Run on Signals, Not Spreadsheets

DDI Inform

Growth is good – until your systems can’t keep up. Many distributors hit the same wall: more orders, more SKUs, more branches, and the same number of people holding it all together with spreadsheets and workarounds. This whitepaper shows how to break that cycle by running your business on live operational signals instead of manual steps.

You’ll learn what leading distributors are doing differently – connecting sales, inventory, purchasing, warehouse, and finance to one source of truth. The result: smarter buys, cleaner pricing, and faster decisions that free up cash and protect profit.

Inside, we unpack the everyday signals that drive measurable change:

· Buying signals that guide purchasing and reduce excess stock.

· Pricing signals that flag margin leaks before they happen.

· Inventory signals that spotlight what’s moving – and what’s not.

· Customer signals that improve fulfillment, accuracy, and trust.

Real distributors are already seeing the impact: double-digit sales growth without adding headcount, 10–15% less excess inventory, faster closes, and ROI within the first year.

If you’re leading a distribution business where growth now means more stress, this guide will help you simplify operations, restore visibility, and scale profitably. Run on signals – not spreadsheets – and see what connected distribution really looks like.