ERPs were built to track inventory.
Not to predict, prioritize, or plan.
That’s why planners still face forecasting gaps, stockouts, and excess. Spreadsheet workarounds and static rules can’t keep up.
See how teams are taking back control with smarter planning tools, like Blue Ridge.
Trusted by Distributors, Manufactures around the World
Why Planning Feels Harder Than Ever And How You Can Change This
Inventory planning used to be manageable. Now, supply chain teams are juggling more SKUs, locations, and supplier variability, under tighter cost and service expectations. Spreadsheets and ERP tools weren’t built for this level of complexity.
But teams using smarter planning platforms are seeing a different story. With purpose-built tools that automate the hard parts, like forecasting, prioritizing exceptions, and balancing inventory across the network, planners are getting ahead instead of catching up.
Smarter Supply Chain Planning Starts with the Right Tools
Forecast with Accuracy
Planners are moving beyond spreadsheets. They’re using AI-driven models that test different forecasting methods nightly and apply the best one per SKU, automatically adjusting for seasonality, supplier changes, and promotions.
Improve Availability
Teams are switching to exception-based planning. Instead of reviewing every item, they focus on flagged SKUs that risk going out of stock, helping them maintain 95–98% service levels with less time and effort.
Reduce Excess Inventory
Planners are using multi-location inventory optimization to align safety stock with actual demand. This approach cuts 15–25% of excess inventory while keeping fill rates high and freeing up working capital.
ERPs Track Inventory, They Don’t Plan It
ERP systems were designed to record what’s in stock, not to forecast demand or optimize future orders. They rely on fixed reorder points, outdated logic, and manual workarounds that can’t keep up with today’s pace.
Today’s demand planning requires tools that:
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- Adjust in real time
- Factor in seasonality and promotions
- Prioritize the right SKUs at the right locations
That’s why more supply chain teams are layering intelligent planning on top of their ERP, to improve accuracy, reduce excess, and avoid stockouts without working harder.
ERP vs. Purpose Built Planning Tools. Discover the Difference:
Learn how modern supply chain teams are augmenting their ERP systems with intelligent planning solutions to achieve better accuracy, reduce excess inventory, and improve service levels.
This guide provides insights into how integrating specialized planning tools can transform your supply chain operations beyond the capabilities of traditional ERP systems.
Lower costs. Higher fill rates. ROI in months, not years.
“We saw a 25% reduction in inventory within the first 6 months using Blue Ridge.”
– VP of Supply Chain, National Retailer
