Strategic Framework for CEOs, CFOs, COOs & Business Owners
Supply-chain-led distributors are moving from disconnected legacy systems to cloud ERP designed specifically for wholesale distribution. This 16-page guide provides a structured framework to evaluate supply chain ERP platforms—covering demand planning, purchasing, multi-branch inventory, WMS, logistics, and real-time ATP across all locations.
15-25%
Inventory Reduction
30-50%
Faster Order Processing
12-20
Weeks to Go-Live
Fragmented systems, manual processes, and reactive purchasing can no longer support modern multi-branch distributors. Customers expect instant visibility, accurate ATP across locations, and reliable fulfillment—requiring distribution-focused ERP.
Many distributors run purchasing, inventory, WMS, rebates, and eCommerce on separate systems. This creates delays, errors, missed vendor rebates, and stockouts that erode margin and customer trust.
Multi-branch operations amplify complexity exponentially. Each location needs real-time visibility into all stock, while head office needs centralized control with local flexibility for dynamic transfers and ATP calculations.
Cloud ERP built for distribution brings agility, automatic updates, elastic scalability, and supply chain intelligence to every decision—without the overhead of on-premise infrastructure management.
Wholesale distribution has unique operational realities that set it apart from manufacturing, retail, and DTC—your ERP must be designed around these distribution-specific challenges.
Use these six functional areas as a checklist when evaluating supply chain ERP software for your wholesale distribution business.
Beyond cost reduction, modern cloud ERP creates measurable value through operational improvements and captured opportunities.
15-25%
Inventory reduction through better demand planning
10-20%
Improvement in fill rates and customer satisfaction
30-50%
Reduction in order processing time
$$$
Captured vendor rebates often missed with manual tracking
The underlying architecture determines your ERP’s scalability, flexibility, and long-term viability. Evaluate these critical technical factors.
True cloud-native architecture provides distinct advantages over hosted legacy or on-premise deployments:
Modern ERP must connect seamlessly with your technology ecosystem:
Download the complete 16-page strategic framework for evaluating ERP solutions.
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Use this checklist during demos, RFPs, and reference calls to evaluate potential ERP vendors.
The guide is written primarily for CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and owners of wholesale distribution businesses. It’s equally valuable for operations, supply chain, IT, and finance leaders who need a shared blueprint for ERP selection and evaluation.
No. Many teams use it to improve processes on their current systems, quantify supply chain gaps, and build a stronger business case for a future migration to modern cloud ERP.
Yes. Examples and requirements span electrical supplies, plumbing fixtures, HVAC equipment, industrial components, fasteners, tobacco products, pharmaceuticals, and cash-and-carry operations, with emphasis on multi-branch, multi-channel wholesale distribution requirements.
ATP is a real-time calculation showing actual product availability for customer orders—considering on-hand inventory, committed stock, inbound POs, and transfers across all branches. Accurate ATP enables reliable promise dates and prevents overselling.
For mid-sized distributors, implementation typically ranges from 12-20 weeks depending on complexity, data quality, and resource availability. The guide provides a detailed five-phase implementation timeline.
Cloud-native ERP is built from the ground up for cloud delivery with automatic updates, elastic scaling, and modern architecture. Hosted ERP moves legacy on-premise software to a data center but lacks the agility and continuous innovation of true cloud platforms.
Supply Chain ERP Buyer’s Guide
Cloud ERP for wholesale distributors. Modern UX, reliable operations, and scalable performance.
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