Do you know why an Amazon, an Alibaba, a Flipkart and a Snapdeal do such humongous levels of business for every kind of seller? The answer may take some time to understand but invariably boils down to just three words. The presence in their system of the best online order-management software which takes care of everything from the time an order is punched in to the final delivery at the client’s locations.
But are they the only entities in the field of e-commerce? Why is it that others cannot keep pace with them? The answer is that they aren’t the only ones in the field. There are hundreds of others, some not so know, some completely unknown and some deal only with specialized products and class of customers. But what they invariably have in common, big or small, specialized or generics is the presence in their working of the best online order-management software.
And if you too aspire to go the Amazon or Alibaba way, you too ought to have the best online order-management software which among others has the following features:
1. Client & product servicing
The product is understandably best handled by the vendor who owns it. That said, isn’t it the responsibility of the e-commerce company to provide at least the basic information about the product being sold? If that’s so, it’s the online order-management software’s responsibility to store and display such basic information such that the client ordering a product can use it wisely and reasonably.
2. Payment options & security of details
India is a land where these days there are more payment options than products themselves. That being the case, the online order-management software ought to take into account all or at least the most popular ones so that more clients visit the store. That said, it could be the case that the product is specialized and only a particular medium of payment is preferred. If that’s so, the best-in-class payment options should be available with the said online order-management software. That besides, security of data being fed into the system while placing orders CANNOT ever be compromised. For a second, even product quality might take a hit but NEVER the client’s financial details. The best of security systems ought to be available in the online order-management software which ought to be reviewed often.
3. Client data security
Money-related matters aside, every detail that the client keys in including their addresses, products being procured, feed-back etc should be held in high esteem and blocked from prying eyes. Competition may demand that such information be sold for money, be it in a manner authorised or otherwise. But, finally it should be left to the client whether they are comfortable with their details being given to someone else. That said, till the time the clients make it clear in an unambiguous manner, client data of every kind should be secured with the best available security environment in the online order-management software. How, what and why and where cannot be the lookout of either the e-commerce company or that of the client. It remains foremost the preserve of the online order-management software maker.
4. Data storage and integration
Client details these days come from varied sources including client-approved and entered information be it through a gadget or through details available on social-media sites. In days to come, details could be had even from photographs taken or through voice-assisted modes like Alexa and Siri. Integrating available information, filtering the noise and putting it out in a manner which is useful to read and gauge patterns could be an activity squarely within the preserve of an online order-management software.
5. Inventory and logistics management
Given that online order-management software is an integrating medium which pulls into place several functions and functionalities, the best online order-management software ought to have the best and ideal integration with inventory management systems be it at a single location or multiple location. The same applies to inventories leaving from multiple locations be it against one order or varied orders. What the system ought to show about inventory is the latest position at each location and likely addition-subtraction in the near future. As for logistics management, the very act of picking up and delivery ought to be visible on the software irrespective of who is handling it, the e-commerce platform itself or a drop-ship company.