Big and small companies are getting a lot of help from distribution software. This is because the software makes it simpler and easier for companies to manage and track every aspect of the business. The benefits of using a good distribution software are numerous, and so are the number of software and service vendors out in the market today. This can make choosing the right system daunting. Hopefully, reviews of the best distribution software will help you choose which one to use in your business.
Understanding What a Distribution Software Is
Distribution software refers to an application that has been designed to aid manufacturing and distribution companies in managing the various transactions their business performs. The software falls under enterprise resource planning (ERP) and encompasses a wide net of systems and processes. A top distribution software boasts a wide range of functions, like accounting, customer service, customer relationship management, finance management, inventory control, order processing, purchasing, sales and supply chain management. The more sophisticated software programs can even do advanced forecasting and replenishment, manage warehouses, packing and shipping and even have provisions for Electronic Data Interchange and Trade Spend Management. Several ERP software vendors like Acumatica, Infor Distribution, Netsuite and SAP ERP have already incorporated distribution software in their systems.
Benefits of Using Distribution Software
Distribution oriented companies are hard-pressed to keep up with daily transactions and inventory updates. Even small companies, which have relatively fewer stocks, find it difficult to keep track of all their activities and products, which is why it’s advisable to use a software distribution program. And it’s not just for stocks, as the system can also come with an integrated accounting software, thereby making it easier to get a detailed look at daily transactions. However, those are not the only benefits a company can receive from using a distribution software. Here are six more:
- Companies Can Save Money.
Businesses using a distribution management software can significantly cut down on costs, especially when it comes to manpower. With the software in place, a company won’t need to hire people to monitor every transaction or to manually take inventory of stocks. The company can substantially cut down on hiring and training costs.
- Businesses Can Manage Time Better
Time is gold, especially in business, and a good distribution system certainly helps with this. Since the distribution software automates monitoring, it makes managing inventory easier and quicker and saves the company time. With employees being able to manage their time better, they can turn their focus on enhancing other skills. Companies will also have more time for more important programs, like developing a better advertising campaign or improving customer service.
- Inventory Monitoring Is Easy and Fast.
As previously mentioned, monitoring stocks and supplies become so much easier with a distribution software. Instead of manually counting stocks every week, everything is logged in and tracked and reports are quickly generated. This means that a company can easily fill up their stocks, ensuring that what the customers’ needs are always on hand.
- Monitoring Is More Accurate.
Perhaps one of the best benefits to come from using a distribution software is how accurate inventory reports become. It also makes it easier to notice any discrepancies in numbers and to determine where the problem lies. This saves the company money that might otherwise have wasted if there’s something off in the inventory list versus the actual number of supplies. Conversely, since a company can swiftly determine the exact number of items they have on hand in their warehouse, they can also quickly calculate how much they would need to order in the near future. This translates to a full inventory and satisfied clients, which would hopefully lead to more revenue.
- Transactions Are Faster and More Efficient.
Companies will become more efficient with distribution software since orders are well organized. And because all transaction processes are automated, reports and inventories are easy to understand, lessening the burden on employees. This leads to less waiting time and faster deliveries as businesses can then send out orders on time, maybe even in advance. This kind of service has a positive spin as clients will get the impression that the company is efficient and capable, thereby boosting its reputation and ensuring repeat orders.
- Possible Problems Are Quickly Identified and Resolved.
Distribution businesses can really benefit from management and accounting software since potential financial problems can easily be spotted and rectified. This is due to the software’s accurate reports, which helps management quickly identify transactions that are wrong or done maliciously. A quick resolution of a budding problem can prevent legal action and save the company’s time and money.
Picking a Good Distribution Software
There are a number of factors to be considered and questions that need to be asked when choosing the best distribution software for a business. One of the first things a distributor has to examine is whether it’s a wholesale distribution software or just for general business management. The former is likely to have the features and functions a business needs. Aside from that, you also have to reflect on whether the software you’re eyeing fits the scale and scope of your business operations. If not, can it be adjusted or upgraded?
Other questions you have to answer are whether the distribution software will still be useful as your business grows and if it carries the best of current technology. This is crucial since technology advances at a breakneck pace. You should also check if it supports cloud deployment as this and SaaS pricing are now becoming the norm and what the best distribution software offers.
Reviews of the Best Distribution Software of 2017
Of course, it’s a given that one should do their homework and compare the various distribution software being offered in the market today. It’s always a good idea to brush up on the best distribution software reviews so you’ll know what you’re getting into. A quick glance shows that small and medium businesses looking for a distribution software should consider companies like Blue Link ERP, Focus I, Masterworks from Beckard Associates, NDS ERP For Distribution, Sonic Fusion, and SAP Business One. Meanwhile, companies that are expanding or those who prefer flexibility can look into what vendors like Apprise ERP, NetSuite, OMS ERP and SYSPRO ERP offer.
Pricing is something that will undoubtedly sway the decision of business owners. While there are affordable distribution software, the premiere ones can get pricey. For instance, Sage charges about $2,600 per user while Epicor is a bit pricier at $3,000 to $5,000 per user. Companies getting NetSuite or Syspro might have to shell out anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000. However, companies can avail of financing options like leasing, owner financing, and lease to own or subscriptions.
The number of employees that can use the software varies as well. Most vendors offer unlimited users whereas some have a cap which can run anywhere from 200 to 5,000 users. All ERP software vendors offer free demos, which business owners should take advantage of. It would also be a good idea for management to get several of their key workers to sit in for the demos in order for everyone to get a look at the new system and give their feedback. Most distribution software are multi-site and can be used globally, although some vendors, like Infor and DDI System, can only be used in the US, Canada, and the UK.
Business owners should also check the distribution software’s architecture, database platform, and server operating systems when reading the reviews. Most can run on Windows while others also run on Linux and Unix systems. Microsoft Dynamics and NetSuite also run on Novell Netware while Vai runs on IBM Power System. Meanwhile, Intacct software appears to be the only one that’s compatible with all operating systems.
Companies should also check what processes the distribution software can do. After all, not all distribution software are created equal. For instance, NetSuite’s Sales Order Management offers Automated Order Processing and Payments, One Click Purchase, Real Time Order Status and Procure-to-Pay Purchasing whereas Vai only offers Order and Work Order Processing.
Aside from that, not all distribution software offer the same features. Intacct doesn’t have Sales Order or Materials Management and appears to be geared towards Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Financial Management. The same goes with DDI System, which doesn’t appear to offer any support with Supply Chain and Production Management.
There are a lot of benefits to be gained from using a distribution management software. Companies can save a lot of time, money and manpower with it. This is certainly an investment that goes a long way in contributing to a company’s success and growth, which is why businesses, whether big or small, should use it.
There’s no question that every company needs a top distribution software. If you want to know which software would be good for your business, visit CrowdReviews.com and check out our reviews of the best distribution software.
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