Supply chain fragility in 2025
Global supply chains remain fragile. A 2025 Forbes survey found that fewer than 8 % of executives believe they have full control over supply chain risks, while 63 % continue to suffer greater-than-expected losses from disruptions.
For manufacturers in metals and plastics industries, disruptions are not abstract—they are daily reality. A single delay in certified steel sheets, or an unexpected spike in copper alloy prices, can derail entire projects. Traditional approaches—manual processes, siloed systems, reactive firefighting—no longer suffice.
The path forward requires visibility, collaboration, and proactive risk management.
Why resilience matters more than ever
Resilience is about more than just holding buffer stock. It means anticipating disruption, adapting fast, and keeping operations running even when suppliers falter.
| Without resilience: | With resilience: |
| ● Production halts due to stockouts. ● Expedited shipments inflate costs. ● Customers face delays and lose trust. ● Compliance risks escalate in regulated sectors. | ● Recovery from shocks is faster. ● Supplier and customer relationships improve. ● Costs are contained through smarter planning. ● Companies gain a competitive edge by maintaining reliability. |
ERP-powered strategies for resilient supply chains
1. Supplier portals for collaboration and dual sourcing
The Epicor Supplier Portal minimizes disruptions by digitizing supplier collaboration. It allows suppliers to:
- receive purchase orders instantly;
- acknowledge and update POs in real time;
- upload certifications, quality documents, and availability;
- submit invoices online for faster payments.
For manufacturers, this means:
- dual sourcing readiness: suppliers are vetted and onboarded in advance.
- the perfect order: suppliers deliver the right product, at the right time, every time.
- stronger relationships: real-time visibility reduces miscommunication and delays.
Useful links
| 6 Reasons to Choose Epicor Supplier Portal | Watch the Supplier Portal in action |
| Check out the analytical fact sheet! | Epicor Supplier portal snapshot |
2. Risk assessment and supply chain analytics
Modern ERP platforms embed risk management modules that consolidate data from transactions, deliveries, and supplier performance.
With Epicor Kinetic:
- procurement managers can run what-if scenarios (“What if Supplier A is disrupted?”).
- cost and lead-time impacts can be modeled instantly.
- alternative suppliers can be ranked by objective performance criteria.
This allows data-driven decision-making—moving from reactive problem-solving to proactive resilience planning.
3. Advanced inventory with dimensional attributes
Epicor Kinetic adds unique depth to inventory management with dimensional attributes (hardness, thickness, density).
This is crucial for metals and plastics industries, where:
- aluminium extruders handle different alloys.
- plastics manufacturers manage dozens of resin grades.
- defense and aerospace suppliers must comply with certified material specs.
When combined with smart replenishment, manufacturers ensure the right material is available at the right time—without bloating working capital.
See also >> 3 Ways ERP Software Builds Supply Chain Resilience
Business impact and measurable results
Manufacturers using ERP-enabled supply chain strategies report:
- shorter lead times via dual sourcing.
- higher on-time, in-full delivery rates.
- reduced exposure to single points of failure.
- lower inventory levels with improved traceability and compliance.
By aligning procurement, finance, customer service, and logistics through a single portal, companies achieve end-to-end visibility and resilience.
Conclusion
Supply chain disruption is here to stay. But with the right digital tools, manufacturers can turn volatility into opportunity.
By leveraging supplier portals, risk analytics, and advanced inventory management, Epicor Kinetic helps manufacturers build supply chains that are transparent, adaptive, and resilient.
