Distribution Goes Digital
When it comes to technology, many distributors are still lagging behind. While digitization transforms operations in wholesale distribution, some companies are missing opportunities as they fail to utilize demand management systems, omnichannel commerce platforms, or inventory management solutions.
To boost customer retention, distributors need to gain a single source of truth and optimize processes. This enables them to not only know what’s going on in their business, but also keep customers informed, satisfied, and most importantly, loyal.
Rethinking Digital Transformation for Wholesale Distribution
Wholesale distributors now have the opportunity to reinvent themselves, adapting business models to better serve customers and keep the economy flowing with goods. To do this, distributors will need to invest in a technical architecture that provides both stability and long-term reliability for core processes, while allowing for flexibility in areas where change is happening on a constant basis.
The path forward will require a new approach to digital transformation –a service-based approach that replaces traditional large-scale projects with a series of smaller projects that provide a quicker, smarter way to respond to changes in technology, your industry and your business.
4 Steps to Surviving as a Modern Wholesale Distributor
In order to survive, wholesale distributors need to embrace new technologies and innovative business processes. This enables them to successfully carry out their digital transformation, maximize supply chain performance, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
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Leading-Edge Capabilities for CPG and Consumer Durables Distributors
The logistics of delivering large quantities of goods, as well as the need to deliver the latest merchandise due to fast-moving trends, can be taxing.
With diverse types of products, consumer goods distribution can be very challenging. Efficient inventory management, detailed supply chain planning and a comprehensive supplier network are key to ensuring success. Savvy Distributors are embracing leading-edge solutions for inventory and demand management, omni-channel commerce and workforce management so they can lead the market and stay ahead of the competition.
Key Capabilities for Food Services Distributors
Food service is one of the most fast-paced and demanding industries, with extremely thin margins and fierce competition. This calls for sophisticated warehouse systems, agile processes and solutions for inventory and incentive management.
In an industry known for slim margins, every competitive advantage counts. Distributors that embrace leading-edge technology to transform the business are becoming market leaders by eliminating inefficiencies, maximizing customer value, attracting and retaining top talent — and staying ahead of the competition.
Wholesale Distribution for the Construction Industry & Building Supplies
Bidding on jobs is very common in the plumbing and electrical sectors, with vendors offering discounts on high-volume orders. And the building supplies sector is very diverse, including both small goods and bulk products, sales and rental for both B2C and B2B customers.
In an industry known for slim margins, every competitive advantage counts – yet, some Distributors have been slow to adopt enterprise technology. That’s a golden opportunity for those with the insight to take advantage of leading-edge enterprise solutions for inventory and demand management, omni-channel commerce and workforce management.
Cheney Brothers, Inc.
We simply would not have been able to keep up with the pace of business demands with our old IT systems. In fact, since we started this project with itelligence, the size of the business has nearly doubled.
Joe Haber, CEO, Cheney Brothers, Inc.
Stay Competitive with Omnichannel Commerce
In today’s world, you have to do business on every channel to remain competitive. Distributors are now moving into e-commerce to open up new customer touchpoints, create new sources of revenue, and improve customer satisfaction.
Are You Facing These Challenges in Wholesale Distribution?
- Is your outdated IT infrastructure leading to inefficient demand management and supplier management?
- Are you able to keep up with the ever-increasing expectations to ensure customer loyalty?
- Is a lack of system integration making it difficult to gain a clear and complete picture of your overall operations?
- Are you under increased pressure to optimize procurement and supplier management processes as competitors drive down prices?
- Do you have the necessary tools to take advantage of your vendors’ discount and rebate programs?
If you are currently facing one or more of these challenges, we can help you rethink your processes.
How Wholesale Distribution is Changing in the Digital Economy
Process Automation and Standardization
Improving operational efficiency is a top priority in wholesale distribution. Before distributors can capitalize on the latest technologies, they first need to streamline and standardize their core processes. By integrating and automating procure-to-pay and order-to-cash processes, for example, distributors stand to save time, eliminate errors, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.
System Integration and Modernization
There is a lot to gain from replacing stand-alone systems and point solutions. End-to-end integration enables distributors to gain accurate real-time insights based on a single version of the truth, so they can make the right business decisions and transform their business.
Big Data and Predictive Analytics
Wholesale distributors have a wealth of data at their disposal – but only a few innovative leaders are using it effectively. By analyzing this data, distributors can get deeper insights into their supply chain and make predictions to optimize demand management, planning, and sales processes.
Price Optimization
Distributors are responding to increased cost pressure by trying to recover costs from vendors. Incentive management solutions enable distributors to gain a clear overview of complex discount, rebate, and commission programs so they can improve their profitability.
Supply Chain Management
To meet rising customer expectations, enterprises need to reimagine their supply chain. Process automation, flexible IT solutions, and greater data transparency are key to efficient supply chain management.
Our Wholesale Distribution Specialties
End-to-End Support
Competition is fierce in wholesale distribution – but we can help you come out on top. Whether you’re looking for a new ERP system, an industry-specific solution, or strategic consultation, itelligence supports all of your wholesale distribution operations.
Stefan Hoffmann, Wholesale Industry Solution Principal, itelligence AG
More Useful Insights into Wholesale Distribution
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Download NowWholesale Distribution: How We Can Support You
Having worked with many of the industry’s leading innovators and trendsetters, itelligence is the ideal partner for wholesale distribution. We draw upon our unparalleled experience in the industry, our understanding of country-specific requirements, and our long-standing SAP partnership to deliver value to our customers.
Furthermore, we use best practices and industry-specific software add-ons specially designed to accelerate the implementation of SAP solutions and minimize disruption to business.
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