{"id":72606,"date":"2024-11-14T15:24:31","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T13:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/?p=72606"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:12:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T12:12:02","slug":"what-is-vertical-integration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-vertical-integration\/","title":{"rendered":"What is vertical integration and how does it work?"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is vertical integration and how does it work?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2024-11-14T15:24:31+02:00\">November 14, 2024<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"What is vertical integration and how does it work?\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-vertical-integration\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/author\/yassirmalik\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/Yassir-Malik.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"yassir-malik-profile-picture\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Yassir Malik<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The term \u201cvertical integration\u201d sounds like a business buzzword that gets overused in meetings and emails but ultimately offers little value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, adopting a vertically integrated strategy can help your company take control of its supply chains and reduce the risk of disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-s-what-we-ll-cover\">Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover<\/h4>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">What is vertical integration?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-does-vertical-integration-work\" data-level=\"2\">How does vertical integration work?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-vertical-integration-happens\" data-level=\"2\">Why vertical integration happens<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-common-types-of-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">Common types of vertical integration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-advantages-of-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">Advantages of vertical integration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-potential-pitfalls-of-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">Potential pitfalls of vertical integration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-different-degrees-of-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">The different degrees of vertical integration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-examples-of-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">Examples of vertical integration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-horizontal-vs-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">Horizontal vs. vertical integration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-steps-to-get-started-with-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">Steps to get started with vertical integration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-erp-software-helps-manage-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">How ERP software helps manage vertical integration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts-on-vertical-integration\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts on vertical integration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Move beyond ERP with Sage X3<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Take control of your entire business.<\/p>\n<p>From supply chain to sales with Sage Business Cloud X3. Software for established businesses looking for greater efficiency, flexibility, and insight.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/sage-business-cloud\/sage-x3\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-621\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Watch Now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-44-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Woman in audience raising her hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-44-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-vertical-integration\">What is vertical integration?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vertical integration happens when your company takes ownership of two (or more) steps in the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider an example: you\u2019re a business that manufactures specialised components for the automotive industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensuring components are produced on schedule requires a steady supply of raw materials while making sure end products get to their destination requires reliable distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your material suppliers experience a sudden shortage, or distributors face a staffing crisis, you may not be able to produce or deliver your products, leading to both revenue loss and reputation damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking ownership of your material supply or product distribution creates vertical integration since the business now controls at least two steps in the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-vertical-integration-work\">How does vertical integration work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your business has 2 choices for vertical integration: build or buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a build scenario, your company might create its own distribution centre or build a processing plant to handle raw materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a buy approach, you purchase or merge with existing businesses to gain control of steps in the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These businesses may already be part of your supply chain or may be new companies that offer advantages over your current supply chain partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Worth noting? There\u2019s no \u201cright\u201d way to achieve vertical integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What works for one company may not work for another\u2014the steps you choose to control and the build or buy choice you make depend on your current business targets, existing market demand, and future strategic goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-vertical-integration-happens\">Why vertical integration happens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vertical integration helps your company take more control over supply chain challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As costs related to labour, shipping, and compliance rise, materials suppliers must raise their prices to remain profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vertical integration offers a way for companies to take direct control of costly or time-consuming aspects of their supply chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, vertical integration allows your business to more tightly integrate processes across multiple supply chain steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you own both materials suppliers and the means of production, you can know exactly how much material you have, when it will be processed, and when it will arrive on-site at your processing plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-types-of-vertical-integration\">Common types of vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are four common types of vertical integration: forward, backward, balanced, and disintermediation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a look at each in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-forward\">Forward<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Forward integration refers to building or buying downstream assets in the supply chain process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, you\u2019re taking control of businesses or providers that are closer to the customer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a manufacturing firm, this could mean building your own distribution channel or partnering with retailers directly to sell your products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One advantage of forward integration is agility\u2014you have greater control over where your products are going, when they will arrive, and where they\u2019re being sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-backward\">Backward<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Backward integration sees your business moving farther upstream in the supply chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, your manufacturing firm either builds a new raw materials processing plant or acquires one that already exists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the key benefits of backward integration is quality control\u2014since you control the supply, you can ensure that parts and materials are up to your standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-balanced\">Balanced<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Balanced integration has your company moving both upstream and downstream across the supply chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you might purchase from both a materials company and a distribution provider, which, in turn, gives you full control right up until the retail sales phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-disintermediation\">Disintermediation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Disintermediation is simply the removal of \u201cmiddlemen\u201d from the supply chain process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common form of disintermediation is a manufacturing company skipping both the distribution and retail steps of the supply chain to sell directly to customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can help your business foster closer relationships with consumers and also comes with the benefits of reduced costs and improved efficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, removing the distribution means you no longer have to pay a company for this service\u2014while you do have to take on the task itself, you gain visibility into the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-advantages-of-vertical-integration\">Advantages of vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a vertical integration strategy offers multiple benefits for businesses, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-control\">Control<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying or building an upstream or downstream supply chain component gives you complete control over that component. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You know exactly what things cost, and how long processes will take, and you can identify key areas for process improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-visibility\">Visibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Owning more steps in the supply chain provides increased visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This helps reduce the risk of unexpected delays or issues with product quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you take on the role of materials supplier, you decide where materials are obtained, how they\u2019re evaluated, and which ones make the cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-efficiency\">Efficiency<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Inter-company communication naturally creates inefficiencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teams need to wait for responses from their counterparts, which is especially problematic if businesses and suppliers are in different time zones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Changes in organisational structure can also result in challenges if familiar points of contact are abruptly replaced or if supply communication processes change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking ownership of suppliers or distributors means communication falls entirely under your company\u2019s purview, giving you complete control over how, when, and where communication happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Move beyond ERP with Sage X3<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Take control of your entire business.<\/p>\n<p>From supply chain to sales with Sage Business Cloud X3. Software for established businesses looking for greater efficiency, flexibility, and insight.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/sage-business-cloud\/sage-x3\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-621\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Watch Now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-44-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Woman in audience raising her hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-44-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-potential-pitfalls-of-vertical-integration\">Potential pitfalls of vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vertical integration also comes with potential pitfalls, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost\">Cost<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not cheap to build or buy new supply chain components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is especially true if you operate in a high-demand industry\u2014suppliers may be able to charge a significant premium for selling, or take on multiple, competing offers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rising costs of materials and labour, meanwhile, can make building a new facility an expensive endeavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-time\">Time<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a significant time investment required to take ownership of upstream or downstream supply chain components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can include the time required to purchase a company and transfer ownership, or the time needed to build a new facility from scratch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the approach you take and current market conditions, this could take months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-complexity\">Complexity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Complexity is another challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While vertical integration brings multiple supply chain processes under your control, it also means you\u2019re responsible for managing all these processes simultaneously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From onboarding new staff to testing new processes, integration isn\u2019t easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, these pitfalls can be mitigated with solid pre-integration planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By taking the time to sit down with company stakeholders, leaders, and staff before integration occurs, your company can pinpoint potential problem areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, speaking to your IT team might reveal that a potential materials supplier buyout could be problematic because they use legacy technology solutions that aren\u2019t compatible with cloud-based or edge computing systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This knowledge helps prepare companies for greater cost investment and teams for more time and effort getting new company systems up to speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-different-degrees-of-vertical-integration\">The different degrees of vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vertical integration doesn\u2019t have to be all-or-nothing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, it\u2019s a matter of degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-full-integration\">Full integration<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In a full integration scenario, your company buys or builds the assets necessary to control at least one other step in your supply chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This term can also refer to businesses that take complete control of their supply chain from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-partial-integration\">Partial integration<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Partial or quasi-integration happens when your business purchases a minority stake in a supply chain partner\u2019s business or undertakes a joint venture with the supply chain partner to streamline operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this option offers less control, it also lowers total risk and decreases overall complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-long-term-contracts\">Long-term contracts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another option is signing long-term contracts with suppliers to help increase predictability and ensure your materials or deliveries are prioritised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-short-term-contracts\">Short-term contracts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, you might choose short-term or \u201cspot\u201d contracts to meet specific supply chain needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if your current materials supplier experiences a sudden shortage, you might draft a short-term contract with another company to bridge the gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-examples-of-vertical-integration\">Examples of vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what does vertical integration look like in practice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>E-commerce giant Amazon offers an illustration of integration in action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the company moved from selling books online to offering a wide range of consumer products, it used third-party logistics and delivery services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this helped limit overall costs, it also caused problems for consumers when packages didn\u2019t arrive on time or were difficult to track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the company\u2019s focus on its Prime membership and the speedy shipping services it offers, this distribution disconnect was problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To solve the problem, Amazon moved packaging, logistics, and delivery in-house, building massive warehouses for this purpose and purchasing fleets of Amazon-branded trucks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the initial cash outlay was significant, the control and consistency offered by vertical integration helped earn the company a reputation for fast and reliable delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-horizontal-vs-vertical-integration\">Horizontal vs. vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving up or down the supply chain isn\u2019t the only option for integration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your business can also move sideways, which is known as horizontal integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice, moving sideways means acquiring or merging with another company that occupies the same level in the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you run a retail business you might choose to partner with or buy out another retail brand that offers similar products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or, you might choose to acquire a retail brand that sells products in a similar but distinct market to help capture a larger market share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-steps-to-get-started-with-vertical-integration\">Steps to get started with vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re considering vertical integration, four steps can help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-take-the-temperature\">1. Take the temperature<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Before taking on any vertical integration project, it\u2019s important to take the temperature in the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means talking to staff, stakeholders, and business leaders about overall interest in integration, along with what they see as potential benefits or pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-plan-plan-plan\">2. Plan, plan, plan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning is next. Given the complexity of integration efforts, more time spent planning can help reduce the amount of time spent navigating integration challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-pinpoint-potential-challenges\">3. Pinpoint potential challenges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of challenges, it\u2019s also worth brainstorming about potential pitfalls before kicking off the integration process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By identifying these issues ahead of time, you can take steps to proactively mediate problems rather than reacting as they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-ensure-your-it-infrastructure-is-ready\">4. Ensure your IT infrastructure is ready<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Last but not least? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your IT infrastructure is ready for integration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re still relying on legacy tools and technologies for primary business processes, it\u2019s worth modernising systems first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-erp-software-helps-manage-vertical-integration\">How ERP software helps manage vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/erp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right ERP software tools<\/a> can help streamline the process of vertical integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s say your business decides on a balanced integration strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re a manufacturer, so you acquire both a materials supplier and a distribution company, which, in theory, gives you significant control over your supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The challenge? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your new supplier and distributor both have their own sets of technology infrastructure, which may not play nicely with your systems and solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your teams can\u2019t quickly and effectively address this disconnect, the results can range from lost revenue to damaged reputation if goods aren\u2019t produced, packaged, and shipped on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloud-based ERP solutions\u2014such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Intacct<\/a>\u2014help streamline the process of creating consistent operations across multiple business units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By integrating a single ERP system across all levels of your owned supply chain, you gain the end-to-end visibility required to make decisions and take actions that boost your bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider the case of a materials supplier you own that encounters issues with changing local government regulations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While materials will still be acquired and shipped, the process will take twice as long as normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without end-to-end ERP visibility, this delay data isn\u2019t immediately accessible, which in turn can lead to production performance problems as factories wait for goods that won\u2019t arrive for days or weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With on-demand, connected access to relevant materials data, however, your company can pivot to another product during the delay, and inform customers about what\u2019s happening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This keeps production lines running and lets your company keep distribution providers and customers in the loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-on-vertical-integration\">Final thoughts on vertical integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vertical integration offers a way for your company to improve visibility by taking ownership of supply chain levels above or below your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no single \u201cright way\u201d to vertically integrate your operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are, however, common ways to avoid potential pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> By taking the time to understand stakeholder and staff perspectives, create a detailed plan, prepare for potential problems, and implement infrastructure capable of providing end-to-end visibility, you\u2019re better prepared to make the most of vertical integration.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice enewsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-84fe79b5-668d-41f8-a0cc-6229018c4ac9\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/business-strategy\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness Strategy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/erp\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tERP\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/inventory-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tinventory management\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/supply-chain-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsupply chain management\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-76318 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-trends-insights tag-accountants tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-inventory-management business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T15:45:55+02:00\">June 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">17 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/abc-analysis\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhat is ABC analysis in inventory management? Definition, steps and examples\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tKeen to make your inventory management more efficient? This guide explains ABC analysis, a vital technique for categorising inventory with the potential to impact cash flow, profitability, and overall business health.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-76100 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountants tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-cloud-financial-management tag-financial-insights tag-profit-loss tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business 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tag-supply-chain-management business_type-medium-business industry-manufacturing\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/how-digital-transformation-enables-the-shift-to-smart-sustainable-manufacturing\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Microplasticos_2019_SageX3_Portugal-01-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Microplasticos_2019_SageX3_Portugal-01-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Microplasticos_2019_SageX3_Portugal-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Microplasticos_2019_SageX3_Portugal-01-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-11-18T13:04:00+02:00\">November 18, 2025<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow digital transformation enables the shift to smart, sustainable manufacturing\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is vertical integration, and how does it work? What your business needs to know about growing up (or down) to maximize supply chain control.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1774,"featured_media":71205,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,27],"tags":[316,187,193,212],"business_type":[3],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[12,16],"imagine_tag":[56,83,84,377,78,79],"coauthors":[401],"class_list":["post-72606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-process","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-business-strategy","tag-erp","tag-inventory-management","tag-supply-chain-management","business_type-medium-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-za","author_name":"Yassir Malik","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1483132604.jpg","imagine_tags":{"56":"ERP","83":"Growing business","84":"Midsized business","377":"Stock Management","78":"Supply Chain Management","79":"Supply management"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice South Africa","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1774"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72606\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/71205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72606"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=72606"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=72606"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=72606"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=72606"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=72606"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=72606"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=72606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}