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Key Insights from the BCN Webinar Write up
5 min read
Effective stock management and streamlined fulfilment are more critical than ever for wholesalers, suppliers and distributors. On 25th September 2025, BCN hosted a webinar bringing together industry experts to discuss the challenges, solutions, and future trends in stock management.
The discussion opened with a look at persistent challenges in stock management. Despite investments in modern ERP systems, many businesses still struggle with basic visibility – knowing where stock is stored, how long it’s been there, and whether it aligns with customer demand.
One example involved a manufacturer and distributor of high-end office furniture that had migrated to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and CRM. However, a lack of operational understanding of warehouse processes led to poor MRP configuration and limited analytics, resulting in missed delivery targets and inefficient stock profiles.
Another case highlighted a PPE distributor with complex import and distribution channels. Long lead times and varied product sizes demanded robust forecasting and stock profiling. Seasonality and customer requirements must be layered into analytics to ensure the right stock is available at the right time, avoiding costly stockouts or overstocking.
A further example involved a due diligence exercise for a private equity investment that failed due to the target company’s inability to provide an accurate stock valuation. This not only blocked investment but revealed serious accounting issues, underscoring the importance of reliable data and systems.
The conversation explored the evolution of technology in stock management, from the hardware boom of the 1980s, through the rise of software and data in the 1990s and 2000s, to today’s focus on AI. Businesses are at vastly different stages; some still rely on spreadsheets and manual processes, while others have adopted cloud-based ERP systems and are ready to leverage AI.
Digital transformation is not a one-size-fits-all journey. The key is to meet businesses where they are and build a roadmap that fits their needs and ambitions.
Manual workflows in order processing create friction, errors, and bottlenecks. Inefficiencies can lead to slower fulfilment, duplicate effort, and poor customer experience. As order volumes grow, these issues compound, preventing scalability.
Engaging frontline staff in process redesign is essential. Often, management’s view of workflows differs from the reality experienced by those doing the work. By involving these “hidden heroes,” businesses can uncover pain points and streamline processes, sometimes without major technology investments.
One client reduced a 12-step manual order process in Excel to a five-step workflow using ERP, saving hours and reducing errors. Integrating ERP with e-commerce platforms or automation rules can further accelerate order processing, depending on budget and readiness.
Inaccurate stock levels cause ripple effects across departments. Overstocking increases holding costs, while stockouts lead to lost sales and frustrated customers. Real-time visibility is essential for both sales and purchasing teams.
Simple digital tools, like barcode scanning apps, can replace manual clipboards and spreadsheets, enabling structured data collection and faster reporting. “Proof of value” pilots, quick, small-scale implementations, can demonstrate ROI before scaling up.
One project involved a client using a 20-year-old bespoke system. By phasing in ERP modules for finance, sales, purchasing, and inventory, the team improved stock accuracy and visibility across departments. Planning for future enhancements, such as barcode scanning and advanced forecasting, was key.
Our guide, gives you the top 5 technology priorities for supply chain efficiency and inventory management to help you build your investment roadmap
Efficiency in warehouse operations depends on more than just stock – it’s about people, machinery, and infrastructure. Automating shift management and tracking supplier certificates can reduce administrative burden and improve compliance.
Mapping physical warehouse layouts and processes into digital systems ensures that goods-in, goods-out, and QA zones are reflected in the software. Automation enables tasks to be completed faster and more accurately, boosting productivity and customer satisfaction.
Data quality underpins all successful transformation efforts. Whether implementing ERP, automating workflows, or adopting AI, reliable data is essential for forecasting, reporting, and decision-making.
BCN’s next webinar will focus on data-driven cost reduction and forecasting, continuing the conversation on how businesses can harness data for smarter operations.
The session concluded with practical advice for businesses looking to improve stock management and fulfilment:
This was a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in stock management and fulfilment. By focusing on people, processes, and data, before technology, businesses can unlock efficiency, scalability, and growth. Whether just starting a digital transformation or optimising existing systems, the insights shared offer a practical roadmap for success.
The second webinar in the series on data-driven forecasting and cost reduction, will help you take the first step towards smarter, more efficient fulfilment.
