Wholesale distribution companies face numerous challenges in today’s competitive business landscape, including managing complex supply chains, optimizing inventory levels, and streamlining order processing.
Many organizations use wholesale distribution ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software to address these challenges and gain a competitive edge.
This comprehensive solution integrates various business functions, such as inventory management, sales, accounting, and customer relationship management, into a unified system.
This blog post is intended to provide the meaning of wholesale distribution software and the ten best software for wholesale distribution with its features, pricing, likes, and dislikes.
What is wholesale distribution?
Wholesale distribution refers to the process of selling goods or products to retailers, other businesses, or end-users in large quantities.
It involves buying products in bulk from manufacturers or suppliers and then reselling them to smaller businesses or retailers who then sell the products to consumers.
Wholesale distributors act as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers, providing a supply chain for products to reach their intended market.
They take care of the logistics of storing, handling, and transporting the products from the manufacturer to the retailer. This includes warehousing, inventory management, shipping, and delivery.
Wholesale distribution is essential to many industries, including consumer goods, electronics, industrial supplies, food and beverage, and automotive parts.
Wholesale distributors often specialize in specific product categories or markets, such as hardware, office supplies, or medical equipment.
Here is the list of software for wholesale distribution.
1. Oracle NetSuite
It is a cloud-based ERP software that serves wholesale distribution. It provides businesses with visibility, control, and agility. It can reach customers online and exceed evolving business expectations. It helps streamline the process of distribution.
Key features
- Financial management
- Inventory management
- Order management
- Supply chain management
- Warehouse management
- CRM
- E-commerce
Screenshots of the Oracle NetSuite
Likes
- It is straightforward to use
- It can be customized easily
- It is easy to set up the workflow
- The shortcut features made its working easier
Dislikes
- Large files slow down the process
- Its customization and configuration are challenging
- The pricing is unmanageable for small businesses
- Saving data and reporting takes too much time
Supported industries
- Food and Beverage
- Health and Beauty
- Manufacturing
- Financial Services
- Media and Publishing
Other details
| Supported languages | Czech, Danish, German, English, Finnish, French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.0 out of 5 (2530+reviews) |
User opinion
NetSuite ERP software for wholesale distribution helps streamline distribution processes, gain visibility, and free up resources to adapt to change, drive innovation, and stay competitive.
It can improve financial operations, efficiency, and productivity. It helps distributors to monitor inventory levels, minimize carrying costs, and deliver orders on time.
2. ePROMIS ERP
It is a leading global enterprise software provider and offers businesses across multiple verticals and industries.
It can share data, cut costs, and gain insight into every aspect of the business. It accelerates the delivery process for distribution, helps meet delivery deadlines, and avoids late deliveries and penalties.
Key features
- Order management
- Inventory management
- Warehouse management
- Segment and campaign management
- Supply chain management
- Advanced reporting capabilities
- Streamlined document management
Likes
- It creates precise and comprehensive reports
- It reduces manual efforts
- It gives instant data duplicity
- It offers quick responses to real-time information regarding stock status.
Dislikes
- Lack of customization feature
- The results are not available immediately
- It takes too much time to process
- It is expensive
- Limited branding opportunities
- Lack of accessibility features
Supported industries
- Construction
- Distribution
- Equipment
- Facilities Management
- Food and Beverage
Other details
| Supported languages | Arabic, German, English, Estonian, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese |
| Customer reviews | G2: 5.0 out of 5 (47+reviews) |
User opinion
It is a customizable ERP solution that can synchronize all aspects of the business, drive performance, and maximize profitability. It accepts and fulfills many orders across multiple channels.
You can easily manage your distribution operations with its single integrated solution. You can do your business with the help of mobile apps even when you are not in the office.
3. OpenPro
OpenPro is an open-source ERP software that provides enterprise-wide distribution to maximize control over the distribution for wholesalers.
It enables better features for wholesalers in supply chain management. The software has the ability to handle multiple processes.
Key features
- Sales order entry
- Demand forecasting
- Sales analysis
- Warehouse management
- Purchasing management
Pricing
It charges $5000 for five users with financial, manufacturing, and supply chain modules.
It offers an initial price of $44 per month on the cloud and $1000 per user for on-premise users.
Likes
- It is straightforward to use
- It has the ability to process faster
- It reduces human effort
Dislikes
- It has integration issues
- The workflow process is difficult
- There is difficulty in the configuration
- The reporting system is not processing often
- Slow user experience
- Limited real-time updates
- Development complexity
Supported industries
- Manufacturing
- Automotive ERP
- Distribution
- Retail
- Healthcare
Other details
| Supported languages | Arabic, German, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.6 out of 5 (12+reviews) |
User opinion
OpenPro is a good solution for wholesale distributors. They can manage high volumes and large numbers of inventory items efficiently with built-in barcoding and interface with RFID.
The software offers powerful paperless workflow processing for the approval of transactions. Today, it’s one of the most comprehensive products designed to help the business thrive. It uses proven open-source technology for reliable transaction processing.
4. Aptean
Aptean is a cloud-based software, which is a better option for distributors. The software increases profits and stays ahead of the consumer goods import or distribution business competition. With a suite of tools, the software handles everything from retailer compliance to business intelligence.
Key features
- Warehouse management
- Forecasting and inventory management
- Managed and integrated EDI
- Transportation management
Likes
- The implementation takes less time
- The updations are smooth
- It has continuous improvement in workflow
- It is easy to work with data and reports
Dislikes
- The modules are complicated
- The updated versions are clingy
- Integration with third-party is difficult
- Accounting updation is poor
- It offers fewer support systems
- Compatibility issues
- Data silos and inconsistencies
- Hidden costs and delays
Supported industries
- Food and Beverage
- Fashion and Apparel
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Process Manufacturing
- Biotech and Life Sciences
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported devices | Desktop – Mac, Desktop – Windows, On-Premise – Windows On-Premise – Linux |
| Languages Supported | Czech, German, English, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.0 out of 5 (17+reviews), Capterra: 4.1 out of 5 (18+reviews) |
User opinion
The software is an all-in-one system to streamline and grow the business. Its advanced features like retailer compliance, EDI, forecasting, importing, logistics, warehouse management, and business intelligence help distributors to grow their business to the next level.
5. Epicor eclipse
Epicor is an ERP software for distribution. The distributors can choose Epicore Eclipse for the betterment of the business. It can help distributors to meet their most significant challenges by connecting the business to the world.
It provides a new middle layer that exposes Eclipse data to other applications while maintaining the integrity of the Eclipse application, ensuring that the business system runs smoothly.
Key features
- Sales management
- Business intelligence
- Automation
Likes
- It can be customized easily
- It is a user-friendly software
- Reports have easily proceeded
- The software makes distribution easy
Dislikes
- It is not a fully automated system
- It requires too much human effort
- Mass editing takes too much time
- It takes lots of steps to navigate all the features
- Closed database architecture
- Redundant interface elements
- Excessive input requirements
Supported industries
- Automotive
- Distribution
- Manufacturing
- Retail
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported devices | Desktop – Windows, On-Premise – Windows, On-Premise – Linux |
| Languages supported | Czech, German, English, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese |
| Support | Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Documentation, Webinars |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.0 out of 5 (37+reviews), Capterra: 5.0 out of 5 (18+reviews) |
User opinion
Epicore Eclipse provides unique electrical, plumbing, PVF, or HVAC distribution company needs. It is built for distributors. You can enhance your operations with its sales management and business intelligence features.
The software ensures that business processes work seamlessly and efficiently, incorporating industry best practices that can help save money, increase sales and margins, and enhance customer service.
6. Acumatica
Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP software. The software provides a reliable and efficient business management solution. It can take the business next level with cloud-based distribution management solutions.
Acumatica provides the flexibility, efficiency, and continuity of operations that you need to thrive in the digital economy.
Key features
- Inventory management
- Sales order management
- Warehouse management
- Order management
Screenshots of Acumatica
Pricing
Pricing is planned based on three simple factors, and it can change at any time with no penalty. They are
- Applications
- Type of licensing
- Resource consumption
To get the details, you must fill out the form on its official website.
Likes
- You can customize the software easily
- It is implementing the programs seamlessly and quickly
- It is easy to collaborate and share data
- It is easy to manipulate large amounts of data
Dislikes
- It is expensive
- Lack of built-on form
- It is least helpful for the distribution process
- Third-party integration is not possible
- High data entry requirements
- The cost of implementation is more
- Limited flexibility
Supported industries
- Construction
- Distribution
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Services
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based |
| Supported languages | English, French, Spanish |
| Supported device | Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPad, iPhone |
| Support | 24/7 (Live rep), FAQs/Forum, Phone Support, Knowledge Base, Email/Help, Chat |
| Training | Live Online, Documentation, Videos, In-Person, Webinars |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.4 out of 5 (804+reviews) |
User opinion
Acumatica is the ideal choice for small and mid-sized businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve. On the other hand, with consumption-based licensing charges, you can pay only for the resources or required features.
7. Brightpearl
Brightpearl is a cloud-based software that provides solutions for wholesale management. It is a robust and reliable distribution operations platform.
The platform is designed specifically for distributors, with tightly integrated sales channels that connect orders, inventory management, accounting, reporting, warehouse management, and more.
Key features
- Inventory and order management
- Warehouse management
- Shipping and fulfillment
Likes
- It helps in managing business
- The catalog integrates smoothly
- It helps in order and shipment management
- It has the ability to integrate with the key contents
Dislikes
- It does not provide exact solutions for the inventory management systems
- Lack of support
- Its reporting system is weak
- It doesn’t integrate the solutions completely
- It takes a too long time to get familiar with the navigation
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based |
| Supported languages | English |
| Supported device | Mac, Windows, iPad |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.5 out of 5 (68+reviews), Capterra: 4.4 out of 5 (154+reviews) |
User opinion
Brightpearl is an option for wholesalers. It assists B2B business or hybrid brand selling in retail and wholesale markets. Managing multiple suppliers, price lists, and websites can be assisted by Brightpearl.
On the other hand, it can handle peak trading and seamless integrations with built-in capabilities. So whether it is a small omnichannel retailer or a large wholesaler, Brightpearl has everything needed to take the business to the next level.
8. SYSPRO ERP
Syspro ERP is a modern distribution software that helps fast deliveries.
It is designed with key features to help in business for the wholesalers and distributors. It is purpose-built to automate, streamline, and simplify operations, so distributors can focus on growing the business.
Key features
- Order management
- Manufacturing operation management
- Inventory management
- Financial management
- Warehouse management
Screenshots of the SYSPRO feature
Likes
- The administration is very easy
- It provides a robust framework for the business
- It provides great support
- It enhances all reporting features
- It provides easy to use user interface
Dislikes
- It does not support work with multiple accounts
- Difficult to handle large orders
- It isn’t easy to navigate
- It is difficult to extract reports
- The reporting tools are not user friendly
- Limited interactivity
- Lack of customization
Supported industries
- Plastic and Rubber
- Packaging
- Medical Devices
- Furniture and Fittings
- Food and Beverages
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based |
| Supported languages | German, English, French, Dutch, Spanish |
| Supported device | Mac, Desktop – Windows, On-Premise – Windows, On-Premise – Linux, Mobile – Android, Mobile – iPhone, Mobile – iPad |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.1 out of 5 (207+reviews), Capterra: 4.2 out of 5 (99+reviews) |
User opinion
The software is useful for reducing wholesale distribution business complexities. It also helps the manufacturers and distributors by assisting them with valuable insights. It ensures data security and enables customization in reporting capabilities.
9. Focus ERP
Focus ERP is a cloud-based wholesale distribution software. It increases operational efficiency across the business. It can help distributors streamline order processing and reduce lead times, ensuring that customers receive their orders quickly and efficiently.
Key features
- Human resources management
- Warehouse management
- Inventory management
- Manufacturing management
Screenshots of Focus ERP
Likes
- It is easy to use
- The interface is user-friendly
- It helps in creating reports
- The features are customizable
Dislikes
- The after-sale maintenance is poor
- It ought to raise tickets on each and every bugs
- Customer service is not good
- Creating new reports and aligning them consumes more time
Supported industries
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Warehouse and Logistics
- Building and Construction
- Education
- Wholesale Distribution
- Retail
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based |
| Supported languages | Arabic, English |
| Supported device | Desktop – Windows |
| Support | 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.3 out of 5 (23+reviews), Capterra: 4.0 out of 5 (1+reviews) |
User opinion
The focus ERP system helps the distributors to streamline processes, gain insights into inventory management, and improve order processing times.
This software can help businesses respond more quickly to changes in demand and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.
10. Infor Distribution SX.e
It is a cloud-based distribution software. The software assists small and large distributors; it can help to differentiate the services and build a reputation as a reliable and seamless provider of goods and services.
The software allows businesses to overcome their unique challenges and stay competitive in the current business environment.
Key features
- Built-in industry functionality
- Enhanced security at burns control
- Automated monthly updates
- Supply chain management in distribution
Overview of Infor feature
Likes
- It assists better with inventory management
- It is very easy to learn and navigate
Dislikes
- Reporting and sorting data is difficult
- It is very clingy on integrations
- It is not user-friendly
- It takes so many time to run the program
- It consumes more manual effort
Supported industries
- Distribution
- Equipment
- Fashion
- Logistics
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based |
| Supported languages | English |
| Supported device | Windows, On-Premise – Windows, On-Premise – Linux |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.0 out of 5 (24+reviews), Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 (12+reviews) |
User opinion
The infor distribution software helps to take the business to the next level. The data analytics and reporting tool features help gain valuable insights into business and make data-driven decisions for long-term success.
The services like real-time inventory tracking, automated order processing, and streamlined logistics management empower businesses to operate more efficiently and provide better customer service.
Note: Pricing details of the listed software are not available on their official website. You must contact them directly for the details.
FAQs
How does wholesale distribution software help industries?
Wholesale distribution software is a tool that helps industries to decide what to sell when to sell, ship products, manage money, and keep track of customers. It can help the wholesale distribution industry run more smoothly.
What are the two main types of wholesalers?
Two types of wholesalers are full-service wholesalers and limited-service wholesalers.
Conclusion
Wholesale distribution software provides powerful capabilities for managing inventory, tracking sales, optimizing logistics, and improving customer service.
By automating and streamlining key processes, wholesale distribution software can help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, investing in the right software can help you stay forwards of the curve and succeed in a dynamic and challenging industry.