Best Wholesale Distribution Software for 2024

Updated on April 19, 2024 by Alina Kostukova

2024 will significantly increase the need for wholesale distribution software as companies navigate an increasingly complex market. The wholesale sector must adapt quickly to changing consumer demands and seamlessly use emerging technologies.

The manual, antiquated methods are no longer effective enough for the modern company environment.

Consequently, wholesalers employ modern technologies to boost inventory control, streamline operations, and boost profitability. The state of affairs makes it abundantly evident that a company's ability to function more profitably, flexibly, and effectively depends on its wholesale distribution software.

Jump to the most relevant part

• What is wholesale distribution software?
• Key features to look for in wholesale distribution software
• Best wholesale distribution software solutions 2024
• Comparative analysis of top software solutions
• Importance of choosing the right ERP for wholesale distribution
• Evaluating free vs. paid software solutions
• Conclusions

Now, let's examine some of the market's top wholesale distribution software options, emphasizing their features and advantages for improving operational efficiency and spurring company expansion.

What is wholesale distribution software?

Software for wholesale distribution is made particularly for organizations that buy merchandise in vast amounts from makers or producers and exchange them with retailers or different providers. 

Wholesale distribution software aims to aid computerization and smooth out significant methodologies connected with request satisfaction, bookkeeping, stock administration, client relationships, the board, and different regions.

Software for wholesale distribution is intended to benefit companies in multiple ways:

• Automating tasks makes work easier and faster, which means fewer mistakes and quicker order handling.
• It helps you keep an eye on the amount of goods you have in various locations to ensure you always have enough to meet the demands of your clients.
• It provides comprehensive reports that tell you how sales are going, who is buying what, which products are popular, and whether you're profitable.
• It enhances the purchasing experience for your clients by providing easily accessible online services, prompt order delivery, and first-rate customer assistance.

• Utilizing the best wholesale distribution software has several advantages, such as increasing productivity while lowering expenses.
• Overstocking or running out of inventory can be avoided with better inventory management.
• Orders are accurately filled and delivered on schedule.
• Data analysis increases revenue and profitability.
• Strengthens relationships with clients, expanding the clientele.

Key features to look for in wholesale distribution software

Wholesale distribution software should contain several key features to maximize operational efficiency. Here are some of the most critical capabilities to look for:

Order management

Order management is critical to maintaining client satisfaction and seamless operation in wholesale distribution. Robust order management solutions enable businesses to handle orders more efficiently, from the point of placement to delivery.

Customers are more satisfied since they receive their orders faster thanks to this promptness. Additionally, enabling clients to follow their orders in real time increases openness and customer confidence in the company.

Inventory tracking

Keeping track of all the items you have for sale is very important. It helps ensure you have enough goods— not too many or too few. This way, you can quickly send out what customers order.

Also, by guessing how much people will want in the future, companies can be more visionary about getting more stock ready at the right time. Having just what customers are looking for means orders get filled faster, costs go down because there's less extra stock sitting around, and customers end up happier with their shopping experience.

Customer relationship management (CRM)

A robust CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system helps companies handle their connections with customers well, making customers happier and more loyal. It gathers all customer information in one place so businesses can make their talks with customers more personal, understand what they want and need better, and guess what they might need in the future.

This results in better conversations, recommendations that fit the customer's likes, and helpful support before they ask for it. Hence, it builds stronger bonds and keeps customers coming back.

Analytics

Advanced analytics help businesses understand how they're doing by using data to make intelligent decisions and keep getting better. By looking at sales, what customers do, and what's in stock, companies can find ways to grow, set the correct prices, and be ready to change what people want.

This forward-thinking helps them stay ahead of others and give customers great experiences. Analytics also lets businesses keep an eye on essential measures like how fast orders are filled, how quickly items sell out, and how happy customers are.

Integration

Connecting different business systems makes work smoother by ensuring information flows quickly, and no data gets stuck in one place. When wholesale distribution software works well with other programs, like accounting tools, online stores, and delivery services, it keeps all the details consistent and correct.

This feature helps automate tasks so people don't have to enter the same information more than once – this saves time and reduces mistakes.

Also, when these systems are connected, businesses can see what's happening across their operations.

Best wholesale distribution software for 2024

Choosing the right wholesale distribution software can enhance your business agency's overall performance and profitability. Here's a breakdown of the Best Wholesale Distribution Software for 2024.

1. Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP

Key Features

• Robust Scalability
• Real-time Data Visibility
• Built-in Analytics
• Advanced Automation Capabilities

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Streamlines complex operations
• Improves Forecasting and Planning Accuracy
• Enhances Customer Relationship Management.

The cloud-based Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP system is designed to meet the varied demands of large wholesale distribution companies. Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP has more features than focused competitors, making it suitable for more extensive, far-flung distribution tasks.

This comprehensive solution includes financial solid management for streamlining accounts payable and receivable, meticulous inventory control for optimizing stock levels and order success, and advanced supply chain control for green procurement and logistics. It's possible with Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP.

With integrated consumer relationship management (CRM) features, organizations can easily manage consumer interactions, adapt advertising, and build deeper relationships that boost sales.

2. Sage 300 Cloud

Key Features

• User-friendly Interface
• Strong Reporting Tools
• Mobile Accessibility
• Integration Capabilities

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Ensures Regulatory Compliance
• Minimizes Waste and Spoilage
• Improves Inventory Control for Perishable Goods.

For mid-sized wholesale distributors looking for a practical yet consumer-pleasant answer, Sage 300 Cloud is a compelling desire. This cloud-based totally ERP gadget goes beyond basic accounting software, presenting a complete suite of functionalities specially tailored to the wishes of wholesale distribution companies.

Sage 300 Cloud empowers users to easily control center economic methods like bills payable, receivable, and more. Inventory control takes the middle level, offering functions for efficient stock control, order fulfillment, and actual-time visibility into stock ranges.

Streamlined order management simplifies techniques like order processing, invoicing, and patron verbal exchange, ensuring smooth and efficient income cycles. Sage 300 Cloud boasts strong reporting gear to beautify decision-making further, generating insightful reviews on sales, stock, and critical overall performance indicators (KPIs).

3. Aptean Food & Beverage ERP

Key Features

• Specialized Functionalities for Food Costing
• Quality Control
• Lot Tracking
• Expiration management

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Simplifies Core Operations
• Facilitates Data-Driven decision-making
• Enables Remote Access and Management

Complex systems and strict rules are crucial in competitive food and drink distribution. Aptean Food & Beverage ERP goes beyond wholesale distribution ERP functionalities. It solves this company's issues uniquely.

The system has every distributor's essentials: robust financial management, efficient inventory management, and fast order handling. However, Aptean Food & Beverage ERP stands out due to its food and drink-specific capabilities.

It lets wholesalers perform intricate activities like recipe costing, ensuring accurate prices and profit. Traceability lets them trace items and materials across the supply chain. This provides food safety and transparency.

4. Epicor Eclipse

Key Features

• Advanced Warehouse Automation Capabilities
• Robust Business Intelligence Tools
• Reporting and Analytics
• Purchasing and Replenishment

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Optimizes Warehouse Picking and Packing Processes
• Facilitates Data-Driven Insights for Better Decision Making
• Enables Seamless Communication with Customers

Epicor Eclipse is a powerful ERP solution for mid-market and commercial wholesale distributors. Its various features make it more than an ERP. It handles numerous wholesale distribution tasks. Epicor Eclipse includes tremendous financial management tools and ensures accurate financial reporting and analysis.

For fast order fulfillment and maximum stock utilization, simplified inventory control shows how much stock you have at any time. Epicor Eclipse also works well with complex warehouse management solutions to speed up picking, packing, and shipping to meet deadlines.

5. Track-POD

Key Features

• Vehicle Tracking and Routing
• Electronic Proof of Delivery Capture
• Analytics Reports
• Route Planning and Optimization Tools

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Improves Delivery Efficiency
• Eliminates Manual Paperwork
• Enhances Customer Communication
• Provides Valuable Delivery Data for Analysis.

This Proof-of-Delivery (POD) software works independently to speed delivery and make customer contact smoother. Track-POD gives distributors real-time GPS tracking tools that show them where drivers are and how the deliveries are going.

Because everything is clear, talking to customers about expected delivery times is more accessible. Furthermore, Track-POD eliminates the need for paper delivery confirmations by letting users take electronic signatures directly on their phones.

This saves time and money and also makes sure that there is a safe record of arrival that can be checked. Track-POD also has tools for route planning that look at traffic and distance to help planners find the best delivery routes, saving distributors time and money on gas.

6. Extensiv Order Manager

Key Features

• In-House Fulfillment
• Third-Party Warehouses
• Multi-Channel Sellers
• Integration Manager

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Better efficiency.
• Improved experience for customers.
• Improved supervision of inventory.
• Making decisions based on data.

The cloud-based Extensiv Order Manager simplifies order management and empowers distributors by integrating B2B eCommerce. This speeds up order processing and focuses on customers by eliminating manual work.

Extensiv Order Manager automates repetitive tasks like entering orders, determining prices, and checking credit. This reduces human error and frees up staff time for other vital activities. Also, Extensiv Order Manager integrates effectively with various B2B eCommerce systems.

Distributors can create a self-service portal for clients to place orders, track orders, and learn about items. The solution goes beyond integration by showing real-time inventories.

7. Logiwa

Key Features

• Real-time control and view of inventory.
• Automated intelligence.
• Easily expandable and flexible.
• Streamlining storage.

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Increased Warehouse Efficiency
• Improved Inventory Control
• Enhanced Order Fulfillment
• Optimized Labor Costs

Logiwa's warehouse management system improves wholesale distribution efficiency. With the all-in-one system, receipt, storage, fulfillment, and shipment can all be automated.

Excellent scalability and configuration make adjusting the software for mass order processing easier. Logiwa's ease of use and onboarding should accelerate time to value and ROI. Another highlight is the cloud-native architecture and mobile app, which allow remote warehouse monitoring and control.

Logiwa's pre-built interfaces with leading fulfillment partners and API/EDI functionalities make integrating your tech stack with the WMS easy. Logiwa will deliver meaningful data from linked systems to improve corporate processes, minimize errors, and save money.

8. Acumatica

Key Features

• Modular Design
• Scalability
• Real-time Data Visibility
• Mobile Accessibility

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Flexibility and Customization
• Scalability for Growth
• Data-Driven Decisions
• Improved Operational Efficiency

Acumatica's cloud-based ERP helps wholesale distributors develop and improve customer experience. Pre-built BigCommerce, Shopify, and Amazon FBA interfaces are included. These interfaces simplify and automate order processing for e-commerce enterprises.

The wholesale distribution software is your single source of truth since it integrates with hundreds of platforms. Using Acumatica as your single source of truth may expedite and unify automation across several processes and provide valuable data about every step.

9. Tecsys

Key Features

• Advanced Supply Chain Management
• Warehouse Automation Integration
• Business Intelligence and Analytics
• Scalability and Security

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Optimizes Complex Supply Chains
• Enhances Warehouse Efficiency
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Scalability for Large Businesses

Tecsys helps wholesale distributors do more with less work and resources. For instance, the software streamlines storage to maximize floor space and save money. Additionally, it provides real-time merchandise movement and location updates.

Order fulfillment is also excellent with the software. By streamlining complex fulfillment processes, you can deliver more accurately and quickly.

10. Brightpearl

Key Features

• Customizable processes for warehouse work.
• Fulfillment powered by barcodes.
• Quick and easy connections.
• Automating the fulfillment of orders.

Benefits for Wholesalers

• Real-time Inventory Visibility
• Streamlined Order Management
• Comprehensive Financial Management
• Omnichannel Support

Brightpearl solves many market concerns for wholesale wholesalers. Automation and simplification of warehouse tasks cut labor costs. Your one-stop solution for controlling and monitoring all warehouse procedures reduces paperwork and confusion.

You can monitor stock and order data from any warehouse or sales channel if your organization has multiple locations. Simple warehouse system connections are also available on the platform.

A comparative analysis of top software for wholesale distribution

Considerations for small businesses vs. medium-sized businesses

Picking the right software depends on your business size:

Small Businesses (2-25 Employees)

Core requirements: 

Simplicity, affordability, core features (inventory, orders, financials).

Recommendations: 

Cloud-based options like Sage 300 Cloud, Track-Pod, or Brightpearl are user-friendly, affordable, and scalable.

Medium Businesses (26-100 Employees)

Core requirements:  

Scalability, department integration, advanced features (warehouse automation, CRM).

Recommendations: 

Acumatica, Track-Pod, or Epicor Eclipse support modular design, integrations, and advanced functionalities.

Key Considerations: Budget, ease of use, scalability, integration capabilities.

Choose software that grows with you and integrates with existing systems for a smooth operation.

Importance of choosing the right ERP for wholesale distribution

ERP systems automate order processing, inventory management, and financial reporting, improving efficiency. Automation saves time and lowers errors, freeing up workers for essential tasks. ERPs also improve inventory control, proactive fulfillment, and purchasing decisions by providing real-time data across all departments.

This improved visibility leads to simplified workflows, faster order processing, and on-time deliveries, increasing customer satisfaction.

Choosing the best ERP for wholesale distribution:

• Size and complexity:
  Simple and affordable for small businesses, robust & scalable for larger ones.
• Industry needs:
  Look for features specific to your industry (e.g., food costing for food distributors).
• Integrations:
  Ensure it works with your existing systems (accounting, warehouse management).
• Growth potential:
  Choose an ERP that can scale alongside your business.
• Implementation and support:
  Reliable implementation and ongoing support are crucial.

By carefully assessing these factors and your individual needs, you can choose the ERP that helps your wholesale distribution firm function more efficiently, make informed decisions, and succeed long-term.

Evaluating free vs. paid software options

Choosing between free and paid software options is critical for wholesale distributors. 

This comparison aims to provide a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations of each software type, helping businesses make informed decisions that align with their operational needs and growth aspirations.

While free software may seem like a cost-effective solution initially, its limitations can hinder the potential growth and operational efficiency of a wholesale business. 

On the other hand, paid software, despite its costs, offers significant advantages in terms of features, scalability, and support, making it a valuable investment for businesses aiming to expand and optimize their operations. 

Careful consideration of these factors will guide wholesalers in choosing the software solution that best meets their long-term needs.

Conclusion

It is essential to pick the right program for your wholesale distribution business. The best solution can help you streamline processes, save time and money, and give you the power to make decisions based on accurate data that helps your business grow. When choosing, consider your company's size, what it needs, and how it can grow.

Remember to look into Track-POD's solutions! Track-POD has valuable features that can improve your distribution operations and make customers happier, whether looking for a standalone last-mile delivery optimization tool or a complete solution that works smoothly with your chosen ERP.