Published by EvaluateERP | Helping Distributors & Wholesalers Make Smarter ERP Decisions
- Introduction
- Why Industry Matters in ERP Selection
- Step-by-Step ERP Buying Guide
- Step 1: Define Your Business Requirements
- Step 2: Prioritize Industry-Specific Needs
- Step 3: Choose Between Cloud vs. On-Premise ERP
- Step 4: Compare ERP Vendors Side-by-Side
- Step 5: Consider Scalability & Integration
- Step 6: Assess Total Cost of Ownership
- Step 7: Involve the Right Stakeholders
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Final Tips for ERP Evaluation
If you’re a distributor or wholesaler searching for an ERP solution, you’re not alone. The ERP market in 2025 is crowded with options—from NetSuite and Epicor to Advantive and Acumatica. But here’s the truth: Not every ERP fits every industry.
Choosing the right ERP for your specific industry—whether electrical, plumbing, HVAC, pharma, or fasteners—is the difference between operational efficiency and expensive rework.
This guide walks you through a structured process to evaluate and select the best ERP for your unique business.
Why Industry Matters in ERP Selection
Every industry has its own operational quirks. Electrical distributors need advanced pricing and inventory modules. Plumbing wholesalers need barcode-enabled warehouse features. Pharma companies must be FDA and GMP compliant.
Generic ERP systems won’t cut it.
- Compliance requirements
- Supply chain complexity
- Industry pricing models
- Inventory & warehouse structure
- Reporting and analytics needs
Step-by-Step ERP Buying Guide
Step 1: Define Your Business Requirements
Start by identifying your Challenges:
- Are you struggling with inventory accuracy?
- Do you have manual order processing?
- Is your legacy ERP too slow or outdated?
Define core business processes and set clear goals for what you want your ERP to solve.
Step 2: Prioritize Industry-Specific Needs
List requirements specific to your vertical. For example:
- Electrical Distribution: Complex units of measure, alternate products, pricing tiers
- Pharma Distribution: Lot traceability, serialization, FDA compliance
- HVAC Supply: Seasonal demand forecasting, field service integration
- Plumbing Wholesale: Kitting & assembly, barcode labeling
This step ensures you filter out ERPs that don’t support your operational model.
Step 3: Choose Between Cloud vs. On-Premise ERP
- Cloud ERP (e.g., NetSuite, Acumatica, Ximple): Easy updates, lower upfront cost, scalable
- On-Premise ERP (e.g., legacy SAP, Epicor on-prem): Greater control, but more expensive to maintain
In 2025, most growing distributors prefer cloud-native ERP for flexibility and security
Step 4: Compare ERP Vendors Side-by-Side
Use vendor comparison checklists and look for:
| Feature | NetSuite | Epicor | SAP B1 | Acumatica | Advantive | Ximple ERP |
| Industry Templates | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Cloud Native | ✔️ | ✅/❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✅/❌ | ✔️ |
| B2B Portal | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| WMS | Add-on | ✔️ | Add-on | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Pricing Flexibility | Moderate | High | Moderate | High | High | High |
Step 5: Consider Scalability & Integration
Ask:
- Will this ERP support our growth for the next 5–10 years?
- Can it integrate with our CRM, eCommerce, or EDI?
- Does it allow API access or third-party integrations?
Scalability and open integration are critical in modern ERP systems.
Step 6: Assess Total Cost of Ownership
Don’t just compare software license costs. Include:
- Implementation
- Training
- Customization
- Maintenance & Support
- Upgrade fees
Cloud ERPs often offer subscription-based pricing with fewer surprise fees.
Step 7: Involve the Right Stakeholders
- Involve team leads from operations, finance, sales, and IT.
- Let them test demos, ask questions, and challenge assumptions
- Get everyone aligned to reduce resistance and improve implementation success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing based on brand name alone
- Underestimating implementation time
- Ignoring total cost of ownership
- Not involving key users early
- Picking a generic ERP not built for your industry
Final Tips for ERP Evaluation
- Shortlist 3–5 vendors and request industry-specific demos
- Ask for references in your industry
- Check for post-implementation support
- Download and follow an ERP comparison checklist
- Consult with a neutral ERP advisor before signing any contracts
Still unsure which ERP is right for your business?
EvaluateERP helps wholesalers and distributors like you choose with confidence.