Peak trading periods such as Black Friday and Christmas are a critical time for businesses. While a large increase in sales is positive news on paper, surges in customer demand and increased pressure to deliver on time and in full can be a strain on both systems and individuals.
Internal operational and IT resources can easily become overwhelmed during these high-pressure periods. This increased workload can lead to delays, errors and a decrease in overall efficiency. It is therefore essential to ensure ahead of time that systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and colleagues are adequately supported.
While retailers initially spring to mind as the most affected businesses during busy times, the interconnected nature of the supply chain means that companies across many different industries face challenges during peak trading periods, especially those that deal with areas like manufacturing, production and logistics.
With the support of a good SAP Application Management Services (AMS) partner, you can augment your existing internal resources and maintain high levels of system performance and reliability. An AMS partner can provide the necessary expertise and additional resource to manage the increased demands, allowing your internal team to focus on core business activities.
If you already have an AMS partner, ensure it has the flexibility to scale its services over time according to your needs. This scalability is crucial during peak periods when the demand for support can fluctuate significantly. You may also want to consider bringing in an additional AMS provider with specialised competencies in more niche areas of your operation. This enhances your ability to manage workloads effectively and ensures you have quick access to expert support tailored to your specific challenges during busy times.
AMS providers have the expertise required to quickly identify and resolve issues, minimising downtime and helping to maintain customer satisfaction. They can also offer valuable insights and recommendations for optimising system performance, which can be particularly useful during high-demand periods.
Navigating peak trading times requires careful planning and the right support. By partnering with a reliable AMS provider, businesses can ensure that their systems are robust enough to handle the increased pressure, thereby maintaining efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Take a closer look at our SAP AMS offerings. Interested in other key factors to consider when choosing an SAP AMS partner? Read our full guide about what to look for in an SAP AMS partner.