Why Modern ERPs Rely on Trust Layer Partners to Protect Supply Chains

The enterprise resource planning system sits at the heart of every manufacturing and supply chain operation. It connects procurement, inventory, production, logistics and customer fulfilment into one structured flow. Analysts at Gartner estimate that over 91 per cent of mid to large enterprises rely on an ERP platform to run core operations, proving how essential these systems have become for efficiency, compliance and customer satisfaction. Yet as the complexity of global supply chains increases, even the most advanced ERPs are struggling to keep pace with rising threats such as counterfeiting, opaque supplier networks and fragmented product traceability.

This is where an external trust layer partner becomes essential. Rather than replacing the ERP, the trust layer enhances it, adding capabilities such as product authentication, product verification, brand protection solutions, supply chain visibility and fraud prevention that standard ERP modules often lack. 

The Expanding Role of ERP Systems in Modern Operations

ERP platforms were created to bring order to complexity. They consolidate procurement, warehousing, manufacturing operations, finance, planning and distribution into a single database. This reduces duplication, minimises errors and gives decision-makers a unified view of operations. Leading ERP providers such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 have expanded their suites to support advanced manufacturing operations, quality management and supply chain planning.

Why ERPs Are Not Enough on Their Own

Although ERPs excel at internal coordination, they fall short in areas that require secure product-level traceability and real-world verification. Their architecture was built for data management, not for real-time validation, fraud detection or anti-counterfeiting solutions. As a result, manufacturers often face blind spots when products leave their facilities. Reports by the World Economic Forum highlight that nearly 40 per cent of global manufacturers lack complete visibility of their tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers, leaving significant gaps in product safety and compliance.

Growing consumer expectations also place pressure on brands. Modern customers demand proof of authenticity, ethical sourcing and product safety. Customer engagement and customer satisfaction are now tightly linked to transparency. With counterfeit goods representing a market estimated at over USD 1.7 trillion according to the Global Brand Counterfeiting Report (2022), the need for stronger IP and trademark protection has never been greater.

Why ERP Providers Now Need a Trust Layer Partner

A trust layer partner enhances the ERP environment without disrupting existing workflows. It acts as a security and traceability extension, ensuring that every product moving through the supply chain is uniquely identifiable, verifiable and protected from tampering.

1. End-to-End Visibility Beyond the Factory Floor

ERP systems provide visibility while the product is inside the organisation. A trust layer extends that visibility far beyond the warehouse gates. It captures product-level data across distributors, retailers and even customers, offering end-to-end supply chain traceability that is impossible to maintain through manual tracking or ERP modules alone.

For example, integrating Origin with SAP or Oracle allows manufacturers to track each product’s journey, identify diversions, validate legitimacy at retail points and detect anomalies in real time. This enhancement directly supports stronger brand authentication and product authentication.

2. Strengthening Brand Protection and Compliance

Brand protection solutions depend on strong verification mechanisms. An ERP alone cannot prevent fraudulent product duplication or unauthorised distribution. A trust layer introduces non-cloneable labelling technology that makes every product uniquely secure. Labels protected by Origin cannot be duplicated, supporting both online and offline protection strategies.

This capability is crucial for businesses that face trademark infringements or challenges in IP protection. When combined with ERP inventory data, organisations gain a powerful anti-counterfeiting solution designed to protect their brand and customers.

Rapid Deployment Through Plug and Play integration

Technology implementation should not disrupt operations. Origin by Acviss works as a plug-and-play extension to existing ERP infrastructure. There is no need for redesigning the architecture or migrating data. The trust layer connects through APIs, enabling fast deployment and immediate operational improvement. For enterprises running systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 or SAP S/4HANA, this reduces both cost and implementation time.

A Closer Look at Leading ERP Solutions and Their Integration Needs

1. SAP S/4HANA

SAP remains one of the most comprehensive ERP solutions for manufacturing and supply chain operations. It supports procurement automation, production planning, quality management and logistics. However, SAP’s traceability capabilities vary based on configuration, custom modules and the third-party systems connected to it. Manufacturers often rely on external solutions to gain verified chain of custody tracking.

A trust layer such as Origin strengthens SAP environments by adding product authentication directly into supply chain workflows. Every movement, scan and validation event flows back to the ERP, allowing supply chain managers to respond quickly to risks such as counterfeit infiltration or product diversion.

2. Oracle NetSuite

Oracle NetSuite is widely used by mid-market companies for inventory management, order fulfilment and financials. While it provides visibility across business units, it does not provide native non-cloneable labelling technology or real-world product verification. Integrating a trust layer plugin gives NetSuite users the ability to secure their supply chain and enhance product safety without altering their existing processes.

NetSuite becomes significantly more powerful when equipped with authentication and traceability tools that ensure every product in circulation can be validated by retailers, partners or customers.

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 serves a range of industries from FMCG to automotive. Its supply chain management modules help teams coordinate demand planning, production and warehouse operations. Yet it does not offer brand verification or anti-counterfeiting technologies that protect physical goods.

Origin bridges this gap, enabling manufacturers to apply non-cloneable labels to every unit and link these labels directly to Dynamics records. This combination provides unmatched transparency across distribution networks.

Why A Trust Layer Matters in Today’s Risk-Filled Ecosystem

1. Rising Supply Chain Disruptions

The past five years have brought unprecedented disruptions. According to McKinsey, supply chain shocks now occur every 3.7 years on average, costing organisations between USD 300 billion and USD 1 trillion annually, depending on industry. Trust layers strengthen resilience by helping teams detect irregularities such as unauthorised shipments, counterfeit returns or tampered goods.

2. Growing Counterfeit Threats Across Industries

Counterfeiting affects pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive parts, luxury goods and even FMCG. Not only does it harm brand reputation, but it also puts customer safety at risk. Research published by the European Union Intellectual Property Office reported that counterfeit FMCG goods alone cause billions of euros in losses annually. ERPs cannot independently fight this threat. Non-cloneable technologies and digital product authentication are now essential defence mechanisms.

3. Higher Demands for Compliance and Transparency

Global regulations now require traceability in sectors such as food, cosmetics and electronics. Without a partner that enables unit-level tracking and product verification, meeting these regulatory standards becomes increasingly difficult. Trust layers help manufacturers prove authenticity, maintain the chain of custody and support necessary audit requirements.

How Origin by Acviss Adds Unmatched Trust to ERP Ecosystems

Origin functions as the trust layer that most ERP systems lack. Its strengths include:

1. Non-cloneable Labelling Technology

Products are protected using labels that cannot be copied or reproduced. This eliminates counterfeit entry points and secures the physical identity of each unit.

2. Real-Time Product Verification

Every stakeholder in the supply chain, including retailers and end consumers, can instantly verify authenticity. This boosts customer engagement and customer satisfaction by empowering buyers with trustworthy brand authentication tools.

3. Seamless Integration with Existing Workflows

Origin connects through APIs, requiring no change to ERP architecture. Organisations can continue using SAP, Oracle or Dynamics as usual while gaining access to advanced brand protection solutions.

4. Offline Protection for Challenging Environments

Even in remote markets with poor network connectivity, Origin enables secure verification and traceability, ensuring uninterrupted protection for field operations.

5. Enhanced Reporting and Analytics

Combined ERP and trust layer data gives businesses a holistic view of supply chain behaviour. Trends, risks and anomalies become easier to identify, supporting better decision making and stronger IP protection.

Conclusion

ERP systems remain the backbone of manufacturing operations and supply chain management. But as global networks grow more complex and risks multiply, ERPs need reinforcement. A trust layer partner provides that reinforcement by securing products, enhancing visibility, enabling product authentication and supporting robust brand protection solutions. With plug-and-play integration capabilities, Origin by Acviss empowers ERP users to take control of their supply chains, protect their brands and deliver safer, more transparent products to their customers.

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