Running a distribution business has never been more challenging. Distributors today face growing customer expectations, shrinking margins, and constant supply chain disruptions. Managing orders, inventory, and sales reps on Excel or email quickly becomes unmanageable. That’s where distribution software comes in a modern solution that helps distributors streamline operations, cut manual errors, and drive growth.
If you’re looking for the right system, this guide will walk you through what distribution software does, how it compares to alternatives like Repsly and Zoey, and why solutions like SimplyDepo are becoming the go-to choice for modern distributors.
Why Distributors Need Distribution Software
The distribution industry is fast-paced and complex. A single missed delivery, a stockout at the wrong time, or an inaccurate order can cost thousands. Relying on spreadsheets and paper processes creates bottlenecks that scale badly.
Common challenges distributors face include:
- Manual errors in orders and invoices
- Stockouts and overstocking due to poor inventory visibility
- Disconnected teams, with sales reps on the road and managers at HQ
- Slow reporting, delaying strategic decisions
- Inefficient routes, driving up fuel costs and lowering rep productivity
According to Deloitte’s Future of Sales study, companies that adopt mobile-first tools see 18–25% higher productivity and reduce sales cycles by nearly 20%. For distributors, where efficiency is directly tied to margins, the impact is even greater.
This is why investing in distribution management software isn’t just about technology—it’s about survival and growth.
Key Features to Look for in Distribution Management Software
When evaluating tools, focus on capabilities that directly solve your pain points. The best distribution management software should provide:
1. Inventory Management
Accurate tracking of stock levels, SKUs, and product variations across multiple warehouses.
2. Order Capture & Processing
Ability for reps to take orders in the field (even offline), sync instantly with HQ, and reduce order errors.
3. Route & Sales Rep Management
Build and optimize routes, verify check-ins with GPS, and monitor rep performance in real time.
4. Real-Time Analytics & Reporting
Dashboards for sales, margins, product performance, and route efficiency—updated without manual reporting.
5. CRM & Customer Management
Keep a full record of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history.
Together, these features eliminate bottlenecks, improve on-shelf availability, and create full transparency for both management and field teams.
SimplyDepo vs Zoey: How They Stack Up
Another common name in the wholesale space is Zoey, a B2B e-commerce platform designed for distributors who want customer-facing online portals. Here’s how it compares:
| Criteria | Zoey | SimplyDepo |
| Core Focus | B2B e-commerce & customer portals | Route sales, wholesale order management, distribution ops |
| Order Management | Strong quoting, custom pricing, self-service ordering | Advanced order capture via reps, offline sync, tailored to distributors |
| Inventory | Multi-location catalog, backorders, online sync | Warehouse-level SKU management, stock linked to routes |
| Field Use | Mobile app, limited offline use | Built for offline-first field sales & delivery |
| Integrations | E-commerce, ERP, CRM connections | ERP/accounting integrations + distribution-specific flows |
| Best Fit | Businesses prioritizing B2B e-commerce storefronts | Distributors prioritizing field operations & wholesale workflows |
Key takeaway: Zoey is excellent for distributors shifting toward e-commerce and self-service. SimplyDepo, by contrast, is built for those who rely on route sales, field reps, and offline distribution operations.
Customer Success Cases: Distribution Software in Action
The difference between theory and practice is ROI. Here’s how SimplyDepo customers are achieving results:
| Client / Industry | Key Challenges Before SimplyDepo | Results / Benefits Achieved |
| Empire Snack Distributors (Food & Beverage,New York) | Manual order entry from handwritten forms
Lack of real-time inventory visibility Disconnected communication between field reps and warehouse staff. |
Cut order processing delay by up to 8–12 hours
Reps place orders in real time; warehouse sees orders immediately More efficient customer management |
| Tenace Distribution (Bev. incubator, California) | Inability to edit or delete orders once submitted (rigid workflows)
Frequent mismatches between invoices and delivered goods Manual cleanup of reports, reconciliation errors |
70% reduction in order corrections
100% invoice accuracy achieved 3× faster rep workflows (less admin per visit) |
| HC Foods (Food import & distribution, US) | Scattered sales data, disconnected spreadsheets, weak visibility of field operations & merchandising
Lack of consolidated platform for orders, visits, route planning, customer follow-ups Time lost in travel, data entry, route planning |
Saved ~40 hours per month among rep or admin tasks
Merchandising efficiency improved by 120% Customer retention rose by 30% |
These examples highlight how distribution software is more than a tool it’s a competitive advantage.
How to Evaluate Top Distribution Management Software
Not all systems are created equal. To select the top distribution management software for your business, ask:
1. Does it scale with my business?
Can it handle 5 reps today and 500 tomorrow?
2. Does it integrate easily?
With accounting tools, CRMs, and ERPs you already use?
3. Is it offline-capable?
Sales reps often work in areas with poor connectivity.
4. Is it simple to onboard?
A tool that takes months to implement slows growth.
5. Does it provide ROI metrics?
Real-time data should prove value quickly.
Distributors who apply this checklist avoid costly mistakes and select tools that accelerate growth instead of holding them back.
SimplyDepo Spotlight: A Modern Distribution Platform
Among the top distribution management software options, SimplyDepo stands out for its focus on distributors and wholesalers. Unlike generic CRMs or retail apps, SimplyDepo was designed from the ground up to address distributor pain points:
- Cross-platform solution: Mobile app for field reps + web app for HQ teams
- Offline functionality: Capture orders and data without internet, sync later
- Tailored workflows: Built specifically for wholesale and B2B distribution
- Fast onboarding: Simple setup, minimal training required
- Proven ROI: Case studies show significant error reduction, faster reporting, and improved compliance
For distributors tired of piecing together multiple tools, SimplyDepo offers a single platform to manage operations end to end.
In today’s competitive environment, distributors can’t afford inefficiencies. Manual processes, disconnected data, and delayed reporting all eat into margins. The right distribution software provides the transparency, automation, and control needed to scale profitably.
While Repsly is a great choice for retail execution and Zoey excels at e-commerce portals, distributors looking for a complete end-to-end solution from order capture to route planning to analytics will find SimplyDepo a better fit. With real success stories, proven ROI, and a platform designed for distributors, SimplyDepo helps businesses turn complexity into clarity.
If you’re evaluating your next system, it’s time to explore SimplyDepo the smarter way to manage distribution.
