Wholesalers must ease operations to remain competitive. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software has been a cornerstone in helping businesses manage their whole operation-from inventory to order processing and accounting. The right ERP software can bring the features most important to that type of operation: efficiency, cost savings, and room for growth.
This article discusses the ten best ERP software for wholesale distributors, focusing on their key features and benefits.
Key Features of ERP Software for Wholesale Distributors
The needs of these functionalities should be met by the right features in the ERP system. Some of the must-haves are as follows:
Inventory Management:
Ideally, it should give distributor-level real-time visibility of the inventory levels, through which distributors can track their stock, avoid stock shortages, and eliminate excess stock inventories.
Order Management:
An ERP solution should follow orders from the receipt to the fulfillment by the distributor. It should be integrated with all channels of sales such as B2B and B2C orders.
Supply Chain Management:
A good ERP for a wholesale distributor is one that can ease the process of procurement, vendor management along with shipping. It should also be able to help in the demand forecasting and optimize routes and track shipments.
Financial Management:
The heart of any ERP is its accounting and finance reporting. In the context of wholesale distributors, ERP systems assist in sending invoices, account payable/receivable, even real-time analytics for the finance.
CRM:
Customer relationship management helps distributors stay in touch with the quality of their relationships with customers. An integrated CRM will manage customer interaction and sales tracking opportunities and maintain historic data of sales.
Top 10 ERP Software Solutions for Wholesale Distributors
1. NetSuite ERP
Website: www.netsuite.com
Best for: Wholesale distributors looking for an all-around, cloud-based solution for big operations.
It is Oracle’s flagship, cloud-based ERP software for wholesale distributors, designed particularly with the wholesale distribution company in mind. This aspect of the system puts under one roof financial management, control over inventories, order processing, and managing customer relationships. The supply chain is completely live in real time. Decisions can be made with data-driven precision in no time.
It is designed to have very robust reporting and customization of dashboards to provide actionable insights for operation optimization and improvement of profitability. The NetSuite ERP is for the companies having international operations or future expansion plans as it supports multi-currency and multi-subsidiary. Scalability is ensured; thus, the platform grows with your business, which is a future-proof investment for wholesale distributors.
Key Features:
- End-to-end supply chain visibility and management
- Advanced financial management and reporting
- Real-time inventory management and tracking
- Automated order processing and fulfillment capabilities
- Built-in CRM functionality
- Multi-warehouse management
- Access using a mobile device
Pricing:
Custom Pricing
2. Acumatica
Website: www.acumatica.com
Best for: Mid-sized distributors are looking for flexible deployment options and pricing
Acumatica provides the latest-generation cloud-based ERP offering powerful capabilities in the distribution area along with easy interface design. The solution presents flexibility around the deployment options and price plans, bringing in the possibility of installations either in the cloud or on-premises or even as a hybrid. Its version for distributors encompasses even elaborate tools for completing complex supply chains and warehouse operations efficiently. The software adopts a unique model of consumption-based pricing, therefore only charging clients for the computed resources they apply.
This actually makes it uniquely appealing to an expanding business house. Acumatica’s Open Architecture allows perfect integration with both third-party and existing applications easily, thus providing that fully connected Business Environment. From any device and anywhere, teams can access very critical information besides performing essential things through the use of a completely mobile-first design.
Key Features:
- Flexible deployment choices
- Usage-Based Pricing Model
- Advanced management of inventory
- Integrated CRM and the management of sales
- Strong reporting and analytics
- Multi-site functionality
- Mobile-first
Pricing:
Custom Pricing
3. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Website: dynamics.microsoft.com
Best for: Those organizations that are significantly invested in the Microsoft Ecosystem
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an all-rounded business solution. It brings together all the capabilities of ERP Software for Wholesale Distributors with the powerful functionality of CRM. It uses the familiar interfaces of Microsoft and integrates well with other products that come from the house, thus making an ecosystem for running a business. Its capabilities help in warehouse management, inventory optimization, and planning for demand help in easing operations across multiple locations.
It gives predictive insights for better decision making and more accurate forecasts. It is modular; companies can begin with the essentials and build out into whatever features may be needed, therefore scalable and cost-efficient. This being in the cloud platform also helps have real-time collaboration and has the access of the data that’s present at all times in every department within an organization, that truly makes distributed teams and work outside of office walls super effective.
Key Features:
- Native integration with Office 365.
- AI-enabled insights and analytics.
- Unified warehouse management with commerce capabilities
- Auto-work flows integrated with Power BI
Pricing:
Custom Pricing
4. Epicor
Website: www.epicor.com
Best for: Manufacturing-oriented distributors that require industry-specific functionality
Epicor is one of the most successful ERP software for wholesale distributors for distributors that are either manufacturers or have a highly complex supply chain network. The product offers strong distribution capabilities combined with manufacturing-centric functionality, catering to companies doing business in either one of these spaces. The product comes with industry-specific functionality such as bill of materials management tools, production scheduling tools, and quality control tools along with all other traditional features of distribution.
The powerful analytics engine will enable cost and profitability tracking at a granular level across different business units and product lines. Epicor modular architecture allows a business to implement only the features that are required while always keeping an option for expansion to accommodate business growth.
Key Features:
- Manufacturing process management
- High tech advanced supply chain planning
- Quality management
- Lot number tracking and serialisation
- BI tools
- CRMs
- Wireless warehouse managements
Pricing:
Custom Pricing
5. Sage
Website: www.sage.com
Best for: Small to medium-sized distributors who want simple low-cost solutions
Sage is a rather generic ERP Software for Wholesale Distributors system specifically designed with the needs of small and medium wholesale distribution businesses in mind. It blends simple, key features of distributions and financial management into a solid yet not too overly complicated solution. This product is ideal for companies who are moving up from simple accounting software to full-fledged ERP systems due to its user-friendly interface and eased implementation.
The software remains very much concentrated on financial management and compliance reporting, thereby helping the users deliver proper reports that are in sync with all relevant jurisdictions. It provides anywhere access to critical business information with solid security measures, thanks to cloud-based deployment offered by Sage. This is through a very large network of partners and consultants working with this platform, so the end-user gets an assurance of true support with applications customized according to his need for specific businesses.
Key Features:
- Integrate Accounting and Finance
- Inventory and Warehouse management
- Automation Purchase Order
- Process Sales order
- Multi-Company
- Compliance management
- Cloud/On-Premise
Pricing:
6. Datacor ERP
Website: www.datacor.com
Best for: Chemical and Process Manufacturers/Distributors
Datacor is highly specialized ERP software for wholesale distributors, chemical manufacturing and distribution. It involves industry-specific functionality that will address unique issues seen in the chemical distribution industry, such as lot tracking, quality control, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Its complete toolset, ranging from formula handling to generating safety data sheets, makes it an essential tool for organizations that handle regulated materials. The software used adopts an integrated approach that minimizes errors and thus improves efficiency by providing effective communication between manufacturing, quality control, and distribution operations.
Datacor demonstrates sound knowledge of the chemical industry through its feature compliance tools designed to ensure adherence to all regulations and standards implemented in the industry. Strong reporting capabilities make it easy to analyze both performance metrics in terms of financial and operational performance.
Key Features:
- Chemical-specific regulatory compliance
- SDS management
- Formula and batch management
- Quality control and testing
- Lot traceability
- Environmental reporting
- Industry-specific pricing models
Pricing:
Custom Pricing
7. Syspro
Website: www.syspro.com
Best for: Manufacturing distributors needing high traceability functionality
Syspro is the most robust ERP software for wholesale distributors that provides superior end-to-end visibility as well as controlling the manufacturing and distribution operation. The core strength of this platform is the capability to execute intricate supply chain requirements while offering very detailed traceability in the overall production and distribution process. This platform provides robust lot tracking, which can help the organization stay compliant and respond quickly in case of potential quality concerns or a recall.
With a modular design, companies can add specific functionality to meet their needs at the time, with an added flexibility to add features as they grow. Syspro delivers an intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve for new users while delivering very powerful capabilities for experienced users. Being very robust in manufacturing operations coupled with the distribution operations will be very key for companies willing to optimize that two aspects of their business together.
Key Features:
- Advanced lot tracking and traceability
- Process control of manufacture
- Optimizing the supply chain
- Quality management system
- Business intelligence
- Mobile solutions
- Materials management
Pricing:
Custom Pricing
8. Infor CloudSuite Distribution
Website: www.infor.com/products/cloudsuite-distribution
Best for: Large distributors that call for more developed analytics and AI capabilities
Infor CloudSuite Distribution is one of the most highly developed cloud-based ERP solutions created for wholesale distributors who call for more developed technological capabilities. The system applies artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver predictive analytics and intelligent automation through all business processes. Its industry-specific functionality addresses the unique challenges that modern distributors face, from complex pricing strategies to optimization of inventories.
The software’s advanced analytics engine also facilitates real-time decision making supported by comprehensive data analysis, among other market trends. Its uninterrupted innovation propels Infor to guarantee access to the best features and distribution management capabilities available. A cloud architecture also provides enterprise-level security and reliability for business systems to operate without glitchy scaling.
Key Features:
- AI powered analytics and forecasting
- Advanced Pricing Management
- Automation of warehouse operations
- Strategic procurement tools
- Customer relationship management
- Electronic Data Interchange
- Mobile working workforce enablement
Pricing:
Custom Pricing
9. SAP Business One
Website: www.sap.com
Best for: Small to mid-sized distributors needing enterprise-grade functionality
SAP Business One is a complete ERP Software for Wholesale Distributors system that takes the full functionalities of an application at the enterprise level and presents them to a small and medium-sized distribution business. Powerful financial management is strongly paired with some of the stronger distribution functionality within a cohesive, all-encompassing system representing every area of business. Complex business processes become much more manageable while maintaining all the sophisticated functionality that SAP has built into their application.
The software allows real-time analytics and reporting, which means that all business areas can make informed decisions. The add-ons and integrations in the SAP Business One ecosystem enable the company to have a customized solution according to specific needs while retaining standardized core functionality. The platform reaches markets and, therefore adheres to the regulations of the market and practices in business.
Key Features:
- Financial management
- Inventory control in real time
- Procurement in advanced stage
- Sales and customer management
- Business intelligence
- Multi-currency
- Mobile-accessible
Pricing:
Custom Pricing
10. Odoo
Website: www.odoo.com
Best for: Scaling businesses in search of an extremely customizable open-source solution
Odoo is an incredibly flexible, customizable open-source ERP solution ideal for wholesale distributors. Its module-based architecture lets a business start with basic functionalities and add new functionalities over time. Therefore, Odoo is the most suitable ERP software for wholesale distributors for growing companies. Its community-driven development guarantees ongoing updates and improvements while keeping it cost-effective as compared to more traditional ERP solutions.
The modern look and feel of the software and its user-friendly interface make it accessible to organizations of any size without losing any advanced capabilities. Odoo has an extensive marketplace of apps and integrations that enable businesses to create a solution that is really tailored to meet specific business needs. Its open-source nature gives complete control over data and customization options.
Key Features:
- Modular application design
- Open-source flexibility
- Integrated e-commerce capabilities
- Inventory management
- Purchase and sales automation
- Website builder
- Community support
Pricing:
Benefits of Using ERP Software for Wholesale Distributors
There are many advantages with the wholesale distribution-oriented ERP system that will make the process flow better and provide growth. Some of the major benefits have been enumerated as follows:
Increased Efficiency:
With an integrated ERP system, the wholesalers and distributors found it much easier to automate and simplify things by addressing repetitive tasks like inventory monitoring, handling orders, and generating financial reports that guarantee the delivery of quick decision-making without error.
Better Control of Inventory:
ERP software for wholesale distributors provides the visibility of real-time inventory levels and sales trend, which allows wholesalers to have the best possible stock levels. Automated low-stock and stock-out alerts prevent lost sales.
Cost Saving:
This way, together with lesser excess and better control over inventory, the storage cost can be saved apart from wastage prevention. In addition, automated financial reports and order processing save time as well as labour costs.
Better Customer Service:
A full-fledged CRM in the ERP will allow distributors to improve their management of customer relationships. It will help to track customer preferences, order history, and feedback, which could be used in providing personalized service and improving retention.
Conclusion
ERP software for wholesale distributors is a very precious tool for wholesale distributors who would like to improve their operations. It integrates processes, such as inventory management, order processing, and financial tracking, which help the distributor improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service. The 10 ERP solutions listed above offer diverse features tailored to the unique needs of wholesale distributors from small businesses to large enterprises.
Once all the above requirements are satisfied and aligned with a system, wholesale distributors can simplify operational processes, enlarge their business venture, and get ahead of things in a multifaceted market.
FAQs
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What is ERP software for the wholesale distributor?
ERP wholesale distributor software manages every area of a business, ranging from all management of inventory-related areas.
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How is the ERP assisting with inventory control?
ERP system is known to have a real-time stock level exposure that automates reorder point and provides inventory optimization.
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Does the ERP software accommodate the scale requirements of an evolving business?
Most ERPs are indeed designed to accommodate growing inventories, additional locations, and added users with their growing businesses.
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Will an ERP benefit the wholesalers in offering more customer-centric service?
Yes, due to its integration of CRM modules, ERP enables distributors to capture customer contact activities and sales histories.
