In today’s unpredictable global trade environment, one thing is clear: tariffs are back in the spotlight. From increased material specific duties to sweeping proposals for across-the-board import tariffs, manufacturers are facing a new wave of cost pressures. For Canadian and U.S. manufacturers alike, the ripple effects are being felt across sourcing, pricing, production, and customer relationships.
At Six S Partners, we work closely with manufacturers to align their digital infrastructure to address these real-world challenges. Powered by Epicor ERP, businesses can quickly identify the products and materials affected and mitigate tariff impacts with data-driven strategies, operational agility, and streamlined supply chain sourcing and visibility.
Tariffs 101: What’s Changing and Why It Matters
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, often introduced to protect local industries or exert pressure in trade negotiations. But regardless of the intention, the cost typically lands somewhere along the supply chain—whether that’s the importer, the manufacturer, or the end customer.
Recent announcements in the U.S. and Canada signal steep tariff hikes on many foreign goods. For importers, this means rising costs that must be absorbed, passed on, or offset elsewhere. For local manufacturers, it’s an opportunity to capture market share—but only if operations can scale and adapt quickly.
Strategic Responses for Manufacturers
Depending on your business model, you may need to:
- Re-evaluate your sourcing strategy to include domestic suppliers
- Adjust pricing models to protect margins
- Increase output to meet local demand
- Shift manufacturing operations onshore
- Explore new revenue streams to recover tariff-related costs
Each of these decisions requires clear visibility into your operations, cost structures, and supply chain dynamics. That’s where Epicor ERP comes in.
How Epicor ERP Helps You Stay Ahead
Epicor ERP empowers manufacturers with the tools they need to adapt quickly and strategically to tariff-related disruptions:
- Financial Planning & Scenario Modeling
Use integrated financial management and forecasting tools (like Epicor FP&A) to model the impact of tariffs on product costs, margins, and pricing strategies. - Supply Chain Visibility
Epicor offers real-time supply chain management tools to evaluate suppliers, compare costs, and source materials strategically. This is crucial if you’re shifting to domestic alternatives or seeking lower-cost international suppliers. - Inventory & Demand Planning
With Epicor’s Inventory Planning & Optimization (IP&O), you can stockpile key materials ahead of tariff increases or balance inventory levels to reduce risk and cash flow pressure. - Flexible Manufacturing Operations
Epicor Kinetic allows you to increase throughput, streamline production processes, and adopt technologies like automation and AI to reduce costs and boost responsiveness. - Global & Multi-site Management
For companies exploring reshoring or expansion into new regions, Epicor supports multi-company, multi-currency, and multi-site configurations—essential for operating across borders with minimal disruption. - Omnichannel Sales & Customer Engagement
Epicor Commerce and CPQ help you unlock new revenue channels, tailor offerings, and maintain customer loyalty—even as pricing strategies evolve.
Partner with Six S Partners
Tariffs are just one of many variables manufacturers face today, but the right technology can turn challenge into opportunity. At Six S Partners, we help manufacturers implement and optimize Epicor ERP to build operational resilience, gain real-time insights, and grow confidently—even in uncertain times.
Let’s build your plan for navigating tariffs—together.
Contact Six S Partners to get started.