New distribution channels continue to grow, while existing channels are expanding with new approaches, such as global sourcing, cross-sell capabilities, third-party logistics, and radio frequency identification (RFID). Distributors are also faced with greater competition and higher customer service expectations. Distribution companies have to implement more advanced management solutions to cope with these changes.
Microsoft Dynamics provides powerful, adaptable solutions that give distributors the tools they need to manage every aspect of their business, from order entry and procurement to sophisticated inventory and shipment management. These integrated solutions can be deployed quickly and inexpensively, without complicated customization or drawn-out implementation projects.
Streamline business operations
- Automate critical business processes, from order capture to inventory replenishment, and help reduce wasteful activities.
- Deliver real-time business intelligence and alerts on the status of the business to management and customers.
- Enable customer self-service through Web portals.
Improve supply chain and inventory management
- Provide easy, real-time visibility into inventory, sales, purchasing, and financial information across multiple locations.
- Accurately track shipping and delivery of parts by integrating Automatic Data Collection (ADC) functionality with enterprise resource planning (ERP).
- Maintain accurate real-time inventory data and optimize layout, picking methods, and movement.
- Create accurate demand forecasts.
Enhance customer relationships
- Help ensure accurate and on-time delivery with powerful customer/supplier integration, planning tools, and company-wide inventory visibility.
- Respond rapidly to unique customer demands, such as specific packaging and shipping requirements.
- Manage customer interactions across multiple communication channels.
Wholesale distributors are often squeezed between increasing customer demands, competitive pressures, and the accelerating spread of manufacturers across the globe. Tight margins and the high cost of excess inventory make cost control and efficiency critical. But the right technology can create new opportunities to increase operational efficiency across your business, fill orders faster, and reduce inventory and distribution costs.
Process Management
- Centralize information for easy access throughout your business
- Automate manual procedures
- Balance workloads
- Reduce rekeying of data
- Improve replenishment decisions
- Increase fill rates
- Manage repackaging and remanufacturing activities
Inventory Management
- Accurately forecast demand
- Make reliable promises to customers
- Fulfill orders more quickly and accurately
- Boost customer satisfaction
- Balance inventory costs against fill rates and customer satisfaction levels
- Streamline warehouse processes
- Efficiently handle long lead-time items
- Generate pick, put-away, movement, and physical inventory documents on the fly using handheld devices
Analysis and Business Intelligence
- Get immediate feedback on business performance
- Get a clear understanding of product profitability, seasonality, and trends
- Gain negotiation power with suppliers
- Identify new ways to add value
- Quickly extract data with Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) services
Reporting
- Export data to Microsoft Excel for manipulation, analysis, and graphical presentation
Integration with Familiar Software
- Maximize your IT investment
- Use seamlessly with other Microsoft products such as Microsoft Office
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