- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available on mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture is a platform that helps managers take charge of their logistics operations by offering end-to-end visibility in the distribution of their products. With this platform, you can enhance safety, improve efficiency and productivity, and dive into the numbers to make data-driven decisions to improve your workflows. This software is also scalable, allowing you to adjust the features to accommodate the growing needs of your business.
Features:
- Know where all your assets are at all times and add QR codes to different assets so employees can gain all the information they need with a single scan.
- Utilize safety checklists for drivers and employees before they start their route, when distributing goods, and when conducting inventory checks to bring your operations to the digital world.
- Use smart sensors to monitor the conditions of stocks in storage to ensure they’re in good condition.
- Empower employees to send reports when stocks have run out or are running low and raise issues when necessary to prevent delays and reduce downtime.
- Keep everyone informed by sending reminders and memos and allowing employees to acknowledge these memos for improved accountability.
Why use Dolibarr?
Dolibarr is an open-source distribution management software that is fully customizable and scalable to the needs of your organization, making it a great pick for growing companies.The software provides a user-friendly and modular distribution management platform that makes it easy for managers to take control of operations.
Features:
- Lots and serial management
- Order approving and purchasing recording tools
- Invoicing and accounting
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Fishbowl?
Fishbowl is a dedicated inventory management system that allows you to keep tabs on your stocks while also managing distribution. It offers specialized features tailored for distribution businesses, with seamless integration with accounting software that enhances accuracy in financial reporting and streamlines distribution processes.
Features:
- Inventory tracking and control
- Order management and fulfillment
- Reorder point and automatic replenishment
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Extensiv?
Extensiv is a powerful platform to help you manage orders and ensure fulfillment, which is why it’s a great pick for distribution management. Its robust features automate various aspects of distribution, from inventory management to order fulfillment, allowing businesses to scale efficiently.
Features:
- Inventory forecasting
- Order processing and fulfillment
- Shipping and logistics management with various carrier partners
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Cin7?
Cin7 is designed to digitally connect all aspects of your operations, making it great for facilitating the distribution of products. Its intuitive interface and scalable features make it suitable for businesses of all sizes looking to streamline their distribution operations.
Features:
- Batch and expiration tracking
- Multi-channel selling integration
- Cost accounting
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Starts at $349/month (with 14-day free trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Körber?
Körber is great for simplifying the supply chain while still staying on top of distribution activities. With advanced features for warehouse management, transportation management, and trading partner connectivity, the platform empowers businesses to optimize their distribution operations for increased efficiency and profitability.
Features:
- Labor management and tracking
- Transportation management system
- Warehouse simulator
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Logility?
Logility is a great platform for bringing your distribution management practices into the future as the platform utilizes the power of AI to help plan logistics. With features such as demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply chain visibility, Logility enables businesses to make data-driven decisions and respond quickly to changing market conditions.
Features:
- Scenario forecasting and planning
- Inventory optimization
- AI-powered analytics and estimates
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use E2open?
E2open provides cloud-based supply chain management solutions, including distribution management capabilities, to help businesses improve efficiency and reduce costs. With features such as real-time visibility, collaboration tools, and advanced analytics, E2open enables businesses to optimize their distribution operations and drive better business outcomes.
Features:
- Customs filing tools
- Collaboration tools for trading partners
- Multimode shipment tracking
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
What is Distribution Management Software?
A distribution management software is a digital tool and solution that businesses use to streamline their logistics and distribution processes. There are many types of distribution management platforms, with some focusing on inventory management, others focusing on logistics, and some offering end-to-end solutions to help businesses bring their operations to the next level.
Importance
Modern successful logistics companies rely on distribution management software to propel their operations. These platforms allow managers to streamline operations, optimize processes, and ultimately enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the distribution chain.
Some other benefits these platforms have to offer are the following:
- Efficient Inventory Management – Using a distribution management software allows businesses to track inventory levels in real time, minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.
- Enhanced Order Fulfillment – By automating order processing and fulfillment workflows, this software ensures orders are processed accurately and delivered to customers promptly.
- Optimized Routing and Logistics – With features like route optimization and vehicle tracking, distribution management software helps businesses optimize delivery routes, reduce fuel costs, and improve overall fleet efficiency.
- Improved Customer Service – These platforms offer accurate delivery estimates and order tracking capabilities, distribution management software enhances the customer experience and fosters customer loyalty.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making – These solutions offer robust reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing businesses to gain valuable insights into their distribution operations and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and profitability.
Key Features
Many platforms on the market offer different features. Companies should choose platforms with specific features that satisfy their unique needs. That said, there are still some key features that you must have when using these platforms, which include:
- Inventory tracking
- Order management
- Warehouse management
- Route optimization
- Vehicle tracking
- Analytics
- Integrations with other work software
Choosing the Right Software
Companies will have a hard time running out of options when looking for distribution management software. While there are many of these platforms on the market, it’s important to choose the ones that fit your preferences and can bring positive change to the company., Here’s a breakdown of the different options featured above to make it easier for you to choose.
| Distribution Management Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/seat/month* | Yes |
| Dolibarr | Yes | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
| Fishbowl | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Extensiv | No | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
| Cin7 | No | $349/month | Yes |
| Körber | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Logility | No | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
| E2open | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
* billed annually
Leon Altomonte