Wholesale distribution is big business with a market size of about $12 trillion. However, many wholesale distributors aren’t reaching their full potential due to inventory and shipping management problems, high overheads, and other challenges.
Are you struggling to scale your distribution business? Wholesale distribution software can help you overcome the above challenges and enhance your operations. In this guide, we list the top wholesale distribution software platforms on the market today so you can choose the right one for your business.
First, here are the key takeaways to know about wholesale distribution software:
- Wholesale distribution software simplifies fulfilling bulk orders and provides up-to-date inventory insights.
- The benefits of using wholesale distribution software include optimizing inventory management, streamlining order processing, and minimizing costs.
- Wholesale distribution platforms provide valuable inventory and sales insights you can leverage to make well-informed decisions and improve your operations.
- Picking the right wholesale distribution software for your warehouse requires comparing each product’s price, features, user-friendliness, and scalability.
- Logiwa is the preferred wholesale distribution software because it’s scalable, versatile, user-friendly, and capable of automating your bulk order fulfillment processes.
Contents
What Is Wholesale Distribution Software?
Wholesale distribution software is a digital solution tailored to help wholesalers manage, simplify, and optimize their business operations. The software typically features tools for inventory management, order processing, supplier and customer management, and financial tracking.
Your wholesale distribution facility can use this solution to track inventory levels, manage bulk orders, process payments, and automate multiple processes. The typical wholesale distribution software works by integrating with your warehouse’s accounting software, CRM tools, and other systems your wholesale operations use.
Connecting with these systems enables wholesale distribution software to automate various order fulfillment tasks and provide real-time visibility into inventory. Thanks to the insights provided by real-time inventory visibility, you can make well-informed decisions to optimize stocking, order processing, and goods replenishing. Automating processes with the software will also help you improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
The Benefits of Wholesale Distribution Software
Let’s take a closer look at the biggest benefits of optimizing your operations with wholesale distribution software.
- Inventory management optimization: A comprehensive wholesale distribution software will have inventory management features that update you about what’s going in and out of your warehouse. Real-time insights into stock levels and movement can help you efficiently process orders and plan restocking.
- Order processing streamlining: You can automate order processing tasks with a wholesale distribution solution. Tasks you can automate include invoicing, order verification, inventory tracking, pricing, picking, packing, shipping, and payments. Automating these tasks will minimize errors and speed up order fulfillment to enhance customer service delivery.
- Cost reduction: Automating order fulfillment tasks with a wholesale distribution solution can help you save money in several ways. For example, automating order processing will improve order fulfillment accuracy, eliminating errors that lead to costly returns or stock losses. Also, automating tasks reduces your reliance on human labor, leading to reduced labor costs.
- Data-driven decision-making: Wholesale distribution solutions offer valuable insights into sales trends, inventory turnover, and profitability. You can leverage these insights to make well-informed decisions to improve your operations. For example, insights into supplier performance can help you negotiate better terms and make better purchasing decisions.
- Unified ecosystem: You can integrate your wholesale distribution software with your other warehouse systems. Doing so will ensure the seamless exchange of data between all your systems, eliminating the need for double data entry and providing a unified view of your operations.
How to Choose Wholesale Distribution Software
Several wholesale distribution solutions are available, and each one is unique. Here are the key things to consider when selecting the right wholesale distribution software for your facility.
Price
A product’s price will always influence purchasing decisions. However, when it comes to wholesale distribution software, the most affordable product may not be your best choice.
The cheapest products typically offer fewer features and support fewer users. So, instead of prioritizing inexpensiveness, choose a product that offers the features you need to achieve your goals without exceeding your budget.
Features
A wholesale distribution solution should offer the features you need to optimize bulk order fulfillment and other warehouse operations. Such a product will offer at least these features:
- Inventory and supplier management
- Pricing and discount management
- Customer relationship management
- Order processing and fulfillment
- Warehouse management
- Reporting and analytics
- Integrations
- Payment processing
User-Friendliness and Scalability
Lastly, choose a wholesale distribution solution that is user-friendly and easily scalable. User-friendliness is crucial because it fast-tracks onboarding and training so you can experience value quickly. The shorter your time to value, the faster you can get returns on investing in the software. Scalability, on the other hand, ensures that the software can adapt to meet your business needs as customer demand rises and falls.
A Comparison of the Best Wholesale Distribution Software
| Key Features | Integrations | Hosting | Use Case | |
| Logiwa |
|
|
|
|
| SAP for Wholesale Distribution |
|
|
|
|
| Oracle NetSuite for Wholesale Distribution |
|
|
|
|
| Acumatica |
|
|
|
|
| SYSPRO |
|
|
|
|
| inFlow |
|
|
|
|
| Tecsys |
|
|
|
|
| Hopstack |
|
|
|
|
| Fishbowl |
|
|
|
|
| Brightpearl |
|
|
|
|
1. Logiwa
Rating: 4.2/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Real-time inventory visibility and control
- Rate shopping
- Storage optimization
- Smart automation
- Scalable and adaptable
- Mobile app
The Logiwa warehouse management system (WMS) provides a comprehensive solution for streamlining and optimizing your wholesale distribution processes. With the all-in-one solution, you can facilitate and automate everything from receiving and storage to fulfillment and shipping. For example, one of our clients saves approximately $11,000 each month by automating their label printing for multi-item orders.
Just as impressive is the software’s configurability and scalability, which simplify adapting it to meet your bulk order processing needs. You can also expect a fast time to value and quick returns on investment because Logiwa is user-friendly and easy to onboard. Another impressive feature is the cloud-native design and mobile app that equips you to monitor and control your warehouse remotely.
Logiwa’s pre-built integrations with leading fulfillment partners and API/EDI functionality simplify connecting your existing tech stack to the WMS to create a unified ecosystem. Logiwa will use data from connected systems to deliver valuable insights you can leverage to improve your operations, minimize errors, and save money.
Lastly, Logiwa’s reasonable professional service fees and high-value features make it one of the most cost-effective wholesale distribution software platforms.
2. SAP for Wholesale Distribution
Rating: 4.1/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- On-premise and cloud deployment
- Automation control
- Supply chain management
- Storage and internal process control
The SAP software is optimized to help wholesale distributors respond and adapt quickly to sudden changes in the market or industry. It achieves this with real-time data analysis that gives you insights into inventory, demand, and more so you can plan inventory and serve customers better.
Depending on your wholesale distribution needs, you can get SAP as a cloud or on-premise solution. The cloud solution is easier to scale and more versatile, while the on-premise solution gives you better data security and control.
Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll have wholesale distribution software that provides full visibility of your warehouse operations. It will also equip you to effectively manage a high volume of goods through automation and agile operations.
3. Oracle NetSuite for Wholesale Distribution
Rating: 3.8/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Omnichannel fulfillment support
- Inventory operations optimization
- Transportation management
- Integration and automation
Oracle NetSuite provides a unified platform for managing stock, orders, shipping, and other wholesale distribution processes. The wholesale distribution software even boosts competitiveness by comparing rival prices so you can set competitive prices.
You can customize the Oracle NetSuite software to suit your unique needs. You also get automation for customer relationship management and inventory management. The warehouse and fulfillment features are even more impressive because you can tailor picking methods to optimize picking, packing, and shipping.
Optimizing these processes will help boost order fulfillment speed and accuracy, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
4. Acumatica
Rating: 4.4/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Mobile app
- Comprehensive distribution suite
- Inventory, order, and warehouse management
- Commerce connectors
Acumatica is a cloud ERP equipped to help wholesale distribution businesses expand and serve customers better. The solution offers pre-built connectors for Amazon’s FBA, BigCommerce, and Shopify. With these connectors, you can easily integrate your ecommerce stores with the solution to facilitate and automate order processing.
You can connect hundreds of other systems to the wholesale distribution software and turn it into your single source of truth. Besides providing valuable insights into all your processes, turning Acumatica into your single source of truth can simplify and synchronize automation across multiple workflows.
You can automate various core warehouse processes, such as picking, packing, and shipping, to boost your facility’s performance.
5. SYSPRO
Rating: 4.1/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Order management
- Supply chain management
- Inventory control
- Warehouse and financial management
- Container tracking application
SYSPRO is another ERP solution that can double as your wholesale distribution software. Its robust features, such as purchase orders, help simplify and improve the accuracy of purchasing and receiving processes. You can also use this feature to monitor quality control, stock accuracy, and purchase costs.
Another impressive feature is inventory management, which provides accurate, real-time inventory information. Staying on top of your stock helps minimize inventory loss and equips you to restock efficiently and avoid costly over or understocking.
Wholesale businesses that ship with containers will also appreciate the container tracking application that helps reduce transportation costs. Lastly, the sales orders feature enables you to take orders electronically and process them through workflow automation. Automating order processing saves time and reduces errors to ensure customer satisfaction.
6. inFlow
Rating: 4.1/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Many integrations
- Barcoding
- Inventory control
- iOS and Android mobile apps
inFlow’s wholesale distribution software is ideal for businesses that ship large orders to clients. The software features easily customizable B2B portals for showing customers your products and prices. Customers can place orders via their portals, and inFlow will automate order fulfillment to save you time and money.
With the inventory management features, you can track inventory in units, sell by the box, track the cost of goods sold, and monitor serial numbers on every transaction. This setup gives you complete visibility of your inventory, allowing you to make well-informed decisions to fulfill orders or replenish stock.
7. Tecsys
Rating: 4.5/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Inventory management and visibility
- Flexible workflows
- Intuitive and easy-to-use technology
- Visual logistics
Tecsys lets wholesale distributors achieve more with less work and fewer resources. For example, the software optimizes storage so you can maximize floor space and save money. It also provides real-time inventory movement and location updates.
The software is just as impressive for order fulfillment. It streamlines complex fulfillment processes, equipping you to deliver with greater accuracy and agility. Since the software is adaptable, wholesale distributors in various industries can use it to their advantage, including 3PLs, healthcare distributors, electrical distributors, and parts suppliers.
8. Hopstack
Rating: 5/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Multiple hardware and software integrations
- Multi-warehouse management
- Putaway optimization
- Inventory synchronization
Hopstack is an impressive WMS built to help wholesale distributors improve bulk order fulfillment efficiency and accuracy. The WMS offers several features that speed up operations and minimize storage and fulfillment costs.
For example, Hopstack’s hardware integrations let you connect autonomous warehouse robots to the WMS and use the robots to automate picking, packing, and other order fulfillment processes.
The WMS also seamlessly integrates with ERPs, EDI, accounting systems, TMS software, and more to automate multiple workflows and give you full visibility into your operations.
9. Fishbowl
Rating: 4.0/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Barcode printing and scanning
- Order fulfillment management
- Shipping label printing
- Picking and packing automation
Fishbowl comes with robust order fulfillment features that take your wholesale distribution operations to the next level. For example, you can implement routing that speeds up and improves picking. You can also automate documentation to generate packing slips, bills of lading, and invoices.
Shipping isn’t left out because you can connect directly to FedEx, UPS, USPS, and other carriers to compare shipping rates and transport orders.
Another noteworthy feature is auto purchasing. It analyzes stock levels, current inventory demand, and incoming purchase orders to help you plan and automate replenishing to avoid costly stockouts and dead stock. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can get Fishbowl as an on-premise solution (Fishbowl Advanced) or a cloud solution (Fishbowl Drive).
10. Brightpearl
Rating: 4.5/5 (G2)
Key Features:
- Configurable warehouse workflows
- Barcode driven fulfillment
- Plug-and-play integrations
- Order fulfillment automation
- 24/7 customer support
Brightpearl helps wholesale distributors solve many of the problems they face in today’s market. For example, it lowers labor costs by automating and streamlining several warehouse operations. It also reduces paperwork and prevents confusion by being your single solution for handling and monitoring all warehouse processes.
If you have multiple warehouses or sales channels, you can view and act on order information and inventory data retrieved from all your facilities. The platform also comes with hassle-free integrations for connecting your warehouse systems.
The integrations will ensure the seamless exchange of data to automate order processes and provide real-time order updates. Lastly, you get a built-in CRM for effective customer communication and fast complaint resolution.
Grow Your Wholesale Business With Logiwa
Processing bulk orders can be complex, but with the right wholesale distribution solution, you can automate most of your processes and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Logiwa fits this bill more than any other wholesale distribution software on our list. Logiwa’s scalability, versatility, and user-friendliness make the platform ideal for easily meeting your bulk processing needs.
Don’t just take our word for it. Request a free demo today to experience the many benefits of Logiwa for yourself.
Wholesale Distribution Software FAQs
Q: What is the market size of wholesale distribution?
A: The market size of wholesale distribution is about $12 trillion.
Q: Why do many wholesale distributors fail to reach their full potential?
A: Many wholesale distributors aren’t reaching their full potential due to challenges such as inventory and shipping management problems, high overheads, and other operational issues.
Q: How can wholesale distribution software benefit distributors?
A: Wholesale distribution software can help distributors overcome challenges by optimizing inventory management, streamlining order processing, minimizing costs, and providing valuable inventory and sales insights for informed decision-making.
Q: What are the key features of wholesale distribution software?
A: Key features of wholesale distribution software include tools for inventory management, order processing, supplier and customer management, financial tracking, and automation of various order fulfillment tasks.
Q: Why is Logiwa considered a preferred wholesale distribution software?
A: Logiwa is preferred because it is scalable, versatile, user-friendly, and capable of automating bulk order fulfillment processes. It also offers real-time inventory visibility, storage optimization, and smart automation.
Q: What are the benefits of using wholesale distribution software?
A: The benefits include optimizing inventory management, streamlining order processing, reducing costs, enabling data-driven decision-making, and providing a unified ecosystem by integrating with other warehouse systems.
Q: How should one choose the right wholesale distribution software?
A: When choosing wholesale distribution software, one should consider the product’s price, features, user-friendliness, scalability, and its ability to integrate with other systems.
Q: What is the significance of user-friendliness and scalability in wholesale distribution software?
A: User-friendliness is crucial for fast onboarding and training, leading to quicker returns on investment. Scalability ensures that the software can adapt to meet business needs as customer demand fluctuates.
Q: Can wholesale distribution software integrate with other warehouse systems?
A: Yes, most wholesale distribution software can integrate with other warehouse systems, ensuring seamless data exchange and providing a unified view of operations.
Q: Why is Logiwa recommended for growing a wholesale business?
A: Logiwa is recommended because of its scalability, versatility, and user-friendliness. It is ideal for efficiently meeting bulk processing needs and offers features that automate and optimize various processes in the wholesale distribution chain.
Manage All Your Warehouse Operation Easily With Our Digital Warehouse and Fulfillment System
Warehouse Management
Modern digital WMS powers a modern fulfillment experience
