Wholesale distribution is not simply larger retail. An order may be taken in the field, fulfilled from a warehouse or vehicle, delivered later and paid on terms. Software should make each handoff visible instead of leaving the owner to reconcile calls, spreadsheets and paper notes.
Start with stock locations
List every place stock can be: warehouse, branch, vehicle, customer return area or damaged-goods area. Each transfer should identify the source, destination, person and item quantities. That creates a history staff can check when a route or count does not match expectation.
Connect order capture to fulfilment
Sales representatives need a clear view of the customer, price and available items; warehouse staff need a clear fulfilment instruction. Test the journey from order creation through dispatch, delivery and payment with a real route example. Confirm which fields are mandatory and what happens when a partial delivery is necessary.
Make credit decisions deliberate
Customer credit should reflect approved terms and current balances, not an informal promise at the counter. Limit who can change terms or override a warning, then review exceptions regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Why does vehicle stock need its own location?
It lets the business distinguish goods in a warehouse from goods loaded for a route and trace returns after the route.
Is field sales the same as delivery?
No. A representative can capture an order while a warehouse or driver fulfils it later. The system should make that handoff clear.