Key points
- Available stock is different from physical stock.
- Pricing and credit rules need consistent application.
- Follow the order through delivery and payment.
An order begins with a realistic promise
Sales needs the correct price, available quantity and delivery date. When those answers come from three places, the customer waits or receives a promise that has to be repaired.
ERP applies price lists, discounts, payment terms and credit limits, then reserves the right quantity. Exceptions stay visible and go to the right approver.
Physical, reserved and available stock
The quantity in the warehouse is not always sellable. Some is reserved, held for inspection or allocated to another order.
The system should show location, batch, date and status. Allocation and transfer rules need definition when several warehouses are involved.
Purchasing based on demand
Customer orders, history and safety stock can create purchasing proposals. Buyers see why a quantity is needed and which customer commitment depends on it.
Supplier confirmations update expectations. Important delays should reach sales before the customer asks.
Picking, delivery and documents
The validated order reaches the warehouse with products, locations and priorities. Picking confirmation can update quantity, documents and the status visible to sales or the customer.
WMS, courier and invoicing integrations remove repeated data entry. Partial shipments, returns and cancellations deserve their own tested workflows.
Margin, credit and payment
Volume is not enough. ERP should follow margin by product, customer, salesperson or order, with clear cost rules.
Credit limits, overdue documents and payment promises help control risk without parallel lists. Access must follow roles.
Measures that show the result
Track inventory accuracy, orders delivered in full and on time, processing time, margin and overdue value. Compare before and after each stage.
A dashboard begins with correct transactions. A more sophisticated report cannot repair unclear data.
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Frequently asked questions
Does distribution ERP include WMS?
It may include warehouse functions or integrate with a dedicated WMS. Location and operation complexity decide the better option.
Can it manage customer-specific pricing?
Yes. Price lists, discounts, contracts and approvals can be configured after the rules are documented.
Can it connect to ecommerce?
Yes. Products, stock, customers, orders, documents and statuses can move between ecommerce and ERP.
