FAQ

Inform ERP distribution software is a Windows server based solution, continuously evolving using the Microsoft .NET development framework.

Yes, Inform ERP can be installed on your server (on-premise) or hosted in the cloud. With either install solution, the software can be accessed from anywhere, using standard Windows components.

In addition, for touch and tablet-based mobile salespeople, Inform's Cloud Mobile is a real-time browser-based interface supporting order and price quote management, field sales reporting, performance dashboards, customer relationship management (CRM) and more.

Complete hardware and server requirements can be downloaded here

Yes, Inform ERP includes an optional, integrated, real-time eCommerce platform we call Inform eCommerce. Inform eCommerce utilizes the same product information you already have within your system. Easy-to-setup and maintain, your website automatically updates in real-time using Inform’s product details, inventory levels and customer unique pricing. Sales orders are instantly placed into your standard operating workflows. And a mobile responsive layout ensures your site is accessible from any device.

Inform eCommerce also offers a superior online customer service portal available for your customers 24/7. This portal allows for order placement, order and account history, review and status of open orders, account payment information and more. This customer portal is the reason many Inform users are utilizing Inform eCommerce and gaining accolades from their customers.

From the time your hardware is set up, you can expect the complete implementation of Inform ERP Software to last up to 5 months.

While based on company size and needs, this timeframe includes online and on-site training, a sandbox testing ground, onsite implementation and additional follow up training. DDI System's team of experts will be there with you from beginning to succeeding!

Our clients report a measurable return on investment (ROI) from cost reductions and profit improvements within weeks of their transition. And while every company is different, based on a recent survey of Inform ERP Software users, 92% realized a significant return on investment within the first 3 years on the system!

No, our 'per user license fee' is a one-time investment. Once you purchase a license, it’s yours.

Support for our Inform distribution software is made up of several components. As part of your customer care package, you will receive phone support, extensive documentation, online how-to video library, plus an interactive client help center.

Inform itself includes a context sensitive Help file that answers all of the standard how-to questions.

When you call our support line, we personally answer your call, enter you into a support queue and our bi-coastal support teams call you back with the quickest response time in the industry.

Our Customer Help Center contains a comprehensive 'Knowledgebase' and record of your current and past support cases for reference.

DDI System’s Inform ERP Software is the easy-to-adopt distribution management system that meets the changing nature of wholesale distribution. From daily operations to mobile workers, Inform incorporates today’s critical functions – CRM, eCommerce, advanced inventory forecasting and a powerful price matrix, with the capacity to handle almost any supply chain integration.

Yes, Inform’s 'Stock Transfers' move product between your distribution warehouses, keeping track of in-transit inventory, arrival date, and optional freight expenses. Inform is designed to manage unlimited warehouses and branch locations. Additional warehouse locations, including consignment customers and vendors, are easily added to your operation.

Inform ERP Software includes over 200 standard reports. Inform Analytics provides easy to understand dashboards for deep insight into your sales, profit, inventory performance and includes almost 50 key performance indicator (KPI) views.

Also included is DDI's Advanced Report Writer. This tool gives advanced and intermediate users the power to create visually appealing reports, with sophisticated layout tools, calculated fields, and subtotaling groups – reports and spreadsheets that can be delivered to your team members on a user-defined hourly, daily, weekly and monthly schedule.

Inform’s built-in reporting capabilities, including pre-built reports and a custom visual reporting tool, far surpass expectations for most of our clients. Additionally, we have a strategic partnership and integration with the remarkable Business Intelligence tool, MITS Distributor Analytics.

Yes, deeply integrated customer relationship management (CRM) tools are threaded throughout our distribution software. Inform’s unique calendar with related transactions, contacts and activity tracking that helps reps manage their territory and continually track performance levels. Sales reps can grow their business with CRM prospecting features, mobile order and quote management, real-time inventory and pricing.

Yes, Inform offers a multi-dimensional, flexible pricing matrix that can support multiple pricing levels, rebates, contracts, and quantity breaks.

Inform's margin based pricing is also top notch and geared to several of our industry verticals.

DDI System is a member of most of all of the leading buying groups in the industries we serve. Supporting these strong relationships, we have built many standardized supply chain integrations for a variety of buying groups.

DDI System offers its own sophisticated, real-time Warehouse Management System (WMS). With DDI's WMS exclusively for Inform, companies are achieving higher efficiency and error free inventory handling. WMS provides precise control over your entire inventory, includes multiple methods for sales order picking, quick inventory lookup, and accurate warehouse transfers. This reduces the need to shut down warehouses for inventory counts.