Maybe you’re having that worst-case situation in ecommerce where something sells out, but your system doesn’t catch up fast enough, so you end up overselling. Now you’re stuck apologizing to an angry customer, issuing refunds, and praying it doesn’t kill your reviews.
Or maybe fulfilment is just so slow that you’re spending the whole day answering angry customer emails. If this doesn’t sound familiar, it’s something you never want to experience.
Luckily, an Order Management System can make that possible. This software tracks and guides orders from buying through delivery. It synchronizes inventory, automates fill, and optimizes shipping on numerous various sales channels.
An OMS keeps correct levels, accelerates processing, and makes returns easier, avoiding errors and improving customer satisfaction for retail and eCommerce businesses. No more overpromising, dealing with lost orders, or even the stress that comes with manual order management processes.
What an Order Management System Does
An Order Management System (OMS) keeps retail companies running smoothly. A top-of-the-range order management system like Deck Commerce does more than just help you handle your orders. Here’s what you can do with an OMS.
- Receive orders effectively: An order management system makes it easier for customers to order online or via an in-store system.
- Inventory check: Trying to check stock levels more reliably? Well, you need an OMS, considering it can make it possible to perform such checks in real-time.
- Payment processing: Your OMS system will be capable of confirming payment and conducting fraud checks.
- Order routing: Order management systems route orders to the most suitable fulfilment centre or store by location and inventory.
- Facilitating picking and packing: You need an OMS to help warehouse personnel pick up the merchandise, pack it, and label it for shipping.
- Shipping and tracking: Once the package is handed over to a carrier, you can use an OMS to track it and make such information available to the customer.
- Delivery confirmation: After a customer receives a package and confirms it’s in good condition, you can use an OMS to update the order status as either delivered or completed.
- Returns and support (if needed): If the customer wants a return or needs some different form of assistance, your OMS will facilitate that, thanks to being connected with the other systems in your company.
Therefore, it’s safe to say that without an OMS, a retailer can easily get stuck with lost orders, upset customers, and inventory chaos.
Key Features of a Successful OMS
Not all OMS solutions are the same. A good one should:
- Sync orders across channels: Whether customers purchase from your site, Amazon, or a physical store, the OMS you choose should consolidate everything to eliminate inconsistencies.
- Automate workflow: No more tedious manual data entry. Orders, shipping, and returns should work like clockwork with an OMS.
- Real-time inventory management: A good OMS is capable of stopping the dreaded “out of stock” notification after a customer purchases.
- Shipping carrier integration: Automates label generation, tracking, and delivery notifications.
Key Considerations When Making the Right Choice of OMS
Choosing the right Order Management System (OMS) can make or break your retail business. With so many options, you should consider the following factors to select the best:
1. Scalability
Choose an OMS that supports increasing order volumes, new channels of sales, and multiple warehouses.
2. Integration
Your OMS should seamlessly integrate with tools you’re already utilising. If it requires you to input data manually or needs constant updating, it’s likely not worth the investment.
3. Ease of Use
A complicated system is a recipe for disaster and frustration. Look for an intuitive interface and quality customer support to make the transition smooth.
Grow With Deck Commerce
When shopping for an OMS, one thing you need to know is there will never be an off-the-shelf perfect solution for your business. However, the OMS you choose should be capable of customising so you can perfect it yourself. It’s also crucial to choose a system that scales with your growth and integrates nicely with your existing tools.
Wondering where to get such a program? Deck Commerce should be a perfect choice. If you’ve been trying to enhance the overall customer experience in your business without much success, you now know where to look!
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