What is NetSuite ERP? A Guide for Wholesale Distributors

As a fast-growing wholesale distribution business, relying on spreadsheets and disjointed software systems will eventually throttle your success. To gain efficiency, transparency and scale your operations, implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform is crucial.

NetSuite ERP is specifically tailored to wholesale distributors and commerce companies managing vast product catalogs, order volumes and supply chain complexity. But what exactly is NetSuite, and why should distributors choose it over alternatives? Let’s explore how NetSuite transforms distribution operations.

NetSuite Overview: Integrated ERP for Commerce

NetSuite is an end-to-end cloud ERP that unifies key systems – accounting, inventory, CRM, ecommerce – into one centralized platform:

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Unified Ledger and Financials

NetSuite’s general ledger, AP/AR, period close, and financial reporting all operate from a unified data set, eliminating disparate systems. Dynamic customization ensures the chart of accounts, books, and transaction workflows align with your business policies.

Inventory and Order Management

Centralize procurement, warehouse operations, shipping/receiving across unlimited locations. Inventory optimization logic ensures perpetually accurate stock counts and reorder points. Omnichannel order capture automatically syncs across digital storefronts.

Procurement and Vendor Portals

Streamline procure-to-pay workflows with automated PO generation, approvals routing, receipting and invoicing. Integrate with supplier portals and EDI systems for seamless data interchange.

Business Intelligence

Harness 100+ prebuilt reports and dashboards – from operational metrics to financial KPIs across business units. Drill from high-level trends into granular transaction details.

Customer Relationship Management

NetSuite CRM provides a 360-degree customer record from marketing automation to sales force automation, linking campaign response to lifetime value. Integrate Stripe, PayPal and popular payment gateways out-of-the-box for simplified billing.

SuiteCommerce Sites

Launch customizable B2B and B2C websites directly integrated with order management, inventory and fulfillment data. Manage both digital commerce and brick-and mortar POS seamlessly in one system.

Key NetSuite Capabilities for Wholesale Distribution

While NetSuite delivers complete ERP functionality out-of-the-box, optimizing it for your unique distribution workflows and business policies requires customization. Key capabilities to align on from the start include:

Multiple Entity Management

NetSuite natively consolidates financial reporting across multiple subsidiaries, business units and legal entities, rolling performance up to the parent company. Intercompany transactions remain in balance across the organization.

Alias Item Records

Create unlimited item aliases and product IDs mapped to a single inventory record, ensuring continuity with legacy items. Accommodate complex pricing and sourcing attributes per alias.

Matrix Items

Define multi-option SKUs with custom manufacturing, packaging and pricing attributes. For example, manage color and size variations from a single item record.

Lot and Serial Number Tracking

Granularly track the genealogy and location of serialized inventory or product lots throughout the supply chain with full traceability – from receipt to end consumer.

Landed Cost Allocation

Allocate inbound shipping, receiving and additional costs to item cost basis using flexible rules by shipment, product, and other attributes. Maintain accurate profitability per SKU.

Rebate Management

Configure volume incentive rebates, promotional discounts and vendor rewards based on customer, product, and performance tiers. System automatically tracks targets and posts rebates to AP.

Omnichannel Order Orchestration

Unify order intake and inventory visibility across brick-and-mortar POS, ecommerce, marketplaces, drop shippers and more. Flexible order flows route transactions based on business logic.

Pick/Pack/Ship Automation

Streamline warehouse workflows leveraging batch picking, barcode scanning, paperless packing slips and integration with shipping systems. Accurately track item and order location in real-time.

Why Choose SuiteRep as Your Implementation Partner?

While NetSuite delivers a powerful ERP platform, realizing the benefits requires an expert NetSuite implementation tailored to the nuances of your distribution operation. SuiteRep offers:

Proven Domain Expertise

Over 300 wholesale distribution deployments with 98% referenceability. Our secret sauce is combining industry best practices with software expertise. Certified NetSuite consultants help clients improve process efficiency 30%+.

Ongoing Partnership

We provide continuous performance optimization via quarterly tune-ups, monthly service reviews, unlimited help desk support and monitoring adoption across departments. Consider us an extension of your team.

Transparent Fixed-Fee Projects

Our firm price quotes ensure no surprise expenses down the road. And we only get paid when agreed success metrics are achieved – aligning our incentives with your goals.

Let SuiteRep guide your company’s NetSuite rollout from initial configuration through ongoing enhancement. Contact us to learn more or discuss your ERP requirements.

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