Our ProductsWholesale Distribution
Distributors have many off-the-shelf products to choose from to help them manage their businesses. Unfortunately, one-size software does not necessarily fit all solutions.
Typically, there are three phases of software growth for a distributor:
- Off-the shelf (usually less than $3,000)
- Configurable ($3,000 to $50,000)
- Customizable (usually greater than $50,000)
Off-the-shelf software can be purchased from your local retailer. It is generally installed and implemented without assistance and has limited flexibility. Peachtree is an example of off-the-shelf software.
Configurable software has much more robust customization and integration abilities, so it can be configured to the specific needs of a wholesale distributor. In general, it is implemented between 3 – 6 months. Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 is an example of configurable software.
Customizable software has much more robust customization and integration tools and normally takes between 6 and 12 months to implement. Sage MAS 500 is an example of a customizable software.
Distribution software is often specialized depending on the types of products being sold. Most popular ERP applications provide 75 – 90 percent of a typical wholesale/distribution company’s requirements. There are many, many type of wholesale distributors and each one may have specific needs. However, in general, some of the common requirements are:
- Stock status inquiry and reports
- Drop ship abilities
- Multiple ship-to addresses
- Supply chain management
- Credit limit checking
- Bar coding
- Bin locations
- Cycle counting
- Strong inventory control
- Strong pricing flexibility
- Lot/serial tracking
- Pick, pack, and ship
Sage Software along with ACI Consulting recommend three ERP solutions for wholesale distributors:
- Configurable: Sage BusinessWorks Accounting
- Configurable: Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 ERP
- Customizable: Sage MAS 500 ERP
Please fill out our quick request form, email us at solutions@ACIconsulting.com, or call us at 1-866.ACI.INFO (224.4636).
For further information - download our Distribution Evaluation Guide (.pdf)
