NetSuite Sales Process Automation: How Bista Solutions Enhanced Unisnacks' Demand Planning and Ordering
Overview
Founded in 2007 as Ducom Europe Ltd, Unisnacks has been a pioneer in the UK snack food market for the last eighteen years. As a leading world food and drink distributor, Unisnacks provides retailers, wholesale traders, and professional food services across the UK with the best snack food, cooking ingredients, and beverage brands worldwide. The primary customers are food retailers in the UK and across Europe. The business represents global brand owners such as Meiji Seika, Lotte Confectionery, Pokka Corporation, Mayora Indah, Orion Group, Paldo, Thuan Phong, etc.
Requirement/Problem
As a leading distributor and importer of food and beverages from around the world, Unisnacks was managing a high volume of purchase and sales orders from various partners, including vendors, customers, wholesalers, and others. However, the process of handling these orders was largely manual. Sales representatives were assigned across the country to collect sales orders, which were then manually entered and processed in NetSuite. This manual process not only consumed significant time but also engaged valuable resources inefficiently.
Additionally, Unisnacks faced challenges in accurately forecasting demand due to various impacting factors. As a result, they were unable to generate accurate sales forecasting for customer demands, which hindered important business decision-making. To address these challenges, Unisnacks turned to Bista Solutions for assistance with automating their sales order process and improving demand planning. With NetSuite, Unisnacks needed a customized solution to automate the entire sales process.
Solutions
Bista Solutions proposed a solution leveraging AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Automation, which included the following steps:
1. NetSuite Custom Query
The NetSuite team created a custom query within the system to filter out bulk data from previous sales orders. This allowed for the extraction of the necessary sales data to be used in forecasting.
2. Automation
With the help of automation, Bista trained an AI-powered automation system to log into NetSuite, perform two-factor authentication (2FA), and download the filtered sales order data.
3. Machine Learning Algorithm
The ML team developed a precise algorithm that factors in key elements such as sales orders by customer, sales by item, and the frequency of customer order repetition (e.g., average time between orders).
4.AI-Powered Automation for Uploading Data
The automation team trained an AI robot to log into a dedicated email account, download the CSV file, and upload it to NetSuite. The system then created sales orders marked as “pending approval” for review.
By implementing this AI-driven automated solution, Bista Solutions helped Unisnacks streamline its sales order process, reduce manual intervention, and enhance the accuracy of its demand forecasting through AI-powered algorithms, ultimately improving business decision-making.
The Impact
Bista Solutions partnered with Unisnacks to integrate their NetSuite system – for automated solutions to enhance demand forecasting. The key outcomes included:
Time and Resource Efficiency
The automation of the sales order process and demand forecasting saved Unisnacks a considerable amount of time.
Improved Accuracy in Sales Forecasting
The machine learning algorithm used in the sales forecasting process provided a much more accurate demand plan. This accuracy was crucial for making informed business decisions, inventory management, and resource allocation
Faster Decision-Making
With sales orders automatically created based on the forecast and classified as “pending approval,” the sales team and management could quickly review and approve orders, significantly speeding up the decision-making process.
Improved Demand Planning and Inventory Management
The more accurate and timely demand forecasts allowed Unisnacks to better manage inventory, ensuring they had the right amount of stock at the right time.
Conclusion
Bista Solutions, a proven NetSuite partner, is dedicated to helping businesses maximize the potential of NetSuite. By combining Bista Solutions' expertise with NetSuite's powerful capabilities, Unisnacks was provided with an AI-powered automated, and highly efficient solution for sales processes and sales forecasting. Bista Solutions’ team of solution architects transformed Unisnacks’ approach to demand planning by integrating AI-driven algorithms, significantly improving accuracy and operational efficiency.
When it comes to implementing best industry practices, Bista Solutions leaves no stone unturned. This successful collaboration has positioned Unisnacks for continued growth and success in the competitive snack industry.
