We know that businesses like yours face numerous challenges, from managing inventory to meeting customer demands. One common issue is handling special orders—requests for items not typically stocked. These orders can be a logistical headache, but they are invaluable for maintaining customer satisfaction.Windward System Five offers tools to simplify this process, helping businesses efficiently manage special orders and turn potential problems into opportunities for growth.
Special orders are essential for businesses that want to offer a personalized shopping experience. These orders allow customers to request specific items that may not be part of your regular inventory. Whether it’s a unique product variant, a custom-made item, or something temporarily out of stock, special orders show your commitment to customer satisfaction.
3. Customer Communication: Keeping customers informed about the status of their special orders is crucial but challenging. Delays or lack of updates can lead to customer dissatisfaction and loss of trust.
4. Cost Management: Special orders can incur additional costs, such as expedited shipping or handling fees. Managing these costs while maintaining profitability is a delicate balance.
5. Supplier Reliability: Relying on external suppliers for special orders introduces a level of uncertainty. If a supplier fails to deliver on time or provides subpar products, it can negatively impact the business’s reputation.
Windward System Five offers a comprehensive solution for managing special orders. Here’s how it works:
4. Non-Stocking Parts: Special orders can also be used for non-stocking parts. Many service businesses use part numbers such as NPN (Non-Stock Part Number) or NSP (Non-Stock Part) to order, receive, and cost parts that they normally do not stock, or that they only use for their service department. System Five allows these parts to be used repeatedly to order and receive parts that will not have their own unique part number.
5. Automatic Updates: When a purchase order containing special order parts is received, System Five updates the quantity and the cost on the original work order automatically. Goods received on special order do not update the available inventory quantities; instead, the quantity is applied to the work order.
6. Stock Management: Sometimes customers change their mind, so if the need arises to modify a special order line on an invoice, System Five provides functionality to help keep your available stock counts correct. If the ordered column quantity on an invoice line is reduced below the special ordered value, System Five will ask for confirmation to move the special ordered stock into available stock.
Managing special orders is a complex but crucial aspect of maintaining high customer satisfaction and fostering business growth. With Windward Software you'll get a comprehensive solution that streamlines the entire process—from order placement and supplier coordination to inventory management and automatic updates.
By leveraging these tools, businesses can turn logistical challenges into opportunities for efficiency and enhanced customer service.
To discover how Windward Software's ERP can transform your special order management, book a live system demonstration today and take the first step toward improved operational efficiency and profitability.