Automation to lower the cost of lifecycle management – image build patch and deploy
• Flexible pricing models and bundles that align with the varied business models and scale needs of retailers.
• Zero touch deployment
• Highly integrated comprehensive edge stack that supports AI/ML workloads, and GenAI models deployed by the retailers.

“SUSE is committed to delivering edge solutions that empower retailers to succeed in today’s competitive environment,” said Keith Basil, SUSE’s General Manager for the Edge Business Unit. “SUSE Edge Suite and SUSE Edge 3.2 are transformative for retailers needing a comprehensive set of tools and capabilities to optimize their edge operations, enhance security, and accelerate innovation.”

SUSE’s solutions come hot on the heels of recent retail innovations by SAP, Google Cloud, Salesforce, Oracle, IBM and more. The solutions come to address critical needs for retailers and provide open infrastructure software to create innovative solutions. These include responsive merchandizing, fraud and theft prevention, real-time inventory management, and smart payment systems for improved customer experiences, reduced costs,  and staff efficiency.

What This Means for ERP Insiders

Retail enterprises are increasingly turning to edge computing solutions to enhance efficiency, security, and innovation. At the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025 conference, SUSE announced significant updates to its SUSE Edge solutions, unveiling SUSE Edge 3.2 and SUSE Edge Suite. These offerings provide a powerful, integrated solution designed to address the unique challenges faced by retailers operating in dynamic, distributed environments.

Key Benefits of SUSE Edge Solutions

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction
  SUSE Edge Suite integrates SUSE Linux and Rancher, enabling retailers to streamline their edge operations across stores, warehouses, and distribution centers. This results in greater consistency, reliability, and automation, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced costs. Features such as zero-touch deployment and validated designs ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure, allowing retailers to focus on delivering superior customer experiences rather than managing IT complexities.
• Robust Security for Retail Environments
  Security remains a top priority for retail businesses, particularly with the increasing threats targeting point-of-sale (POS) systems and customer data. SUSE’s latest updates introduce enhanced security features that safeguard critical retail operations from cyber threats and data breaches. Real-time data processing capabilities also facilitate fraud detection and prevention, enabling swift identification of suspicious transactions and immediate action against potential threats. Compliance with industry regulations is further simplified through SUSE’s integrated security tools.
• Accelerated Innovation and AI/ML Integration
  SUSE Edge Suite fosters innovation by providing a flexible, open-source platform that supports the rapid deployment of next-generation retail solutions. With support for AI/ML workloads and generative AI models, retailers can leverage data-driven insights to enhance customer experiences, optimize inventory management, and introduce smart payment systems. This capability positions businesses to adopt cutting-edge technologies such as responsive merchandising and automated decision-making, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

SUSE’s latest advancements reinforce its commitment to empowering retailers with scalable, secure, and intelligent edge solutions. By addressing key industry pain points—ranging from operational inefficiencies to security threats and the need for rapid innovation—SUSE Edge 3.2 and SUSE Edge Suite equip retailers with the tools necessary to thrive in an evolving market. As the retail sector continues to embrace digital transformation, SUSE’s edge solutions stand as a pivotal enabler of sustainable growth and enhanced customer engagement.

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