Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a strategic choice for distributors already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. It helps align sales, purchasing, inventory, and finance within a familiar interface. The platform is particularly well-suited for growing companies looking for a flexible cloud ERP with strong integration capabilities.  

Here’s feedback from a real distribution sector client:

“Pleasantly surprised by the system’s performance and overall ease of use. However, many bugs (on Microsoft side) still open / to be solved – impact of version updates not clear in all cases to current version – some functionalities are still missing in the D365 standard and has to be supplied by 3rd party solutions (e.g. Tour Management Tool) – cockpits are not finally developed (get broken after version updates and cannot be delivered centrally)” 

Source: Gartner ⭐⭐⭐⭐

SAP offers advanced ERP features for distribution, including warehouse management (EWM), logistics, billing, pricing, and global supply chain management. It is particularly well-suited for large enterprises with multi-site and international operations.  

Here’s feedback from a real end user in the distribution sector:

“SAP integrates well with other tools and allows us to get data from trusted and reliable data sources. However, The tool is a little tough and complicated for new users. It might take some people more time to get a hang of the tool and then get used to it. There are no detailed guidelines to help new users. The support is not the best and can be better.”

Source: Gartner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oracle ERP Cloud enables distributors to manage their finances, supply chain, and logistics efficiently. It provides powerful tools for analytics, supplier management, and optimization of purchasing and replenishment processes. The focus is on automating workflows and ensuring compliance. 

Here’s feedback from a real user in the consumer goods distribution sector:

“We really like our ability to impact our statistical forecast with a bunch of inputs that we can add into the system, the amount of different layouts that we can build in the interface, how we can standardize our planning process and that we can have all of our company inputs in one system instead of it being spread out across many different systems. However, we do not appreciate:

• How complex the daily/weekly/monthly batch processes have become.
• How rigid the system can be when it comes to filtering down to a grouping of items without having to create a new segmentation.
• How performance will lag when trying to filter on large groups of data or how the system will error out after loading for some time.”

 

Source: Gartner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Infor CloudSuite Distribution is specifically designed to meet the needs of distributors, offering advanced management of inventory, pricing, orders, replenishment, and logistics. The solution is hosted on AWS and provides strong flexibility, solid performance, and a user-friendly interface tailored to business users. 

Here’s feedback from a wholesale distribution user:

“As implemented, Syteline onprem has allowed customizations needed to support our business model. The interface is a bit touchy, causing a user the need to redo processes for no apparent reason. The ability to add custom data views has allowed for the reporting to be acceptable and has also allowed for less programming to accommodate needs.”

Source: TrustRadius ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sage X3 is a lightweight, fast-to-deploy, and easy-to-use ERP solution, ideal for distribution SMEs. It covers key functions such as sales, purchasing, inventory management, and light production management, with good flexibility to adapt to standard processes without unnecessary complexity. 

Here’s feedback from a wholesale distribution user:

“Intuitive menu structure and easy to use once the basics have been learnt. Very flexible and can be customized to suit your business. L’installation initiale est relativement complexe et le système n’est pas le plus rapide, car Relatively complex initial set up and not the quickest of systems as always a processing delay il y a toujours un délai de traitement.”

Source: Capterra ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Acumatica is built for growing SMEs, offering a modern interface, an unlimited user model, and strong flexibility. It simplifies inventory management, customer order processing, and replenishment, and provides a wide range of native connectors (e-commerce, CRM, finance). 

Here’s feedback from a real user in the distribution sector:

“There are many things I like, however the flexibility of the software is nice. The software can be customized to fit a user need. The open platform let data come in and out easily, which is helpful in this user driven age. The accounting modules can be too restrictive. Example can’t add an PO number to an invoice after being released. The ongoing costs to upgrade is something to be mindful of. This is a hidden cost.”

Source: G2 ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

SYSPRO offers broad functional coverage for distribution, including inventory management, order processing, warehouse management, and finance. It is tailored for industrial SMEs and allows strong customization while remaining simple enough for standard business needs. It’s ideal for companies seeking a robust ERP without excessive complexity. 

Here’s feedback from a wholesale distribution end user:

“The software contains everything you would expect from an ERP and is easy to navigate and use. SYSPRO makes third-party software integration easy. There are plenty of customization options and straightforward system administration. 

However, if you’re not using the latest browser-based version, remote use for sales reps becomes more complicated since you must access a Windows PC via VPN or remote desktop. The browser-based version, however, seems to perform much better on mobile devices for on-the-go access.” 

Source: Software Advice ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Epicor Prophet 21 is tailor-made for both B2B and B2C distributors. It offers deep coverage of sales, inventory, purchasing, e-commerce, mobility, and customer relationship management. Its modular structure and integrated business tools support seamless multichannel, multi-warehouse, and multilingual growth. 

Here’s feedback from a user who has been on P21 for over 12 years:

“Grove has used P21 for 12 years now and are very happy. We love the fact that we can see rebated costs in the software at order entry and determine exactly what we are making on an order. Everything is part of one package so you are not worrying about add on packages that integrate with P21 as it is all a P21 product. If there is an issue, there is only one vendor to deal with. Our inventory accuracy is extremely high and we can always tell where an order is in process simply by drilling down within the system. Great product. ”

Source: GetApp ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Small to mid-sized businesses typically prioritize a flexible, fast-to-deploy ERP with controlled costs.
• Large organizations and multinational distribution businesses will seek a highly scalable, multi-site, multi-currency solution with strong integration and automation capabilities. 
• Open-source ERPs are generally not recommended for businesses with complex or highly regulated operations. 

• Some ERPs are tailored to specific industries and come with pre-built business modules.
• If your company needs specialized modules (like WMS or multi-warehouse management), prioritize an ERP that can support your processes from the start. For example, a strong WMS will ensure smooth logistics, optimized inventory management, and improved customer satisfaction. 

• Simplicity: Choose an intuitive ERP if your internal resources are limited.
• Flexibility: Opt for a highly customizable ERP if your processes are unique.
• Scalability: Invest in a platform that can grow with your business without requiring a major overhaul.
• User Experience: Prioritize modern, mobile-friendly interfaces to maximize adoption among your teams.

• Out-of-the-Box Approach: Integrated business modules for advanced distribution, CRM, warehouse management, and more. 
• Industry Specialization: Solutions tailored for complex distribution realities — no need for excessive customization. 
• Flexible Deployment: Cloud or on-premises ERP, depending on your operational needs.
• True Scalability: Epicor supports the growth of ambitious SMEs and large international enterprises.
• User Experience: Modern interfaces, built-in mobility, and embedded analytics to drive real-time decision-making.