In the ever-evolving world of furniture retail, you need to move with the times. Consumer expectations are rising, and supply chains are becoming more complex – which means competition is intensifying both online and in-store. Subsequently, having clear, actionable insight into your business has never been more important. And for those yet to adopt a modern ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, the opportunity to transform operations and your decision-making is not only compelling – it’s essential in the fast-paced world of today.
At Sci-Net, we specialise in helping furniture retailers to take control of their data to streamline operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Through our ERP>Retail platform – built within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central – we’ve partnered with some of the UK’s most recognised big-ticket retailers to do just that.
But, despite being a staple of household name retailers – you don’t have to be a large chain to benefit from this technology.
One of the most common challenges we see in the industry is the reliance on disconnected systems – spreadsheets for stock, paper-based order tracking, siloed finance tools and more. While these may get the job done in the short term, they restrict visibility and increase the risk of errors, making strategic decision-making more difficult than it needs to be.
An ERP system consolidates all these moving parts into one central, integrated solution – providing real-time data across your business. From the showroom floor to the warehouse, from customer service to finance, every team can access the same live information, ensuring better coordination and smarter, faster decisions.
Take stock management, for instance. Knowing exactly what’s available, what’s been ordered and what’s in transit is critical in furniture retail – especially when dealing with large, made-to-order or custom-configured items. ERP>Retail offers full stock traceability and warehouse integration, helping avoid costly over-ordering or missed sales opportunities.
It also radically improves the sales process. With tools like our tablet-driven sales wizard, your team can easily guide customers through configurable options, check availability on the spot and generate quotes with integrated finance options – all from the shop floor. This not only enhances the customer experience but also increases average order value and conversion rates.
Behind the scenes, ERP also delivers critical insights. From analysing best-selling lines and seasonal trends to tracking the profitability of each store, product and even individual salespersons, you gain a complete view of what’s working and where improvements can be made. This level of reporting and forecasting is simply not possible with manual systems.
For many furniture retailers, the transition to an ERP system can feel like a daunting leap. But with the right partner, it’s a step that pays dividends. Improved accuracy and time saving benefits helps to empower you to scale with confidence. At Sci-Net, we don’t just implement systems – we build lasting partnerships based on trust and transparency, allowing you to benefit from our extensive industry expertise to ensure a seamless process. And as a winner of this year’s Furniture News Readers’ Choice awards for ‘Best Retail Technology Online Support, we’ll guide you through everything that’s needed.
If your current setup is holding your business back, now is the time to take a closer look at what ERP can do. Smarter decisions start with smarter data – and the right system puts that power firmly in your hands.
Duncan Fergusson
By Duncan Fergusson, Managing Director, Sci-Net Business Solutions, a Microsoft Dynamics Tier 1 Gold Partner and developer of ERP>Retail – the UK’s leading ERP solution for big ticket furniture retailers.
