For promotional product distribution and printing, efficient processes and good workflow management are driving forces that spark growth and long-term success. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is today an essential tool for industry distributors, automating operations, enhancing visibility, and ensuring customer satisfaction. But what is ERP software, what does it do, and how can your company gain? Let’s find out!
What is ERP Software for Distributors?
ERP software is an integrated system that aims to consolidate major business processes and simplify activities such as inventory management, order entry, CRM, financial accounting and reporting. Rather than fragmented multiple stand-alone applications, a complete ERP system unites it all, removing inefficiencies and providing a clear picture of overall business performance in real time.
For print and promotional product distributors, ERP software is a game changer! Industry-specific solutions are designed to solve the more specific and unique challenges of multiple product catalogs, custom logos, and multi-channel distribution, as opposed to your generic, off-the-shelf ERP solutions. The right one, however, allows distributors to process orders faster, more accurately predict inventory, and help stakeholders make smarter, fact-based decisions.
What are Key Benefits of ERP Software for Distributors?
1. Smarter Inventory Management
Inventory management from various warehouses and suppliers is no easy task. ERP software provides real-time insight into inventory levels so you can keep watchful eyes to prevent overstocking or selling out of top sellers. According to Statista, businesses that use ERP solutions can increase inventory accuracy by up to 97%. Automated monitoring also allows companies to predict demand more precisely. By analyzing historical sales trends, an ERP system allows distributors to more precisely predict inventory needs, reduce waste, and more effectively utilize warehouse space. Just-in-time inventorying strategies are more possible, with less money tied up and reduced overhead costs.
2. Faster, More Accurate Order Processing
Manual order handling is slower and more prone to human error. ERP software automates order entry, invoicing, and fulfillment, reducing errors and accelerating the process. The outcome is more delighted customers and a more scalable company.
The majority of ERP solutions provide order management capability supporting bulk orders, custom shipments, and automated approval processes so that both the distributor and the customers are informed of order status in real-time with tracking, minimizing back-and-forth communication.
3. Stronger Financial Oversight
Juggling finances between various accounts, clients, and contract terms can get complex fast. ERP software though brings financial information together into a single location, simplifying the process for tracking spending, automating invoices, generating accurate financial reports and more.
With new insights into the financial details, distributors can make better-informed pricing decisions, monitor profitability across different product lines, and stay one step ahead of those pesky tax and compliance requirements we all know and love. Access to real-time financial reporting allows companies to closely monitor cash flow and make better budgeting decisions based on current, accurate information.
4. An Improved Customer Experience
A seamless customer experience is the key to client retention and getting them to return. ERP software with inherent CRM functionality allows distributors to manage customer accounts, keep a history of orders, and even automate reordering.
Personalization is another advantage. ERP products can store customer preferences, suggest appropriate products, and even create follow-up reminders for generating future business. Companies that integrate ERP with CRM products have higher customer loyalty rates on average—some research quotes up to a 45% increase in long-term loyalty.
5. Better Vendor and Supplier Management
Good vendor relationships demand coordination and communication in the case of managing multiple vendors. ERP software enables procurement through the automation of purchase orders, monitoring supplier performance, and prompt deliveries.
Your average ERP solutions are also accompanied by supplier management features where distributors are able to keep track of prices, delivery times, and levels of inventory in real time. Others include supplier portals that act to promote cooperation and openness among parties in an effort to simplify the management of relationships and reduce the risk of supply chain disruption.
But How Do I Choose the Right ERP Solution?
Not all ERP systems are created equal. Print and promotional products distributors, for example, need solutions that are specifically tailored to their specialized workflows, such as handling customized orders, dealing with more advanced vendor networks, and integrating with eCommerce sites just to name a few. Workflow customization, task automation, and seamless integration with current business tools are the most critical.
Solutions like DB Distributor from DemandBridge offer the flexibility and automation needed to support growing distribution businesses. Whether you’re managing complex print jobs or optimizing order fulfillment for promotional products, an industry-specific ERP system helps distributors handle high order volumes while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
What Does Future of ERP Look Like for Distributors?
As technology keeps advancing and getting better, so do our ERP systems! Cloud ERP systems are growing in popularity with more flexibility, remote access, and reduced infrastructure cost. New, sophisticated AI-based analytics are also making an extra contribution, allowing distributors to maximize pricing strategies, predict demand, and discover further opportunities for cost savings and more.
Another emerging trend is the rise of mobile-focused ERP solutions. With the ability for warehouse staff, sales teams, and managers to access vital business data anytime and anywhere, companies can enhance operational performance and streamline communication. As this digital transformation continues and gains further momentum, companies that invest in modern ERP systems will have that competitive advantage as they increase productivity, reduce costs, and offer an enhanced customer experience.
Are you ready to simplify processes and propel your business forward? With the right ERP software for your business, you can work more efficiently, reduce waste, and provide enhanced customer satisfaction—all putting you where you need to be in an evolving marketplace.
Check out more on DB Distributor now or contact us to learn how DemandBridge can improve your workflows and boost your bottom line.
