Essential Features of Order Management Solutions and Picking the Right Software
Discover essential features of order management software and learn how to select the best solution for your business. The article covers automation, integration, shipping, returns, and key tips for choosing software that scales with growth, ensuring efficient order processing and customer satisfaction.
Essential Features of Order Management Solutions and Picking the Right Software
With the rise of online shopping over the last ten years, businesses have had to optimize their warehouse operations to ensure prompt and accurate deliveries. To support this, many companies turn to order management systems that automate the entire order lifecycle—from receipt to delivery—and simplify inventory control with minimal manual input.
Key capabilities of order management solutions
Automatic order routing
Once an order is placed, the system verifies stock levels automatically, reducing manual checks and decreasing errors.
This process saves time and improves accuracy.
Optimized shipping management
The software compares rates across carriers, generates shipping labels, assigns routing, and updates tracking details, all automatically sharing information with customers, eliminating manual tasks.
Business insights
These tools analyze order frequency, volume, delivery times, and stock levels, helping companies plan more effectively.
E-commerce system integration
Compatibility with existing CRM and online platforms allows smooth inventory updates and order processing.
Return processing
A comprehensive system handles return and exchange procedures, ensuring high customer satisfaction for online shopping.
Tips for choosing optimal order management software
To select the best system, understanding specific business needs is crucial. Conduct a self-assessment by answering these questions:
What products do you sell? Are they heavy, lightweight, high-value?
How many different SKUs are in stock?
Do customers frequently order in bulk?
Who handles packing? What equipment do they use?
Are various packaging types needed for distinct product categories?
What is your average monthly order volume?
Where are your warehouses and customer bases located?
Is fast delivery critical, or is standard shipping sufficient?
Understanding these factors narrows down your options. Next, consider your budget, keeping in mind setup fees, ongoing support, customizations, and add-ons. Costs range from around $200 to over $700 monthly, depending on business size and features needed.
Decide which types of orders you'll automate; integrate with existing tools; confirm scalability for growth; and request demos or trials to test software performance. These steps ensure the software aligns with your operational needs.
Top 5 order management platforms
ShipStation offers extensive automation for order processing, shipping label creation, and shipment tracking, suitable for small businesses, starting at just $9.99/month with a free 30-day trial.
Fishbowl Inventory is ideal for manufacturing firms, combining inventory control and order processing and syncing smoothly with QuickBooks. Pricing is available on request.
ShipMonk provides integrated inventory and logistics management through its strategically placed fulfillment centers. A demo is free; pricing details are custom.
NetSuite caters to large enterprises, offering comprehensive features for complex needs. It starts at $99 per user/month, with a monthly licensing fee of approximately $999, and includes a free demo.
Bolt not only delivers fulfillment but also excels in fraud detection and redirects unsellable returned items to charity, reflecting its social responsibility. Pricing is upon request, with a free demo available.
Note:
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