Top 10 software for distributors to streamline operations in 2025

Distribution businesses today are under intense pressure. Customer expectations are higher than ever, margins are thinner, and supply chains are increasingly complex. Distributors must juggle inventory across multiple warehouses, fulfill orders across different sales channels, and manage supplier relationships while ensuring profitability. Without the right tools, these challenges can quickly spiral into inefficiencies and lost opportunities.

That is why software for distributors has become essential. Modern solutions integrate inventory, order management, financials, and analytics into one unified system, giving distributors real-time visibility and the agility they need to stay competitive. But with so many options available, from ERP giants to specialized inventory platforms, how do you know which one is right for your business?

This guide explores the top 10 software for distributors in 2025, tailored for North American businesses in both the US and Canada. Whether you are a small distributor looking for affordable inventory control, or a growing mid-market player ready for a scalable ERP system, you will find options here. Among them, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, stands out as one of the most versatile and powerful solutions for distributors.

Why distributors need specialized software?

The distribution sector is the backbone of commerce, ensuring that goods flow smoothly between manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Yet, distributors in North America face some common challenges:

• Complex supply chains: Global sourcing, just-in-time delivery, and unpredictable transportation costs make operations harder to manage.
• Inventory risks: Overstocking ties up cash, while stockouts erode customer trust.
• Thin margins: Every inefficiency, from manual data entry to misrouted shipments, eats into profits.
• Customer expectations: B2B buyers now expect real-time tracking, personalized service, and quick fulfillment.

The right software for distributors addresses these challenges by:

• Automating workflows across procurement, order management, and shipping.
• Providing real-time visibility into stock levels, demand forecasts, and financial health.
• Improving accuracy with barcode scanning, integrated accounting, and supplier portals.
• Supporting scalability as distributors expand across regions or into new markets.

For Canadian distributors, local compliance (bilingual systems, GST/HST) adds another layer of complexity, while US distributors often face pressure from larger supply chains and eCommerce competition. Distribution software tailored for North America can bridge both worlds, offering flexibility and growth potential.

Top 10 software for distributors in 2025

Choosing the right software for distributors means balancing features, scalability, and ease of use. Below are ten solutions distributors in the US and Canada should consider, ranked for their relevance to different business sizes and needs.

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is one of the most complete ERP platforms for distributors. It connects every part of your operations — from financials to inventory and supply chain — into a single system.

Features for distributors

• Real-time tracking of inventory across multiple warehouses.
• Automated purchase orders and replenishment suggestions based on demand forecasting.
• Integration with Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook and Excel for streamlined workflows.
• Built-in Power BI dashboards for advanced analytics.
• Multi-currency and multi-language support, ideal for Canadian distributors working cross-border.

Strengths

• Highly scalable: works for small distributors and grows with your business.
• Cloud-based but also available on-premise for flexibility.
• Seamless integration with tools your team already uses (Office 365, Teams, SharePoint).

Limitations

• Requires an experienced implementation partner, like Gestisoft, for setup and customization.

2. Sage X3

Sage X3 is designed for mid-market distributors who need advanced financial and supply chain management. It goes beyond basic ERP to provide industry-specific tools.

Features for distributors

• Advanced inventory control with lot and serial tracking.
• Multi-entity and multi-currency consolidation.
• Strong manufacturing and distribution workflows.
• Flexible deployment: on-premise, cloud, or hybrid.

Strengths

• Known for robust accounting and compliance features.
• Adaptable workflows suitable for distributors with international operations.
• Rich reporting for financial planning.

Limitations

• Implementation can be complex and time-consuming.
• Interface is less intuitive compared to modern cloud ERPs.

3. SAP Business One / S/4HANA Cloud

SAP provides both Business One for SMEs and S/4HANA Cloud for larger enterprises. Both offer advanced features for distributors needing deep visibility.

Features for distributors

• Integrated supply chain planning and execution.
• AI-driven demand forecasting and pricing optimization.
• Multi-channel order management.
• Real-time financial consolidation for global operations.

Strengths

• Extremely powerful and reliable for complex supply chains.
• Broad partner ecosystem for extensions.
• Embedded analytics and AI for smarter decision-making.

Limitations

• High licensing and implementation costs.
• Often requires a dedicated IT team.

4. NetSuite ERP

NetSuite, part of Oracle, is a leading cloud ERP used widely by distributors across North America.

Features for distributors

• End-to-end visibility of inventory, orders, and financials.
• Built-in CRM to manage customer relationships.
• Strong eCommerce integrations.
• Multi-subsidiary and multi-currency support.

Strengths

• True cloud ERP with global accessibility.
• Excellent reporting and analytics tools.
• Scales easily as distributors expand.

Limitations

• Premium pricing.
• Customization can become expensive.

5. Acumatica Distribution Edition

Acumatica is a modern, cloud-native ERP platform designed with flexibility in mind. Its distribution edition is purpose-built for wholesalers.

Features for distributors

• Centralized inventory control across warehouses.
• Real-time demand forecasting.
• Supplier and purchase order management.
• Mobile-friendly platform for teams on the go.

Strengths

• Flexible licensing (user-based and transaction-based).
• Easy customization compared to legacy ERPs.
• Strong usability and modern interface.

Limitations

• Smaller partner ecosystem compared to Microsoft or SAP.
• Requires careful configuration for complex workflows.

6. Infor Distribution SX.e

Infor SX.e is designed specifically for wholesale distribution and has been trusted by North American distributors for decades.

Features for distributors

• Advanced order management with configurable workflows.
• Warehouse management including automation.
• Complex pricing, contracts, and rebate tracking.
• Customer and supplier portals.

Strengths

• Tailored for distributors, not a generic ERP.
• Deep functionality for pricing and rebates.
• Reliable for high-volume environments.

Limitations

• Implementation and training can be resource-intensive.
• Interface not as modern as newer cloud-first ERPs.

7. Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl is a cost-effective inventory management system that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks.

Features for distributors

• Barcode scanning and inventory tracking.
• Order management with basic automation.
• Shipping integrations with FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
• Reporting for demand planning.

Strengths

• Affordable compared to full ERP systems.
• Easy for small businesses to adopt.
• Strong integration with QuickBooks.

Limitations

• Limited functionality beyond inventory.
• Not suitable for complex distribution networks.

8. Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems)

Cin7 Core combines inventory, accounting, and order management in a cloud-based system.

Features for distributors

• Multi-warehouse inventory tracking.
• Seamless integrations with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce.
• Automated purchase orders and demand planning.
• Built-in financial management.

Strengths

• Strong for distributors with online channels.
• Cloud-native with intuitive interface.
• Affordable for growing SMBs.

Limitations

• Not as robust for enterprise-level distribution.
• Support options are limited compared to larger ERP vendors.

9. ShipStation

ShipStation is a shipping and order fulfillment platform that integrates with ERP and eCommerce systems.

Features for distributors

• Multi-carrier shipping management.
• Batch label creation and order routing.
• Returns management.
• Integrations with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay.

Strengths

• Excellent for businesses with high-volume shipping.
• Affordable and easy to deploy.
• Reduces manual shipping errors.

Limitations

• Not a full ERP or inventory solution.
• Best used as a complementary tool.

10. Canadian-localized solutions (ERP123, Aquilon ERP)

Canada-based ERPs like ERP123 and Aquilon ERPcater specifically to Canadian distributors.

Features for distributors

• Strong accounting tailored to Canadian tax and compliance.
• Multi-language support (English and French).
• Warehouse and order management.
• Customizable workflows.

Strengths

• Local expertise and support.
• More affordable than global ERPs.
• Built with Canadian distributors in mind.

Limitations

• Smaller ecosystems compared to global players.
• Limited scalability for international growth.

Key features to look for in software for distributors

When evaluating distribution software, prioritize solutions that include:

• Inventory & warehouse management: demand forecasting, multi-warehouse visibility, and barcode scanning.
• Supply chain integration: tools for supplier collaboration and procurement automation.
• Order management: ability to manage multi-channel orders and prevent delays.
• Financial integration: unified accounting, tax compliance, and cash flow insights.
• Business intelligence: dashboards and predictive analytics for smarter decisions.
• Cloud scalability: essential for distributors managing operations across regions.

How to choose the right software for distributors?

Selecting the right software requires more than comparing features. Distributors should consider:

• Business size and growth plans: ERP might be overkill for very small firms but critical for scaling mid-market companies.
• Operational complexity: distributors with multiple warehouses or international suppliers need more advanced systems.
• Budget and ROI: calculate total cost of ownership, not just licensing fees.
• Integration needs: ensure compatibility with CRM, eCommerce, or shipping platforms.
• Vendor and partner support: implementation partners like Gestisoft ensure systems are adapted to your business model.

Why Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is ideal for distributors?

For many North American distributors,Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers the right balance of power, affordability, and scalability.

• Unified ERP system: brings finance, supply chain, sales, and customer service into one platform.
• Scalable architecture: works for small distributors and scales seamlessly as they grow.
• North American advantage: bilingual support for Canadian businesses, robust compliance, and strong adoption across the US market.
• Integration power: connects with Office 365, Teams, and Power BI, creating a connected ecosystem distributors already use.

Why Gestisoft:

• 25+ years in ERP consulting.
• Specialization in wholesale distribution and ERP deployments.
• Tailored implementations for Canadian and US distributors.
• Training, customization, and ongoing support.

With Gestisoft, distributors do not just get software; they gain a strategic partner committed to helping them modernize and grow.

Conclusion

Choosing the right software for distributors is more than a technology decision — it is a strategic investment in efficiency, resilience, and growth. From industry giants like SAP and NetSuite to more specialized tools like Fishbowl or Cin7, the options are diverse. Yet for many distributors in North America, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, implemented by Gestisoft, offers the most future-proof path forward.

By combining ERP functionality, integration power, and local expertise, distributors can not only overcome today’s challenges but also position themselves for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Ready to explore how Business Central can transform your distribution business? Contact Gestisoft’s experts today for a consultation.