Multichannel order management systems

These days, a unified system incorporating order processing software is the best option to replace fragmented and labour intensive work arounds. Obsolete software solutions that rely on a flaky integration or a spreadsheet supremo to perform data miracles is not a reason to be complacent and stick with the status-quo. 

Whatever plan you have in mind or ‘proven’ solution already in place, it helps to start by looking at the main components of a multichannel order management process. These are;

By bringing information and processes together into one unified order management system, you can process orders more quickly and speed up dispatch times. And by introducing automation to some of the processes you will significantly reduce the margin for error.

The key benefits of putting in place a modern order management system are:

We’ve broken down 5 key characteristics of a great order management system and listed the features you must look for to fulfill the demanding requirement of modern, multichannel retail.

Retrieve an instore quote online

By connecting the eCommerce and CRM with the EPoS component it means the common access to inventory linked to the website allows customers to retrieve an instore quote online. From a customer perspective it allows them to visit the store to make their selections and then think about it, maybe discuss it with a partner or visualise how the item will work in context.

When they are ready they can either amend the order or confirm it online. The instore sales person can give the customer the time to review the purchase and they don't have to make a return trip to complete the order, or end up buying elsewhere. 

Instore kiosk

This installation of an instore kiosk has strong appeal to any retailer that has limited floor and store space. By offering for sale items that aren't physically held in the store the opportunity is to attract more interest from customers by offering a wider product range and thus maximise the value of any one order with upsell and cross sell opportunities.

Combined with a dropship strategy fulfilled by your suppliers neither your store or warehouse need ever see the product. Alternatively, providing an interactive kiosk in store, or issuing store staff with tablets, you can extend the browsable product offering significantly. 

Tracking inventory from purchase order to sale

This is about bringing greater levels of accuracy and control that ensure the right quantity of goods or services is delivered in a specified time frame. Unified Commerce software that includes order management functionality provided a framework for accurate inventory control and purchase order tracking. Significant cost savings, greater efficiency and more productive procurement activities result from getting this right.

The automated nature of online inventory control workflows, PO templates, hierarchy-based roles and approvals removes the repetitive manual tasks and potential for human error from the PO process.  Eliminating unnecessary paperwork, making purchase order tracking more streamlined and easier for companies to keep track of the many stages of ordering and paying for the items their operations or consumers require.

For a full description of the OMNIS features and functions and the difference they deliver, see our Ebook “Choosing the best Unified Retail Management System” here.

A web-first, unified system

By focusing in and understanding the steps a customer takes from finding products to placing an order and taking delivery, it’s possible to see why the unified approach successfully removes the limitations, constraints and operational inefficiencies associated with outmoded alternatives to multichannel order management.

For many businesses it’s still a challenge to successfully resolve the complexity of capturing, tracking, and fulfilling orders across multiple sales channels and touch points. A web-first and unified system means the same data is available in real-time to support e-commerce, retail management systems and POS. 

Storing all your data in one system reduces the risk of error as there is no need for a transfer process from one system to another. One or more of your stores, head office and warehouses can see it all at once, real-time. Integrations between these core functions are an unnecessary link in the chain and when they break, as they often do, it brings your order taking to a halt.

A unified approach to meeting your order management system requirements will cover you on the following:

1. Enterprise eCommerce

2. Cloud-based PoS

3. Retail Management Suite

4. Customer Relationship Management