Warehouse distribution software is a key element in many successful wholesale distribution businesses. There are many different types of distribution software, but most software titles in this industry provide solutions for tracking inventory, purchase orders, payroll and other accounting issues.

Since you can find many software titles tailored to different sized businesses, small and large businesses alike can benefit from distribution software. The pricing and costs of distribution software vary depending on its features. Price also depends on the size of the software package, including:

1. Inexpensive web-based software.

2. Providers of distribution software that offer traditional titles on CD-ROM.

3. Full package suites that contain all the features you need for warehousing and distribution operations.

Action Steps for Selecting Distribution Software
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore web-based warehousing and distribution software

Web-based warehousing and distribution software is the quickest solution to you can implement into your business operations. It is accessible from anywhere, and usually runs much cheaper than other types of software. Web-based software costs $300 to $500 for full access, or you can pay monthly subscriptions in some cases.

I recommend: If you want a web-based distribution software program with all the best features, Tecsys offers a distribution software title and a warehouse management program that integrate seamlessly together. SmartTurn offers many distribution software solutions you can purchase through its website.

Choose software for distribution made specifically for small businesses

If you are running a small warehouse operation, choose software that fits the size of your business. Many small business titles for warehouse and distribution have features tailored to small businesses, including better organization and inventory options. Small warehouse software can be purchased for $400 to under $700.

I recommend: Prophet 21 from Activant is a type of distribution software tailored specifically to the needs of small businesses in wholesale distribution. Sage Software is another company that provides a warehouse software solution for small businesses.

Purchase full suit software packages to manage your warehouse distribution system

Because software for warehousing and distribution can go hand in hand, purchasing a software suite that can give you the best features of individual warehouse and distribution titles is very convenient. But if you want all the features in one package, you will have to pay $1,100 to $1,500.

I recommend: Scalable Software offers a distribution software suite that includes key features, like flexible payment options and a centralized reporting system. Insight Distribution Software offers up its distribution solution suite that includes inventory and accounting functions in one easy-to-use program.

Tips & Tactics for Using Warehousing and Distribution Software

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Warehousing software varies greatly when it comes to the types of features a title includes. If you need the software to perform specific functions, such as accounting, payroll or inventory, double check what a title includes before you make a purchase.

Buying warehouse systems can be difficult because distribution software is developing quickly. Newer warehouse systems connect to outside software such as transportation management, RFID and e-business tools. Also, newer warehousing and distribution software integrates directly into the company’s enterprise system, while older warehouse software stands alone.

Recently, enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors have added their own warehouse software components that are fully integrated into the company’s financial tools such as order entry and purchase orders. While it’s convenient to use warehouse distribution software that comes as a module in the ERP system, these warehouse software tools are new with few real-world instances to reference. In this guide you’ll learn:

1. How to match your distribution software with your customers’ needs.
2. The benefits of integration with ERP software.
3. Whether to buy warehouse distribution software from your enterprise vendor or choose a best-of-breed warehouse systems provider.
4. How to match your industry with the right warehousing software vendor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Evaluate your warehouse management software needs with those of your trading partners

Your warehouse management systems’ needs are greater than your own facilities. In choosing warehouse distribution software, create a list of the needs outside your warehouse. These needs can be internal – such as the need to integrate with e-business order-taking tools – or external – such as connecting with suppliers and vendors through electronic connections. Those distributors who ship to large retailers such as Wal-Mart or Target also need RFID capabilities in their warehousing and distribution software.

I recommend: Sage Software, which offers distribution management software and provides an excellent warehouse management software checklist you can download to help you zero in on the best warehouse management systems.

Determine whether your financial software has useful warehouse management software

If you use ERP software, you can may be able to buy your warehouse management software from your ERP vendor. According to AMR Research, warehouse management system software from ERP vendors “has matured significantly in recent months,” but the number of implementations are few, so it may be difficult to find a reference from a company that can offer any hints to the strength of these warehouse systems. The advantage of course, is the bulletproof integration between your warehouse software and your financials tools.

I recommend: If you use SAP, Oracle or QAD ERP software, you can purchase your warehouse management software from them. Find additional ERP software vendors at Business.com.

Find distribution software that integrates into all your related systems

Distribution management software no longer lives on an island inside the enterprise. Warehouse systems now have to connect to customers and vendors via Electronic Data Interchange as well as connecting to e-business systems, customer relationship management systems and ERP systems. Connectivity to outside systems has become just as important as pick, pack and ship functionality. Make a list of the connectivity points that are critical to your operation, then score warehouse system vendors on their ability to make these connections.

I recommend: Consult the directory of warehouse management software vendors at Business.com to begin your search.

Buying from resellers

Working with a warehouse distribution software reseller has advantages since resellers have worked with many customers across a variety of warehouse systems.

I recommend: Resellers such as Sage Software or IDII can help buyers identify their needs and match those needs with recent warehouse management systems developments.

Match your industry with the right warehouse management system

Each industry has its individual distribution management software needs. The pharmaceutical industry and the consumer package goods industries are both turning to solutions that include RFID – but for different reasons. Pharma needs to track and trace its goods through the supply chain. Consumer goods companies need RFID to comply with customer mandates.

I recommend: Many warehouse management software vendors can accommodate the needs of multiple industries. These include HighJump Software, Infor, Logility, Manhattan Associates and RedPrairie. More warehouse management resources are available at Business.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Create a buying team that includes those who work the warehouse software daily. You need input from those who have been struggling with the shortcomings of your present warehouse distribution software.
• •  Identify and make a list of every function you need in distribution management software. Include your highest dreams for a warehouse system. You may find you can acquire unexpected functionality in new warehouse software.
• •  Make a list to questions for your reseller or warehouse systems vendor. You don’t want to buy a warehouse system that falls short simply because you failed to ask whether the warehouse software can connect to a transportation management system.

For those who work with a warehouse distribution system, choosing the right software to help manage your business is essential in creating an environment for maximum productivity. And to find a software title that best works for the type of business you own, choose tools that can help you determine the right type of warehousing software for you.

Besides getting your business organized, making the most of distribution software means letting the software keep track of inventory and create purchase orders. In addition, it can manage some accounting tasks for your business. To find out what software title is right for you, consider the following options:

1. Research the areas that would best benefit from distribution software in your business.

2. Look for unique features in the software, such as additional accounting functions or form templates.

3. Hire a consultant that can help choose the right software for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose warehouse distribution software that offers specialized features

Distribution software comes in many forms. There is a type of distribution software for almost any industry, including wholesale warehouses, retail warehouses, manufacturers, and many more. The best software fit for you business will be one that can tailor its features to the common tasks of your warehouse.

I recommend: Vormittag Associates offers a distribution software title that works best for wholesale distribution warehouse operations. Comcash is one of many distribution software providers that offers software tailored to retail manufacturer distributors.

Hire a consultant to help you choose the right distribution software

There are many software for distribution program titles on the market today. Some come with a lot of features and some are more streamlined to work with a specific niche of warehouse distribution. Throw your budget limitations into the mix, and choosing the right software for your business may be difficult without the input of professional software consultants.

I recommend: Infor offers professional consulting services to help you find the right distribution software for your business. Logistics Consultants is another firm where you can get advice on the right type of software to fit you needs.

Know what you need from providers of distribution software

Searching for warehouse software can take you all over the place, from accounting issues to inventory and purchase order management. Instead of choosing from among all the options on the market, look at your business first to see what area of your warehouse distribution operation can benefit from the organization of software packages.

I recommend: BKD offers many guides on how to choose the right software, including guides for warehousing and distribution software. SMC Data Systems offers a comprehensive guide on how to start the search for the right software, and helps you evaluate areas of your business so you can find a compatible program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before purchasing software for warehousing and distribution, make sure you see it in action, either in an online demo, personalized demonstration or free trial.