Gourmet International Gets a Much-Needed Distributor ERP System Upgrade
Upgrading an antiquated system works best when there’s a strong plan in place. Recently, BTM Global worked with Gourmet International, a Family-Owned Importer and Distributor of Specialty Food & Beverages based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to address systemic issues in their back end and provide updated solutions as they assessed their existing operations and looked to the future.
An Antiquated Distributor ERP
As a Family-Owned Importer and Distributor of Specialty Food & Beverages, Gourmet International has over 2,500 customers in its care, including some of the largest food distributors in the United States: KeHE, UNFI, and Gordon Food Service. They have products from their portfolio being sold in all 50 states and serve large and small format national and regional grocery chains, independent grocery retailers, specialty retailers, convenience stores, the military as well as a variety of other customers in various sales channels.
Before this transition began, the client’s distributor ERP software was antiquated, and it became clear to their team that the system needed to be upgraded to meet current industry standards and expectations. Not only was that important from a front-end standpoint, but the current system lacked functionality to facilitate growth beyond its existing ceiling.
An updated system would provide and streamline reporting and data retention efficiencies to improve business decisions in the short and long term.
Solutions
“When I started vetting ERP resources, and the NetSuite team came in to present the software capabilities, they included BTM Global as a resource,” said Bill Stechebar, Gourmet International’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). “I was impressed with their team and ERP integration success stories with companies of our scale. My prior experience also confirmed selecting BTM was necessary and a good decision that would lead the team to a successful integration and transition to a new system .”
Before providing solutions and guidance, BTM learned more about Gourmet International to understand its business, operations, roadblocks, and business execution needs. When reservations arose about their process, the BTM team lightly challenged them, resulting in new decisions, innovative ideas and a smooth workflow.
“Having BTM as a resource to guide us was critical,” added Stechebar. “Because of their experience with past clients, they helped us focus and understand where we needed to start in the process.”
Distributor ERP Customizations
Armed with this information and decades of industry expertise, the BTM team developed customizations to support:
- The need for pricing automation at quote
- Sales orders
- Cash sales and invoice levels
- Lot commitments with expiration dates
- Shipping documents
- Sales refunds
- And a custom reporting solution that helps with supply and demand planning
The programs utilized included SPS Commerce for EDI, WMS, and Catchweight.
Results: A Modern Approach to Data
Even as the update became increasingly complex, the BTM team was able to work with the client to shift gears and adjust timelines to deliver a smooth and successful outcome.
The new NetSuite system, combined with BTM’s presence as a teaching resource, has helped their front-line workers understand the business better. Now, they have more information that can drive data-driven decision-making.
“I have worked with a lot of third-party people—this group felt like they were a part of our organization,” said Stechebar. “They got into our camp and were a part of our business family. I always felt like I could reach out, and they would be responsive, whether it was a question or a complaint. The whole team has become mentors to people on our team.”
Looking Forward to Data-Driven Decisions
With these new updates, Gourmet International wants to keep optimizing its process with NetSuite and strengthening new pricing and business reporting so everyone can stay informed about the business.
Are you inspired by this ERP transformation? Want expert guidance on updating your current system? Get in touch with our dedicated team.