How to Choose the Best B2B Order Management System: Features and Benefits

A B2B order management system handles orders between businesses. It’s for managing big volumes, complex delivery requirements and negotiated pricing. This article will go through features, types and benefits to help you choose the right one for your business.

Summary

• B2B order management systems automate the entire order process, big time and customer satisfaction.
• Features like real-time inventory management, customisable pricing and multi-channel order management are must-haves for B2B order processing.
• Choosing the right B2B order management system means considering factors like scalability, integration and customisation to cater to different business needs.

What is a B2B Order Management System

B2B order management systems are specialised tools for managing orders between businesses, handling them smoothly and operationally. B2B transactions are different from B2C transactions; business-to-business orders involve bigger quantities, negotiated pricing, and complex delivery requirements. The efficiency of these systems lies in automating processes, integrating with other business tools, and providing real-time visibility into order and inventory status.

A B2B order management system handles the entire order lifecycle from receiving and processing orders to managing orders fulfilment and returns. This includes auto order confirmations, invoicing and shipment tracking to enhance customer satisfaction and stay competitive in the market.

Core Features

The core features of B2B order management systems are around automating the order processing workflow. This includes the intake of orders, verification of details and coordination of fulfilment all managed by the system. Integration with inventory systems provides real time stock visibility, no overstock and stockout, and smooth order management.

CRM integration helps manage customer interactions and gives a complete view of order history to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. This centralised data flow between CRM and order management systems helps businesses improve service levels and streamline operations.

In Business

Order management is a key success factor for B2B businesses, to establish reliability, accuracy and on-time fulfillment. Streamlining order processing reduces manual errors, and fastens order turnaround time and operational efficiency. This efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also increases throughput so businesses can handle more orders without additional resources.

B2B customers expect accurate and timely updates on order status so their needs are met, which enhances customer satisfaction. Moreover, the ability to have flexible workflows to cater to different customer needs like specific delivery timelines and customised billing is a must to stay competitive in the market.

Types of B2B Order Management Systems

B2B order management systems come in many forms, each to cater to different business needs and complexities. The main types are standalone order management software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and integrated retail and B2B platforms. Each type has its advantages and is suitable for different sizes and types of businesses.

Knowing the differences is key to choosing the right one for your business. Let’s dive into each type and see their features and benefits.

Standalone Order Management Software (OMS)

Standalone order management software is used by small to mid-sized businesses. Its main benefit is to centralise sales and purchases across multiple channels and to manage orders from different sources. However, integration challenges arise like limited real-time information and compatibility issues with other business systems.

Despite these challenges, standalone order management systems can support requirements like pricing, bulk orders, discounts and multiple payment options so it’s a good choice for businesses looking to streamline their order management process.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are all-in-one solutions that integrate all business functions like product design, inventory, CRM, sales and marketing. These systems provide a single application platform to manage inventory, financials, payroll and logistics so data flows smoothly across the organisation.

However, ERP systems are complex and resource-hungry to implement and often require significant time and training for staff. They are generally more suitable for larger businesses with the resources to manage such comprehensive solutions.

Integrated Retail and B2B Platforms

Integrated retail and B2B platforms combine the functionality of ERP and OMS, a complete solution to boost efficiency and responsiveness to market demands. These platforms streamline operations by integrating all business processes into one system, with less implementation time and complexity compared to traditional ERP systems.

These platforms are ideal for businesses that have both retail and wholesale channels, a single approach to order management and inventory control.

Features of B2B Order Management

Modern B2B order management systems have many features to optimise the order process and operations. Features include automated order processing, real-time inventory management, customisable pricing and discounts, multi-channel order management and a robust order management system with advanced reporting and analytics.

These features not only streamline the order management process but also provide valuable insights and tools to improve overall business performance.

Automated Order Processing

Automation in B2B order management systems reduces manual errors and speeds up processing. Automation ensures accurate order entry, correct pricing and timely order confirmations, resulting in higher customer satisfaction. Automation also extends to predictive analytics for inventory and automated customer communication, more accuracy and efficiency.

Having a centralised order management system helps to streamline data flow and customer communication, to have a smooth order management process and higher customer satisfaction.

Real-Time Inventory Management

Real-time inventory management is key to preventing stockouts and overstock, to have optimal stock levels. Real-time inventory visibility helps to maintain accurate stock levels and reduces the chance of stockouts. This not only improves operational efficiency but also customer satisfaction by ensuring timely order fulfilment.

Effective inventory control through real-time management helps businesses to manage their supply chain and operations smoothly.

Customisable Pricing and Discounts

Customisable pricing and discounts are important to cater to different customer needs and satisfaction. Platforms like Datapel MyAccount and Shopify have features to create customised catalogs and manage multiple buyer permissions, to give a tailored buying experience.

These features allow businesses to offer customer-specific pricing, discounts and payment terms, to improve the buying experience and customer loyalty.

Multi-Channel Order Management

Multi-channel order management consolidates orders from different sales channels into one system and improves inventory management and operational efficiency. This integration allows businesses to manage orders across all sales platforms, to have a single view of orders, customer information and inventory insights.

Fulfilling orders across multiple sales channels reduces stock discrepancies and streamlines the order management process.

Advanced Reporting and Analytics

Advanced reporting and analytics provide valuable insights to refine processes and be competitive. Data-driven insights allow businesses to see sales trends, optimise operations and improve efficiency and productivity.

This continuous improvement through analytics ensures businesses stay competitive and responsive to market changes.

Benefits of B2B Order Management System

Having a B2B order management system has many benefits, higher customer satisfaction, cost savings, scalability for business growth and better inventory control. These systems streamline order processing, reduce manual errors and provide real-time visibility of inventory, to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Let’s dive in.

Higher Customer Satisfaction

Faster order fulfilment and tracking means higher customer satisfaction. Real-time inventory tracking gives customers accurate delivery information and faster order processing. This level of efficiency not only improves customer experience but also customer loyalty and repeat business.

Meeting or exceeding customer delivery expectations builds customer trust and satisfaction, to long-term relationships and business growth.

Cost Savings

Having an order management system reduces costs by reducing manual tasks and minimising errors. These systems streamline processes, resulting in a big reduction of operational inefficiencies and cost savings.

Integration with existing system allows automated order processing through electronic data interchange, no more manual data entry and further reduces operational costs.

Scalability for Business Growth

Scalability is important for businesses that want to grow without needing a new system. B2B order management systems can handle increased order volume and complex transactions, businesses can grow efficiently. A scalable platform allows upgrades to enterprise-level sales, so the system will grow with the business.

Improved operational efficiency allows businesses to manage more orders and better resource management, to support business growth.

Better Inventory Control

Effective order management systems provide real-time visibility into stock levels, and reduce stockouts or excess inventory. Accurate inventory management ensures orders are fulfilled on time, to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Real-time inventory tracking helps businesses to optimise their supply chain, and maintain smooth operation and customer satisfaction.

How to Choose the Right B2B Order Management System

Choosing the right B2B order management system involves understanding your business needs, the complexity of your workflow and features to support growth. Key considerations are scalability, integration, multiple sales channels, order customisation and complex pricing.

Let’s break it down.

Integration with Existing System

Integrating a B2B order management system with other business systems gives a single view of the order lifecycle. These systems can integrate with ERP and CRM systems to improve operational efficiency and data flow.

Effective integration allows order management software to connect to various applications, ultimately improving overall functionality.

Ease of Use

User-friendly interface is important to ensure all team members can use the system efficiently regardless of their tech savviness. With an intuitive design, team members can navigate the order management system easily, reducing training time and increasing productivity.

Customisation and Flexibility

Customisation options in order management systems allow businesses to gratify their process and diverse customer needs. Flexible features like personalised pricing, custom catalogs and tailored workflows improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

This flexibility is important for businesses that handle various customer requirements, so they can adapt to changing markets and stay competitive.

Pricing

Many order management system operates on subscription model, often charging monthly based on features and usage. Choosing software that meets current needs and can be upgraded in the future will help to optimise subscription costs as the business grows.

Know the pricing and cost-benefit of each system to make an informed decision that suits your budget and operational goals.

Top B2B Order Management Systems in the Market

The market has many B2B order management systems, each with unique features and benefits. Let’s have a look at the top order management systems in the market:

• Datapel MyAccount
• Shopify
• QuickBooks Commerce
• Brightpearl

These systems will streamline order processing, inventory management and customer satisfaction.

Choose the right one from the above will impact your business operation, to make you more efficient and competitive.

1. Datapel MyAccount

Datapel MyAccount is suitable for wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, 3PL providers and retailers. It integrates with Datapel’s Warehouse Management System for real-time order visibility and processing. The platform has customisable catalogs, real-time stock availability and flexible pricing tiers to fit different customer types.

Additionally included features like the ‘Pay Now’ function, order history tracking and customisable customer portal, improve the user experience and operational efficiency.

At only *$100 p/m for up to 500 users, this is a no-brainer!

*Pricing in AUD

2. Shopify

Shopify is an all-in-one ecommerce solution, for both B2B and B2C order management. It has a custom company profile, unique buying experience and wholesale account management, suitable for businesses with multiple customer types. Starting from *$62 per user per month, Shopify has features like checkout processing, order confirmation and fulfilment.

Its ability to connect to multiple sales channels and provide a seamless shopping experience makes Shopify a strong player in B2B order management.

*Pricing in AUD

3. QuickBooks Commerce

QuickBooks Commerce has all the features of order management, fulfilment, shipping, inventory optimisation and multichannel sales reporting. It integrates with QuickBooks accounting software for seamless financial management and operational efficiency. Starting from *$62 per user per month, it’s a scalable solution for businesses to manage sales across multiple platforms.

Its robust features and integration make QuickBooks Commerce a great tool for businesses to streamline order management and inventory control.

*Pricing in AUD

4. Brightpearl

Brightpearl’s B2B order management software combines multiple business processes into one platform, including inventory management, order management, shipping and fulfilment and CRM tools. This integration will give a single view of business operations, to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

View Brightpearl pricing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right B2B order management system is important to optimise business operations, improve customer satisfaction and solidify long-term success. By knowing the features, benefits and types of systems, businesses can make informed decisions that lead to growth.

Get the right order management system and not only will it streamline order processing but also provide valuable insights for continuous improvement. As the market changes, stay ahead with the right tools and your business will be competitive and responsive to customer needs.

FAQs

What are the features of B2B order management system?

Features of B2B order management systems are automated order processing, real-time inventory management, customisable pricing and discounts, multi-channel order management and advanced reporting and analytics. These will improve efficiency and decision-making for businesses.

How do B2B order management systems improve customer satisfaction?

B2B order management systems improve customer satisfaction by order fulfilment and tracking, real-time inventory update and personalised customer experience. This will lead to higher loyalty and overall better customer experience.

What are the types of B2B order management systems?

Types of B2B order management systems are standalone order management software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and integrated retail and B2B platforms. Each has its functionality to streamline order processing and business efficiency.

Why is real-time inventory management important?

Real-time inventory management is important because it will maintain optimal stock levels, prevent stockouts and overstock situations, which will ensure timely order fulfilment. This will improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

How to choose the right B2B order management system?

To choose the right B2B order management system, businesses should evaluate scalability, integration, ease of use, customisation and pricing. This will ensure the system chosen fit their business operation and growth.