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.
A good match with your business
Again, you want to pick distribution software that fits seamlessly with your
existing business or at least gives you a replacement product that is not too
difficult to implement. This could involve bar coding or credit card
management, but most of all…
Make sure the distribution software has a solid team backing it. If you need
support at first in learning how to apply it specifically to your business,
make sure the software comes with excellent tutorial materials or online or
phone assistance to help you out. Then get shipping and increase those profits.
Before long, you’ll wondered how you managed without—