The Hidden Cost of Manual Processes in Distribution
In the distribution sector, time is money, and manual processes are quietly draining both. Whether it is inventory reconciliation, order entry, or reporting, outdated workflows create inefficiencies that ripple across your entire operation. Yet many distributors still rely on spreadsheets, paper trails, and siloed systems that slow them down and leave them vulnerable.
Manual processes do not just waste time, they cost real dollars. Consider this: a single employee spending 10 hours a week reconciling inventory manually racks up over $15,000 in labor costs annually. Add in time spent correcting order errors, cleaning up reports, and troubleshooting IT issues, and the total easily exceeds $45,000 per year per employee.
Beyond labor costs, manual workflows introduce errors, delay fulfillment, and frustrate customers. They also make audits and compliance reporting more difficult, increasing risk, and reducing agility.
Modern ERP systems like Epicor Prophet 21, especially when hosted in Microsoft Azure, offer a smarter way forward. They automate inventory tracking, streamline order processing, and deliver real-time insights that empower faster decisions. When paired with managed services, distributors gain proactive system monitoring, automated updates, and expert IT support—all without the overhead of expanding internal teams.
This is not just about efficiency. It is about resilience. Manual systems often bypass security protocols, leaving businesses exposed. With threats like Embargo ransomware targeting manufacturing and distribution sectors, automation becomes a critical defense strategy.
Manual processes may feel familiar, but they are costing you more than you think, in time, money, and opportunity. Automation through ERP and managed services is not just a tech upgrade. It is a strategic move toward smarter, safer, and more scalable distribution.
As an Epicor Platinum Elite Partner and Microsoft Tier 1 Cloud Services Provider, 2W Tech specializes in helping distributors modernize their operations through smart automation and strategic IT support. Whether you are looking to implement Epicor Prophet 21, migrate to Azure for scalable cloud infrastructure, or offload day-to-day IT burdens through managed services, 2W Tech delivers tailored solutions that reduce manual processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance cybersecurity. With deep expertise in manufacturing and distribution technologies, we empower businesses to operate more efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and stay resilient in the face of evolving threats.
Read More: