Top 8 Benefits of Distribution ERP Software 

Distribution companies face many logistical challenges, including coordinating shipments and tracking both incoming and outgoing stock. Handling all these demands can be difficult, particularly when there are so many moving parts and people or organizations involved. This is why many distribution companies use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to manage daily operations. ERP software helps distribution companies keep pace with changing market conditions and rising customer demands while maintaining profitability. 

Challenges Facing Today’s Distribution Companies 

Distribution companies often need help maintaining accurate inventory levels. Overstocking takes up valuable storage space and money that could have been better used elsewhere. At the same time, understocking poses risks, too. It can result in missed sales, unfilled orders, and unhappy or even lost customers. Managing multiple distribution channels, including wholesalers, retailers, and eCommerce sales, adds another layer of complexity.  

Maintaining accurate inventory data is challenging in any system with so many moving parts. It’s also hard to manage pricing, including applying pricing changes or providing customers with automatic access to their custom negotiated rates. Doing this automatically is almost impossible without a unified system managing your operations. ERP software connects to every part of your business, automating manual processes, reducing data errors, and accelerating order fulfillment. 

Top 8 Benefits of ERP for Distribution 

ERP software offers multiple benefits for wholesale distribution companies. Here, we’ll review the top 8 benefits of distribution ERP software. 

1. Better Inventory Management – Sage ERP provides real-time visibility into inventory levels and movement. It also provides a centralized management system for inventory distributed through different channels.  

2. Automate Manual Tasks – ERP software automates manual tasks, including workflows and approval processes. This reduces or eliminates errors from manual data entry and reduces costs.  

3. Streamline Operations – By connecting different departments under one unified system, ERPs streamline operations across the entire business.  

4. Better Data Visibility – ERPs provide visibility into all real-time financial and operational data. Reports and dashboards make it easy to visualize data and spot potential trends or risks.  

5. Improved Scalability – Modern ERP companies increase scalability. Sage can easily handle increased product volumes and add additional modules and functionality as needed. It grows with the business and prevents inefficiencies due to outdated systems or processes.  

6. Better Collaboration – All employees will have instant, real-time access to the same data across your company. They’ll see exactly the information they need while robust user controls and permissions protect more sensitive financial and operational data. 

7. Improve Regulatory Compliance – Managing regulatory and legal compliance can be difficult, particularly across multiple industries or jurisdictions. Sage ERP makes it easy with automated compliance tracking and notifications.  

8. Better Customer & Vendor Relationships – ERPs streamline operations and accelerate order fulfillment. Clients and vendors will receive automated order notifications, improving customer relationships.  

Take ERP Distribution Software to the Next Level  

Having ERP software is great, but it’s often not enough to take your business to the next level. An ERP integration or ERP eCommerce integration creates a truly connected system that touches every aspect of your business. Our E-Link tool forms a bidirectional data sync between your ERP and eCommerce site. This means that information and data from your ERP will be instantly available on your website, and any new orders or updates made on the website will flow into your ERP. 

Customer Benefits of an ERP eCommerce Integration 

1. Access to Customer-Specific Pricing and Inventory – Many B2B companies negotiate their own custom rates or discounts. Some may also need access to a specific set or type of products, particularly if there are industry-specific or regulatory requirements. Traditionally, ordering these custom products is a very manual process that relies on email and phone orders. This is inefficient and could result in costly delays. With our E-Link tool, your customers can simply log onto your website and place new orders. They’ll also be able to see current product availability. 

2. Shipping and Tracking Updates – Customers will be able to instantly see the status of all orders, including shipping and tracking information, payment status, and more.  

3. Better Customer Service – Faster shipments, more automatic updates, and access to a self-service customer portal all improve the customer experience. They make it easier for the customer to order and receive the products they need.  

Internal Benefits of an ERP eCommerce Integration 

1. Easier Product Updates – With an ERP eCommerce integration, updating products or product information on the website is as easy as updating it in the ERP. Any product changes will instantly appear on the webstore. 

2. Automatic Inventory Updates – Inventory information on the website will automatically update based on information input into the ERP. This is a huge advantage for companies with multiple distribution channels and prevents oversells.  

3. Automatic Backend Order Processing – New website orders automatically flow into the ERP for faster processing. 

4. Save Time & Money – An ERP eCommerce integration reduces inefficiencies, which saves time and money. 

Implementing Sage & E-Link in Your Distribution Strategy 

Choosing a new ERP is a big decision. It takes time to implement a new software solution, and it’s important to choose the right one to fit the needs of your business. That’s where partners like CertiPro come in. We’ll carefully determine your company’s needs and help you pick the Sage system that works best for you. Contact us today to see what CertiPro can do for your business and your clients.