It’s no secret, distributors’ heavy burden to ship fast, accurate orders is about to get tougher. Customers expect high-speed, accurate direct-to-consumer (D2C) shipping to get even more efficient. Is your existing Distribution ERP Software capable?
The strategy and execution landscape for distributors has changed rapidly over the past decade, especially in the past few years. Where once distributors and distribution centers were able to ship products within a matter of several days or even weeks, retailers like Amazon have conditioned online shoppers to expect lightning-fast turnaround on delivered goods.
As a result, even small distributors are expected to respond to orders with enterprise-level efficiency and agility. If you are a distributor, then you’ve likely encountered an angry customer who felt they waited too long for their purchases to arrive.
Distributors of all sizes must be able to keep up with these contemporary expectations. Work processes for distributors have been forced to grow so fast that operations are often working from outdated systems or perhaps worse, using adaptations to outdated systems.
Online shoppers want more speed, more efficiency
More and more products are purchased online every year from distributors of all sizes so even smaller operations have seen a dramatic uptick in their need to scale to keep up with the volume created by demand.
While a good problem to have, it is a problem nonetheless—and an existential threat if not addressed properly. It’s important to understand that no system designed to ship goods out over a one-week turnaround is equipped to pare down the processing time to under 24 hours.
As a distributor, you recognize the need to improve and scale the efficiency of your distribution operation in order to meet new marketplace demands. Unfortunately, patching together old and separate systems in an attempt to compete with big-box retailer efficiency is a losing, frustrating battle.
The engineering that goes into getting the correct items into the correct packages and shipped to the correct customers is a challenge at any speed, but the speed of distribution today makes it effectively impossible without the right systems in place.
While it may seem melodramatic, some distributors are left to consider whether they can stay afloat. With such a fast turn around expected of distributors today, sticking with the old way of doing things will create mistakes that will ultimately lose sales, potentially in droves.
Replacing your distribution ERP & accounting software
From sales to accounting, your entire supply chain management process is taken care of through a modern wholesale distribution ERP system. Activities known for eating valuable time due to manual workarounds can be automated, minimizing errors and missing documents.
By replacing your wholesale distribution ERP software, you’re able to predict high demand products and peak sales timeframes so you can prepare. Shipping documents get recorded through your distribution ERP system which eliminates mistakes that occur when the process is done manually.
One of the biggest stress points to look at in getting up to speed with modern distribution needs is whether your ERP system is capable of handling the speed, complexity, and volume of your business with ample room to scale – an outdated distributor ERP system can mean a bleak future.
Take a closer look at your existing ERP and accounting system(s). How will your current system keep up with increased demand? Where are you spending time on manual processes that can be automated?
Become a Best-In-Class Distributor
Today’s ERP systems ensure items get sent out on time and delivered to the correct address because they’re built to meet today’s demands. Once a package has been shipped, your new ERP system creates an invoice that is matched to a purchasing order for seamless record-keeping. Housing this data in an automated ERP system rather than on paper lets you eliminate forgotten invoices and increase cash flow.
Ultimately, today’s ERP saves time and money by virtually eliminating the manual processes that encumber distribution operations amid increased expectations. e2b teknologies is a passionate and experienced team of industry leaders and business advisers providing high quality, uncomplicated, and innovative ERP solutions. Contact us to find out if your operation is ready for the benefits of a modern distribution ERP system.
