Blue Link ERP vs Inform ERP

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Our analysts compared Blue Link ERP vs Inform ERP based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Distribution Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Blue Link ERP Software Tool

Product Basics

Blue Link ERP is a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software designed to streamline and integrate key business processes for small and medium-sized distributors and wholesalers. Its comprehensive features encompass inventory management, accounting, order processing, warehouse management, customer relationship management (CRM), and business intelligence. Blue Link ERP is particularly well-suited for businesses that manage complex inventory operations, multiple sales channels, and require robust reporting capabilities. Users often highlight its user-friendly interface, strong inventory control features, and ability to automate time-consuming tasks as key benefits. Compared to similar products, Blue Link ERP is often praised for its industry-specific functionality and value for price. Pricing is subscription-based, typically charged monthly per user, and varies depending on the specific features and modules required.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Robust inventory control
  • Strong reporting features
  • Industry-specific functionality
  • Value for price
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • Occasional technical glitches
  • Steeper learning curve for some modules
  • Reporting customization challenges
  • Limited integrations with 3rd party apps
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Inform ERP is a software solution that helps with distribution, production and financial activities. It integrates these processes to automate and streamline operations across various aspects of a business. Its financial management tool coordinates with production workflows so that as transactions are made, they are automatically inputted to the general ledger. It also allows users to plan transportation logistics and look at factors such as volume and necessary stops when planning routes.

This program further enables users to optimize the supply chain through visualization and control of a variety of processes. Users can benefit from personalized dashboards that leverage real-time data so that quicker and more relevant insights can be developed.
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$500/User, Monthly
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$10,000 One-Time
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Product Insights

  • Omnichannel Visibility: Manage diverse orders including phone, online, retail, wholesale and tradeshow in one centralized location to ensure accurate information. 
  • Secure Credit Card Processing: Offer patrons flexible payment methods with protected credit card processing and an encrypted credit card information vault to keep information protected. Users also maintain payment card industry (PCI) compliances. 
  • Bill of Material (BOM) Progress: Establish every material needed to create the finished product with the BOM module. This tool allows users to monitor product production based on components in the BOM and other inventory items to maintain progress while concurrently working on other goods. 
  • Kitting Allocation: Sell items as pre-set kits or as a single object. If, for example, a client needs a video game console or controller, they could get the combo or buy the individual item. 
  • In-Depth Inventory Tracking: Supervise various inventory aspects, including expenditures for collectively purchasing, transporting and importing merchandise and considering border fees, taxes, transport and insurance expenses. Governing these and other fees allows users to eliminate surprises. 
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  • Paperless Workflows: Inform ERP includes electronic signature and electronic document scanning functionality. The system can also store documents such as product images, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and descriptions. 
  • Increased Productivity: This program can increase productivity through its demand planning tool, which forecasts material and production needs. The system also contains the ability to make orders into quotes and to create price inquiries with just one click, therefore reducing the amount of time that employees spend on these tedious tasks. 
  • Automation: Automation is a driving factor of increased productivity and, by extension, increased revenue. An example of how Inform ERP uses automation to its benefit is through its financial management tool, which archives important documents and posts transactions to the general ledger automatically. 
  • Improved Customer Relationships: The Embedded CRM tool allows users to keep track of important customer information. By using and sharing this data, employees can hone their sales tactics and improve customer relationships through more personalized and targeted conversations. 
  • Insight Development: This program uses real-time data and customizable dashboards to help users manage workflows such as sales and production. It includes drill-down functionality that allows users to find the specific data that they need to access. 
  • Accessibility: Inform ERP is available both on-premise and as a cloud-based solution. This makes the program accessible to a wide variety of businesses. If cloud deployment is opted for, the program can be accessed anytime and anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. 
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  • Warehouse Management: Leverage diverse warehouse management functionalities such as various warehouse locations, serial number and lot number selection, simplified pick slips, printing shipping labels, barcode verification scanning and more to facilitate responsibilities. 
  • Lot Tracking: Oversee best before and expiration dates, allocate lot numbers aligned with first in first out (FIFO) methods, print lot numbers on packing slips or invoices and trace product shipments from suppliers to warehouses and patrons. 
  • Document Management: Work with various picture and document types like CAD files. Users may also create workflows to verify that files are distributed to the right employee. The intelligent indexing extension categorizes new and similar documents automatically. 
  • Barcode Scanning: Utilize handheld scanners and devices to pinpoint and rectify picking errors at the source when scanning inventory on the warehouse floor. Users may also manage barcode scanning and training on iOS devices.  
  • Contact Management and CRM: Supervise multiple data points by chronicling client and vendor information, including contacts, phone numbers, emails, addresses, websites and contact sources. The quick search extension enables users to conduct rapid searches based on company codes and names, contact names, phone numbers and more. This extension also displays quotes, open orders and posted invoices from a centralized screen. 
  • POS: Manage an integrated accounting system complete with a general ledger, accounts receivable, commissions, taxes and more. Users also access multi-currencies, adjustable manager override options, several payment types and more.  
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  • Financial Management: Inform ERP contains accounts payable, accounts receivable and bank reconciliation functionality. It gives users access to financial reports and allows them to perform tasks such as posting transactions to the general ledger as they occur. The program also contains the ability to archive documents such as invoices, financial reports and statements automatically. 
  • Inventory Management: This feature enables users to visualize inventory information such as purchase orders, availability, returned goods and open orders. It also allows for adjustment to sporadic demand and can balance warehouse overstocks. The advanced demand planning and forecasting tool contains a real-time replenishment calculation that facilitates adjustment to actual demand. 
  • Order Fulfillment: Inform ERP lets users make quotes into orders with the click of a button. Defective parts can be tracked through the system along with vendor reimbursement claims. The customer checkout process is streamlined through PCI-compliant card processing. 
  • Embedded CRM: This program enables users to gather relevant customer information such as purchase history, order status and personal notes to assist in the personalization and improvement of the customer experience. It can also create order entries and price inquiries with one click. Individual and group calendars are included in the program so that staff can look at operations and sales opportunities in real-time. 
  • Analytics and Reporting: Inform ERP’s reporting dashboards are customizable and can be segmented by user level. The Inventory Pivot Table Cube Editor allows users to manage stock transfers. The program also leverages real-time data and includes drill-down menus so that users can find relevant information. 
  • Warehouse Logistics: With this tool, users can assign transportation to orders. Delivery routes can also be created while keeping factors such as weight, volume and necessary stops in mind. Additionally, users can create and print manifests and shipping documents through this feature. 
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Product Ranking

#81

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Distribution Software

#124

among all
Distribution Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Blue Link ERP
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Accounting And Financial Management Customer Relationship Management E-commerce Capabilities Integrations And Extensibility Inventory Management Mobile Capabilities Purchase Order Management And Procurement Reports, Dashboards And Business Intelligence Sales Order Management Warehouse And Transportation Management 100 99 50 39 99 97 97 94 80 96 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Good User Sentiment 31 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 72 reviews
79%
of users recommend this product

Blue Link ERP has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 79% when considering 31 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

91%
of users recommend this product

Inform ERP has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 72 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

3.0 (1)
3.7 (5)
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4.6 (67)
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Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Inform ERP and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Accounting and Financial Management and Customer Relationship Management. Inform ERP stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Accounting and Financial Management Award
Customer Relationship Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Streamlined Workflow: Intuitive interface simplifies daily tasks and reduces training time.
Accurate Inventory: Real-time stock visibility and tracking minimize errors and optimize fulfillment.
Actionable Insights: Powerful reporting tools generate valuable data to drive informed business decisions.
Tailored Features: Industry-specific modules cater to unique distribution needs and challenges.
Cost-Effective Solution: Competitive pricing and subscription model offer excellent value for growing businesses.
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Comprehensive Functionality: Inform ERP provides a wide range of features that cater to various aspects of distribution businesses, including inventory management, order processing, financials, and customer relationship management. This comprehensive functionality eliminates the need for multiple software solutions, streamlining operations and reducing complexity.
Industry-Specific Focus: Inform ERP is specifically designed for distributors, with features and functionalities tailored to their unique needs. This industry-specific focus ensures that the software aligns with the workflows and processes of distribution businesses, providing a more efficient and effective solution.
Scalability and Flexibility: Inform ERP is a scalable solution that can grow with the needs of a business. It offers flexible deployment options, including on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid models, allowing businesses to choose the best fit for their infrastructure and budget.
User-Friendly Interface: Inform ERP features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and learn. This intuitive design reduces training time and allows users to quickly become proficient with the software, improving productivity and user adoption.
Strong Reporting and Analytics: Inform ERP provides robust reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling businesses to gain insights into their operations and make data-driven decisions. Users can generate custom reports, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and analyze trends to identify areas for improvement.
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Limited Flexibility: Difficulty in tailoring workflows and reports to specific needs.
Integration Gaps: Fewer third-party app integrations compared to competitors, hindering data flow.
Occasional Bugs: Users report occasional technical issues, especially during peak usage.
Reporting Restrictions: Complex customization of reports requires technical expertise or external support.
Steeper Learning Curve: Certain modules, like warehouse management, may require more training.
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Customization Challenges: Making modifications to Inform ERP to fit specific business needs can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring specialized developer skills. This can lead to frustration for businesses with unique workflows or industry-specific requirements.
Reporting Limitations: Generating reports and extracting data from Inform ERP can be cumbersome, with limited built-in reporting tools and a steep learning curve for creating custom reports. This can hinder data analysis and decision-making processes.
User Interface: The user interface of Inform ERP can feel outdated and clunky, leading to a less-than-optimal user experience. Navigating through the system and finding specific functions can be challenging, especially for new users.
Integration Complexities: Integrating Inform ERP with other business systems, such as CRM or e-commerce platforms, can be a complex undertaking. This can create data silos and hinder overall business efficiency.
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User reviews for Blue Link ERP paint a mixed picture, highlighting both its strengths and limitations. Many users praise its user-friendly interface and robust inventory control, noting that it simplifies daily tasks and improves accuracy compared to manual systems. One user stated, "Switching to Blue Link felt like stepping into the future. Inventory tracking is a breeze, and I can finally see real-time stock levels." However, some users express frustration with limited customization options, making it difficult to tailor workflows and reports to specific needs. "The reporting features are powerful, but customizing them beyond basic templates is a real headache," commented another user. This lack of flexibility can be a dealbreaker for businesses with unique processes. Integration with third-party apps is another point of contention. While Blue Link offers some integrations, users often compare it unfavorably to competitors with wider ecosystems. "I switched to [competitor name] because it connects seamlessly with my CRM and shipping software. Blue Link just didn't have the same level of integration." This can be a significant drawback for businesses relying on a connected data flow. Despite these limitations, many users appreciate Blue Link's value for price, particularly its subscription-based model. "Compared to other ERP systems, Blue Link is surprisingly affordable, especially for smaller distributors like us," said one user. This makes it a viable option for businesses on a budget. Overall, user reviews suggest Blue Link ERP is a solid choice for small and medium-sized distributors seeking a user-friendly and cost-effective solution. However, businesses with complex workflows or heavy reliance on third-party integrations might need to consider alternatives offering greater flexibility and connectivity.

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Inform ERP receives praise for its robust functionality and adaptability, particularly in managing complex distribution operations. Users appreciate its ability to handle diverse tasks, from inventory and order management to financials and reporting. Its strength lies in providing a comprehensive solution that streamlines processes and enhances efficiency. However, some users note that the initial setup and learning curve can be challenging due to the system's extensive features. Inform ERP distinguishes itself by offering industry-specific modules and customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their unique requirements. This flexibility is crucial for companies with specialized workflows or niche markets. While Inform ERP excels in functionality, some users mention that the user interface could be more intuitive and modern. Despite this, the software's strengths in customization, scalability, and industry-specific features make it a valuable tool for mid-sized to large distributors and manufacturers with complex operational needs. Its ability to adapt to evolving business requirements ensures long-term value and supports growth.

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