It was much easier to integrate Katana the way we wanted it, and to get the data in and out of Katana via the API and Zapier. We also needed a connection to ShipStation that was not possible with other software. In Katana, the workflows are highly customizable and could be set up in the way we wanted.
Thomas Judge, Owner
GJ Motorsports, Automotive manufacturing
An advanced inventory tool that simplifies distribution
How you can benefit from implementing management software for distributors
If you’re not in the “too big to fail” category as a distribution business, impatient suppliers and retailers could move on very quickly from your product — making vendor management business critical. It’s not always an easy task for smaller manufacturers and distributors to predict market trends, but your clients will always value you if you know the full capabilities of what and how fast can you deliver. This is where Katana’s advanced inventory software can help.
How an ERP solution helps you manage manufacturing and distribution
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is typically used by manufacturers to keep track of production, inventory, and sales data to optimize their business. However, distributors also benefit from adopting an ERP system for a number of reasons:
- ERPs simplify financial management by tracking moving average costs and sales, then sending the data to accounting systems
- Barcode features make it easy to scan in items and track them across multiple warehouses for maximum inventory control
- You can also connect ERP software to your shipping solution of choice for end-to-end transportation management
Track your inventory and automate processes with Katana
Katana comes with a range of inventory and production management features that give you a full overview of your manufacturing business. Intuitive and easy to use, Katana makes it easy to understand:
- What stock is available
- What needs to be manufactured
- What’s ready to ship
Easily track and monitor your inventory lifecycle and set automatic reorder points. Katana helps you manage demand by notifying you when new stock is needed for high-selling items. With more control over your production processes, you can focus on scaling your business without worrying about disappointing customers.
The other element of distribution that companies often struggle with is document management, especially PDF printing. Customizable print templates in Katana are available for all documents in PDF format. You can use them either to send orders over to external partners (vendors, customers) or for internal use to hand out tasks in the distribution process.
Accessible data helps you keep up with the distribution tempo
Once your products are made and packaged, you don’t want to see them sitting in multiple warehouses collecting dust. Distribution is a constant tango dance between suppliers, inventories, and clients. If you slow down, partners and suppliers will just find another, more agile dance partner.
For online sellers, Katana offers a seamless integration with your Shopify or WooCommerce store at the click of a button. However, if you’re selling products in person, you can use your Shopify integration to sync your POS data back to Katana’s ERP system, so you always are on top of your sales orders — whether they’re made online or offline. You can also connect to CRM solutions to bring in orders from your B2B sales channels.
Finally, Katana integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero to bring all your financial data together. You can manage your payable and receivable accounts and all other financial elements of your business in one place. And it always links back to your distribution inventory data in Katana to give you a full view of your performance whenever you need it.
Integrate with the best e-commerce,
accounting, reporting, and CRM
software out there
Create custom API integrations
Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more.
Yes, you can use bar coding and barcode scanners with Katana for lot traceability, to keep track of stock, products, and batches across all of your warehouses and storage facilities. Because Katana is a cloud ERP solution, scanned items are immediately added into the system to keep your data up to date in real time.
Absolutely – our case study section offers some of our success stories so far, and you can look at our features and pricing pages to help make software comparisons before making an ultimate software selection.
The timeline can vary, but you should be able to get up and running within a couple of days. Katana offers a well-presented platform, and has an extensive Knowledge Base with lots of demo videos to help you get started.