3 Best Order Management Software of 2024

The ebb and flow of today’s business world is dictated by how adeptly we manage sales, our transactions, and processes. Amidst the whirlwind of orders, stock levels, and ever-evolving customer expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a tool to chart a clear course through this sea of complexity?

That’s where order management software shines. More than just a digital tool, it’s the unsung hero behind many thriving businesses, simplifying the convoluted and paving the way for operational excellence. This article uncovers the magic behind order management software and its pivotal role in modern commerce.

Order Management Software – What Exactly Is It?

Order Management Software (OMS) is a digital bridge linking businesses, products, and customers seamlessly. Think of it as a maestro conducting an orchestra, where every instrument represents a different part of the online sales process. From the moment a customer orders to the entire fulfillment process, the OMS ensures every piece plays in harmony. By managing and tracking orders, overseeing inventory management levels, and coordinating data across sales channels, the OMS embodies what modern customers expect regarding efficiency and transparency.

Whether you’re an e-commerce giant dealing with thousands of orders daily or a boutique store hoping to keep up with demands without a hiccup, an OMS is designed to simplify, streamline, and optimize operations. Integrating various business processes, OMS enhances customer satisfaction through timely deliveries and accurate updates and boosts operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to the bottom line.

Leading Order Management Software Solutions

IBM Sterling Order Management

IBM Sterling Order Management revolutionizes order processing, effortlessly merging omnichannel strategies like real-time inventory, curbside pickups, buy online pickup in store (BOPIS), and ship from store (SFS). This integrated platform simplifies ecommerce, consolidating sales channels to effectively track inventory, manage logistics, and optimize shipping and returns, all bolstered by cloud-based capabilities.

With its rapid 3-week ship-from-store deployment and enhanced profit outcomes, businesses can ensure flawless customer experiences across channels. The platform’s AI insights and automated workflows drive operational efficiency, elevating inventory turnover, and reducing shipping costs. IBM Sterling paves the way for seamless technology integration and superior customer engagements.

Key Features:

• Omnichannel strategies integration.
• Real-time inventory tracking.
• Efficient logistics and shipping management.
• AI-powered insights and automation.
• Rapid ship-from-store deployment.

Conexiom

The Conexiom Platform is a cloud-based solution for digitizing and automating emailed sales orders, invoices, vendor order acknowledgments, and advanced shipping notices. Manufacturers and distributors have traditionally relied on manual data entry to cover the gaps in their preferred approach – electronic orders and payments. They are looking to increase speed for same day order shipment, improve order accuracy and fill rates, the ability for timely payments to avoid late fees and collect discounts, and the elimination of duplicate or overpayments all while freeing up valuable time to improve customer experience and relationships with vendors.

The Conexiom Platform auto-identifies emailed documents, extracts data with 100% accuracy, and aligns complex transaction data via rules-based validations to populate ERP systems seamlessly and reliably. Conexiom provides the highest touchless transaction rate in the industry and doesn’t just shift where clients perform effort while their customers and vendors are not forced to change their business processes or invest in expensive integrations. Transactions are executed with exceptional speed, precision, and defensibility and financial benefits are realized quickly to justify expenses when budgets are tight. By digitizing and automating emailed document processing, manufacturers and distributors can amplify productivity to reduce reliance on labor, mitigate risk, increase their NPS score with customers and their credit scores with vendors, improve control over costs and cash flows, enable compliance, empower operations, and increase profits.

Key Features:

• 100% accurate data extraction and delivery.
• Optimal conversion of manual tasks into value-added activities.
• Defensible and reliable end-to-end process including rules-based validation.
• Seamless population of data in ERP.
• Boosted EDI and ecommerce adoption.

Brightpearl

In a fluctuating retail landscape, Brightpearl emerges as a comprehensive Retail Operating System, deftly transforming challenges into growth avenues. By automating operations and offering advanced inventory tools, it ensures businesses stay ahead of supply chain disruptions and market shifts.

Coupled with precise sales forecasting and an extensive suite of Plug & Play integrations—including TikTok and Instagram—Brightpearl ensures retailers are always where their customers are. This prowess isn’t just software-deep; their acclaimed 97% implementation success rate and round-the-clock expert support reinforce their commitment to retail excellence.

Key Features:

• Advanced operations and order automation.
• Intelligent inventory and sales forecasting.
• Comprehensive retail analytics suite.
• Expansive Plug & Play integrations.
• 97% successful implementation and expert support.

How Can You Choose Ideal Order Management Software?

Navigating the digital landscape to find the right software can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a tech stack! But fret not; selecting the ideal order management software (OMS) is simpler when you know what to prioritize. Here are seven key features to guide you on your quest:

Business-Sized Fit

Think of software like shoes; what works for a giant corporation might not fit a start-up. Ensure the OMS is tailored to your business size and can scale with your growth.

User-Friendliness

There’s no point in having a high-tech solution if it feels like you’re trying to decode alien technology every time you use it. Go for software with an intuitive user interface that makes your daily tasks breezier.

Integration Capabilities

Your new OMS should play nicely with the other digital tools you’re already using. Check if it easily integrates with your existing eCommerce platforms, payment gateways, or CRM systems.

Real-time Inventory Updates

Imagine selling a product online only to realize you ran out of stock yesterday. Oops! Your chosen software should offer real-time inventory tracking to avoid such blunders.

Customer Support

Even the smoothest systems might throw a curveball now and then. When they do, having a responsive customer support team ready to lend a hand is reassuring.

Mobile Accessibility

We live in a world where business doesn’t just happen at desks. Opt for an OMS with mobile capabilities, allowing you to manage orders on the go, anytime, anywhere.

Budget Considerations

Gold is valuable, but not all that glitters is gold. Look for software that offers the features you need at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. It’s about value, not just cost.

The Importance of Order Management Software: Why Is It a Must?

Diving into the bustling world of commerce without Order Management Software (OMS) is like setting out on a road trip without a map; you might reach your destination, but it’ll likely involve more detours and bumps than necessary. Here are eight user-friendly reasons why investing in an OMS isn’t just lovely—it’s downright essential:

• Avoiding the Oops Moments: Have you ever promised a customer something you can’t deliver because it’s out of stock? With an OMS, you get real-time inventory updates, reducing the chances of those embarrassing mix-ups.
• All Your Ducks in a Row: With various sales channels like e-commerce sites, physical stores, and pop-ups, an OMS ensures that every track is synchronized. It’s like having a personal assistant to keep all your sales avenues neatly lined up.
• Speedy Gonzalez Deliveries: Faster order processing means faster deliveries. An efficient OMS can speed up the time from a click on the ‘purchase’ button to the product landing on a customer’s doorstep.
• Returns? No Biggie: In the world of e-commerce, returns are part and parcel of operations. An OMS streamlines return processes, making life easier for you and your customers.
• One Dashboard to Rule Them All: Instead of juggling multiple systems, platforms, and spreadsheets, imagine having a single dashboard where you can see everything. That’s the simplicity an OMS brings.
• Money Matters: An OMS can help you reduce costly errors and inefficiencies. In the long run, it’s not just about spending money on a tool but saving money by running smoother operations.
• Customers Will Love You More: When orders are processed swiftly, accurately, and with fewer hitches, customers notice. Happy customers often mean repeat business and glowing reviews.
• Ready for the Future: As you grow, you’ll add more products, tap into new markets, and maybe even open new sales channels. An OMS is like a trusty backpack, ready to expand and adapt as your journey progresses.

Who Stands to Benefit Most from Order Management Systems?

Order Management Systems (OMS) might seem like techy jargon at first, but breaking it down brings order to chaos, no matter where that chaos is. So, which fields or sectors find it most beneficial? Let’s hop into that journey:

• E-commerce Entrepreneurs: This one’s a no-brainer. Suppose you’re selling products online, whether handcrafted jewelry or high-tech gadgets; an OMS keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. No more midnight panic over misplaced orders!
• Brick-and-Mortar Retailers: Physical stores embracing the digital wave can use OMS to bridge the gap between online and offline sales, ensuring shelves are stocked and customers are satisfied.
• Restaurants & Food Delivery: Ever wondered how your pizza arrives piping hot or your meal kit lands on your doorstep with everything in perfect order? A good OMS ensures orders, ingredients, and deliveries are in tip-top shape.
• Subscription Services: From monthly book boxes to skincare routines delivered to your door, businesses offering subscription models must ensure recurring orders are processed like clockwork. An OMS does just that.
• Event Planners: Believe it or not, managing event tickets, venue bookings, and even catering can benefit from an OMS. It helps keep tabs on all the moving pieces of a successful event.
• Wholesalers & Distributors: When shipping products in bulk to retailers or other businesses, an OMS ensures that orders are accurate, inventory is accounted for, and deliveries are scheduled.
• Manufacturers: For those making things, OMS can streamline the process from receiving raw materials to shipping out finished products, ensuring no step is overlooked.
• Agriculture & Farming: Yes, even farmers! Whether it’s managing orders for organic veggies or dairy products, an OMS can help modern farmers manage orders and deliveries more efficiently.

Final Thoughts on Order Management Software

Investing in a robust Order Management System is like setting the compass for a ship. Without it, navigating the vast oceans of business can become overwhelming, if not treacherous. But with the correct order management, charting a course toward success, growth, and customer relationship management becomes feasible and entirely within reach.

As we conclude, let’s remember that adaptability is critical in the rapidly evolving business world. And what better way to adapt than by arming ourselves with tools that anticipate challenges, mitigate errors, and amplify efficiency? Here’s to more intelligent, seamless operations and the exciting journey ahead with Order Management Tools leading the way.