How is Strkr different from a distributor-specific CRM like Epicor CRM, NetSuite CRM, or Infor CRM?
Epicor CRM, NetSuite CRM, and Infor CRM are typically embedded modules of their respective ERP platforms (Epicor Prophet 21, NetSuite ERP, Infor CloudSuite Distribution). The depth of ERP integration is a strength because the CRM and ERP share one data model. The weakness is UI density, extensibility, and modern features (AI drafting, keyboard shortcuts, modern reporting). Strkr is a general-purpose modern CRM with a distributor configuration pack and native integrations to the common ERPs. The practical difference: distributor-embedded CRMs are purpose-built for the ERP integration but limited for teams that want modern UX; Strkr offers modern UX with native ERP integration that is deep enough for most distribution motions. Teams running pure brokerage or distribution with no interest in modern UI often stay on the ERP-embedded tool; teams wanting modern features typically prefer Strkr.
What ERP integrations ship for distributor workflows?
Native integrations for NetSuite, SAP Business One and S/4HANA, Infor CloudSuite Distribution, Epicor Prophet 21 and ECC, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The bidirectional sync covers accounts, orders, invoices, payments, products, and inventory snapshots. The ERP typically remains the system of record for inventory, invoicing, and AR; Strkr becomes the system of record for pipeline, forecast, and sales motion. KMS-encrypted credentials, event replay for debug, and the integration debugger surfaces every sync event with payload and status. For custom or less-common ERP platforms (older Dynamics instances, homebrew builds, specific SAP configurations), the REST and GraphQL APIs with webhook support handle the integration pattern. We never suggest Zapier because every integration ships as first-class native code.
How does Strkr handle the vendor forecast cadence?
Each vendor expects a forecast on their specific cadence (monthly, quarterly) in their specific format (Excel template, CSV with specific columns, portal upload). Strkr's vendor forecast templates ship pre-configured for the common vendors in major verticals (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, industrial MRO, consumer electronics, specialty chemical, pharmaceutical). The sales ops lead reviews the aggregated pipeline for each vendor line, applies manager-level adjustments, exports in the vendor's required format. The workload that used to burn 4 to 8 hours per vendor per month typically collapses to 20 to 40 minutes per vendor. For vendors with unusual template requirements, the admin configures a custom template once, and the format persists for subsequent forecast cycles.
How does rebate math work in practice?
Three rebate types: vendor-paid rebates (we collect from vendor for selling their product), dealer-paid rebates (we pay dealer for hitting volume targets), SPIFs (short-term incentives for specific SKUs). Each rebate rule attaches to the vendor product line, dealer tier, or specific SKU with calculation logic (percentage of revenue, flat per unit, tiered by volume bracket). On each closed-won deal the rebate math calculates and shows inline, rolling up to the dealer account for annual reconciliation. Monthly finance review approves the rebate accruals, which flow to the ERP for actual financial posting. The audit trail captures every rebate calculation and approval. Teams moving rebate math from Excel to Strkr typically see rebate accrual accuracy rise from 80-85 percent to 97-98 percent, which translates to meaningful incremental capture of rebate dollars previously missed through calculation errors.
What does multi-dimension territory routing look like?
Territory assignment runs on multiple dimensions simultaneously: geographic (zip code, state, region, country), vertical (industrial, commercial, residential, government), product-line specialization (which rep covers which lines), and named-account overrides (specific dealers assigned to specific reps regardless of other rules). The routing logic lives in a configurable Flow that evaluates the dimensions in a defined order with tie-breakers. New dealer inquiries route to the right rep automatically; existing dealers reassign through a structured workflow with audit trail. Quarterly or annual territory recalibration moves dealers between reps based on capacity, specialization, or performance. Strkr's multi-dimension routing handles compound logic (zip code X, vertical Y, product line Z, named account override) in one Flow definition rather than stacking multiple generic sharing rules.
Can Strkr handle the seasonal patterns in distribution?
Yes. Distributors run seasonal patterns (Q4 industrial purchasing, Q3 back-to-school, Q2 pre-construction, Q1 slow season in many verticals) that mainstream CRM forecasts underread. Strkr's seasonal forecast overlay applies historical seasonality curves per product line and per vertical automatically so the forecast reflects the expected swing rather than averaging across the year. Promotional pricing by time window ties specific pricing to Q4 or specific promotional events, with auto-activation and expiration. The seasonal shape surfaces in the forecast rollup, the pipeline coverage math, and the capacity planning. Teams running strong seasonal patterns typically see forecast accuracy improve 15 to 25 percentage points after enabling the seasonal overlay versus the prior linear forecast.
