How to Find Distribution Software in 5 Easy Steps

Implementing the proper distribution system is crucial to the success of your business. The right distribution software can facilitate the management of business operations by tracking products and terms for customers and suppliers. Distribution systems are also designed with the following functionalities:

  • Order management
  • Inventory management
  • Warehouse management
  • Accounting
  • Customer relationship management
  • Purchasing & procurement

The type of software you choose can have a huge impact on your bottom line and day-to-day business processes.

Here’s how you can find the right distribution software:

  1. What type of buyer are you?

Are you a full-suite buyer looking for a complete distribution suite? Or you are a multiple warehouse operations buyer that needs to track inventories over a huge geographical area. You need a solution that can balance inventory between warehouses and strategically keep it close to prospective customers.

Are you a specialist departmental buyer for a firm with an internal distribution network? Such buyers often have to contend with multiple suppliers and competing customers. Then there are small business buyers that work for a small number of clients and often use paper-based systems.

All in all, when it comes to choosing the right solution, you want to consider your growth plans, since this will decide your need for sales management and inventory control. Distributors in growth markets need to consider solutions that promise to grow with your company, including functionality and transaction volume handling capacity.

  1. Will the software keep your customers happy?

The purpose of a business is to enhance customer satisfaction and improve retention rates. With the right distribution management software, you should be able to simplify customer management. When it comes to considering software, determine whether the solution under consideration can help improve your customer service levels and order fulfillment and identify your weak links that need to be replaced. You want a solution that can help raise your customer retention rates.

Besides, are you able to identify where your money is coming from and which products are bringing you a maximum business? Does the software pinpoint your most profitable customers?  Can you identify the customers that can turn out to be your loyal ones?

This will help you channel your energy in the right direction, encouraging even stronger cash flow.

Is your inventory being tracked closely? What about finances?

What is the extent of your inventory needs? You need to keep a track of your warehouse, so you know clear how much inventory is too much. A scalable distribution system is the best alternative if you do not have an extensive inventory at present but plan to expand it soon.

Does the software keep a close track of your financial records? What are the software’s reporting capabilities? It would be in your best interest to be able to create real-time and accurate financial reports quickly. Is the software equipped to do this? Does it allow you to create custom reports? If you are able to easily review your records, you would be able to make business decisions with greater confidence.

Does the software integrate with existing systems?

Today, warehouse systems need to have capabilities to connect to vendors and customers outside the enterprise via Electronic Data Interchange. Not only this, the best solutions are designed to integrate with customer relationship management, e-business, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

It is all the more necessary for software solutions to have the capabilities to connect to outside systems. What are the crucial connectivity points to seamlessly manage your operations? Make a list of each and then shortlist warehouse systems that can cater to this requirement.

Is it user-friendly?

A distribution management software solution that makes life easier for employees is the best. Even the best solution will do nothing for your business if the end users don’t know how to optimize its use. A solution with an intuitive interface, which is easy to use, will be the best choice and help your business operations run smoothly.

Of course, the best distribution software is user-friendly, with an easy-to-navigate interface. It will address your business’s pain points, helping you run your business smoothly.

With an influx of distribution software tools in the market, you may struggle to find the right solution for your business. When you feel overwhelmed by the evaluation process, try to create a road map to guide yourself through your key requirements from the software and then identify the right distribution systems.

If you are still struggling to find the best solution, worry not! We, at ITQlick, are here to help!  Come in touch with us and we will try to understand your unique business requirements before starting the selection process, and making the right software recommendations, so you can make the best decision possible.

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