The order management system refers to a software platform that allows companies to fulfill customers’ orders, track sales, and monitor inventory. The system allows these businesses to successfully automate various tasks that their employees perform manually when processing customers’ orders. These include obtaining the relevant customer details and determining the products the buyers want to acquire. Then they have to assess whether the goods are available in the warehouse’s inventory before these orders are processed. The employees then generate a tracking number for the orders and acknowledge payments from customers.
Web-based order management system – Why should e-commerce companies choose this platform?
Experts from the industry explain companies operating an e-commerce storefront need a suitable order management system to streamline business operations. Otherwise, these businesses may face difficulties when coordinating the workflow with their trading partners across multiple sales channels. Unfortunately, installing and operating a stand-alone order management platform may not be a viable option for these companies. The system may not be compatible enough to integrate into its enterprise resource planning software platform. This is why these specialists suggest these companies use a web based order management system for the task.
Features of a good web-based order management platform for e-commerce companies
A good web-based order management platform generally has the following features-
- Seamless processing of customers’ orders
The web-based order management system e-commence companies opt to acquire should be able to process numerous orders from their customers. The platform needs to versatile enough to operate across more than one sales channel using a single user-friendly interface. It should contain options that these companies can use to upload product images, check the availability of these goods, and customize their prices. Only then can the customers get all the information they need when placing an order.
- Synchronizing with the inventory level of the companies’ trading partners
The order management platform the companies choose to operate should be compatible with the software systems in their trading partners’ warehouses. This enables both businesses to simplify the processes relating to the monitoring of inventory and re-ordering of products. It ensures products that are in high demand among the customers are present in the warehouses most of the time. Only then can these e-commerce companies avoid receiving customers’ orders for products that are not available.
- Instant payments
E-commerce companies should choose a web-based order management platform that allows them to receive payments from their customers instantly. The system should contain options that enable these buyers to select how they wish to pay for their products. They may opt to use plastic money, e-wallet, PayPal, Internet banking, or cash on delivery. It also helps the companies to face situations where their employees have to track down slow-paying customers.
A good web based order management system allows e-commerce companies to take their businesses to the next level and gain a competitive edge in the market over peers. When choosing this platform, they need to ensure it can effectively process customers’ orders promptly. It should be compatible with their trading partners’ warehouse software system to monitor inventory levels effectively. Above, the system should enable customers to pay for their products in the mode of their choice. Only then can these e-commerce companies provide better service to their customers and streamline the workflow with their trading partners with success.
