Order Management Across All Channels: Meeting Customer Demands

“The Internet is a game changer for a market that starting to embrace technology.”

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio

Every aspect of the customer journey, from the sales channels you use to the delivery of the order, must match ever-increasing expectations. In order to fulfil and distribute orders accurately and quickly, inventory and order data must be synced in real time across all platforms at the very least.

An effective omnichannel order management strategy is a must if you’re in the business of selling across multiple channels.

To help you get started with an omnichannel order management system, we’ve put together a few things here.

What is omnichannel order management?

The term “omnichannel order management” refers to a software solution that makes it possible to access customer, order, and inventory data from any channel. In order to keep ecommerce and point-of-sale systems running smoothly, it manages all orders across the company and provides the necessary information. Omnichannel retailing aims to satisfy customers where they shop, when they shop, and with a consistent experience across all sales channels.

5 key benefits of omnichannel order management

One of the most important elements of a multichannel retailing strategy is an effective system for tracking and processing orders.

Omnichannel order management has a number of advantages.

1. Sell, ship, and return anywhere

The more complicated sales and returns can be the larger the business and the more inventory involved. You can sell and transport finished items from anywhere with omnichannel order management while also connecting customers to their purchase history for an easy shopping experience.

There should be a seamless returns process in place so that customers can return and exchange items either in-store or via self-service tools in case they need to make a return or an exchange.

Returns can cost you money in the short term, but if handled well, they can easily lead to a returning client.

2. Improve customer satisfaction

Customers want to know that they can access your product no matter where they are.

With the flexibility to sell, ship, and return products from any location, omnichannel order management workflows boost consumer satisfaction significantly.

Having the same real-time inventory data across all sales channels also helps to reduce stockouts and backorders.

Omnichannel order management ensures that the buying and returning procedure is as smooth and easy as feasible.

3. Simplify logistics workflows

Internal logistics are enhanced, as well as the consumer experience. Simply put, it’s easier to keep track of your inventory and returns when all of your orders are integrated in one spot.

It’s important that orders are processed promptly and returns are handled efficiently with omnichannel solutions since they allow for correct inventory, order fulfilment data as well as return data to be shared across channels.

4. Maintain a consistent brand experience

Having the capacity to maintain a consistent brand experience across all platforms is another important benefit of this strategy.

Your brand experience may be the same regardless of how your customers choose to shop: in-store, online, or through a third-party service.

As a result, your brand has a more cohesive presence across all distribution channels and consumer touchpoints, enhancing client loyalty over time.

5. Scale operations with ease

With a framework in place, it’s much easier to add new sales channels to your business.

By way of example, adding a new revenue stream would include integrating it into your current plan rather than creating one from scratch.

As long as your present processes like inventory management, fulfilment, and shipping don’t need to be altered, you can immediately begin selling on the new platform.

Key omnichannel order management features to consider

Depending on your company’s requirements, the following capabilities are a must-have in an omnichannel order management system:

1. Inventory management

Inventory updates across all of your channels should be automatic at a bare minimum. The stock levels are automatically updated across all of your sales channels when a consumer buys something on Shopee or Lazada, for instance.

Additional features include algorithms that route your purchases to the appropriate warehouses and fulfilment centres, and discover the best shipping alternatives for each sale. When it comes time to pick, pack, and ship, the inventory data should come in handy.

2. Order management

All customer orders and returns should be processed through a single, standardised workflow. With this information, you’ll have an easier time managing your customers and gaining insights into their purchasing habits.

3. Shipping integrations

Are all major shipping companies (like FedEx, NinjaVan, DHL, Shopee Xpress) and your 3PL’s technology supported by the software?

Many omnichannel softwares offer connectors with shipping and fulfilment services.

Modern technology, for example, can be connected so that you can follow orders and shipping from a single location.

4. Business intelligence

Using omnichannel order management software provides an additional benefit in terms of customer reporting and insights.

Every aspect of your business may be viewed from a single dashboard.

It’s now much easier to keep track of important stock history data and distribution channels by date or by a fulfilment partner with the help of insights tools.

Cloud Technology and what it means for Supply Chain Management

“Innovation in today’s world has brought us the best of the breed technologies in the market today.”

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio as featured in Top 100 Podcast in Entrepreneurship

With the advent of cloud computing, the world of supply chain management is undergoing rapid transformation. More and more companies are moving their supply chain procedures to the cloud. With the rise of remote work in recent years, this shift has become even more apparent.

We’ll take a look at how Cloud Technology is changing the supply chain management business in this post.

What is Cloud Technology?

As a general concept, the word “cloud technology” covers a wide range of storage options. Data centres all across the world employ server networks to store and remotely manage data. They’re everywhere! Cloud storage has been around for a long time, but only recently has the industry as a whole embraced it in place of traditional data centres.

Improved Connectivity

Security for data in the cloud can be maintained by employing authentication mechanisms that are commonplace in other businesses. Only 40% of organisations save critical information on devices with encryption software, according to the most current surveys, because of concerns about hacking assaults. When it comes to security, traditional IT installations can’t compete with cloud computing because it isn’t tied to any one physical location. Virtual machines are used to replicate data, and data is automatically backed up by connected devices located in various locations around the world.

Scalability

As a company’s needs expand, cloud solutions can be scaled up to meet those demands. Data storage can be added as needed, giving supply chain managers more flexibility. Instead of spending money on new software licences or upgrading their physical infrastructure, they may just use what they have. In place of lengthy order processing delays, supply chain managers may quickly alter the supply of services and goods to match the rising demand.

Integration

The ability of Cloud solutions to interact with existing company systems is a critical feature for supply chain management. These other systems, such as ERP and CRM, can be accessed by the people in charge of the supply chain. In turn, this means that organisations may make better-informed decisions and reduce redundancy. For Supply Chain Managers, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be available for their usage.

Improved efficiency

When it comes to hardware maintenance and infrastructure management, cloud storage is an affordable option. Businesses can now store their data in flash memory rather than on discs or tapes, thanks to some of the most inventive cloud service providers. As a result, organisations have been able to lower their expenses while simultaneously increasing their productivity thanks to the advent of cloud computing.

Access to Data Analysis with Actionable Data

Many new monitoring technologies are now accessible, in addition to more affordable solutions for storing data centralised. SCM Platforms, for example, offer a wide range of tools to help you manage your supply chain.

Companies access to data analysis has been completely transformed thanks to cloud computing. Companies can use this study to gain insights into their supply networks’ history and current performance and health.

By having access to knowledge about potential threats, businesses can be better prepared for the worst. For the first time ever, they don’t have to rely on guesses. Their data gives them the ability to prevent problems from arising by taking proactive measures before they arise.

Businesses of all sizes have benefited from cloud-based solutions as they adapt to the digital age.

How might supply chain visibility help your business grow?

What is Supply Chain Visibility (SCV)?

“The visibility of the flow of goods gives the flexibility to expand, move, and manoeuvre around that situation.”

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio

Products, as well as the activities and processes that transport them, must be visible at every point in the supply chain.

Supply chain visibility provides business owners with information about the status, location, and movement of commodities at every stage of the supply chain, from the production inventory sourcing to the delivery of finished goods. It is possible to track the movement of items and operations throughout the supply chain with a high degree of SCV.

How increasing SCV can help your business

  1. Improves overall efficiency

Identifying inefficiencies and optimising the supply chain is considerably easier when you know exactly where, when, and how things are moving. In order to increase supply chain efficiency, a company must identify bottlenecks and delays as soon as possible.

Your supply chain agility and robustness are also boosted by high SCV, as having eyes on important activities enables you to react more quickly to emerging trends or unanticipated calamities.

2. Reduces costs by minimizing waste

Overspending, losing time and missing out on optimization opportunities are all possible if you don’t know how your supply chain works.

For businesses, visibility into inventory management, warehousing procedures, and shipping destinations can lead to significant cost reductions through the identification of areas where modest tweaks can have a significant impact.

You can reduce holding costs by identifying and offloading dead stock, and you can do the same for shipping costs by strategically storing inventory based on order destinations and transit times when you have access to inventory levels.

3. Real-time data = better decisions

Supply chain software that is constantly updated provides real-time data for important supply chain processes. Businesses can make better judgments when they have real-time visibility.

It’s a good illustration of how real-time inventory management can help businesses get the most accurate inventory counts possible, so they know exactly when and how much to order.

A company’s ability to meet consumer demand more effectively can be improved by having real-time data on shipment destinations available.

Components of the supply chain that could benefit from visibility

Increasing supply chain visibility can have a favourable impact on nearly every aspect of the supply chain, although certain areas benefit more than others from SCV.

  1. Order tracking

As the supply chain becomes more visible, tracking orders from processing through last-mile delivery becomes easier, which benefits both you and your consumers.

When it comes to business, having complete insight of supply chain processes helps you better estimate fulfilment and shipment timelines, and reduce the risk of an order being lost. Order status may be viewed in real-time, orders can be filtered based on status, particular orders can be searched for, and shipment details can be modified on the fly with the correct SCV software.

More accurate delivery time estimates create client expectations and improve satisfaction when satisfied. Good SCV software allows firms to provide tracking numbers and periodic messages to reassure buyers and establish confidence.

2. Inventory management

Many ecommerce organisations rely on unreliable inventory receiving methods, manual stock counts or audits, and speculating about stock levels.

Improving supply chain visibility requires brands to forsake outdated inventory management habits and adopt new, easier ones.

Many firms use inventory management software (IMS) to gain supply chain insight across sites and sales channels. This level of visibility reduces miscounts, helps time restocking, and prevents stockouts.

As your company grows, it’s crucial to improve inventory visibility. With high SCV, you can control operations at every site in your supply chain network, see the entire supply chain and inventory, and boost your business’s efficiency.

Implement warehouse and inventory automation

In order to improve supply chain visibility, automation removes many of the human processes and manpower that make maintaining supply chain visibility difficult.

It’s important to automate inventory activities such as stock counts to maintain shelves stocked and organised while keeping warehouse processes like order processing and pick list generation running smoothly to ensure accuracy.

Technology-enabled growth for a logistics and fulfilment company

“It’s about finding the right technology fit that meets the business needs, proper implementation, and customisation.”

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio

In today’s increasingly complicated world, the logistics business must meet ever-increasing problems. This is mostly because it reflects customer behaviour. In today’s omnichannel retail and one-day delivery environment, offering accelerated shipping is no more a luxury but a requirement.

If you want your customers to have an enjoyable online shopping experience, you need to be sure that your logistics are in order. To compete in an ever-competitive market, companies are now focusing on logistics to differentiate themselves and establish customer loyalty.

The possibilities are limitless, but the challenge is daunting as well. The old ways of doing things must be discarded in favour of more cost- and time-effective, more modern alternatives. This is where modern technology comes into play, as you might expect.

Greater inventory visibility

Lack of inventory visibility can lead to disastrous consequences in today’s omnichannel world. The last thing anyone wants to do is guarantee a customer’s next-day delivery only to disappoint them when the product they ordered is out of stock.

Order Fulfilment Systems that are integrated with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) must be developed by 3PLs in order to ensure smooth order processing. An effective inventory management system allows organisations to accurately estimate future demand and prevent losing revenues due to insufficient supply. WMS can track inventory in real time, even while it is in travel, providing you complete visibility into everything from orders and storage units to shipments and trucks. As a result, you’re able to better utilise your resources while also enhancing the flow of communication between business partners.

Finding the perfect last-mile carrier partner

Due to rising expenses and an increased commitment to deliver faster and a wide range of options for the techniques and partners, picking the right last-mile carrier is a challenging undertaking. An efficient and cost-effective partner should be sought for. This ensures that the consumer does not have to bear the costs of transportation and that the product is delivered on time.

Software for multi-channel sales that is integrated with multiple carriers may be the answer to your concerns. You receive access to all integrated last-mile carriers at no additional cost and can choose the one that best meets your needs by signing up with one.

Generate accurate reports

A 3PL provider’s performance is largely determined by the quality of its reporting. As a part of this process, providing customers with real-time inventory insight and real-time tracking is essential. As long as companies use the appropriate measures, they can figure out if they’re providing adequate service at a reasonable price.

Tracking all the shipments that are now being processed is an extremely time-consuming endeavour, no matter how it is done manually or on a spreadsheet. An advanced multi-channel selling platform that can track and provide accurate reports will help you to collect, analyse, and store all past data to find areas for improvement. You can utilise this data to alert customers to any current or recurring concerns and to identify areas for improvement.

Reduce human errors

Most order processing and storage processes in the logistics industry still entail a significant amount of manual labour. As a result, the entire order fulfilment process was subject to human mistake. WMS and multi-channel selling software that automates many aspects of order fulfilment will greatly eliminate manual errors and speed up the entire process. This, in turn, enables you to optimise your entire workflow.

Paperless documentation

An effective WMS that provides real-time tracking and updates eliminates the need for paper documentation in warehouse operations. With real-time updates, it ensures that you have the most up-to-date information and inventory. Picking, packing, and invoicing may all be done without paper, which reduces the risk that paper documents can introduce into the fulfilment process (in case of misplaced or incorrect documentation).

Reduced costs

In today’s competitive logistics market, the rising costs of maintaining a successful logistics business are a major worry. The use of an inventory management system helps to efficiently allocate workers, coordinate the picking and packaging processes, and in turn, optimise the operations of the business.

The logistics business is experiencing a new degree of efficiency, from warehousing through delivery, as technology continues to streamline all processes that were previously done in the traditional manner and minimise manual intervention. Modern SaaS technology is reshaping the logistics sector by giving you comprehensive access and control over your inventory, all while saving you money. This technology must be accepted and adopted by all logistical actors if they are to expand their scope and reap the benefits of an expanding logistics market.

Is Digitisation of the Supply Chain a Big Deal?

With the introduction of new supply chain technology, the process of logistics and supply chain management is being digitally transformed. It’s critical for eCommerce companies to keep up with the fast digitisation of the supply chain landscape in order to remain competitive. Supply chain digitisation is the topic of this essay, and we’ll look at how it might benefit eCommerce companies.

What is supply chain digitisation?

“The opportunity here was that they’re now at a point they know they need to get to the next level through digital.”

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio

It is the process of replacing manual or analogue operations in the ecommerce supply chain with digital ones. Implementing cutting-edge digital solutions throughout the supply chain helps to optimise processes, enhance managerial capabilities, and raise overall visibility.

How does supply chain digitisation take place?

Supply chain digitisation refers to the process of integrating digital technologies into various supply chain processes. Efforts to improve the supply chain have resulted in a “supply chain 4.0” that is more rapid, precise, efficient, and flexible. Data management, process linkages, and the use of digital tools in physical process execution common aspects of supply chain digitisation.

  • Data management in the digital era

In order to capture enormous amounts of data in a timely and accurate manner, supply chain management technologies are developed. Orders placed on an online store are automatically received by inventory management software, which processes them for fulfilment, updates stock levels, and calculates inventory counts in real time. Sales records and customer data are also analysed to optimise procedures like demand forecasting and distribution.

  • Improved workflow integration

First-mile delivery monitoring and shipping orders can be tracked using a variety of supply chain technology that is designed to work together. Supply chain transparency and coordination improve as a result of increased process integration.

Benefits of supply chain digitisation

Digitalisation has the potential to improve supply chain execution and planning, leading to a range of benefits…

  • Increasing the synergy between logistical partners

Migrating to a more digitised supply chain might help improve your business’ synergy with your logistics partner. It’s easier to work together with your transportation logistics partners when your supply chain system is more connected and provides for greater data accessibility.

As a result of adopting digitisation into your operations, you can work more closely with your service provider. You may plan routes, schedule deliveries, and uncover more cost-effective logistical procedures.

  • Reduce waiting times

There is no way to overstate the significance of time in logistics. As previously indicated, collaborating with carriers who can calculate routes is one method to obtain an optimal delivery timetable. At every stage of the supply chain, you may enhance your efficiency and cut waiting times thanks to supply chain digitisation.

Reduce the time it takes to obtain raw materials, manufacture them, and then deliver the finished products to their final destinations by using a supply chain management software. Customer satisfaction levels would be maintained, enhancing your brand’s reputation.

  • Avoid supply chain hiccups

Your logistics company’s supply chain will benefit from more cost-effective options and more flexibility as a result of digitisation. You’d be able to prevent having too many or too few things in your inventory, or the other way around.

Having too many products in your warehouse might lead to waste and the need to dispose of items that have reached the end of their useful life. Depending on how perishable some things are, they may no longer be suitable for use. On the other side, a lack of inventory would prompt you to seek out more costly methods to speed up delivery.

You may prevent your organisation from ever running out of a certain commodity by digitising multiple layers of your supply chain. Other benefits include avoiding over-purchasing a product, which can result in steep discounts on your invoices.

You can coordinate, grow, and optimise your supply chain with the ease, speed, and flexibility of the cloud by converging all of the digital and physical tools you need to do so. We’re here to help you make the most of your supply chain by making it infinitely flexible and perfectly optimised.

Warehouse Key Performance Indicators for Supply Chain Management

“First thing to start-off digitalising is to look into your own process, not the technology.”

Bernard Hor. CEO of Hatio

Success cannot be determined without a clear definition of goals. Warehouse management is one area where this is especially true. Order cycle time and labour expenses are only two examples of warehouse KPIs that may be tracked to better understand how well a warehouse is performing in general. Warehouse KPIs measure productivity in the warehouse. Where should warehouse managers keep tabs on the most important KPIs? Here are ideas to get you started.

It is important to have a high level of inventory accuracy.

The warehouse management tracks physical inventory and compares it to what is actually present at the distribution center to determine inventory accuracy. Backorders, increasing inventory costs and COGS, and other significant aspects in inventory count will be a problem for warehouse management if the total quantity of things (i.e. the inventory levels) is wrong. Customer satisfaction will suffer as a result of this inaccuracy in inventory management. Warehouse management systems (WMS) using barcodes or other tracking technologies, rather than a spreadsheet with line items, are vital for maintaining inventory accuracy.

Accuracy in picking orders.

There are a number of warehouses KPIs that depend on order picking accuracy. Barcodes or other tagging and tracking technologies can be used to make it easier for a warehousing picker to locate products. For client happiness and a low return rate, order accuracy is essential. Tracking order picking and packing accuracy is an important KPI. Labor costs, the total number of orders picked in a shift or hour, and cycle time are all connected to order picking accuracy. Training and support for pickers is essential to ensuring the best possible accuracy rate.

Order processing time.

Customers’ average wait time for a product or service is measured using an order cycle time. Because customers have higher expectations for order accuracy, and they don’t tolerate late delivery, this has a negative influence on customer satisfaction.

Rate of return.

Customer returns are included in the KPIs for reverse logistics. When products are returned to inventory, inventory management has an impact on the cost of inventory and the amount of money it takes to keep it. When a higher percentage of orders are being returned, it could be an indication of an issue with the product’s quality or description. Because it can reveal additional inefficiencies in warehousing, this is an important warehouse KPI.

Efficiency in the warehouse.

Efficiency in the warehouse is a broad term that encompasses many different activities. When items arrive, the receiving area, putaway, and picking (which influences lead time and order picking accuracy) are all tracked using this efficiency KPI. Customers’ returns are also taken into account. Your warehouse management needs to dig further if the warehouse efficiency KPI is not meeting benchmarks.

Your warehouse operations will be more effective and your inventory will retain its worth if you track warehousing KPIs A strong link in the supply chain is provided by KPIs that function well. As a result of Hatio’s end-to-end visibility and integration, shippers can earn high customer satisfaction ratings and grow their operations while gaining a competitive advantage. To learn more about how Hatio can help your firm improve its key performance indicators, please contact us.

The Opportunity and Challenges of Omnichannel

The omnichannel experience

Consumers can purchase seamlessly and consistently across several platforms thanks to an omni-channel retail strategy that spans multiple channels and devices. It is imperative that your supply chain facilitates a pleasant customer experience regardless of where and how customers contact with your brand to make this plan a reality.

An omnichannel strategy guarantees that the proper inventory is located near each type of customer, for each channel so that customers have a smooth purchase or delivery experience, without sacrificing profit by overpaying on warehousing and distribution costs.

Omnichannel distribution definition

Omnichannel is a multichannel approach to sales that aims to provide customers with a seamless purchasing experience, whether they’re shopping online from a desktop or mobile device, by telephone, or in a brick-and-mortar store. Stock levels, transportation logistics, and demand forecasting must be in sync across all sales channels in order to avoid a distribution network plagued by late delivery, empty shelves, and unsold.

As part of an omnichannel strategy, distribution, promotion and communication channels are integrated from the back end.

Opportunity for omnichannel companies

“As a tech company, we see more retailers becoming omni-channel brands and using e-commerce as their major conduit to the market.”

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio

While supply chains are tough and impossible to comprehend in and of themselves, omnichannel commerce necessitate an even more complex supply chain. Each channel’s demand will differ; therefore, you’ll need to adjust your supply chain. Factors such as age and location affect how and where people purchase. For example, a product that is popular with millennials may do well on your online branded store, but you may see a significant uptick in sales once you begin selling it on Instagram. If you open up multiple channels at once with anticipating demand, you’ll risk running into stockouts.

Your omnichannel network may necessitate some additional planning, but you’ll enjoy some huge benefits in the long run.

In order to reap the rewards of an omnichannel approach, however, you must be prepared to face the difficulties it presents.

Challenges of omnichannel distribution

Lack of inventory visibility: Inventory scattered across various delivery facilities and retail locations is difficult to follow when products are flying off the shelves (as they frequently do during the holidays). Next-day delivery requires a well-oiled order fulfilment system and clear visibility into inventory. Product efficiency and cost effectiveness can only be measured using the correct metrics as it moves through the distribution network

Manual inventory management processes: Processes relying on paper for manual inventory management are more prone to human error than computerised systems. Automated inventory management solutions such as RFID tagging, barcode scanning, and other modern systems are necessary instead of relying on the possibility of human error.

Disconnected supply chain: It’s like a genuine chain; if every link is disconnected, it’s not strong. Communication breaks down and weakens the supply chain when different warehouses and distribution hubs utilise different systems.

Wrong third-party logistics provider: When it comes to inventory optimization and omnichannel delivery, working with the wrong third-party logistics supplier might be disastrous. The best 3PLs know which metrics to use and how to measure them in order to continuously improve their service. It can also be a crucial component of a successful and well-functioning distribution network.

Omnichannel distribution checklist

The major objective is to simplify your supply chain and create a uniform experience for both your customers and your team. Here are the things to consider for:

  • Effective, full-service 3PLs
  • Optimised inventory positioning
  • An Inventory Management System
  • An Omni-channel Order Management System
  • Optimised freight and parcel routes

In addition, these goods will help you save money and provide you the flexibility to enter new markets and begin selling via new channels quickly. The benefits are numerous, including increased supply chain visibility with streamlined inventory, more fulfilment choices to reach more customers, a seamless shopping experience with better customer service, fewer returns, and more possibilities to engage customers and drive sales.

Integrating the Supply Chain

In the digital commerce industry, increasing income is the primary goal, thus maintaining many operational technology solutions may seem tedious. However, this isn’t the case!

E-commerce technology has grown to the point where it is no longer necessary to manually update the same information across multiple platforms.

In what way has this become possible? Integrations.

Let’s take a look at what they signify and how they might benefit your business.

What is an Integration?

An integration is a simplified workflow that connects two independent systems together so that they can easily communicate the information they need for better performance in a more efficient manner. Rather than merely linking disparate pieces of technology, they actually improve upon them by introducing new capabilities and features.

As an example, imagine that your Lazada or Shopee store is linked to your warehouse management system.

When a customer places an order at your store, what happens next?

As soon as an order is placed on Shopee, all of the order’s information are automatically pushed to your warehouse management system. To put it another way, you now have a clear picture of exactly what you’ll be packing in your warehouse and how much of it you’ll be doing so. Moreover, all of this takes place in real time. Because no information is passed back and forth, your Shopee store’s inventory is promptly changed, and the cycle is ready for the next order.

Integrations are clearly the key to becoming more efficient, productive, and agile. Their goal is to connect your current systems with third-party applications and produce an effective solution that powers your business.

“It’s about finding the right technology fit that meets the business needs, proper implementation, and customization. “

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio

To further appreciate how integrations might improve your business’ everyday output, consider the following advantages:

Having ready-to-use integrations with major eCommerce players and systems:

With ready-to-use integrations in your eCommerce ecosystem, you can optimise your online experience and your back-end business operations with outstanding agility. You’ll be able to efficiently manage cross-channel sales and fulfilment, keep track of your customers’ sales journeys, automate day-to-day operational chores, and gain useful insights. In order to fully comprehend them, let’s take a closer look.

  • To Reduce Human Intervention and Improve Data Accuracy

Order and inventory management, product information management, warehouse and logistics management are all part of multichannel operations.

However, the majority of your time is taken up by making sure that all of the relevant sources are kept up to date. The amount of manual involvement, checks, and monitoring required here is clear.

As a result of an integrated system, all necessary solutions, including the pick & pack system may be updated with the correct information about the incoming data.  This lowers errors and inconsistencies throughout the process. As a result, accurate data is kept in safe company databases, allowing everyone to access it whenever they need it without having to worry about its legitimacy or authenticity.

  • To Increase Efficiency

Research by econsultancy.com, 18 percent of SEA eCommerce enterprises have difficulty managing their multi-channel business because of a deficiency in data integration.

Information may be conveniently accessed in one system, allowing for greater agility and transparency in many operations. This speedy syncing implies that every aspect of your integrated system is updated exactly when it should be, enhancing the speed of your operations and thereby increasing efficiency.

You don’t have to struggle with separate processes to keep track of inventory across numerous markets, improve your order processing flow, or even manage peak time promotions. You may therefore centrally control all your business operations, automate obvious tasks, and increase the efficiency of your company by using integrations.

  • To Improve Customer Experience

Customers are notified of changes to their purchase history, order status, and shipment tracking since integrations allow for real-time adjustments in customer information. Integrating your ERP system with sales channels allows you to present your clients with a wide range of information from the get-go, making it easier for them to make informed decisions.

Customer loyalty increases since they know exactly what to expect at every step of the way while shopping online.

  • To Streamline Operations and Reduce Turnaround Time

According to the ‘State of B2B Ecommerce in ANZ, Southeast Asia and India’ survey, 34% of Southeast Asian businesses altered their multichannel management experience after implementing integrations with back-end operations and supply chain software.

The real-time nature of the integrations ensures that all functions have access to the most current operating data. As a result, it eliminates any needless delays and activates the appropriate process and order notifications. Because you can easily control each business process, you will be able to do more efficient, intuitive procedures more quickly. Overall, integrations assist the bottom line of your company by increasing productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.

  • To Improve Sales Effectiveness

If a company’s online sales data is missing, it can be a major setback. Integrating all of your sales channels and markets into a single platform allows you to track the performance of each product and channel.

To answer questions like ‘which product is being sold on any certain channel’ or ‘what promotion appeals to a specific consumer,’ you may use these data to determine the best sales approach for each business aim.

You can enhance your bottom line by reducing selling costs and/or increasing revenue. However, both of these approaches benefit from ready integrations. You’ll see an increase in revenue when the company’s top line improves. Conversion rates are boosted by a better online experience, but minimising operational issues improves efficiency.

What does the supply chain issues look like today?

Traditionally, supply chains have not been constructed around the concept of adaptability. There is a lack of agility and they don’t foresee market shifts. As a result, when faced with shortages or changes in demand, these systems are vulnerable to breakdown.

Additionally, the logistics industry has been hesitant to adopt the latest technology. The rest of the world is using cloud technologies to break down barriers and consolidate communication, but corporations are still using fragmented applications and tools to manage orders, evaluate inventories and dispatch items.

All of these problems were brought to light and made worse by the pandemic that broke out across the world. In a report from Accenture, 75% of companies have had negative or strongly negative impacts on their businesses from the supply chain disruptions from the pandemic.

Shortages led to an increase in prices and empty shelves as the result of a domino effect. We’re in the midst of a major game of catch-up right now as we try to restore an efficient flow of commodities from one location to another in the face of the world’s largest backlogs. A fundamental shift in supply chain management is required now, even though experts predict that we will eventually catch up.

Here are a few issues that can be seen in the supply chain issues up to this day.

Matching customer expectations

As the demand for one-day delivery has increased, the entire supply chain process has been reshaped by customers. As you may imagine, there is a lot of competition out there. It’s possible for them to choose a similar product from a competing supplier that claims to deliver faster, which means that you will lose one of your customers. Delivering on your promises is the best way to ensure that your customers remain loyal to you. There are other considerations, such as customer satisfaction, that must be taken into account when lowering the projected delivery date. If your product or service does not meet client expectations, swift delivery will not save you. After the product has been purchased and delivered, customers want to know that they can rely on customer service from start to finish. You’ll lose customers if you provide them anything less.

Keeping it cost effective

Keeping costs down while speeding up delivery is a difficulty that many businesses have to contend with. In order to meet short delivery deadlines, you’ll need to stock up on supplies ahead of time. To put it another way: if the product doesn’t sell, you’ll be on the hook for the manufacturing costs and the loss. A lot of companies are making the switch to just-in-time delivery strategies to avoid this problem. In addition to saving money for the company, low-volume manufacturing implies that the items are of a higher quality and are delivered with care and precision.

Constant update and communication

To meet the demands of today’s customers, it is essential that they be able to track their orders in real time. This means that they prefer to keep track of the order throughout the delivery process and expect you to meet your delivery deadline. A well-staffed customer support department will be especially important during this critical period, when questions about delivery times are most likely to arise. Customer dissatisfaction and a poor purchasing experience could result from a poorly-answered question. Furthermore, they have little faith in the application’s ability to function consistently across various platforms. Meaning that once they’ve picked out certain things from an online catalogue, they can seamlessly switch to the mobile app and complete their purchase without stopping in between visits to the desktop or laptop.

Accuracy in inventory management

Increased stock keeping is required for e-commerce businesses. When it comes to storing high-value electronic products, you can never have too many on hand, but having too few risks missing out on business opportunity. The most difficult part of running a business is keeping track of your inventory, which has a direct impact on profits and losses. Customers may be unable to place orders if you have insufficient inventory, which benefits your competitor. Conversely, keeping an excessive number of items on hand may result in unused inventory. Stocking inventory needs to be planned meticulously, especially for high-end devices, which become obsolete every six months. Inventory management is an area where technology and automation may help you keep track of available inventory accurately and minimise any shortages.

Inadequate infrastructure management

Having a well-planned layout for enhanced mobility and visibility in the warehouse is all that is required here. Effortless picking and packing are essential, and the arrangement should maximise the available area in being efficient as possible. As a result, introducing warehouse management systems (WMS) can help to streamline the warehouse. A mobile app or having it at the touch of the hand for such software also makes it possible for workers to maintain track of the warehouse without having to leave their workstations. This will allow the business to keep up with timely orders.

“Supply chain and logistics is at a breakneck speed in terms of technological investment and technological advancement” and “It’s about finding the right technology fit that meets the business needs, proper implementation, and customisation”

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio

Looking into the future, logistics will rely on cloud supply chain technology. Companies can move forward even in a chaotic environment thanks to a dispersed network with centralised intelligence. Make sure to be up to date with your business to ensure your business is future proof for years to come.

What to Search for in a Good Order Management System (OMS)?

The question that everyone is looking for, what to look for in order management? If you run an ecommerce or other retail firm, you depend on the ability to fulfil consumer orders in a timely manner across several sales channels. Your company’s growth depends on reliable order information. Ideally, stock levels can be viewed in real time by both customers and the business.

Even though order management software is essential for large and high-volume companies, it is also critical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

What is an order management system?

Customer orders can be tracked and fulfilled through the use of an order management system, which is a software tool or e-commerce platform that facilitates the administration of inventory and fulfilment. For example, order management software collects credit card payments or handles other invoicing solutions at the point of sale, organises the order fulfilment process, and integrates with shippers.

Customer order status, history, and tracking may all be viewed by customers using order management software. Customers can be directed to the main company website via numerous sales channels like Shopify, Lazada, and Shopee, which simplifies the process of managing the retailer’s supply chain.

An effective digitalisation can make a supply chain nobler and more streamline.

Bernard Hor, CEO of Hatio

Order management solutions provide business intelligence in the form of analytics to comprehend real-time inventory visibility and inventory levels, which is beneficial to ecommerce businesses as well. Catalogue administration can be simplified by using a centralised platform. As a result, backorders are reduced, which improves supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Considering how your growth and business procedures may be affected if your small business is utilising Excel or an outdated system not suited for omnichannel sales orders.

How to choose an order management system

First and foremost, business stakeholders should establish their priorities before implementing an order management system. Find out what you need and learn what different order management systems can do for you. All of them aren’t exactly the same. Consider both “good to have” and “essential” characteristics when making a purchase. A few of the features offered by order management system are as follows:

  • Tracking volume and shipment numbers across many sales channels, such as Lazada, Shopify, and Shopee, is made possible through multichannel integration.
  • Product information
  • SKU tracking and inventory level updates across systems and distribution networks
  • Possibilities for customer orders (positive customer experience for ordering, tracking numbers, processing returns and refunds)
  • Tracking order processing and purchase orders
  • For order fulfilment, shipping information and customer location are used to route orders to warehouse management or third-party logistics providers.
  • Supplier integrations for purchasing and receiving

An order management system can offer a lot of features. This business operations software can help you connect the many nodes in your supply chain by taking a comprehensive look at it. Customer satisfaction and growth can be increased by automating several of these internal operations. As a result, the risk of human error is reduced.

The benefits of using OMS

Meet customers’ expectations

Shipping is clearly a sensitive matter for today’s consumers. Your order fulfilment procedure isn’t just important to customers because of the speed at which it’s completed. Nearly nine out of ten customers expect to know where their item is and when it will arrive, according to a recent survey.

Merchants are better able to meet customer expectations when they use an OMS. To keep clients updated on their order (or return), most systems offer built-in tracking sites.

Pick, pack and ship faster

Delivery costs are still important to modern consumers, but so is the time it takes from the time an item is bought until it is delivered. Consumers expect next-day delivery when they shop online, and firms must deliver on that promise if they want to keep their customers coming back.

For Tanner Arnold, owner and CEO of the company Revelation Machinery, “time is money,” he adds. Once an order has been placed and assigned to a facility, the delivery time will increase.

In order to speed up the process of picking and packing, an OMS checks stock in multiple warehouses. It identifies the closest fulfilment centre with available inventory to the customer. For the product to be picked, packed, and dispatched quickly, it sends order information to that location immediately.

Improve order accuracy

Order fulfilment without an OMS is fraught with peril. Manual order processing with spreadsheets leaves you vulnerable to human mistake. Manual process management errors are the root cause of inventory and fulfilment problems for majority of merchants at this time.

This is not only bad for the client experience, but it also generates logistical difficulties for the company. Your return processing costs will soar, as will the money you spend on correcting errors in orders.