8.8
Editor’s Rating:
Best Overall
Food Connex: Touchscreen View
Food Connex
  • Integrated Accounting
  • Managed IT Services
  • Real-Time Inventory
8.2
Editor’s Rating:
Most Comprehensive Suite
DEACOM: Dashboard
DEACOM
  • Infinite serialization levels for diverse requirements
  • Integrated QC tests throughout product lifecycle
  • Seamless regulatory compliance with ERP foundation
8.0
Editor’s Rating:
Best for Scalability
Datacor: Customer Service Product Profile
Datacor
  • Enhanced regulatory compliance
  • Improved product quality
  • Optimized supply chain management

To assist you in selecting the best food distribution software for your business needs, we’ve identified and ranked the top food distribution systems available in the market today.

1 Food Connex

Food Connex is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for food distribution, granting processors easy data access from any location with an internet connection. It incorporates a variety of tools, including real-time inventory management and sales reporting.

The software empowers users to adjust product pricing based on market trends and other determinants. CAI Software offers commendable customer support, contributing to its reputation in the software market.

Key features:

  • Inventory management and tracking.
  • Sales order processing and invoicing.
  • Dynamic pricing and promotions management.
Best Overall:
Food Connex
★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)

Food Connex: Touchscreen View
Food Connex: Fill and Ship Screen
Food Connex: Order Dashboard
Food Connex: Item Inquiry
Food Connex: Inventory Inquiry
Food Connex: Mobile Order Entry
What We Like
Integrated Accounting
Managed IT Services
Real-Time Inventory
What We Don’t Like
Pricing requires consultation call
No barcode scanning in basic subscription
No multi-slot capability
Overview
Client OS: Windows
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

2 DEACOM

DEACOM functions as a ERP platform primarily aimed at batch process manufacturers and distributors. With a strong focus on the food and beverage industry, DEACOM offers features specifically molded to the demands of these sectors. Its design is characterized by a flexible architecture, allowing users to adjust the software according to their individual needs.

Serving as an all-encompassing solution, it integrates inventory management, sales reporting, pricing, production management, and several other crucial functions. Given its cloud-based structure, DEACOM ensures users can manage their operations from any location with internet access, adding another layer of convenience to its suite.

Key features:

  • End-to-end traceability for food items.
  • Advanced warehouse management.
  • Direct store delivery (DSD) capabilities.
Most Comprehensive Suite:
Deacom
★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)

Deacom: Dashboard
Deacom: Sales Order
What We Like
Infinite serialization levels for diverse requirements
Integrated QC tests throughout product lifecycle
Seamless regulatory compliance with ERP foundation
What We Don’t Like
Pricing requires consultation call
Steep learning curve
Single-system approach limits customization
Overview
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

3 Datacor

Datacor offers a scalable solution for food distribution, with an ERP platform tailored to process manufacturers and distributors. Its flexible architecture permits customization, addressing the specific requirements of individual food distributors and processors.

As an integrated solution, Datacor provides an array of functionalities such as inventory management, sales reporting, production management, and lot traceability. Being cloud-based, it ensures users have the convenience of accessing and managing their operations from any location with internet connectivity.

Key features:

  • Modular design for tailored solutions.
  • Customer relationship management (CRM) integration.
  • Efficient route planning and optimization.
Best for Scalability:
Datacor
★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)

Datacor: Customer Service Product Profile
Datacor: Customer Web Portal
Datacor: Documents
Datacor: Graphical Scheduler
Datacor: Inventory Lots
Datacor: PowerBI
What We Like
Enhanced regulatory compliance
Improved product quality
Optimized supply chain management
What We Don’t Like
Pricing requires consultation call
Not ideal for smaller manufacturers
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $4,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

4 Batchmaster ERP

Batchmaster ERP is an ERP platform tailored for process manufacturers and distributors in the food and beverage sector. Its design allows customization to cater to the distinct needs of individual distributors and processors.

Alongside offering a myriad of features such as inventory management, sales reporting, and lot traceability, Batchmaster ERP stands out with its integrated solutions. These span across aspects like recipe and packaging management, costing, quality, and compliance, ensuring a cohesive approach to food distribution. Given its multifaceted features, Batchmaster ERP emerges as a notable choice for those seeking integrated solutions in food distribution software.

Key features:

  • Production scheduling and planning.
  • Real-time inventory visibility.
  • Compliance and recall management tools.
Best for Integrated Operations:
Batchmaster ERP
★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)

Batchmaster ERP: Overview
What We Like
Comprehensive formula and recipe management
Robust quality control and compliance features
Seamless integration with leading financial systems
What We Don’t Like
Pricing requires consultation call
Steep learning curve
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $2,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS: Windows, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

5 SYSPRO

SYSPRO is a tailored ERP solution specifically designed for the food and beverage sector, addressing its unique challenges. With features that cater to quality control, compliance, and inventory, its software meets the intricate needs of food and beverage manufacturers and distributors.

SYSPRO encompasses a breadth of functions, from traceability and recall management to customizability. Its all-encompassing solution covers inventory, sales reporting, and warehouse management.

Key features:

  • Detailed demand forecasting.
  • Lot traceability and shelf-life tracking.
  • Supplier and vendor management tools.
Best ERP Solution:
SYSPRO
★★★★★
★★★★★
(15)

SYSPRO: Sales Order
SYSPRO: Employee Performance
SYSPRO: Schedule
SYSPRO: Customer Query
SYSPRO: AR Customer Maintenance
SYSPRO: Stock Take
SYSPRO: Structures & Routing
SYSPRO: SYSPRO Overview
What We Like
Mostly straight-forward and user-friendly
Accessible from any device
Built with over 40 years of manufacturer and distributor expertise
What We Don’t Like
3rd party add-ons may be necessary, like EDI and shipping notifications
Difficult to customize
No payroll or HR modules
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $199/user/month
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

6 FreshByte

FreshByte offers a user-friendly experience tailored for the food distribution sector. Designed with an IT-friendly approach, the software facilitates swift learning, leading to quicker adoption and reduced training time. It’s adaptable to the distinct requirements of food distributors and processors, ensuring a personalized experience for each user.

Notable features include a cash-desk order entry for walk-up clients and a mobile app for remote access, enhancing its utility for those constantly on the move. As a comprehensive solution, FreshByte covers inventory control, costing, sales, and accounting, positioning it as a notable choice for those prioritizing interface ease in food distribution software.

Key features:

  • Comprehensive sales order processing.
  • Inventory optimization tools.
  • Detailed reporting and business intelligence.
Most User-Friendly Interface:
FreshByte
★★★★★
★★★★★
(5)

FreshByte: Order Details
FreshByte: Orders Ready
FreshByte: Store Login
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted

Looking for software for your food distribution business? As you’ve seen then, there’s a lot to consider. There’s no shortage of packages claiming to offer efficient, cost-saving software. And, it’s true, a robust and industry-appropriate ERP suite really is a cornerstone of running a successful distribution business in today’s competitive landscape. But, selecting the right program can be complex. This article will provide an overview of your food distribution software options and input on how to make the right choice for one of your most important financial management decisions.

This guide will provide information on the following topics:

What is Food Distribution Software?

The food distribution industry is unique. It’s not like distributing any old widget. Yes, you have the same challenges of maintaining the stock your clients want, lowering supply and transportation costs, and running an efficient business. But, food distribution is also a highly regulated industry. Especially for distributors of perishable goods, USDA regulations add a significant layer of complexity to contend with. Ultimately, though, whether you are a beverage, produce, meats, or non-perishables wholesaler, the unique needs of food distribution effectively raise the ante on the data management challenge.

In order to stay competitive in a crowded market, food distributors generally require a comprehensive ERP program to help lessen the costs associated with food distribution’s operational and accounting challenges. Alternatively, some companies will leverage a capable accounting package, augmented with industry-specific modules. Whichever route you select, a well-integrated system supplying accurate real-time info is key. Whether you are making sure you have the stock on-hand which you are promising to a customer or adding a new product line from a supplier, access to accurate up-to-date information is a must.

Food Distribution Software Features

There are a handful of key components included in a software system for food distributors:

Core Feature Description
Core financials (AP, AR, GL) Tracks revenues and expenses. Includes modules such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and a general ledger.
Inventory control Keeps track of all information about the items that your company builds, buys, stores or sells. Record inventory as current assets on the balance sheet. Track the cost of goods sold on your income statement.
Order entry Coordinates the business processes and document workflow involved in delivering goods and services to customers.
CRM Provides features designed for supporting sales, marketing, and service activities. Includes contact management, conversation history, lead tracking, order histories, quote/invoice creation, and call center integration.
Payroll Manages employee compensation: wage calculation, ACH deposits, check printing, and compensation tax reports.
Supply chain management
Reporting

Additionally, more advanced systems will include functionality for:

Advanced Feature Description
EDI communication The computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format between business partners
Fleet management Tracking your fleet assets from an accounting standpoint or as complex as using GPS hardware to track location of each vehicle in a fleet.
Warehouse management Generally includes the following functionality: inventory management, facility management, receiving, shipping, and labor management.
E-Commerce Provides you with the means to market your product or service on a global level.
DynamicsFoodERP Software
Track food production with DynamicsFoodERP Enterprise.

Best Benefits of Food Distribution Software

There are many advantages to implementing distribution software in the food and beverage industry. Learn about some of the most popular, user-friendly features:

Managing the Supply Chain

Getting your product from the supplier, processed and then to the customer can be complex. To help simplify this complexity, distributors are utilizing supply chain management (SCM) software.

Supply chain management has a number of very important benefits:

  • Eliminate delays that lead to decreased customer satisfaction
  • Identify the vendors providing the most attractive rates
  • Maintain just-in-time inventory and save on warehousing costs
  • Avoid Shortages and back-orders that lead to lost business
  • Optimize warehousing requiring less space or fewer facilities
  • Provide real-time updates to customers on order provisioning status
  • Utilize historical data to feed future projections and forecasting
  • Decrease turnaround time

Most food distributors have a quick turnaround time from the time an order is received to the time it is shipped to the customer. Anticipating demand is especially important when mistakes in demand prediction can nullify the value you can recoup from perishable products. A solid SCM program will help you identify what came in first, how long it has been on the shelf and when it needs to be sold by.

Supply chain software systems feature a number of modules including purchasing, vendor management, demand planning, sales forecasting, receiving, warehouse management and shipping & delivery optimization to help provide a comprehensive management system for the challenge of getting your goods from the supplier to the customer at the lowest cost.

Financial Management in the Food Distribution Enterprise

In the food distribution arena, the product has to change hands quickly. You may order fresh product on Monday, receive it on Tuesday, and ship to your customer Tuesday afternoon. An integrated solution between your supply chain modules and your accounting modules will help you easily coordinate these transactions. Efficiently and accurately tracking revenues and expenses, assets and liabilities allows for a clear, real-time financial picture.

Additional modules incorporated into a distribution-oriented financial management system include general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reporting and budgeting.

Maintain and Strengthen Relationships with Customers

Rarely is strong customer relationship management (CRM) software more important than in the distribution industry. In any kind of distribution environment the majority of your sales are composed by a core customer group. CRM functionality provides you with a tool to position yourself as the company to meet your customers’ needs.

CRM software also can help you acquire new customers. Features which allow you to database and market to prospects based on company size, years in business, key contacts at the company, and product-focus allow you to more effectively target your value proposition to your prospects’ needs.

Produce Inventory Control System
Keep records of customer purchase orders and receiving information from Produce Inventory Control Systems (PICS).

Manage New Account Opportunities

Turning a new customer into a loyal customer is a much easier process with the right software. Tracking order histories and flowing the information to the sales department can help promote major gains in customer retention.

Managing Inventory for Regulatory Compliance

When buying and selling produce, your company reputation is on the line. The stakes are higher when spoilage and recalls loom as potential threats. In fact, very often your inventory traceability requirements will be informed not only by the dictates of running a profitable business, but also by regulatory mandates.

Segmenting your product inventory lots with lot number tracking is a basic, but very important safeguard. The ability to isolate down to batches or lots is a great start for ensuring you can identify affected product. Depending on your product set, you may have a much larger inventory management challenge. Any distributor needs to associate quantity, supplier, product descriptions, and cost with a given inventory item. You may need additional flexibility to add custom inventory fields. Perhaps, you need to not only track the farm at which a food product originated, but also the chemicals used in the grow, when it was harvested, and where it was shipped. Depending on your particular food line, you may have very different custom inventory tracking requirements.

A requirement for food traceability software is not the only challenge requiring strong lot tracking in the food distribution arena. Volume discounts, customer specific pricing levels, and promotional pricing campaigns are very common needs. Carefully inspecting capabilities for supporting multiple price-lists and flexible price calculation is therefore an important part of the inventory control/order entry evaluation. Determining the level of automation required in achieving your inventory counts is another important decision. A barcode or RFID lot tracking system will require the least manual labor, as items are scanned automatically within proximity of a reader. Wholesale food distributors with a smaller amount of high value items, rather than dealing with large quantities, may prefer to track manually with part numbers.

dProduce Man Software
Trace where food is shipped with dProduce Man Software.

Software Installation

Finding the right program is an important step, but it must also be deployed properly to ensure you receive the value in which you’ve invested. There are several ways food distribution software can be deployed. First, it is important to understand your needs. Do you need just specific modules or are you looking for an all inclusive ERP software? If you just need specific modules, such as order management, does that module need to integrate directly with your other systems or remain completely stand alone? You may have a sufficient financial management system and just need to add on inventory and CRM functionality.

Also consider your customization needs. A beverage distributor will have very different needs from a wholesale food service. If you are looking to integrate with your current systems, there may be a fair amount of custom integration needed to create the link between your current systems and the new modules.

Finally, is it better to buy the software outright or rent it with a software as a service (SaaS) approach? These decisions can make a difference in the speed of transactions and accessibility by your users.

Connecting with qualified providers of relevant platforms is a key step in your software review process. If you’re ready to uncover your top food distribution software options, we’re ready to help with our free software search service.

All Products

No products found
Food Connex Screenshot

Food Connex

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
Food Connex is a manufacturing ERP and food service management software. It supports processing and distributing companies in inventory, sales, lot tracking, and pricing. It can accommodate multiple units of measure and catch weight items for variable-weight products.
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Deacom Screenshot

Deacom

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
Deacom is an ERP software primarily designed for process based manufacturers. It offers features including administrative, accounting, manufacturing, and supply chain management. Deacom is known for its user-friendly interface, accessible across all devices with a browser, and is updated regularly.
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
iNECTA Food Screenshot
iNECTA Food is a Microsoft Cloud ERP built for the Food Industry. INECTA Food is built on Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and tailored to each Food/Produce/Seafood sub-industry. INECTA has been a Microsoft Gold Partner for over 20 years with expertise in the food industry. INECTA Food is a global company with customers all over the world. Lot Management; Warehouse Management; Customer/Vendor Portal; EDI; Manufacturing; Quality Control; and Recipe Configurator. Food: Manufacturers, Traders,
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$70/user/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Datacor ERP Screenshot

Datacor ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Datacor ERP is an integrated business management software solution designed specifically for process manufacturers and chemical distributors.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Ignition by TELUS Screenshot
Ignition by TELUS offers purpose-built solutions in a fully integrated software platform.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
FoodLogiQ Screenshot

FoodLogiQ

FoodLogiQ provides traceability, food safety compliance, and supply chain transparency options that integrate with your existing systems through APIs. FoodLogiQ offers three primary products to manage your entire food supply chain: Manage + Monitor: Manage suppliers.; Track + Trace: Real-time tracking of products at the lot level.; and Recall + Response: Respond to food withdrawals and recalls.. FoodLogiQ helps you save time and money by reducing the time needed to manage your suppliers. The
Client OS
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
xTuple Screenshot

xTuple

★★★★★
★★★★★
(9)
xTuple is an affordable manufacturing ERP software that supports distribution, accounting, inventory control, and supply chain management. It offers financial and purchasing reports to provide real-time insights into cash flow and production processes.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$175/user/month
Client OS
Windows, macOS, Linux
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Blue Link ERP Screenshot

Blue Link ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Blue Link ERP is Blue Link’s flagship product — an integrated inventory and accounting ERP software package built primarily for small and medium distributors and wholesalers. Blue Link ERP software is available as a cloud-based (hosted) or on-premises solution. Inventory and accounting make up Blue Link’s core robust functionality for wholesale and distribution, with specialized functionality such as: landed cost tracking, lot tracking, eCommerce integration and import & export functionality.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
SYSPRO Screenshot

SYSPRO

★★★★★
★★★★★
(15)
SYSPRO is a major developer in the ERP world. Since 1978, it’s built a solid reputation in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. SYSPRO is an ERP software designed for discrete manufacturing and mixed-mode operations.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$199/user/month
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
FreshByte Software Screenshot

FreshByte Software

★★★★★
★★★★★
(5)
Fresh Byte Software is a customer service organization specializing in software for the Wholesale Distribution industry. FreshByte Software provides an inventory and accounting management system built to increase gross profits and minimize costs for wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers. With real-time inventory control, instant profitability, lot traceability, and a complete general ledger, FreshByte Software provides the best management tools to significantly improve all aspects of your
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Radley Traceability Screenshot
Radley Traceability is an on-premise bi-directional track and trace solution for the food manufacturing industry. The traceability software lets you collect, store and trace data related to your ingredients and other raw materials used during the food manufacturing process. Radley Traceability operates as a stand-alone, hybrid, or can be integrated into your ERP platform . The software collects data by RFID, barcode scanning, machine integrations, and more. EDI options exist for communicating
Client OS
Windows, iOS, Android
farmsoft Screenshot

farmsoft

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
farmsoft is a fresh produce inventory traceability, quality management, and shipping solution. farmsoft provides easy incoming delivery, precision inventory to prevent waste, quality control, production management, order fulfillment and dispatching. The post harvest traceability software can be cloud based or have a local install depending on your needs. Inventory; Traceability and recalls; Quality control; Sales; Labeling and documents; Dashboards; Production planning; Alerts; Farm Management;
Client OS
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
RFgen Screenshot

RFgen

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
RFgen is a barcoding and mobile data collection software that helps manage your supply chain. The software has the ability to connect with products from SAP, Oracle, Deltek, and other systems to ensure you can have the fully operational ERP software you desire. RFgen helps distributors, manufacturers, and supply chain companies worldwide: Improve workforce productivity; Increase inventory accuracy; Enhance customer service; Reduce inventory and operating costs; and Provide real-time visibility
Client OS
Windows, iOS, Android
Wherefour Screenshot

Wherefour

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Wherefour is an ERP and traceability software for food, beverage, and natural product manufacturing. Key features include batch management, lot tracking, recipe management, and full material traceability. This software manages and generates data for audits, certifications, and inspections. The Wherefour system allows businesses in these industries to spend less time on manual data entry and production processes and more time focusing on other tasks. Wherefour is designed to help teams run day-to-day production processes through inventory management, batch management, formula management, and more. Subscription plans are available by month, quarter, or year.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$299/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
SoftTrace Screenshot

SoftTrace

SoftTrace is a suite of modules that provide a complete solution for performance, quality, traceability, and risk management involved in the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries. SoftTrace handles all manufacturing logistical and quality information to help enhance your production and streamline your inventory, maximize your yields, and provide a full unit level traceability. @youtube Modular and Integrated; Plant Management; Quality Management; and Traceability. SoftTrace Food Industry
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
Plex Cloud ERP Screenshot
Plex Cloud ERP is a cloud manufacturing ERP software that helps lower costs while scaling seamlessly with your business. In a time when manufacturers are beset by an uncertain economy rising steel prices, and global competition, Plexus Online is a critical tool for growth, profitability and continuous improvement. Plexus Online boosts productivity, improves quality, streamlines operations and reduces costs by providing manufacturers with the crucial information and control mechanisms they need
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$3,000/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
BatchMaster ERP Screenshot

BatchMaster ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
BatchMaster Software is 100% focused on developing and delivering process manufacturing software solutions to the food, chemical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. BatchMaster Manufacturing is a formula based, process manufacturing application that supports R&D, formulation, packaging, costing, production, QC, QA, inventory, compliance, and traceability. Optional modules include sample management, planning (MRP), scheduling (MPS), warehousing, alert management, and EDI exchange. These
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$2,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Provisions Screenshot

Provisions

★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)
ProVisions Food Processing and Distribution Software is a business management solution for food businesses. The software intends to optimize quality control and every stage of production and packing. ProVisions provides three core focuses: Sales and Service: Web-based sales portal, contact management, point of sale (POS), dispatch and delivery; Production and Inventory: Production processing, lot tracking and traceability, production packing, warehouse management; and Financials and Analytics:
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
TRACKSOFT Screenshot

TRACKSOFT

TRACKSOFT provides a complete food traceability solution for small and medium sized food growers and manufacturers to reduce liabilities and increase efficiencies throughout all phases of food manufacturing. As food traceability is more important now than ever before, TEKLYNX software solutions allow you to positively identify products and their exact ingredients should a safety recall occur - saving your company time and money, and potentially saving lives. TRACKSOFT helps you improve the
Client OS
Windows
BellHawk Screenshot
BellHawk is an integrated inventory & production tracking and materials traceability system for manufacturers and food processors. BellHawk cuts data collection labor costs and prevents expensive operational mistakes by using a mix of web-mobile and barcode technologies to replace the use of paper forms and manual keyboard data entry. BellHawk runs stand alone on a Windows Server and can also exchange data with a wide range of ERP and accounting systems. BellHawk systems are available from

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