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Electrical Distribution Software
What is Electrical Distribution Software?
Electrical distribution software helps electrical distributors manage warehouse operations, accounting, purchasing, and customer relationships. In the warehouse, distributors have to track a variety of supplies as small as fuse switches and as large as 10,000 foot reels of wire. Wholesale electrical distributors also purchase and sell in different units of measure. For instance, wiring is often bought by the reel and sold by the foot. Keeping track of the location, quantity, and price of these items is difficult, so electrical distributors need an automated system to track their inventory and multiple pricing schemes.
Electrical Distribution Software Features & Functionality
Electrical distribution software is designed to meet the unique needs of electrical supply distributors, simplifying the task of tracking inventory levels and pricing items using standard warehouse management system functionality, with the following specialty-specific features:
| Reel Tracking | Reel tracking allows distributors to track the number of reels in stock as well as how many feet per real are available at a given moment, minimizing partial reel waste. |
| Price Updating | Pricing update features allow the distributor to continually adjust pricing levels according to changes in the market and special contract agreements. |
| Aggregation | Since electrical distributors get involved in value-added services like assembly, kitting, and bundling, electrical distribution software should aggregate component parts in a kit or package. |
| Lot Tracking | On large projects, contractors often want to order everything up front but receive the materials and pay for them as needed, rather than all at once. Lot tracking and billing features are designed to handle this order/delivery dichotomy, tracking the inventory by lot order as it comes in and goes out. |
| Front Counter | Many electrical wholesalers have a storefront where they can fill contractor orders on the spot as the contractors are on their way to a job site. In this instance, your electrical distribution software will need a retail point-of-sale system, as well as wholesale warehousing and invoicing capabilities. |
In addition, most of the top systems will include accounting capabilities, including rebates, invoices, and payroll, which combines to make a full enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Evaluating Electrical Distribution Software
There are dozens of different electrical distribution software programs, each having slightly different features and strengths. Before purchasing electrical distribution software, buyers should take the following points into consideration:
- Are you looking for on-premise software or a web-based system?
- How many warehouses do you operate? Will you need to implement the software in more than one location?
- Do you need front of counter capabilities to handle walk-in transactions from electrical contractors?
- Do you need a stand alone warehouse management system, or are you looking for an integrated ERP system with accounting, inventory management, transportation management, and customer management?
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Blue Link Elite
Blue Link brings nearly 20 years of experience to the electrical distribution industry and is designed for mid-sized distributors. Blue Link offers the flexibility to choose between a web-based and an on-premise system.
Inform Distribution Software
DDI System’s Inform product, used by thousands of distributors, is a strong solution in the electrical and lighting industry. We typically recommend Inform to electrical distributors that are small to medium-sized enterprises.
Geneva Business Management Systems (GBMS)
Geneva’s served the wholesale distribution market since 1994 and is geared to small to mid-sized electrical distributors. Geneva hosts the solution, which means distributors can access the system from any Internet enabled device
Epicor (formerly Activant) Distribution
The electrical distribution package from Epicor (formerly Activant) includes front counter operations, reel tracking, lot tracking and other electrical distribution functionality. The software supports distributors of all sizes.
ACCTivate!
ACCTivate! is an ERP solution for distributors looking to extend their current QuickBooks accounting functionality. Includes Crystal Reporting as well as 100+ built-in reports for distributors to quickly identify issues.
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ADS Solutions Advantage - Distribution
ADS Amplexus Distribution first began providing software to the wholesale distribution industry in 1984. This on-premise solution is a good fit for electrical distributors with between $1 million and $25 million in revenue.
Exact Macola Distribution Pro
Exact Macola Manufacturing Pro can support small to mid-market electrical distributors. The system includes features such as reel tracking, lot and serial number tracking, multi-tiered pricing and front counter operations support.
Sage Peachtree Accounting
Small to mid-sized distributors look to Sage Peachtree for a complete, customizable core accounting solution that provides all the functionality needed for success in the industry, integrated with key Microsoft programs.
Fishbowl Inventory - Distribution
Buyers specializing in electrical goods distribution should evaluate Fishbowl Inventory for their inventory management and planning needs. Best serves small to mid-market distributors already familiar with QuickBooks.
Infor ERP Distribution
Over 5,700 users lean on Infor ERP to manage their distribution operations. Compatible with all operating systems. Includes warehouse, business intelligence, forecasting, transportation management and order management features.
Free Download:
Ten Steps Guide to Selecting Distribution ERP Software
Free Download:
How to Assess ERP Software Vendors' Viability
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(888) 918-2748
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