Why Distributors Should Invest in Modern Distribution Software Now

Imagine navigating a stormy sea with outdated navigation charts - would you risk your business on obsolete guidance systems during an economic crisis? Germany’s economy is currently facing severe turbulence, making it critical for wholesalers to urgently address operational inefficiencies. Investing in modern wholesale software is no longer optional - it’s essential

Economic Crisis in Germany: A Wake-up Call for Wholesalers

Germany's economy faces significant challenges, including stagnating growth, rising insolvencies, and uncertainty about the future. According to the German Economic Institute (IW), GDP growth is projected at only 0.1 percent in 2025. For wholesalers, these structural issues translate into reduced customer demand, intensified competition, and tighter margins. Relying on legacy software compounds these challenges by restricting operational agility and efficiency, making immediate adoption of advanced software crucial.

Signs Your ERP and CRM Systems Are Not Ready for This Crisis

Recognizing when your ERP and CRM systems are holding your business back is important. Key indicators include:

• Slow or cumbersome user interfaces
• Heavy reliance on manual processes or spreadsheets
• Declining software performance as your business grows
• Poor integration capabilities with modern tools

Using Outdated Software is Costly for Wholesalers

Legacy systems don't just slow your business-they actively put it at risk. Consider Delta Air Lines: In 2016, an outdated IT infrastructure left the airline vulnerable to a catastrophic system failure. A critical power outage at its Atlanta headquarters caused a cascading failure across its legacy systems, leading to the cancellation of over 2,000 flights and stranding thousands of passengers worldwide. The disruption not only damaged the airline’s reputation but also resulted in an estimated $150 million loss in revenue. Wholesalers using outdated ERP and CRM platforms similarly risk:

• Operational inefficiencies and higher operating costs
• Lost sales opportunities due to lack of actionable insights
• Poor customer experience leading to dissatisfaction
• Employee frustration, lower productivity, and higher turnover

Plato Empowers Wholesalers in Navigating These Challenges

Plato seamlessly integrates with your existing ERP system and replaces core functions of your CRM system, addressing the challenges caused by outdated software while introducing advanced AI-driven features. By leveraging Plato’s ERP automation capabilities, wholesalers can:

• Enable Proactive Decision-making: Plato delivers real-time analytics and AI-driven insights, empowering wholesalers to proactively adapt to market shifts and make strategic, data-driven decisions instead of merely reacting.
• Increase Revenue with Cross-Selling Opportunities: Plato identifies and highlights valuable cross-selling opportunities, enabling wholesalers to maximize revenue potential with each customer interaction.
• Prevent Customer Churn: Predictive analytics identifies potential churn early, enabling proactive measures to maintain customer loyalty, critical during economic instability.
• Drive Efficiency through Automation: Plato automates routine tasks such as offer creation, order management, and administrative processes, saving employees up to 5 hours per week.

Turn This Economic Crisis into Competitive Advantage

Germany's economic challenges don't have to spell disaster for wholesalers - they present a powerful catalyst for strategic transformation. Investing in Plato’s software today positions your wholesale business not only to survive the storm but to thrive afterward.

Act now to emerge stronger, leaner, and better prepared for the future.

Contact us at benedikt.nolte@platoapp.ai to learn how Plato’s AI wholesale automation software can empower your business to successfully navigate today's economic challenges and secure future growth.