How to Choose the Right Distribution Software for CPG Wholesale

Why Distribution Software for CPG Wholesale Matters

What is Distribution Software?

Distribution software is a specialized tool to streamline and automate the supply chain, inventory and order management for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) wholesalers. Unlike generic inventory management systems, industry-specific distribution software is designed for CPG businesses with features like real-time inventory tracking, automated order processing and seamless integration with logistics networks.

CPG wholesalers have many moving parts to manage – sourcing products, distributing them efficiently and ensuring they meet demand across multiple sales channels. Without the right software, these tasks become time consuming, prone to errors and ultimately impact profitability. By using advanced distribution software like SimplyDepo’s Distribution Software, wholesalers can ensure their operations are optimized for efficiency and growth.

How Distributors Optimize with SimplyDepo

SimplyDepo enables distributors to supercharge their operations with distributor-focused features. By providing a single software solution, SimplyDepo consolidates inventory control, order management, sales tracking and analytics into one easy to use platform. Key features include:

• Automated Workflows: Eliminates manual tasks, reduces errors and frees up time for sales and logistics teams.
• Real Time Inventory and Sales Analytics: Provides instant insights into inventory levels, sales trends and customer buying behaviour using AI driven reports.
• Field Sales Management: Supports remote order capture, instant inventory visibility and improved customer interactions for field sales reps.
• Business Intelligence: Enables distributors to make data driven decisions, reduce operational costs and increase productivity.

Success Story: Brickyard Brands

Brickyard Brands, a distributor for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands, optimised their operations with SimplyDepo. By using SimplyDepo’s platform, Brickyard Brands:

• Reduced manual order processing by 30%
• Doubled gross margin tracking accuracy
• Increased team productivity by 20%

The digital storefront and real time data collection also enabled web order management and streamlined sales processes. According to co-founder Henry Gilbert, SimplyDepo has become an essential part of their daily operations, one platform to manage all sales activities and customer communications.

Challenges in CPG Wholesale Without Distribution Software

Without the right distribution software, CPG wholesalers face many operational challenges:

• Managing complex supply chains: Coordinating multiple suppliers, warehouses and retailers can be a headache without an automated system. Complexity increases with international supply chains and different compliance requirements across regions.
• Real-time inventory visibility: Lack of up-to-date inventory tracking leads to stockouts, overstocking and lost sales opportunities. Poor visibility also affects demand forecasting and supplier communication.
• Handling high order volumes: Manual order processing increases errors, slows down fulfillment and negatively impacts customer satisfaction. Automated order management ensures accuracy and speed, giving businesses a competitive edge. SimplyDepo’s Order Management Software helps streamline the whole process.
• Cost inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks: Without automation, businesses spend too much time and resources resolving errors and manually tracking inventory.

What to Look for When Choosing Distribution Software

Scalability and Flexibility

As a CPG wholesaler, you need a solution that grows with your business.

• Adapting to business growth: Ensure the software can handle more SKUs, warehouse locations and customer base. As your business grows, the software should be able to accommodate additional features and higher data volume.
• Multi-location and omnichannel support: If you have multiple warehouses or sales channels, look for a solution with centralised inventory control. This ensures a consistent experience for customers across platforms, whether they are buying online, through distributors or in retail stores. 
• Customisation: Some businesses may need specific features that align with their workflow. Having software that allows feature customisation is beneficial in the long run.

Seamless Integration with Existing Systems

Integration is key to optimising your distribution process.

• ERP, CRM and accounting compatibility: Ensure your distribution software integrates with your enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. A well integrated system minimises errors and improves efficiency by reducing manual data entry.
• Logistics and e-commerce platform connectivity: Smooth communication between software solutions helps streamline operations and improve order accuracy. Connecting with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, marketplaces and fulfillment services ensures a seamless flow of goods from warehouses to customers.
• API availability: A software solution with open API allows businesses to build custom integrations, ensuring seamless communication across different tools in their tech stack.

Advanced Inventory and Order Management

Inventory management is the backbone of a successful CPG wholesale operation.

• Demand forecasting and automated reordering: AI driven insights help predict stock needs and automate replenishment. By using historical data and predictive analytics businesses can reduce overstocking and stockouts.
• Minimizing stock discrepancies: Real-time tracking reduces errors and ensures accurate stock levels across warehouses. An integrated system with barcode scanning and RFID tracking enhances stock accuracy.
• Multi-warehouse synchronisation: Distribution software should provide visibility across multiple warehouses, ensuring efficient allocation of stock based on demand. SimplyDepo’s Distributor Solution is designed to optimize warehouse management and stock allocation.

Real-Time Data and Analytics

Data-driven decision making is key to optimising wholesale operations.

• Performance tracking and reporting: Monitor sales trends, order fulfillment rates and supplier performance. Comprehensive dashboards provide actionable insights for managers to make informed decisions.
• AI driven insights for better decision making: Predictive analytics helps businesses optimise pricing, inventory levels and sales strategy. AI powered demand forecasting tools analyse buying patterns and market trends to anticipate customer demand.
• Custom reporting features: The ability to generate detailed and custom reports allows businesses to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify areas for improvement.

Mobile Accessibility and Cloud-Based Operations

With remote work and field teams playing a bigger role in CPG wholesale, mobile accessibility is a must.

• Remote team collaboration: Cloud-based software allows teams to access information and update data from anywhere. Field sales representatives can enter orders in real time, ensuring up to date inventory records. 
• Secure data access from anywhere: Make sure the solution has robust security and user role-based access. This is especially important if you handle financial and inventory data.
• Offline enabled: In areas with limited connectivity, being able to work offline and sync when online is a big win. SimplyDepo’s Task Management Software keeps your teams productive even in the field.

Choosing the right distribution software is a whopper for CPG wholesalers, optimising your supply chain, inventory and order fulfillment. By considering scalability, integration, inventory management, data and mobile you can make informed decisions for long term profitability and efficiency. Invest in the right tech and stay ahead in a rapidly changing wholesale market. Try SimplyDepo today.