Inform ERP distribution software is a Windows server based solution, continuously evolving using the Microsoft .NET development framework.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is standing by to answer questions unique to your company.
Contact us today! Call 877-599-4334, or email us to request a demonstration. We look forward to speaking with you about DDI's Inform ERP Software.
Q: What platform is Inform ERP Software built on?
Q: What is Inform and what does it include for my distribution business?
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.
Q: What is the typical time frame for a return on investment (ROI)?
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!
Q: Does Inform ERP work in the cloud?
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 MobiOrder is a real-time browser-based interface supporting order and price quote management, field sales reporting, performance dashboards, customer relationship management (CRM) and more.
Q: Is there an annual fee for each user license of Inform?
No, our 'per user license fee' is a one-time investment. Once you purchase a license, it’s yours.
Q: What are your hardware and server requirements?
Complete hardware and server requirements can be downloaded here.
Q: Does DDI System integrate with my distribution buying group?
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 is proud to support members of these leading organizations:
A-D - Affiliated Distributors
AFFLINK
American Lighting Association
ASA - American Supply Association
BLUE HAWK
DPA - Distributor Partners of America
Embassy Group Ltd.
Equity Plumbing
FEDA - Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association
HARDI - Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International
ISA - Industrial Supply Association
ISSA
MWFA - Mid-West Fastener Association
NAED - National Association of Electrical Distributors
NAILD - National Association of Independent Lighting Distributors
NAW - National Association of Wholesaler Distributors
NetPlus Alliance
Network
NFDA - National Fastener Distributor Association
NISSCO
NJSSA
NPTA Alliance
Omni
Pro-Link
SMA - Strategic Market Alliance
Sphere 1
STAFDA - Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association
TUG - The United Group
Triple S
WD Armstrong
Wit & Co.
Q: Can DDI System help me create an online storefront?
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.
Q: Am I able to easily transfer product between multiple warehouses?
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.
Q: What kind of reporting capabilities does Inform provide?
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.
Q: Does Inform offer any advanced reporting beyond what is included?
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.
Q: Does Inform offer CRM or any other tools for my sales reps?
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.
Q: I have many different price levels and structures for my customers. Will Inform ERP take this into consideration?
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.
Q: Does Inform offer or integrate with a wireless warehouse system?
DDI Sytem 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.
Q: What is the typical timeframe to implement Inform ERP Software?
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!
Q: What's included with customer support?
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 portal.
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 Client Services Portal contains a comprehensive 'Knowledgebase', customer forum, and record of your current and past support cases for reference.