Top 5 Order Management System(OMS) for WooCommerce
The world of retail is changing at a rapid pace, and e-commerce is at the forefront of this change. In fact, e-commerce will continue to grow until it represents 20% of all retail sales. Users are now more inclined to shop online rather than going out to physical stores. This shift has enabled businesses to sell their products directly to customers through an e-commerce platform such as WooCommerce. WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce platform that enables you to set up an e-store quickly and easily. It comes with several features such as product catalogs, payment gateways, shipping rate calculation, and more. However, for every great e-commerce software there must be a great support system in place. That’s where ordering management system comes in handy as it helps you keep track of inventory levels, manage orders from customers, and monitor fulfillment process in real time on your website or app.
What is an Order Management System?
An order management system is a software that manages your orders from the time they are placed to their delivery to the customer. An OMS will enable you to take charge of your inventory, customer information, and order management process. An OMS consists of two parts: The first part is a centralized database that stores information about your customers, products, and orders. The second part is an integrated application that helps you manage the data stored in the database.
How does an OMS help you?
Creating an effective and efficient online store involves numerous challenges, but perhaps one of the most critical is order management. For businesses utilizing WooCommerce, a powerful and flexible eCommerce platform built on WordPress, finding the right order management system (OMS) is essential to streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance the overall scalability of the business. This article explores the best order management systems for WooCommerce, diving into features that make them stand out, their integration capabilities, and how they can transform your eCommerce operations.
The Importance of an Effective Order Management System
An order management system (OMS) is a digital way to manage the lifecycle of an order. It tracks all information and processes, including order entry, inventory management, fulfillment, and after-sales service. A robust OMS can help businesses automate and optimize their order processing, reducing errors, saving time, and significantly improving customer experience.
For WooCommerce store owners, an effective OMS must offer seamless integration, ensuring that the transition between the website and the management of orders is fluid and efficient. This integration is vital for real-time inventory tracking, accurate order processing, and providing customers with up-to-date information.
Top Order Management Systems for WooCommerce
1. PointNXT
PointNXT is a versatile multi-channel order management platform that offers a wide range of features designed to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience. It empowers businesses to take control of their order fulfillment processes while optimizing inventory management and reducing operational costs. Key features include multi-channel sales, inventory management across multiple warehouses, batch tracking, and comprehensive analytics.
2. TradeGecko (QuickBooks Commerce)
TradeGecko is a powerful cloud-based inventory and order management system designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers robust integration with WooCommerce, automating the synchronization of products, orders, and customers between your store and the TradeGecko platform.
3. Cin7
Cin7 is another excellent option for WooCommerce store owners, offering an all-in-one solution for inventory management, shipping, and order processing. It features automation capabilities that can help reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, and enhance customer satisfaction.
4. ShipStation
While primarily known for its shipping capabilities, ShipStation also offers features that support order management. It integrates with WooCommerce to automate order import and fulfillment processes. ShipStation’s strengths include its vast selection of shipping carrier integrations, batch label printing, and customizable shipping rules.
5. Katana
Katana is geared towards manufacturers and makers who sell online, providing a visual production and inventory management system that integrates with WooCommerce. It offers real-time inventory control, sales order management, and the ability to track the floor-level manufacturing process. Katana helps businesses ensure on-time production and delivery, making it ideal for those who produce what they sell.
Key Features to Look for in an OMS
When selecting an OMS for WooCommerce, consider the following features:
- Seamless Integration with WooCommerce: Ensure the OMS integrates smoothly with your WooCommerce store, maintaining real-time synchronization between all sales channels.
- Inventory Management: Look for systems that offer robust inventory management tools, capable of handling multiple warehouses and providing real-time stock updates.
- Shipping and Fulfillment: The ability to manage and automate shipping processes, including label printing, carrier integration, and tracking updates, is crucial.
- Customer Management: Features that allow you to manage customer data, track order history, and personalize customer interactions can enhance the shopping experience.
- Analytics and Reporting: Access to detailed insights and reports on sales, inventory levels, and customer behavior can help you make informed business decisions.
How to choose the best OMS for WooCommerce?
If you use WooCommerce to power your e-commerce store and want to take your business to the next level, you will need to decide on an order management system. With so many OMS providers out there, it’s easy to get lost. There are a few things you should keep in mind before choosing an OMS for your store:
– Does the OMS integrate with your existing e-commerce platform? If you have chosen WooCommerce as your e-commerce platform, you will need to find an OMS that lets you integrate its functionality with your platform.
– Ease of use – If you are implementing Order Management System for your eCommerce store for the first time, always use the one which is not very complex to use, as you will be easily able to roll out in your organization without much training effort. PointNXT is one of our favorite OMS which does exactly the same.
– Is the OMS scalable? You don’t want to choose an OMS whose scalability is questionable. Always go for an OMS which can handle at least 10 times the orders you currently process.
– Does the OMS offer the features you need? You can narrow down your search by deciding on the features you want your OMS to have. For example, you can choose an OMS that offers inventory management or open orders management.
– Does the OMS have a good user interface? You want the OMS to be easy to use and navigate. A good user interface will help you maximize your profits.
– Is the OMS affordable? You don’t want to choose an expensive OMS when there are cheaper alternatives that offer the same features.
Conclusion
Selecting the right order management system for your WooCommerce store involves careful consideration of your business’s unique needs, including the size of your operation, the complexity of your inventory, and your future growth plans. The options listed above represent some of the best solutions available, each with its strengths and focus areas. By choosing a system that aligns with your business requirements, you can streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and provide a better experience for your customers. As eCommerce continues to evolve, investing in the right OMS will ensure your business remains competitive and ready to scale.
