ERP for wholesale

ERP for wholesale

The wholesale sector is dynamic and complex. Customers are becoming more discerning, delivery times are getting shorter and the product range is constantly expanding.

Modern wholesalers can therefore no longer do without an ERP system. This software automatically brings all processes together within a single central environment, ensuring that everyone works with the same, up-to-date information and preventing human error.

On this page, you can read more about the specific added value of ERP for wholesalers, which features are most important, and how to choose an ERP system that suits your organisation.

These ERP suppliers specialise in wholesale:

Team SolutionsECI Software Solutions BVCegekaDutchworld IT SolutionsAmista Nederland BVBluace B.V.Fellowmind Netherlands B.V.AllSolutions B.V.GMI Group NVFortiqoESC BVDigiMedio4D Vision NVDrydock ERPSoftpak BVNessi NVLogres Business Solutions B.V.Plus Business SoftwareBravx NederlandSocialERP B.V.DigitalMindEqeep Benelux B.V.CegekaWolters Kluwer Belgium NVAardugAdeconConsolit BVPantheon AutomatiseringSage9 Knots Solutions B.V.Geefirm B.V.OdooOffimac NVMicrosoft Dynamics 365InforBoltrics B.V.SAPAiden Netherlands BVOracle netsuite3BM IT-SolutionsNTT DATA Business Solutions B.V.DNA Services BVQuinsoTheValueChain NV9Altitudes Nederland B.V.Koombadear digitalBlisss Software B.V.Softmaat Online Solutions B.V.Visma CASHExactSmart Value B.V.OracleLogic4 B.V.HB SoftwareAfasDTNEXT B.V.Salesmanager bvDelaware Consulting B.V.Prodware Nederland B.V.Eos SoftwareOrganiClearis BVAiden / Vigor NVThe RMO Company

Why wholesalers choose ERP

Speed and accuracy: that is what matters most to a wholesaler. Orders must be processed as quickly as possible, stock levels must be accurate, and agreements with customers must be honoured. At the same time, margins are under pressure, customers are making ever-higher demands, and suppliers are facing long lead times.

Standalone systems or an Excel spreadsheet are no longer sufficient for these processes. The warehouse has its own system, whilst sales staff and the accounts department also work with their own systems. This leads to inaccurate data, a lot of manual work and a lack of insight into which customers, products or channels are actually profitable.

An ERP system for wholesalers changes all that. ERP software brings all departments together within a single central environment, so that everyone works with the same, up-to-date information. This enables you to process orders faster, manage stock more effectively and gain a better understanding of what each product actually delivers.

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The 8 most important ERP modules for wholesalers

As wholesalers deal with extensive product ranges, multiple suppliers, customer-specific prices and various sales channels, it is important to choose ERP software that aligns with these processes. An ERP system for wholesalers therefore usually includes the following modules:

Sales order management and customer management

Process orders quickly and accurately, and centrally manage customer agreements, quotations and communication history.

Purchasing and supplier management

Manage purchase orders, monitor deliveries and replenish stock in a timely manner.

Stock management

Gain real-time insight into stock levels by warehouse, location or product group.

Warehouse Management (WMS)

Efficiently manage the receipt, storage, picking, packing and dispatch of goods.

Item and Product Data Management

Centrally manage product information, barcodes, packaging types, conversion units and product groups.

Pricing and Contract Management

Manage customer-specific prices, volume discounts, promotions and margin agreements.

Invoicing and Financial Management

Manage invoicing, accounts receivable and gain insight into margins per customer, order or product group.

Business Intelligence (BI)

Reports and analyses to gain insight into turnover, margins, stock turnover, delivery reliability and customer performance.

When choosing an ERP system, also consider scalability: the system must be able to grow with your organisation, for example when you open a new site or expand your product range.

The key benefits of ERP for wholesalers

An ERP system provides wholesalers with greater insight into and control over their processes and inventory, these are the key benefits:

  • Faster and error-free order processing
  • Greater control over stock, ensuring you never have too much or too little
  • Better margins thanks to insight into profitability per customer, product or channel
  • A more efficient warehouse thanks to streamlined processes
  • Less administrative work through automatic linking and processing of orders, invoices and payments
  • Satisfied customers thanks to fast delivery and better communication
  • A system that easily scales with your business

The risks of choosing software too hastily

  • Implementing ERP software is a major investment. If you choose too hastily, you’ll be stuck for years with software that doesn’t fit your work processes: a difficult implementation that runs over time, staff who avoid the new system, and customisations that quickly double the initial cost.
  • For wholesalers, stock and order management is the beating heart of the operation. A system that is insufficiently tailored to this leads to errors that customers notice immediately.
  • These are the most common mistakes made during ERP selection:

    • Failing to compare enough ERP suppliers
    • Choosing based on an impressive demo, a well-known name or time pressure
    • Underestimating the importance of seamless integration with online shops and supplier portals
    • Underestimating the total cost of the project (implementation, training, licences and maintenance)
    • Involving staff too late or not enough in the decision-making process

    A good, well-considered choice therefore starts with an honest analysis of what your organisation needs – not just now, but also in three to five years’ time.

    Comparing wholesale software

    Anyone searching online for wholesale software will quickly come across a vast range of suppliers and systems. The right choice depends entirely on your organisation’s specific needs and objectives. Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? With our selection tool, we’ll map out your software requirements based on a series of questions. This allows us to make a targeted selection of the most suitable suppliers.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Here you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about ERP Guide and how we work

    How long does an ERP implementation take in the wholesale sector?
    A simple implementation can easily take three to six months, whilst more complex projects can take over a year.
    When does a wholesale business need an ERP system?
    As soon as you lose track of stock, orders or deliveries, or when your product range grows and your current working methods are no longer scalable, it is time to make the move to an ERP system.
    Can an ERP system help to reduce delivery errors?
    Yes. Because orders, stock and logistics are managed from a single system, there are fewer errors caused by miscommunication or manual data entry.
    How much does an ERP system for wholesale businesses cost?

    The costs depend on the size of your business, the number of users and the features you require. In addition to licence fees, implementation and maintenance costs also play a part.

    Wholesale ERP generally requires less customisation than, for example, manufacturing or construction, as the required functionality is relatively standard. As the exact costs still vary significantly depending on the supplier, the size of the product range and the number of integrations, we have deliberately chosen not to quote a fixed amount here: our free selection tool will provide you with a price estimate tailored to your specific situation.

    Can’t find your question here? Please feel free to contact us.

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    Find the most suitable software suppliers

    Compare ERP software

    Choose your sector

    Why this matters in your ERP selection: When making your selection, it is important to take your sector into account. A system must perfectly align with your business processes. These processes differ per industry. For example, a wholesale company operates differently from a construction company and therefore requires different functionalities.
    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What type of manufacturing are you specialised in?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    When selecting an ERP, it is important to take different types of manufacturing into account. Each sector has its own specific requirements for an ERP. For example, if you work with perishable goods, the ERP must be able to handle FIFO and best-before date data. Are you in fashion? Then colour/size matrices are important, etc.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    How are your production orders planned?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    In stock-driven production processes, items are manufactured based on sales forecasts. You want to keep inventory as low as possible without running into delivery problems. You then need ERP software that monitors stock levels and helps with reliable forecasting. Is your production customer-order-driven? Then orders must be taken into production quickly. The ERP must also take any customer specifications into account.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What does your production process look like?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    In discrete manufacturing, you need an ERP with strong capabilities for building bills of materials. If you only do assembly, you are in luck: this typically requires less complexity from ERP systems. For (semi) process industries, these systems are not suitable. Here, the software must be able to handle formulas and recipes (ratios, mixing, etc.). Finally, project-based production is a completely different discipline and requires strong project management functionalities.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What production volumes do you work with?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    In unit production, items are produced one by one (weighing, artisan products, etc.). In this case, ERP software must be able to accommodate many customer specifications. When products are made in multiple quantities at once, we refer to batch or series production. Due to the larger runs, inventory management functionalities are important. In continuous production, the production process is kept running as much as possible. As a result, ERP software must excel at calculating optimal capacity utilisation.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What type of trade are you specialised in?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection: When selecting an ERP, it is important to consider what type of trading company you are. Each sector has its own specific requirements for an ERP. For example, if you work with perishable goods, the ERP must be able to handle FIFO and best-before date data. Are you in fashion? Then colour/size matrices are important, etc.
    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you have a webshop that needs to be integrated?

    How many physical stores with point-of-sale do you have?

    Do you also import goods?

    Do you also export goods?

    What type of customers do you supply to?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even among ERP systems for trading companies, there are major differences. How you answer the above questions determines which solutions are more or less suitable. If you import or export goods, you may for example need to deal with customs formalities. Do you supply to consumers? Then different legal regulations apply that you need to take into account.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What type of retailer are you?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    When selecting an ERP, it is important to consider what types of products you sell. Each sector has its own specific requirements for an ERP. For example, if you work with perishable goods, the ERP must be able to handle FIFO and best-before date data. Are you in fashion? Then colour/size matrices are important, etc.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    How many physical points of sale do you have?

    What type of customers do you supply to?

    Do you also import goods?

    Do you also export goods?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even among ERP systems for retailers, there are major differences. How you answer the questions determines which solutions are more or less suitable. If you import or export goods, you may for example need to deal with customs formalities. Do you supply to consumers? Then different legal regulations apply that you need to take into account.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What type of service provider are you?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    When selecting an ERP, it is important to consider what services you provide. Each sector has its own specific requirements for an ERP. For example, if you organise events, the correspondence with suppliers and staff scheduling must be well organised. Do you provide consultancy and invoice by the hour? In that case, a good time tracking system is essential.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Is time tracking important to you?

    Do you work with hourly rates and/or fixed rates?

    Is HRM an important part of your business?

    Does your organisation work on a project basis?

    What is the average lead time of your projects?

    Do you mostly supply to businesses or consumers?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even when it is clear what type of services you provide, there are major differences between ERP systems. How you answer the above questions determines which of these are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What type of logistics services do you offer?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    When selecting an ERP, it is important to consider what type of logistics services you provide. Each sector has its own specific requirements for an ERP. Do you specialise in sea freight? Then a connection with Portbase may be important. Do you specialise in road transport? Then trip planning and route planning are important.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you organise loads in the following way?

    Groupage / Part loads (LTL)
    Groupage/part loads consolidated at a hub for multiple clients
    FTL
    Full loads for multiple clients
    Dedicated Logistics
    Transport for a single client
    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    You will be using an ERP system, among other things, to track goods to be transported. Naturally, the ERP system must properly understand how you work and for whom you are transporting. Therefore, indicate how you organise your loads so this can be taken into account in the ERP selection.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you have your own fleet?

    Do goods need to be transported under refrigeration?

    Do you import goods?

    Do you also export goods?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    These questions are important for making a more refined selection. When importing or exporting, you will need to deal with customs formalities. The ERP system must be able to support you by providing the right data and documents. Do you have a fleet? Then it needs to be maintained and depreciated correctly. Do goods need to be transported under refrigeration? Then you need functionality for temperature monitoring and control.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Government and NGOs

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    When selecting an ERP, it is important to consider what type of government services you provide. Each sector has its own specific requirements for an ERP. Let us know what activities you carry out, and we will find vendors with the right references and experience in that specific area.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you work on a project basis?

    Do you want a membership administration?

    Does the ERP system need to be connected to other softwares?

    Name of the software integration(s):

    Does the ERP system need to be available on mobile?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even now that it is clear what type of government role you fulfil, there are major differences between ERP systems. How you answer the above questions determines which of these are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What type of healthcare are you specialised in?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    When selecting an ERP, it is important to consider what type of care you provide. The processes in a hospital differ greatly from an organisation involved in nursing or social services. Therefore, each branch of healthcare has its own specific requirements for an ERP.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you want to use the ERP system for client registration as well?

    Does your organisation offer overnight stays?

    Does the ERP system need to be connected to other softwares?

    Name of the software integration(s):

    Do you provide care on location?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even now that it is clear what type of care you provide, there are major differences between ERP systems. How you answer the above questions determines which of these are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What type of construction are you specialised in?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    When selecting an ERP, it is important to consider the construction activities you specialise in. Each sector has its own specific requirements for an ERP. Property developers need very complex functionalities for risk management and (financially) monitoring the budget and progress. Civil engineering companies are characterised by the frequent need for a maintenance and certification module for the deployment of heavy equipment.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Does your organisation work on a project basis?

    What is the average lead time of your projects?

    Do you often work with many different parties?

    Does your organisation manage real estate?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even now that it is clear what type of construction company you are, there are major differences between ERP systems. How you answer the above questions determines which of these are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you carry out a lot of maintenance work?

    Do you also want to be able to schedule assets?

    Do you want time tracking for your employees?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even now that it is clear what type of construction company you are, there are major differences between ERP systems. How you answer the above questions determines which of these are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    What type of education do you provide?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    When selecting an ERP, it is important to consider the type of education you specialise in. Each sector has its own specific requirements for an ERP. Corporate training is more commercial than other forms of education, which may make CRM functions more important. In regular education, the ERP must handle the tracking of students (student tracking system).

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do your customers have a membership with you?

    Do you also want to use the system for student registration?

    Do you also want to use the system for HRM?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even now that it is clear what type of education you provide, there are major differences between ERP systems. How you answer the above questions determines which of these are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you also teach remotely?

    Do you work with timetables and location planning?

    Does the ERP system need to be connected to other softwares?

    Name of the software integration(s):

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Even now that it is clear what type of education you provide, there are major differences between ERP systems. How you answer the above questions determines which of these are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Are you an installation company or a service company?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    These questions are important for making a more refined selection. There are many different ERP systems that specifically target the installation and service industry. By answering the above questions, it can be determined which vendors are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you want the ERP system to be ready for IoT (Internet of Things)?

    Do you want an integration with key suppliers?

    Do you also carry out maintenance work?

    Do work orders need to be entered on mobile devices?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    These questions are important for making a more refined selection. There are many different ERP systems that specifically target the installation and service industry. By answering the above questions, it can be determined which vendors are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Does the system need to be accessible offline?

    Do you need to be able to monitor machines remotely?

    Do you also work on a project basis?

    Do you need to register refrigerants?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    These questions are important for making a more refined selection. There are many different ERP systems that specifically target the installation and service industry. By answering the above questions, it can be determined which vendors are more or less suitable.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Do you carry out maintenance regularly?

    Do you work with Service Level Agreements?

    Does the ERP system need to be connected to other softwares?

    Name of the software integration(s):

    Do you work on a project basis?

    Do you want to record hours in the system?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    There are many ERP systems that specifically target the rental sector. Answer the above questions to determine which vendors are more or less suitable. If you regularly maintain your assets, it is important to choose an ERP system with maintenance planning functionalities. Do you work on a project basis? Then project administration functions give you insight into the revenues, costs and margins of one or more projects.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Can you provide a brief description of your business activities?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    To keep the selection tool manageable, we have chosen which sectors are listed by default. There is a chance your sector was not included in the overview. You can still use the selection tool. Provide a precise description of your business activities. The more you share, the more accurate the selection will be.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Does the ERP system need to be available on mobile?

    Does the ERP system need to be available offline?

    Is time tracking important to you?

    Do you work with hourly rates and/or fixed rates?

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Since you did not select a standard sector earlier in the selection tool, we cannot ask industry-specific questions. However, by answering these questions you can still make your ERP search more specific. The questions are independent of your sector and help determine which ERP software suits you best. The more information you provide, the more accurate the selection will be.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Is HRM an important part of your business?

    Does your organisation work on a project basis?

    What is the average lead time of your projects?

    Do you mostly supply to businesses or consumers?

    Does the ERP system need to be connected to other softwares?

    Name of the software integration(s):

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Since you did not select a standard sector earlier in the selection tool, we cannot ask industry-specific questions. However, by answering these questions you can still make your ERP search more specific. The questions are independent of your sector and help determine which ERP software suits you best. The more information you provide, the more accurate the selection will be.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Does your organisation have multiple locations?

    How many warehouses do you have?

    Do you work with multi-currency?

    Do you operate internationally?

    Is the head office located in the United Kingdom?

    Do you have any specific requirements we should take into account? (Optional)

    Why this matters in your ERP selection:

    Although these questions are not about activities within the company, the answers are of great importance. Most vendors use this information to determine whether they can meet the requirements of your implementation. For example, some vendors cannot handle international implementations or work exclusively with a single currency.

    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

    Enter the number of employees

    Why this matters in your ERP selection: When making your selection, it is important to know how many employees there are and how many people will be using the software. As a general rule: the larger the organisation, the more complex the implementation. This is not only because all users need to be trained, but also because decision-making often differs compared to smaller companies. With larger businesses, the vendor must be better able to handle longer communication lines and implementation timelines.
    Marc
    Mark Sanders
    Software Expert

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