What is your core business? Maybe it is manufacturing, or perhaps you are in retail. Whatever the answer is, it is most likely not B2B integration. That is okay. Unless you specialize in B2B integration, no one expects you to successfully complete a B2B integration project on your own (especially if you have never undertaken one before).
That is where a B2B managed services firm comes into play. Such a firm can help you carry out B2B integration projects. There are three ways in which selecting the right managed services firm can accelerate B2B integration maturity. Managed services firms:
- Save you time.
- Ensure the project is completed properly.
- Provide a resource to which you can turn after the project to answer any lingering questions.
Saving Time
There are two ways in which a managed services provider can help you save time when it takes on your B2B integration project; it makes the project go faster and after the project is over, your company will see efficiency gains.
Think of how long it would take your business to tackle such a project if your employees lack the expertise necessary for B2B integration. They could spend months trying to figure out how to bring together many disparate data sources and extend networks to as many of your trading partners as possible. In the end, they still might not get it right. An experienced managed services provider, on the other hand, has the expertise and the knowledge to complete the project quickly.
After the B2B integration project is over, you will continue to see efficiency gains. Research has shown that once companies achieved higher levels of B2B integration maturity, many of them were able to reduce the number of expedited orders they handled to below five percent. In addition, they could manage their inventory better; 70 percent of companies surveyed achieved at least two inventory turns per month.
Getting the Job Done Right on the First Try
In addition to saving time, choosing the right managed services provider ensures that your B2B integration will be smooth and hassle-free. Managed services providers have the expertise and experience to guide you through the entire process.
A B2B managed services firm understands that B2B integration is not just about technology; it is about your corporate mindset and your processes. If you purchase lots of new technology, but your staff is still committed to performing every process manually, your B2B integration project is a failure. Managed services providers offer change management, education, and training, all of which make the path to B2B integration easier and ensure you are ready to connect with your trading partners.
After All Is Said and Done…
You might think once you have completed your B2B integration project that you are done with working with your managed services provider. However, that is not always the case.
Suppose that after the implementation, you run into challenges. Your B2B managed services firm can help you overcome the speed bumps so you can attain even higher levels of B2B integration maturity.
Choosing to work with a managed services provider accelerates your B2B integration maturity because you are allowing an experienced, knowledgeable partner to guide you through the process. To learn more abour managed services, contact us.
