May 4, 2021 
eCommerce has revolutionized shopping by making it simple and convenient. World-wide products are now just a click away, one can access them from the comfort of their own home. But, how does an eCommerce site function from the order placing to delivery?
There are numerous logistics involved in providing seamless shopping experiences to customers. It is essential for eCommerce owners to make sure that products reach customers safely and precisely. Having perfect management flow for orders and delivery is made possible by an order management system. Getting a seamless shopping experience for a customer involves a lot of logistics. Providing safe and on-time delivery of products to customers is essential for eCommerce store owners. Customers’ orders and deliveries can be processed smoothly with the help of an order management system.
WHAT IS AN ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM?
The following activities and logistics should be handled by your store when a customer places an order:
- Orders and payments need to be accepted by your store.
- Look after the accounts payable and receivable, update the accounting system, and generate invoices.
- Based on location and proximity to the customer, assign the responsibility for delivery to a warehouse.
- Order details should be provided to the warehouse.
- Keep inventory levels updated across all sales channels.
- Keep track of orders so that customer service teams can better assist customers.
- Keeping stock levels up-to-date on orders will avoid shortages in the future.
An order management system keeps track of all the above activities. A centralized platform for inventory control, orders, sales, and fulfilment, will give you a way to stay on top of everything.
A GUIDE TO SELECTING THE BEST ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR YOUR E-COMMERCE
- INTEGRATION
A good OMS should integrate smoothly into your eCommerce platform, so you don’t have to restructure your backend structure to accommodate it. The majority of order management systems are designed in such a way that they can integrate with any available eCommerce platform.
- SUPPLIER CONSIDERATION
Purchasing products from suppliers should be easy with your OMS. Complex supply chain procedures should be simple, and inventory and records should easily be updated when a product is received.
- 3PL, WAREHOUSE, AND FULFILLMENT INTEGRATION
A majority of eCommerce stores contract out warehouse storage and shipping. OMSs must interact with the people who pack, ship and deliver your order. Checking for orders should be effortless, and posting orders to warehouses or 3PLs should be easy.
- SCALABILITY
With a company’s growth, its sales, suppliers, inventory need, sales channels, etc. also increases.
Having OMS software that can handle all these aspects is essential if you are looking for growth in your online store. Your business needs to determine how many features it needs now and in the future.
Several order management systems do not offer all the features your business needs, so consider your options wisely.
- API
Each business has its own management needs. Most OMSs have the necessary functions, but you may still need to add a few yourself. Make sure you have access to the API for your OMS so you can make improvements to the system and tweak it accordingly.
- REPORTING & FORECASTING
In addition to updating orders and sending them through, an OMS should be able to report trends in your sales and revenue. The system should allow you to identify issues beforehand (such as stock shortages) to prepare for the challenges you might face.
- AUTOMATION
With an Order Management System (OMS), you can automate mundane and boring order management tasks while you concentrate on growing your business. An OMS automates routine tasks related to generating invoices, tracking orders, updating sales reports, and keeping track of orders.
Whenever you use your OMS, it is prudent to go through your catalog carefully and determine which tasks are being automated and which will be carried out manually.
- CUSTOMER-CENTRIC FUNCTIONALITIES
E-commerce retailers cater to people all over the world, so there will be differences in language, taxation procedures, currency, etc. With an OMS, managing all different languages, currencies, etc., will be simpler, and the customer experience will be improved.
CONCLUSION
As an eCommerce retailer, you need to constantly improve your ability to think more systematically and efficiently. In addition to your Order Management System, you should pay attention to the multiple customer touchpoints on your e-commerce website. Making the right choice for the best order management system eCommerce could be challenging and not be taken lightly since you would forfeit revenue due to inventory stock-outs, delayed deliveries, etc. Make sure you understand the criteria at hand, the priorities you have, and then decide accordingly.
