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Industrial Distribution Software
What is Industrial Distribution Software?
Industrial distributors deal with a diverse set of industrial products, ranging from valve fittings and piping to pumps and motors. This diversity creates inventory tracking challenges that must be tightly controlled to remain competitive. The right industrial distribution software will include strong inventory management and warehouse management capabilities to keep a distributor up to date on how much of each product is in stock and where the item is located in the warehouse.
Industrial Distribution Software Features & Functionality
Industrial distribution software contains all of the features associated with warehouse management software, including order fulfillment, inventory control, lot tracking, and replenishment functionality. In addition, the top industrial distribution software includes the following industry-specific functionality:
| Aggregation | Since many industrial distributors get involved in value-added services, such as light manufacturing, assembly, rentals, and kitting, industrial distribution software often helps aggregate component parts in a kit or package. |
| Industrial Product Item Codes | Since industrial products can vary tremendously, the software supports pricing and tracking of a broad range of products. Examples include building materials, adhesives, heavy equipment, electrical supplies, plumbing/HVAC, janitorial/sanitation, and medical. |
| Point-of-Sale System | Many industrial wholesalers take walk-up orders from contractors filling an order on their way to a job site. In this instance, your industrial distribution software will need retail, as well as wholesale capabilities. |
Additionally, as part of a complete enterprise resource planning (ERP) system most programs will include accounting and business intelligence tools.
Evaluating Industrial Distribution Software
The specific type of industrial products sold, sources of revenue, and additional services will all play a major part in the evaluation of an industrial distribution software product. A company specializing in medical devices will want a system that supports that industry, while a company that serves multiple industries with service offerings and walk-in orders will need something much more all-encompassing and robust.
When selecting industrial distribution software, buyers should consider the following:
- Do you require client/server deployment, also known as on-premise deployment, or are you looking for a web-based, or cloud, solution?
- 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 serve walk-in contractors filling orders on their way to the job site?
- Do you offer value-added services such as light manufacturing or kitting and assembly? If so, can the software support a bill of materials?
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Distribution ERP Software Feature Checklist
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Ten Steps Guide to Selecting Distribution ERP Software
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Geneva Business Management Systems (GBMS)
Geneva brings 15 plus years of experience to the industrial distribution market. The system is available as either web-based or on-premise, and comes integrated with demand management, customer management, accounting and more.
Epicor (formerly Activant) Distribution
Epicor supports roughly 32 percent of the distributors listed in Industrial Distribution’s Big 50. Epicor can support industrial distributors of all sizes and includes purchasing & procurement, warehouse management and more.
ACCTivate!
ACCTivate! is a full-suite ERP designed for small to medium-sized industrial distribution companies. ACCTivate! can be used to assign multiple ID numbers to products, create drop ship orders and track items via barcoding.
ADS Solutions Advantage - Distribution
ADS Amplexus Distribution targets small to mid-sized distributors of industrial equipment, building materials and fasteners. We recommend Amplexus Distribution to businesses that need up to 50 users to access the system.
Exact Macola Distribution Pro
Exact Macola Manufacturing Pro is designed for mid-sized distributors looking to add automation to their business. The system supports industrial distributors in a variety of segments such as automotive, agricultural and others.
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Sage Peachtree Accounting
Since purchasing Peachtree in 1998, Sage Peachtree has become a popular system among small distributors. Inventory management and order management is part of a suite while accounting is offered on a best-of-breed application.
Fishbowl Inventory - Distribution
Industrial distributors looking for more functionality out of their QuickBooks accounting programs can upgrade to Fishbowl Inventory. Inventory management, demand planning, and point of sale capability included in this solution.
Infor ERP Distribution
Infor Distribution powers more than 5,700 users each day and their software is used to move over $100 billion through supply chains in North America. The package includes inventory management, TMS, WMS and more.
Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise
Intuit QuickBooks is one of the most popular software programs in the world among small to mid-sized distributors. Inventory management, warehouse management, accounting and procurement are all offered as part an integrated suite.
SYSPRO
SYSPRO can support small to medium-sized distributors of a variety of vertical markets, including industrial distribution. Warehouse management, transportation management and business intelligence are part of an integrated suite.
Free Download:
Distribution ERP Software Feature Checklist
Free Download:
Ten Steps Guide to Selecting Distribution ERP Software
Call us for a free
FastStart Consultation
(888) 918-2748
Save weeks of up-front research and avoid costly mistakes with our free FastStart Consultation.