--- title: "Best Distribution Accounting Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Distribution Accounting Software for your organization. Compare top Distribution Accounting Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/196-distribution-accounting/" page_type: "category" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Distribution Accounting Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Distribution Accounting Software of 2026 Updated November 6, 2026 On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Related Software Filter products 96 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 96 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [NetSuite](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 2,086 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping [Read more](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) ##### What users love - Deep system tailoring options - Comprehensive and scalable functionality - Centralized financial operations platform ##### To take in mind - Steep learning curve and complexity - Complex and rigid reporting tools - Slow and inconsistent support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Knowledge Base Management: 5/5 - Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Acumatica Cloud ERP](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 243 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Acumatica Cloud ERP is a comprehensive business management system. It caters to a variety of industries, such as finance, manufacturing, construction, distribution, and retail, [Read more](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible customization for workflows - Robust third-party integrations support - User-friendly and intuitive interface ##### To take in mind - Significant costs for small businesses #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - Project Accounting: 5/5 - Multi-Company: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Decision Builder](/erp/decision-builder-profile/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: CA$5,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Decision Builder ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that serves companies in the manufacturing, distribution and service fields throughout the North American [Read more](/erp/decision-builder-profile/) --- ### [Accolent ERP](/distribution/accolent-erp-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 11 - Starting price: $200.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Accolent ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) and enterprise resource management (ERM) software suite designed for businesses in wholesale distribution, process [Read more](/distribution/accolent-erp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Workflow Management: 5/5 - Customer Management: 5/5 - Order Entry: 5/5 - Inventory Optimization: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Reports: 3/5 [See all features](/distribution/accolent-erp-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $200.00/year - SaaS Subscription [See full pricing details](/distribution/accolent-erp-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Dynamics 365 Business Central](/accounting/dynamics-365-business-central-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 211 - Starting price: $8.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution designed for midsize organizations to streamline business operations [Read more](/accounting/dynamics-365-business-central-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Contract/License Management: 5/5 - Resource Management: 5/5 - Multi-Currency: 5/5 - BOM Creation: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/dynamics-365-business-central-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Entree](/distribution/necs-entree-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 13 - Starting price: $1,250.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NECS entrée offers accounting as part of a full suite of applications. The accounting application includes standard features such as accounts payable and general ledger as well as [Read more](/distribution/necs-entree-profile/) --- ### [SAP Business One](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 346 - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SAP Business One is a modular and integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. This platform integrates financials, CRM, inventory, sales and operations management [Read more](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive inventory control tools - Tailored for SMB growth needs - Flexible integration and customization ##### To take in mind - Significant costs and licensing fees - Outdated and unintuitive interface - Frequent slowdowns and crashes #### Features ##### Best rated features - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Production Management: 5/5 - Financial Analysis: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/#key-features) --- ### [BlueCherry](/scm/bluecherry-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 32 - Starting price: $5,000.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview BlueCherry is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite featuring modules for omnichannel planning, product lifecycle management (PLM), shop floor control, logistics, e-commerce, [Read more](/scm/bluecherry-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supply Chain Management: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Receiving: 5/5 - Catalog Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Barcoding/RFID: 3/5 - Collaboration Tools: 3/5 - Requirements Management: 3/5 - Warehouse Management: 3/5 [See all features](/scm/bluecherry-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Versa Cloud ERP](/accounting/versaccounts-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 23 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Versa is Modern all-in-one Cloud ERP software created for fast growing inventory heavy manufacturing, distribution, and e-commerce businesses moving to the next level. Versa [Read more](/accounting/versaccounts-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Search/Filter: 5/5 - Inventory Control: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/versaccounts-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Kechie](/inventory-management/kechie-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 54 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Kechie, built by My Office Apps (MOA), is a unified, cloud-native ERP with practical AI built into inventory and production planning. Kechie's AI Min/Max Optimization Engine [Read more](/inventory-management/kechie-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Import/Export Management: 5/5 - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - Returns Management: 5/5 - SKU/UPC Codes: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Collaboration Tools: 2/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 3/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/kechie-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Connected](/accounting/accountek-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 3 - Starting price: CA$649.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Connected is a hybrid integrated accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) that caters to small and midsize businesses across various industry verticals and helps them to [Read more](/accounting/accountek-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: CA$649.00 [See full pricing details](/accounting/accountek-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Infor Distribution SX.e](/inventory-management/infor-distribution-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 13 - Starting price: $1.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Infor Distribution SX.e is an easy-to-use, modern ERP solution purpose-built for the highly specialized, core processes of distribution right out of the box. Distribution SX.e [Read more](/inventory-management/infor-distribution-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Financial Management: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Multi-Location: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Sales Forecasting: 2/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 3/5 - Returns Management: 3/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/infor-distribution-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Datacor ERP](/inventory-management/chempax-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 78 - Starting price: $4,000.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Datacor ERP (formerly Chempax) is an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) application designed specifically for chemical process [Read more](/inventory-management/chempax-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Material Requirements Planning: 5/5 - Safety Management: 5/5 - Serial Number Tracking: 5/5 - Chemical Management: 5/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/chempax-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Sage X3](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 176 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage X3 is a powerful ERP software solution designed for midsized national and global manufacturers, distributors, and after-sales providers and can establish a foundation for your [Read more](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Serial Number Tracking: 5/5 - Profit/Loss Statement: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Visualization: 1/5 - Performance Metrics: 1/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 1/5 - Enterprise Asset Management: 1.8/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/#key-features) --- ### [S2K Enterprise](/manufacturing/s2k-for-manufacturing-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 24 - Starting price: $279.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview VAI provides flexible, fully integrated business software solutions that give companies of all sizes a true competitive advantage. VAI’s ERP software was built for distribution, [Read more](/manufacturing/s2k-for-manufacturing-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Bills of Material: 5/5 - BOM Creation: 5/5 - Workflow Management: 5/5 - Accounting Integration: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/s2k-for-manufacturing-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Infor CloudSuites (M3)](/manufacturing/infor-m3-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 38 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Infor M3 is a cloud-based ERP solution for global manufacturers and distributors with complex value chains. It offers analytics for multi-company, multi-country, and multi-site [Read more](/manufacturing/infor-m3-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Distribution Management: 5/5 - Import/Export Management: 5/5 - Supply Chain Management: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Mobile Access: 1/5 - Quality Control: 1/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/infor-m3-profile/#key-features) --- ### [AccountMate](/accounting/accountmate-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 25 - Starting price: $4,000.00one time - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AccountMate is a hybrid accounting solution that caters to small and midsize businesses and offers them tools and functionalities, which help them to manage their financial [Read more](/accounting/accountmate-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Task Management: 4/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/accountmate-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $4,000.00one time [See full pricing details](/accounting/accountmate-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [WinWeb](/paas/winweb-crm-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 9 - Starting price: $150.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview WinWeb is a Cloud Company providing online ERP Business Management Software solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity. *WinWeb provides a fully integrated customizable [Read more](/paas/winweb-crm-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Vendor Management: 5/5 - Purchasing & Receiving: 5/5 - Scheduling: 5/5 - Calendar Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Recurring/Subscription Billing: 1/5 - Financial Reporting: 1/5 - General Ledger: 1/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 3/5 [See all features](/paas/winweb-crm-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Subscription - Price: $150.00/month - Subscription is per user per month. Minimum 3 Users. 30 day rolling contract [See full pricing details](/paas/winweb-crm-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Aptean Fashion & Apparel](/manufacturing/exenta-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 28 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Aptean Fashion & Apparel is a purpose-built ERP platform designed for apparel, footwear and fashion businesses. It provides organizations a centralized foundation for managing [Read more](/manufacturing/exenta-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Financial Management: 5/5 - Inventory Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Materials Management: 1/5 - Purchasing & Receiving: 2.3/5 - Catalog Management: 2.4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/exenta-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Kinetic](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 185 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-first manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for companies that need one platform to connect production, supply chain, finance, service, [Read more](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/) ##### What users love - Extensive personalization options available ##### To take in mind - Slow and unresponsive support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting: 5/5 - Order Tracking: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Change Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Import/Export: 1/5 - Import/Export Management: 2/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/#key-features) --- ### [QuickBooks Enterprise](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 20,699 - Starting price: $2,210.00/year - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview QuickBooks Enterprise is an accounting solution designed for SMBs across different industry verticals such as construction, nonprofit distribution, manufacturing, and retail. With [Read more](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible setup and onboarding support - Comprehensive accounting functionality - Detailed and customizable reporting tools ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and slow customer service - Bank syncing and reconciliation issues - Expensive subscription and add-ons #### Features ##### Best rated features - Due Date Tracking: 5/5 - Distribution Management: 5/5 - For Residential: 5/5 - Electronic Signature: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - BIM Modeling: 2/5 - SKU/UPC Codes: 3.3/5 [See all features](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Gold - Price: $2,210.00/year - Up to 30 users. ##### Platinum - Price: $2,717.00/year - Up to 30 users. ##### Diamond - Price: $5,264.00/year - Up to 40 users. [See full pricing details](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [aACE](/manufacturing/aace-profile/) - Overall rating: 5.0/5 - Reviews: 28 - Starting price: $99.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Available #### Overview aACE is a powerful, comprehensive business management solution designed for companies that have outgrown small-business packages and patchwork solutions or are frustrated by the [Read more](/manufacturing/aace-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Distribution Management: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 - Accounts Receivable: 5/5 - Tax Management: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/aace-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Enterprise Edition Perpetual License (10 Users) - Price: $3,350.00one time - 10 users Onsite or cloud-hosted Completely customizable Complimentary, optional updates 20% annual ##### Complete Edition - Price: $99.00/month - 5 user minimum $199 monthly hosting fee Cloud-hosted Limited customization Complimentary, automated [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/aace-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Cloud ERP](/distribution/bizautomation-distribution-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 30 - Starting price: $99.95/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Cloud ERP Software is an enterprise resource planning solution that integrates core business management functions into a single platform. It is designed for small to medium-sized [Read more](/distribution/bizautomation-distribution-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Product Identification: 5/5 - Accounts Receivable: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Sales Tax Management: 4/5 - Sales Pipeline Management: 4/5 [See all features](/distribution/bizautomation-distribution-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### BizAutomation Pricing - Price: $99.95/month - BizAutomation is offered at $99.95 per user per month. Additional add-ons are available. [See full pricing details](/distribution/bizautomation-distribution-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ApparelMagic](/erp/apparelmagic-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 23 - Starting price: $337.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ApparelMagic is the central hub behind many of fashion's top brands. As an integrated inventory solution tailor-made for retailers and wholesalers of apparel and accessories, it's [Read more](/erp/apparelmagic-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - BOM Creation: 5/5 - Project Management: 5/5 - Bill of Material Analysis: 5/5 - Requirements Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Financial Management: 2/5 - Inventory Tracking: 3/5 - Accounting: 3.5/5 - Catalog Management: 3.5/5 [See all features](/erp/apparelmagic-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/196-distribution-accounting/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/196-distribution-accounting/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/196-distribution-accounting/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4) ## Popular Comparisons [ NetSuite vs QuickBooks Enterprise ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/vs/qb-desktop-enterprise/)[ Sage Intacct vs Sage 100 ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/vs/sage-100cloud/)[ Odoo vs SAP S/4HANA Cloud ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/vs/sap-s-4hana-cloud/)[ Agiliron vs Dynamics 365 Business Central ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/agiliron-profile/vs/dynamics-365-business-central/)[ Kechie vs Brightpearl ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/brightpearl-profile/vs/kechie/)[ Sage X3 vs Kinetic ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/vs/sage-x3/) Accounting for distributors brings an additional level of complexity to standard accounting, since a distributor acts both like a buyer and a seller. As such, accounting software for distributors mirrors the complexity of financial transactions that distributors have to deal with on a regular basis. As a result, every major provider has solutions specifically targeted at distributors. We wrote this buyer’s guide to help buyers unlock this arcane market. Here’s what we’ll cover: [What Is Distribution Accounting Software?](#WhatIsDistributionAccountingSoftware) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Benefits and Potential Issues](#BenefitsandPotentialIssues) [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) [The Vendor Landscape](#TheVendorLandscape) ## What Is Distribution Accounting Software? “The language of business is accounting.” Accounting software for distributors manages all of the financial transactions and operations, and includes special functionality unique to the industry. It comprises: - General ledger - Accounts receivable - Accounts payable Inventory is often handled by a separate system, but could be one component in a complete enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite. Three things in particular are different in accounting software for wholesalers. First is a focus on handling large volumes of transactions. Distributor margins are often described as “razor thin;” profitability comes from handling large quantities of transactions efficiently. Second is the unique requirement to handle large numbers of both vendors and customers. Since distributors sit between manufacturers and retailers, relationship management is important on both sides. The third unique characteristic is a consequence of the other two. In order to effectively process orders with a large number of providers and customers, distribution systems need to integrate directly with suppliers’ systems and retailers’ systems. However, each different system may be from a different software provider. As such, accounting software for wholesale firms must correctly pass and receive data from and to a variety of systems. Most large distributor systems are still installed on premise because of the networking infrastructure required to support a warehouse. One of the cost justifications for cloud-based applications is the reduced cost for infrastructure. Cloud-based programs have long-term benefits for wholesale distributors but this sector has not aggressively adopted that technology. Smaller distributors with more manual operators may benefit from cloud-based systems. ## What Type of Buyer Are You? You’ll need to determine what type of buyer you are as part of evaluating [distribution software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4730-distribution/). Over 90 percent of buyers fall into one of these four groups: **Full-suite buyer.** These buyers value the seamless integration of data and processes that comes from having one system for all functions. For example, a full-suite system for financials, customer relationship management and inventory management can turn quotes automatically into orders and then generate picking lists, shipping labels and invoices. These buyers favor complete software suites like Oracle, SAP, Sage ERP or Microsoft Dynamics AX. **Multiple warehouse operations buyer.** These buyers run multiple facilities and need to track and balance inventories over a geographical area. The buyers require software that can handle the financial information from each location and still provide a single view of the operation. It must also track different tax information if the locations are in different jurisdictions. **Departmental buyer.** These buyers are distribution specialists for firms that have an internal distribution network. They may only sell to their own outlets, but they must contend with multiple suppliers, inventory issues, competing corporate customers and transportation decisions similar to commercial distributors use. **Small business buyer.** These buyers may work for distributors or wholesalers or may have a distribution component as part of their company. They usually have smaller numbers of clients, suppliers and inventory and may include some assembly or production components but still face the same basic issues as large-scale distributors. These buyers are often using paper-based tools or general accounting systems like Intuit or Peachtree.  ## Benefits and Potential Issues There must be specific benefits to justify the costs of purchasing and implementing an accounting system. **Better cost control.** A distribution accounting system gives a much better view of costs and margins. Increased information lets managers understand and control costs better. **Automated discount tracking.** One of the challenges facing distributors is dealing with discounts. Tracking discounts like “2 percent 10 NET 30” becomes more difficult when managers have to track them on both sides, the discounts available from suppliers and the discounts offered to customers. Automated discount tracking lets distributors balance discounts available against cash flow requirements to make the best business decisions.  **Better compliance reporting.** Since the distribution accounting system interfaces with other systems throughout the firm, it serves as a convenient source for all of the compliance reports. This can significantly reduce the cost of preparing compliance documents for government agencies and insurance companies. Accounting systems are a challenge to implement and to use. There is always the temptation to bypass the systems to “get ‘er done.” This leads to bad information in the system, which can flow through to supplier and vendor systems. This is not the best way to maintain good relationships in a relationship-driven business. ## Market Trends to Understand You could consider these market trends as you consider the top distribution accounting systems: **Use of advance ship notice.** Most manufacturers and distributors are adopting advance ship notice (ASN) to help the purchaser effectively receive their orders. The ASN provides the purchaser with a list of the shipment’s contents and matching bar codes, allowing the purchaser to pre-stage the receiving area to effectively count and stock the shipment. **Use of Web-based front ends.** Most systems are allowing the use of Web-based technologies like browsers to provide information to upstream (vendor) and downstream (customer) partners. For example, a customer can verify that an order was received and is pending by logging on to a special website with information generated by the accounting system. **Availability of a management dashboard.** For years, managers generated periodic and on-demand reports to monitor operations. As supply chain systems become more integrated with suppliers and customers, printed reports are too time consuming to use. Replacing them are dashboards that display key measures such as inventory turn, time to ship, discounts available or total accounts receivable. Systems can even provide email or text messages to notify managers when extraordinary events occur, such as a large order received or a customer account overdue for 90 days. ## The Vendor Landscape Distribution solutions vary in capability and in the ability to communicate with other software packages. Buyers need to evaluate both the integration needs and the scope of their distributor system. | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | This type of buyer... | Should evaluate these systems | | Full-suite buyer | SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics | | Multiple warehouse operations buyer | Gillani, SAP, Oracle | | Departmental buyer | Exact Globe, Geneva, ADS, Oracle, SAP | | Small business buyer | Sage, Exact Globe, Intuit, SAP | --- ### Related Distribution Accounting Software - [Auto Dealer Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/auto-dealership-software-comparison/) - [Church Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/3574-church-accounting/) - [Engineering Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/engineering-software-comparison/) - [Legal Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/legal-software-comparison/) - [Medical Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/healthcare-social-services-software-comparison/) - [Real Estate Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/real-estate-accounting-software-comparison/) - [School Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/education-software-comparison/) - [Trucking Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/transportation-software-comparison/)