Manufacturers are facing unprecedented challenges in managing their global supply chains. From safeguarding timely deliveries to maintaining regulatory compliance, the complexity of modern supply chain operations demands sophisticated solutions. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management with advanced shipping and compliance features can help manufacturers address these challenges and enhance visibility and efficiency in the supply chain.
The Integration Imperative
The concept of manufacturing excellence isn’t merely about production efficiency—it’s about creating a seamlessly integrated ecosystem where compliance, shipping, and operations work in harmony. The traditional approach of managing these functions in disparate systems has led to data silos, increased error rates, and operational inefficiencies that modern manufacturers can no longer afford. By embedding compliance directly into business functions, organizations can significantly impact system harmonization, operational efficiency, and compliance risk. This integration is about more than technology—it’s about transforming how manufacturing operations function at the base level.
Breaking Down Barriers
Three critical challenges consistently emerge in manufacturing supply chains:
Meeting Customer Expectations in a Global Network
Today’s manufacturers often must navigate a complex web of logistical challenges while meeting increasingly demanding customer expectations. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management can help address this through:
- Real-time inventory visibility across channels
- Advanced available-to-promise (ATP) and capable-to-promise (CTP) capabilities
- Demand forecasting
Warehouse Productivity Revolution
The warehouse is where efficiency meets reality. Dynamics 365 features are transforming warehouse operations through:
- System-directed work orchestration
- Operational improvements via process mining
- Material Handling Equipment Interface (MHAX) for warehouse automation
- Intelligent carrier selection and routing
- Automated shipping and label generation
Regulatory Compliance Command
In an era of developing regulatory scrutiny, compliance is essential. Advanced export control capabilities within Dynamics 365 can provide:
- Verification of compliance with export control restrictions
- Management of Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and categories
- Processing of transactions honoring export control jurisdiction compliance and restrictions
- Export license management
- Complete transaction traceability
The Power of Unified Visibility
Access to information isn’t enough—modern manufacturing demands actionable insights. The Dynamics 365 ecosystem, spanning enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer engagement, and Power Platform applications, can transform raw data into strategic advantage. An integrated business technology ecosystem can provide:
- Analytics and dashboards that allow for proactive informed decisions
- Cross-functional visibility
- Real-time operational insights
- AI-powered insights through Microsoft Copilot and agents
A Clear Path Forward
For manufacturers looking to enhance their supply chain operations, the journey begins with a strategic assessment. Consider:
- Current operational pain points
- Industry-specific requirements and best practices
- Integration requirements with existing systems landscape
- Implementation effects on business processes, i.e., organizational change management (OCM)
- Envision impact and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs)
The future of manufacturing belongs to organizations that can seamlessly integrate compliance, efficiency, and visibility into their operations. With Dynamics 365 and its ecosystem of tools, that future is within reach today. By leveraging advanced shipping capabilities that seamlessly integrate with Dynamics 365, manufacturers can create resilient, efficient, and compliant supply chains ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
Business Technology Services at Forvis Mazars is a certified Microsoft Partner and recipient of the Microsoft Inner Circle Award. We assist clients by providing analysis, design, implementation, upgrades, training, and support services for Microsoft Dynamics business applications and more. Connect with us today to learn more about Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management capabilities or schedule a personalized demo.