Working in the fast-paced Direct Store Delivery (DSD) sector requires precision and efficiency. Purchasing a reliable route accounting program can completely transform operations for companies in charge of delivery routes. Streamlining procedures such as delivery tracking, invoicing, and inventory management can help firms increase customer satisfaction and productivity while lowering expensive mistakes.
Here is a closer look at the ten essential characteristics of DSD route accounting software, emphasizing how they support efficient, error-free operations:
1. Inventory Management Integration
Businesses in the distribution industry must keep reliable inventory records. Integrated inventory management guarantees real-time stock level updates as orders are processed and sales are made.
Overselling and stock inconsistencies are less common when route salespeople have access to the most recent inventory information while on the road, thanks to Solid Route Accounting™ software. This functionality also enables warehouse workers to rapidly prepare for restocking, guaranteeing uninterrupted and seamless corporate operations.
2. Mobile-Friendly Interface
Nowadays, being mobile is crucial. Thanks to a mobile-friendly user interface (UI), route salespeople and sales teams can access essential smartphone or tablet functionality.
Because of this design work, sales staff can move through orders more quickly while equipment costs are much lower.
Thanks to its user-friendly design, users can easily explore Solid Route Accounting™, even on smaller screens. Route salespeople don't have to return to a central office to complete responsibilities like order entry, customer service, and payment processing, thanks to accessible menus and clear graphics.
Overall, this factor can account for 10-20% more stops being made in a day, resulting in increased sales and more efficiency in the use of mobile warehouses and staff. Highly productive sales staff who are on variable commission are also more highly incented.
3. Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) with Signature Capture
Do your customers require signatures for you to receive payments?
Processes for verification of delivery that rely on paper are rapidly disappearing. Route salespeople can capture customer signatures and digitally record timestamps or photos to verify a successful delivery.
This feature offers a real-time record of accomplished sales for customers and management, lowering the possibility of misplaced documents. The signature capture (ePOD) function of Solid Route Accounting™ improves responsibility and guarantees the prompt and quick resolution of delivery and payment issues.
4. Accurate Accounts Receivable and Inventory Levels
Direct integration means that accounts receivable and inventory levels are always up to date. This allows inventory management staff to easily see what needs to be ordered, while price changes are always in the hands of salespeople.
Invoicing is integrated directly into the delivery process with Solid Route Accounting™ software, which simplifies the billing cycle. Even better, route salespeople can give clients on-the-spot invoices to expedite payment collection and lessen the administrative load on your back-office staff.
Our clients often report a 3 percentage point increase in gross profit margin simply due to these features.
5. Route Organization
The foundation of successful delivery operations is well-organized routes. A robust Customer Route Group function in Solid Route Accounting™ software enables companies to arrange delivery routes in a methodical and sensible manner.
The ability to pre-plan and organize consumers into manageable routes gives considerable advantages. By ensuring delivery stops are organized and consistent, businesses may save time and reduce errors. This strategy guarantees dependable service for your clients and creates the framework for efficient logistics.
Because of this route organization, supervisors have a comprehensive overview of their route salespeople's activities, such as the timing of their stops, the customers they engage with, the date of the last visit to each customer, the amount billed on the invoice, and the calculation of the gross profit margin.
6. Analytics and Reporting Tools
Data is an effective instrument for promoting company expansion, and reporting can provide important information about how your firm is run. Analytics and reporting solutions give you the data to make wise decisions, from delivery performance to consumer buying patterns.
The Stop Analysis Report gives supervisors a bird's-eye view of their route salespeople's work. This includes when they make their stops, the customers they visit, when that customer was last visited, how much the invoice was created for, and calculates the gross profit margin. The report also provides daily subtotals and report period totals.
Do you ever wonder where your route salespeople travel? With Solid Route Accounting™ and the appropriate mobile devices, you can generate a Trip Report, which will show you on a map where a salesperson has travelled and what transactions were created along the way.
7. Offline Functionality
Solid Route Accounting™ deals effectively with intermittent connectivity issues. Thanks to offline functionality, route salespeople’s productivity is guaranteed even when they operate in remote locations or traverse signal-dead zones.
With Solid Route Accounting's route, salespeople can still process orders, record delivery information, and update inventory. Upon reconnecting, the system immediately synchronizes.
8. GPS/Location Tracking
For efficiency, you must always know where your vehicles are. Thanks to GPS monitoring, businesses can measure progress and make well-informed decisions. This gives them visibility into route salespeople's positions in real time.
Utilizing Solid Route Accounting™ along with the right mobile devices, you can produce a Trip Report that displays a map of a salesperson's journey and the transactions that occurred during it.
9. Seamless ERP Integration
Efficient integration is necessary for companies that now use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Solid Route Accounting™ is made to integrate easily with popular ERP systems, such as QuickBooks, Sage 100, and SYSPRO, as well as Solid’s own Solid Business Central™.
With this integration, customers, products, pricing, and taxes are set up and maintained in your business’ accounting systems and seamlessly synchronized with Solid Route Accounting’s systems. Transactions are moved back accurately with a full audit trail.
Because of this, your financial, inventory, and operational systems will all be accurate and up to date. This eliminates repetitive data entry and decreases errors, saving up to 90% of bookkeeping time. It also means some of your most valuable staff can focus on customer needs.
Solid Route Accounting™ takes care of your business so you can take care of your customers.
10. Customizable Features
Since every company is different, your DSD software should be able to adjust to your particular requirements. Features that may be customized let you adapt the software to your needs, making sure it precisely fits your objectives and workflows.
Solid Route Accounting™ is ready to run with default settings and has numerous customization settings. This adaptability guarantees that the software will expand with your company and satisfy your changing requirements without necessitating expensive redesigns or upgrades.
11. Reliable and Secure With Continuous Maintenance and Support
Protecting sensitive data and preserving operational effectiveness require that your DSD route accounting software be dependable and secure. Consistent performance and reduced downtime are advantages for firms that receive ongoing maintenance and support. By taking a proactive approach to software management, possible problems are promptly fixed before they have an influence on the company. Strong support services can give businesses peace of mind by removing the burden of technological difficulties, allowing them to concentrate on expansion and client satisfaction. In the end, spending money on software that provides specialized service and support guarantees that your distribution network runs efficiently and securely and can be adjusted to meet changing business requirements.
Why These Features Matter
Solid Route Accounting™ doesn't just simplify route accounting—it unlocks opportunities for more revenue and cost savings. It's time to let your business truly flourish. Having the appropriate resources at your disposal may make all the difference, whether you're running a massive company or a small team.
Software for route accounting that works is made to meet the needs of contemporary distribution companies. When paired with other essential elements, Solid Route Accounting™ offers a complete solution for companies trying to improve their delivery procedures, thus resulting in significantly improved profits. We have seen clients who improved their gross profit margin by over 6 percentage points.
Conclusion
A wise investment in DSD route accounting software is an investment in your company's prosperity. By giving top priority to features like inventory integration, route organization, and automatic billing, you can establish a smooth delivery process that helps your team and your clients.
Our goal at Solid Innovation® is to use the latest technologies to help companies maximize their operations. For more information on Solid Route Accounting™ and how it can revolutionize your company, get in touch with us right now if you're prepared to improve your DSD operations.