The most obvious answer to this question is the fact that sources/destinations for buying and selling the same goods of the same maker are more than one.
There was a time when brick and mortar ruled. It was the omnichannel distribution. There were numbered distributors who stocked and sold products. The distribution management software that existed were unidimensional.
With digitization came change, change so humongous that besides the manufacturer is the same, there was nothing that resembled the earlier B & M times. Own e-commerce websites, Sales to e-commerce companies, own stores, others stores….there’s no end. And then small drop-ship entities whose number keeps on growing.
In sum, the distribution scenario today is multi, multichannel that keeps on increasing every day. How do manufacturers and large distributors keep track?
By using wholesale distribution ERP software for both outward movement of produce, and inward movements of raw materials. And its advantage? Quite a few!
1. It streamlines orders
Multichannel orders for any supplier is the flavour of the season. And what it does to the uninitiated is bring confusion if things aren’t organized. One of the best ways to bring organization in such a scenario is software that while keeping every need acknowledged, does so with clarity at all times. That said, every channel has its own peculiarity, especially in matters relating to rates, credit terms, freebies and the likes. Keeping all of them on an even keel, and all of them satisfied is something only a distribution ERP software can accomplish with ease.
2. It streamlines movements
While streamlining orders, the wholesale distribution ERP also streamlines actual movements. A drop shipper may need just one package or just a few as compared to the likes of Amazon whose needs could fill an entire stadium! How does a supplier/ maker/ manufacturer manage all these without feeling lost? By using a software that assigns orders efficiently besides liaising with 3 PL entities to have the shipment moved using the most effective and efficient means, be it by warehousing, trucking or by any other means.
3. It provides visibility of orders
One of the things that e-commerce and digitization have brought about is visibility. Earlier you either got it from the local supplier right in front of your eyes or just waited till the package arrived at its own speed. These days, those old paradigms don’t work. People don’t wait. They want to see the status of their orders RIGHT NOW. They want to see where it is on a minute-by-minute basis. This is just not possible in any other way than a Wholesale Distribution ERP Software. If it’s the visibility you desire, go for these!
4. It provides visibility of sale/ movement
Omnichannel distribution means every channel needs equal visibility and importance in distribution. That sounds easy but in reality, can take place only when you invest in and use distribution management software. Otherwise, you might as well say goodbye to your dreams of growth. In any case, the world’s going omnichannel and not keeping up in any form is asking for sure death.
5. It provides visibility to return logistics
While visibility to logistics that goes towards fulfilling orders is most needed, reverse logistics is important. This is an interesting way to keep the clients happy by doing their bidding before they lost faith and temper. A client ordering a return has to be addressed almost immediately. A wholesale distribution ERP software is one of the best ways to provide full visibility and accountability in reverse logistics, across products and the geographic location of the clients.
6. It gives confidence to every channel of their need being taken care of
A wholesale distribution ERP software automates all the distribution channels with equal ease and visibility. Sellers like e-commerce companies and drop-shippers besides buying in bulk get the visibility to communicate to their clients the exact status of the orders in hand and keep clients close to them. Where this visibility is lost for any reason(s), take it for granted that the brand shall suffer immensely.
7. It helps divert supplies in times of needs
Not all shippers need stock in equal urgency. That being so, a brick-and-mortar’s need could be slower than that of an eCommerce. Knowing what to move to whom, when and how are things that can be made crystal-clear with the best distribution management software. In doing so, end customers can best be served and retained for the longest time.
A distribution management software is the need of the hour and not a luxury to flaunt to suppliers and end customers. Its presence is guaranteed to bring immense visibility to stock movement, both of raw materials inwards and of finished goods outwards.