The popularity of B2B eCommerce is on the rise. But for many businesses, it is not at all an easy thing to do when moving from offline to online stores. In order to satisfy this new trend, a streamlined B2B order management process is vital. Initially, you can totally manage B2B order on a spreadsheet. But if they start to increase, then you’ll want and need a more automated approach. As a matter of fact, this article will give you proven hacks for effective B2B order management.
Standalone order management software (OMS).
A combination of standalone order management software (OMS), an ecommerce platform, and separate accounting software is often the first step B2B businesses take to improve operational efficiency.
OMS enables you to centralize your order data, often across channels. Meanwhile, the more advanced order management systems also include inventory management and reporting functionality.
However, this type of setup falls short when attempting to integrate effectively with other technologies you may need. For example, shipping and fulfillment software and accounting systems.
Comparing and correlating data across different departments takes more time and requires double data entry. Not to mention access to real-time data is nigh on impossible.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software
eCommerce Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is the next most common approach for businesses to take once they’re experiencing the operational inefficiencies frequently associated with siloed data and systems.
ERP systems span a wide berth of features from order and inventory management to financial management, purchasing, CRM, warehousing and logistics, and even as far as human resources and payroll.
However, despite boasting a wealth of features, ERP software is often not tailored towards specific industries and business types. This means you may be paying for features you’ll never use or need, while potentially missing out on useful industry expertise and best practices.
Furthermore, they are often complex systems to navigate and learn, while taking much longer to implement than other B2B technology.
Retail and B2B operations platforms.
Your third option — and one that takes the best of both of the previous options — is a specialist retail and B2B operations platform like Brightpearl.
A retail and B2B operations platform has all of the main functionality you’ll need. These include financial management, inventory and sales order management, purchasing and supplier management, CRM, fulfillment, warehouse management, and logistics. Note that some features associated with traditional ERP software like human resources and payroll aren’t included.
As these systems are tailored towards the unique complexities that retail, wholesale and B2B businesses represent, you can rest assured that your workflows governed by the system will adhere to best practices and provide you with the seamless buying experience that your clients are demanding.
Furthermore, as they fit your business type and have a few features compared with traditional ERP systems. Most users launch with their new system within just 90 days on average; a third of the time compared with most ERP systems.
Conclusion
The article has given you some proven hacks for effective order management. Please check them out as they can not only save your time and prevent you from making mistakes. But also you can look at your order in a bigger picture to make a proper decision.
Last but not least, if you are a Magento merchant, don’t forget to check GritGlobal’s B2B platform. Its advanced features and flexibility can ensure effective B2B order management for your store. Using an all-in-one B2B solution will reduce manual tasks, faster business processes, and drive customer satisfaction. Register for a demo here:
