Distribution software can help the bottom line of your business, no doubt. But there are many programs out there, and many features offered. What should you look for in distribution software, and what can you expect back in return?

Speed

First of all, you want to be able to handle customer orders quickly and efficiently. If it takes too long, they’ll take their business elsewhere. Good distribution software programs use a single hub for processing all orders. Those orders may be entered from PDAs, websites or at the front counter, and yet all orders should pass through this distribution software. Otherwise, you’re looking at an organizational nightmare.

Flexibility

Want to check up on a customer by past orders? Maybe by the kinds of products they ordered, so you may suggest complementary ones? Distribution software should enable you to call up customer data in different ways, leading to higher sales. The program may pay for itself just by selling a single product to a customer who never bought that item previously. Distribution software keeps you on top of customer buying habits, and when you know WHAT they’re buying, you know how to stock, ensuring that what you stock goes out the door quickly (instead of the back room).

Integrated fax and email programs should further allow you to stay in touch with customers, and distribution software can make it almost effortless. Want to do a mailing to only your big-ticket item buyers? Distribution software can find them for you with the click of a mouse. Want to access your accounting information, including accounts receivable for those clients? Again distribution software can help.

Even the shipping and receiving itself can be simplified. Pick tickets can be generated with good distribution software. Need to transfer stock from one location to another and track it? These programs are built to handle the confusion for you.