The right OMS is crucial for smooth capturing, tracking, and fulfilling orders. Apart from aligning them with inventory, you have to manage shipping schedules and costs. In addition, they must deal with third-party logistics and assess each transaction. Doing these things manually is time consuming and risky, as the probability of error is higher.
Buyer expectations are higher than ever, and e-commerce businesses must automate nearly every facet of operations. What defines the best system for your company? What are the benefits and key features of an OMS in 2022?
The Main Benefits of OMS
By delegating operations to software, companies save time and money. Automation also reduces errors, which is vital for customer satisfaction. A top-notch OMS will complement your existing systems. This self-sufficient core will support customer service, accounting, warehouse management, and other operations. The biggest benefits are:
- Centralization
This is the primary condition for productivity. Make sure all data concerning orders, inventory and sales forecasts are accessible from one place. Centralization will boost your efficiency tremendously, as you will monitor key indicators at a glance.
- Adaptability
Every marketplace is unique and grows at its own pace. Your OMS must be scalable and adaptable to your company’s changing needs.
- Seamless integration
If you have to use legacy systems, make sure your OMS will complement them without a hitch. That it can communicate with your email marketing systems, accounting software or e-commerce suppliers. You do not have to replace existing software that is still efficient. Thanks to the comprehensive integration, capabilities should include the ability to list products, update inventory information data, and get orders from all channels.
How to Choose
Picking an OMS is a big decision that requires input from stakeholders. Begin by defining your objectives:
1. Specify Your Goals
Consider your future priorities with regard to order management and fulfilment. Based on the likely scalability scenario, determine which features are mandatory and which are optional. Think about:
- fulfilment process
- inventory management
- shipping carriers
- payment processing.
2. Create a Request for Proposal (RFP)
This document must spell out the technical requirements and limitations of the future system. Include data on expected order volumes, your SKUs, software, hardware, and networks. Include a timeline for feature implementations and system training.
3. Compare Your Options
Compare the most attractive offers. Request a demo or free trial from each company. Check feedback from their customers. Use a scoring system aligned with your objectives to pick the three best proposals.
4. Ask Questions
Do not focus on features and functions alone. Consider the entire business relationship you are building. Find out if:
- You can replace manual operations with automation.
- The system can support several warehouses.
- You can manage sales across several channels, locations, and currencies.
- Forecasting and reporting are included.
- Native and third-party integrations are available.
- There is access to innovative APIs.
5. Make a Decision
Choose an OMS catering to your current and future needs. It will transform your digital operations and supply chain, supporting the growth of your marketplace. This is the cornerstone of lasting success in e-commerce!
Make sure to consider Scallium. It offers OMS tools streamlining everything from order confirmation to feedback collection.
Scallium is an IT team with extensive experience in e-commerce.
We develop solutions for the automation of processes in trade based on experience gained with top market players – large e-commerce and retail projects.
