From Start-Up to Quarter Billion – How Sage 300 Scaled Success

We also have a video version of this article, where you can hear directly from one of our ERP experts, Doug Bilderback. 

Starting a business often begins with big dreams... and a tight budget. In fact, 64% of small businesses launch with just $10,000 in capital. For Controllers and CFOs at growing distribution companies, early success can quickly give way to new pressures: more SKUs, more customers, more complexity, and far less margin for error.

This is the story of one distributor that experienced that journey firsthand, and how the right distribution software helped them grow from just over $1 million in revenue into a multi-hundred-million-dollar organization. We also have this available in a video version if you’d like to hear directly from our in-house expert, Doug.

More importantly, it’s a story that mirrors what many distributors are facing today.

When Growth Starts to Expose the Cracks
In the early days, this distributor’s challenges were familiar ones. Managing inventory across the business, coordinating light manufacturing processes, and delivering orders on time required an increasing amount of manual effort. As volume grew, it became harder for the finance team to trust that inventory values aligned with the general ledger or that margins were being reported accurately.

Like many growing distributors, they reached a point where spreadsheets and disconnected systems were no longer sustainable. They needed distribution software that could support operational growth while giving the Controller and CFO confidence in the numbers, without the cost and disruption of a Tier 1 ERP.

Building a Strong Foundation
The company implemented Sage 300 to serve as the backbone of both operations and finance. The goal wasn’t just automation - it was control.

With Sage 300, inventory, manufacturing activity, and financials were fully integrated into one system. That integration meant fewer manual reconciliations, clearer visibility into inventory valuation, and a financial close process the team could rely on. Sage 300’s distribution software capabilities allowed the business to run efficiently while staying grounded in accurate, real-time data.

Scaling With Confidence
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. As the business grew, so did their challenges. No longer just fulfilling orders, they had to forecast demand, manage complex builds, and keep both customers and suppliers happy. No matter how fast their order volumes increased or how complex the processes became, Sage 300’s distribution software took care of it. For the CFO and Controller, this meant the business could grow aggressively while maintaining financial discipline and confidence in reporting.

The seamless integration of inventory management, manufacturing, and distribution into one system made scaling almost effortless. Orders went out on time every time, even when demand spiked. What mattered most to the finance team was maintaining visibility so they could know where inventory sat, understand true landed costs, and see margin performance clearly as the business expanded.

This operational efficiency mirrors findings from McKinsey & Company, which show that companies embracing technology into their operations outperform competitors, achieving up to 2.3 times higher revenue growth than those slower to adopt digital solutions. In distribution, if you’re not quick, you’re falling behind.

Planning Ahead Instead of Reacting
Sage 300 didn’t just help the company keep up—it helped them plan ahead. With better demand forecasting and more reliable inventory data, the business was able to align production and purchasing more closely with customer demand. That reduced stockouts, minimized excess inventory, and protected margins during periods of rapid growth.

In distribution, the ability to see what’s coming—and act on it quickly—often separates companies that scale smoothly from those that struggle. This distributor’s experience reinforces a broader trend: organizations that successfully integrate technology into their operations tend to outperform peers that rely on fragmented systems and manual processes.

The Secret Sauce
As businesses grow, systems and processes often show their cracks. However, with distribution software and financials in Sage 300, this distributor had a platform that scaled with them. Whether processing a handful of orders daily or managing a vast distribution network, Sage 300’s functionality and tools allowed them to meet every challenge head-on.

This success story proves that the right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can transform a business. As you might have guessed, it’s not just about the software. It’s also about finding the right partner to support business goals, adapt to needs, and fuel long-term success.

Already Using Sage 300? There May Be More Value to Unlock

Many distributors already run Sage 300 but don’t fully leverage its capabilities. Over time, processes evolve, reporting needs change, and workarounds creep in. Controllers and CFOs may find themselves questioning inventory accuracy, relying too heavily on Excel, or lacking confidence in real-time financial insight.

We work with distribution companies to realign Sage 300 with how their business operates today, helping finance teams get more value from the distribution software they already own.

Let Us Help You Write Your Own Success Story
If you’re searching for distribution software that can support your growth, or if you’re already using Sage 300 and want to get more out of it, we’d love to connect.

Let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your distribution goals with Sage 300. Who knows? Your success story could be the next one we share. Want more real-world examples of how Sage 300 is making an impact? Check them out here.