Rootstock Software Launches Tariff Management Central to Empower Manufacturers Amidst Global Trade Uncertainty
Rootstock Software, a recognized leader in the manufacturing ERP space, has launched its groundbreaking solution, Tariff Management Central, aimed at transforming how manufacturers navigate the complex and volatile global trade environment. As global tariffs have become more unpredictable and challenging, businesses across industries are feeling the pressure to react swiftly to mitigate the risks associated with tariff changes. The introduction of Tariff Management Central is timely, offering manufacturers a comprehensive, agile approach to managing the operational and financial impacts of shifting tariffs.
A New Approach to Tackling Tariff Risks
The world of global trade has shifted dramatically in recent years, with manufacturers finding themselves in an increasingly unpredictable environment, especially when it comes to tariffs. The ongoing trade disputes, fluctuating policy changes, and rapid tariff hikes have made it essential for manufacturers to closely monitor tariff exposure, run simulations, and swiftly adjust sourcing strategies to protect profitability and ensure operational efficiency.
Raj Badarinath, Chief Product & Marketing Officer at Rootstock Software, explains, “The speed and unpredictability of recent tariff changes have introduced a new level of risk to manufacturers. Our Tariff Management Central gives them the visibility and tools they need to respond faster—whether that means adjusting supplier relationships, updating pricing, or reforecasting inventory plans.”
With Tariff Management Central, manufacturers now have access to a suite of tools that integrate directly with their existing ERP systems, enabling them to address tariff-related challenges with greater precision and agility. The solution is designed to give manufacturers real-time visibility into tariff impacts, streamline decision-making, and provide the insights necessary to make informed, proactive choices to safeguard margins and operational efficiency.
Key Features of Tariff Management Central
Rootstock’s Tariff Management Central is packed with powerful features that allow manufacturers to gain control over their tariff exposure and navigate the complexities of global trade. The new module offers several core functionalities designed to enhance operational efficiency, minimize risks, and drive cost optimization:
- Landed Cost Tracking: One of the most important features of Tariff Management Central is its ability to track the total landed cost of goods. By factoring in tariffs, freight, and duties, manufacturers can better understand their true cost of goods sold (COGS) as inventory is received. This calculation uses weighted average costing, ensuring that product and pricing decisions reflect the most accurate, up-to-date input costs. This capability provides invaluable insights into rising material costs, helping businesses adjust their pricing models in real time.
- QuickStart Tariff Tracking via Material Overhead: For manufacturers looking for a quicker and less complex approach to tariff management, Rootstock offers a simplified method for tracking tariffs via material overhead. This alternative is ideal for situations where tariff rates are relatively stable and well-known, as it allows manufacturers to apply a fixed percentage to their inventory costs without waiting for freight invoices or needing to configure multi-step workflows. By reducing complexity and processing time, QuickStart tariff tracking is particularly appealing to finance teams who seek a more streamlined solution that directly impacts gross margin.
- Supplier Rebalancing and Sourcing Optimization: Tariff Management Central also enhances supply chain agility by surfacing tariff-adjusted supplier costs across different geographies. This allows sourcing teams to quickly reassess supplier relationships and make adjustments based on shifting tariff rates. With the ability to pivot to more cost-effective suppliers, manufacturers can mitigate the impact of tariffs on their bottom line and maintain profitability despite increasing duties.
- Tariff Simulation and Pricing Strategy: One of the most powerful features of Tariff Management Central is its tariff simulation and pricing strategy functionality. This tool empowers finance and operations teams to model potential tariff impacts before they occur. Scenario planning capabilities allow teams to assess how various tariffs will affect pricing, margins, and overall profitability. Armed with this insight, manufacturers can make decisions on whether to absorb, offset, or pass through cost increases, helping to protect profitability and ensure that price adjustments are made in advance of tariff hikes.
- Profitability Monitoring and Margin Alerts: Tariff Management Central gives manufacturers real-time insights into profitability at both the product and supplier levels. As material costs rise due to tariffs, the module flags shrinking margins, providing leadership with timely alerts. This functionality enables decision-makers to take quick action, whether it’s adjusting pricing, modifying purchasing decisions, or shifting sourcing strategies, ensuring that margin erosion is minimized and that the business remains financially resilient.
- Inventory Timing and Holding Strategies: Another crucial feature is the module’s support for proactive inventory planning. Manufacturers can use Tariff Management Central to determine the optimal timing for inventory purchases—whether that means purchasing ahead of tariff imposition or delaying the acquisition of tariff-impacted items. This strategic approach to inventory timing and regional stocking helps reduce unnecessary costs while ensuring that goods remain available to meet customer demand, even during periods of tariff volatility.
- Integration with AvaTax Cross-Border: To further enhance the tariff management experience, Rootstock has partnered with Avalara to offer seamless integration with AvaTax Cross-Border. This integration enables manufacturers to automatically calculate customs duties and import taxes in real time, as well as automate the assignment of Harmonized System (HS) codes—global identifiers used for international trade. By automating these processes, the system ensures that the correct tariff rates are applied, reducing compliance risks and preventing costly overpayments or shipment delays due to misclassified goods.
- ERP Integration and Front-Office CRM Connectivity: Unlike standalone tariff management solutions, Tariff Management Central is deeply embedded within Rootstock ERP, creating a unified platform that brings together sourcing, inventory, finance, and production teams. This seamless integration ensures that all departments are working from a single source of truth, which enhances collaboration and ensures a more coordinated approach to decision-making. Additionally, the module connects to customer-facing systems, allowing sales, quoting, and customer service teams to stay informed about tariff-driven changes that could affect costs, pricing, and delivery timelines.
Preparing for the Future: AI-Powered Enhancements
Rootstock is not resting on its laurels. The company is already working on the next evolution of Tariff Management Central, which will leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) to bring even greater automation and intelligence to tariff management. A next-generation, AI-powered tariff agent is currently in development and is expected to be included in an upcoming release. This intelligent agent will be capable of providing adaptive workflows and real-time, data-driven recommendations, helping manufacturers automate tariff tracking and respond even more quickly as global trade regulations shift.
Badarinath emphasizes, “This isn’t just a reporting tool—it’s a decision cockpit. Manufacturers can’t afford to wait for month-end reports to understand tariff impacts. They need actionable insights and the ability to respond quickly. That’s what this module delivers. We’re delivering a powerful set of tools today, while also preparing our customers for what’s coming next.”
Tailored Solutions for All Manufacturers
Tariff Management Central is currently in beta and is designed to be flexible enough to support both quick-start methodologies for smaller manufacturers and more advanced configurations for larger enterprises with complex global supply chains. Rootstock encourages manufacturers interested in exploring the solution to schedule a demo and learn how the module can be tailored to fit their specific sourcing, financial, and operational strategies.
About Rootstock Software
Rootstock Software is a leading provider of cloud-based ERP solutions for manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors. Built natively on the Salesforce platform, Rootstock’s ERP offers a modern, scalable solution that helps businesses streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and accelerate growth. The platform combines advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities with a human-first approach, ensuring that manufacturers are empowered with the insights they need to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Rootstock’s focus on delivering a superior customer experience and minimizing the need for complex customizations has earned the company a reputation as a trusted partner in the manufacturing space. With a commitment to continuous innovation, Rootstock is poised to remain at the forefront of the ERP industry, helping manufacturers stay ahead of the curve as they navigate an increasingly complex and fast-changing global marketplace.
