E-book

Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way Maximizing efficiency, agility, and profitability. Build resilience in an unpredictable market.

A stronger tomorrow starts with optimizing efficiency today Distributors today are navigating a more complex and unpredictable business environment than ever before. To not be left behind, as a distributor, you need complete visibility across your operations and the ability to act on real-time insights.

Globalization and e-commerce growth are changing the nature of the game, bringing new dynamics in terms of supply chain management and regulatory compliance.

Shifting customer expectations place increased demand on accelerating order cycle times and allowing for more self-serve informational needs.

To stay agile in a climate of supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, rising transportation costs, and capacity constraints, distributors need more than legacy ERPs can deliver. They need a cloud-native SaaS platform with AI in the flow of work.

2Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Dedicated to distribution it's important to choose a finance and operations management system that's specifically designed for distributors. With industry needs and challenges in mind, the right system will deliver real results for you now, and evolve with your company's strategic initiatives.

A modern SaaS platform with AI embedded directly into everyday workflows across inventory, purchasing, finance, and the supply chain helps teams identify risks earlier, reduce manual work, and act with greater confidence. That combination—cloud-native SaaS plus the power of AI— is the foundation distributors need to keep pace with what's next.

With decades of experience in streamlining processes for distributors, Sage is a trusted partner to the industry, with a constant eye on industry stakeholders and market demands.

in this e-book, we’ll discuss what to look for in operations and financial management software for distribution, and how to choose the right erP system for your business.

3Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Contents A future of confidence and control

What to look for in an ERP system for distribution

Unlock efficiency: Sage features built for distributors

Sage Intacct

Sage X3

Sage 100

Why choose Sage?

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4Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

A future of confidence and control Imagine a future where uncertainty doesn’t keep you up at night, and new opportunities drive growth instead of stress.

Picture your team having the real-time data they need to analyze costs and drive efficiencies. Stretch planning windows into weeks, months, and quarters, and build "what if" scenarios to confidently know how to act when change happens.

Imagine being able to closely monitor your inventory and predict trend migrations, so you can prepare your business to take advantage.

Envisage conducting ongoing analysis to identify your most profitable customers, products, and segments. Transforming your customer relationships from transactional to strategic, earning more loyalty and advocacy. Adding value that sets your business apart, such as bundling, and new products using data-driven insights.

And anticipate the reassurance of being supported by both artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence, with a network of vetted partners and a whole community of fellow platform users to help with everything from onboarding to staying on top of the latest updates.

5Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

What to look for in an ERP system for distribution Having the right tools is essential to keep your distribution operations running as effectively and economically as possible. It’s important to invest in an adaptable, integration-ready ERP system that’s built to address not only the challenges of today, but also those of tomorrow.

Think about a suite that works as a diverse yet fully integrated ecosystem, supporting the health of your business. Choose the functionality you need now and add further capability as you grow. If your system comes with the support of an AI-powered productivity assistant like Sage Copilot, you'll further enable your business to grow and your teams to get more done without needing more time.

6Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Unlock efficiency: Sage features built for distributors

Operations management

Automate key operational workflows for increased efficiency and smoother continuous improvement.

Inventory management Improve accuracy and inventory turnover.

Data and insights Streamline and automate processes and gain a single source of truth.

Warehouse automation Automate warehouse data capture for better control and faster fulfilment.

Seamless integration Open API and seamless integrations with best-in-class solutions.

Intuitive interface Get up and running quickly and simplify the day-to-day with an easy-to-use interface.

Mobile access Connect your people to collaborate and troubleshoot, wherever they are.

7Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Accounting and financial management

Gain real-time visibility into the true financial health of your business and make confident, data-driven decisions.

AI-powered accounting Automate accounts payable, certain approval workflows, and revenue recognition.

Built-in compliance support Reduce risk and centralize documentation for easy reporting.

Multi-entity consolidation Simplify consolidations for domestic, global, and multi-currency operations.

Budgeting and planning Real-time, agile management of budgeting, planning, and forecasting.

Real-time reporting Secure and permission- based data when and where it’s needed, from dashboards to self-serve, scheduled and shared reporting.

8Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Supply chain management

Simplify collaboration and ensure transparency for all stakeholders.

Sales Shorten cycle times with quote, price-listing, and many more options.

Inventory Keep it simple or scale up with options built for the tough demands of wholesale and distribution.

Purchasing Streamline with automated workflows, integrations, and analytics.

Cloud security Third-party penetration tested and SOC compliant.

9Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Sage Intacct Integration-friendly ERP designed specifically for small and medium-sized distributors seeking operational excellence and efficiency.

• Cloud-based and accessible anywhere with internet connectivity.

• Adaptable and scalable for growing businesses.

• Designed for distribution needs with inventory management and order processing features.

Easy integration With other business systems and platforms.

Learning resources Access expert training and learning support through Sage University.

Customer support Backed by the award-winning support network from Sage.

Sage Network Rely on the partner ecosytem from Sage for industry experienced implementation and ongoing support.

Powerful reporting Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools.

We’re very excited to have implemented a system in Sage Intacct that’s paid off 10-fold for us.

Maggie Rogness CFO, Quicksilver Express Courier

10Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

With Sage X3, we know what we have on hand and when it’s ready. It gives us confidence in our decisions, allowing us to better serve our customers and maximize revenue.

Jeremy Myrick iT Manager, Skagit horticulture

Sage X3 A comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) cloud ERP solution for mid-sized to large multinational wholesale distributors, with an established track record in distribution.

• Manage finance, inventory, distribution, and manufacturing operations from one platform.

• Surface operational insights fast with AI-powered capabilities, including Sage Copilot.

• An intuitive, Sage-managed cloud experience with Sage X3 SaaS.

• Global capabilities with multi-language, multi-legislation, and multi-currency support.

• Customizable and scalable to adapt to your business needs.

Powerful reporting Advanced analytics and reporting tools for unique business insights.

Learning resources Access expert training and certification programs.

Extensive partner network For industry experienced implementation and ongoing support.

Flexible and adaptable Customize business processes and adapt Sage X3 SaaS as you enter new markets or locations.

Integration-ready With other Sage products and many of your favorite best-in-class solutions.

Customer support Dedicated support, including AI for efficient, responsive help and service delivery.

11Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Previously, we were running the company based on our experience and hunches; now we run it on real- time facts, making smarter, faster and more strategic decisions.

Dean Beck VP and CFO, HJS Packaging & Distribution

Sage 100 Sage 100 is a cloud-connected ERP solution for small to medium-sized businesses.

• Cost-effective for smaller businesses.

• Standard ERP functionalities including finance, inventory, and distribution.

• Quick to implement and easy to use.

• Established user base and community support.

Customizable and integration-ready Configurable to your business processes and integrates with many of your favorite best-in-class solutions.

Learning resources Get the most from your software.

Customer support Backed by by the award-winning support network from Sage.

Extensive partner network For industry experienced implementation and ongoing support.

Real-time reports Make data-backed decisions quicker, company-wide.

12Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Why choose Sage? With over 40 years of experience delivering solutions for distributors to drive profitability and growth, Sage is trusted by thousands of customers around the world to help improve efficiency, enhance productivity, and build resilience in the face of change.

Why leading distributors trust Sage:

• A reliable and extensive ecosystem of experienced partners.

• Grow confidently with the security of a solid support network of always-on-hand expert advice, ongoing services, and further functionality.

• Free training with Sage University and our online e-learning courses.

• A future-facing mindset that has earned us top 5 ranking in IDC’s European Sustainable Strategies & Technologies Index.

• Access to the Sage Network, connecting customers with resources, expertise, and a collaborative community for support and growth.

• AI-enabled innovation: Customers worldwide are already benefiting from Sage Copilot, a generative AI business assistant, gaining an instant view of business performance with proactive suggestions and actionable insights for success.

• G2, the company which is trusted by more than 90 million people annually, awarded Sage with a total of 195 badges, including 154 Leader badges across its product portfolio in their fall 2024 report.

• Our outcomes-focused practice of designing alongside the customer recently earned us the Pendo Customer Service award.

13Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

Sage Intacct is playing a major role in our digital transformation as we leverage technology to lower costs, raise efficiency levels, and scale our business profitably.

Claude Michaud Chief Financial Officer, GETPAQ

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14Find the right ERP system for distribution: Why Sage leads the way

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