When you invest in a wholesale distribution business, you should consider how you plan to manage and streamline operations. Fortunately, you can now find reliable wholesale distribution management software solutions designed specifically for this purpose.

However, it’s important to understand what a distribution management program is , its benefits, and what it can do for you before you implement it. 

Distribution Management Systems in a Nutshell

A distribution management system is a logistical tool that helps you fulfill orders and manage distribution channels. Distribution management involves overseeing the flow of goods from suppliers or manufacturers to wholesalers or retailers and eventually to consumers.

This process involves many activities, including warehousing, supply chain, raw goods procurement, vendor management, packaging, and inventory management. Distribution management is essential because it helps organize and coordinate numerous processes and systems to make sure your goods get to the intended consumer promptly and with minimum waste of time or resources.

Some distribution management solutions are part of a larger supply chain optimization software platform designed to enhance and streamline the entire supply chain. In other words, distribution management software is an integral part of your overall enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

With this system, you can streamline your distribution activities, operations, and workflows, enhance your supply chain, minimize overstocking and understocking, and access real-time information from distributors.   

Because of its far-reaching impact, it’s important to choose your distribution management software wisely from the many options available in the market.

What Are the Top Wholesale Distribution Software Options?

With so many distribution management programs available, it can be difficult to find the right one for your company. Because each program has its own unique features and capabilities, your choice depends on what you’re looking for and your distribution processes. 

Here are the most popular distribution management software options:

Oracle NetSuite

Developed by Oracle, NetSuite is a network of integrated storage and logistics systems designed in line with the most advanced distribution strategies. It helps manufacturers and distributors distribute goods to wholesalers, retailers, and end consumers in a timely manner without wasting resources.

It’s an ERP system that helps you streamline your core distribution processes, including financial management, order management, inventory management, supply chain management, warehouse management, procurement, and logistics. The system helps you reduce wastage and warehousing costs by ensuring that you distribute your goods promptly rather than storing them in bulk.

With NetSuite, you can kiss common distribution challenges goodbye. It enables you to predict future market demands so you can plan your production and distribution activities to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

SAP Cloud ERP

SAP Cloud ERP (formerly known as SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition) is an ideal solution for wholesale distribution companies, offering industry-specific best practices to streamline operations. With real-time data and embedded AI, distributors can improve demand forecasting, inventory management, and decision-making.

Its scalability and flexibility enable businesses to adapt quickly to market changes, while seamless integration with suppliers, customers, and logistics partners enhances supply chain visibility.

Additionally, the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) eliminates the need for heavy infrastructure investments, and automatic updates ensure access to the latest innovations. For distributors looking to modernize, optimize margins, and enhance customer service, SAP Cloud ERP provides a powerful and future-ready solution.

Logic ERP

This is an integrated ERP solution designed to simplify the distribution process by making it easy for you to handle orders, harmonize demand and supply, issue wholesale invoices, manage inventory, and schedule deliveries.   

It’s very easy to analyze your business data and enhance operations from wherever you are with this cloud-based ERP solution. This eliminates the risk of unfulfilled orders because your employees can access the system remotely.   

Logic ERP is ideal for all businesses, including small, medium, and large enterprises. It’s known for its superior performance, flexibility, speed, security, analytics, and readily available support.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

WMS is a product from Navigator Business Solutions and was developed to revolutionize how enterprises manage their inventory. It seamlessly integrates with ERP systems in your business to extend your inventory management operations .

In addition to integrating with ERP solutions, WMS offers numerous other benefits. For instance, it optimizes inventory management, reduces operating costs, and enhances cash flow for your business.

With WMS, you can accurately monitor the levels of your inventory, improve order fulfillment, and manage inventory rotation effectively. This way, you can minimize the cost of carrying inventory and ensure inventory data is correct and complete. By understanding the state of your inventory, you can make informed decisions about stock levels and reorder points. 

As a manufacturer or distributor, one of the challenges you face is controlling operating costs. WMS helps you improve efficiency in your warehouses by automating most of the manual processes that are likely to push up operating costs. It also ensures there’s proper utilization of space in warehouses, preventing you from renting space you don’t need. 

Strengthening your Back-end Operations with ERP

A modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a powerful tool for wholesale distribution companies, significantly enhancing their backend operations. By integrating various departments and functions into a single platform, ERP offers numerous benefits:

Core Business Backend Process Improvements:

• Inventory Management:
  • Real-time visibility of stock levels across multiple warehouses.
  • Automated replenishment and reorder points.
  • Accurate demand forecasting and inventory optimization.
  • Reduced stockouts and overstocks.
• Order Processing:
  • Streamlined order entry and processing.
  • Automated order allocation and fulfillment.
  • Improved order accuracy and reduced errors.
  • Faster order turnaround times.
• Purchasing and Procurement:
  • Efficient supplier management and purchase order creation.
  • Automated purchase order approvals and processing.
  • Improved supplier performance tracking.
  • Optimized purchasing decisions based on data analysis.
• Warehouse Management:
  • Efficient warehouse operations and inventory control.
  • Real-time tracking of product movement.
  • Optimized picking and packing processes.
  • Improved warehouse space utilization.
• Financial Management:
  • Accurate and timely financial reporting.
  • Improved cash flow management.
  • Enhanced financial forecasting and budgeting.
  • Streamlined accounting processes.

By addressing these critical backend processes, ERP empowers wholesale distribution companies to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, improve customer service, and gain a competitive advantage.

In Conclusion

If you want to streamline your distribution business processes and cut your operating costs, reach out to Navigator Business Solutions today. We are a recognized leader in creating solutions that innovate the way companies work with business management systems!