What Is An Order Tracking Software?
An order tracking software provides complete visibility of all active orders and enables brands to share the same with customers. It is a vital tool for simplifying the order management process. It plays a key role in automating the flow of orders so brands can monitor them at every stage of the journey. This comprises receiving items, storing, and sending real-time notifications to the end customer. Plus, artificial intelligence and machine learning can boost order tracking software to deliver 10x shipping performance and accuracy.
Order tracking plays a huge role in meeting business needs. The best order management software can usually integrate with a multitude of management tools, like warehouse management, accounting software like quickbooks online, crms, erp systems, and many others. Omnichannel and multi-channel order fulfillment are enabled with the help of these tools. You can manage stock levels and inventory forecasting. You can give customers the real-time order status on each order, and track customer orders through their entire lifecycle.
Benefits of Using eCommerce Order Tracking Software
An e-commerce order tracking software is imperative for the growth of any business and to achieve the level of performance the market requires. Brands can reap the benefits of a delivery management platform by configuring rules to ship out items quicker and removing the manual workload. Here is what the technology is capable of -
Here is what the technology is capable of -
1. Efficient Order Processing
The software can consolidate numerous channels within a single platform where customers can monitor and track their orders. For example, as soon as the purchase order is placed and sales order is confirmed, you can see the order in its different stages - ready to dispatch, shipped, and out for delivery. The entire process is automated through APIs (Application programming interfaces) that connect applications and maintain fluidity in data transfer.
2. Inventory Management
Inventory management is a key functionality of an e-commerce tracking system. The tasks of stocking, storing, and moving items from location to location require undivided attention and expertise that can be delivered by order tracking software.
The software can meticulously track inventory and prepare the ordered items for their delivery journey in a short period. If you want end-to-end inventory control, then an inventory management software can be integrated with your order management solution so you can predict stockout before they occur.
3. Streamlined Fulfillment
There are a few impactful ways in which an order tracking system ensures streamlined fulfillment of items and products. It enables optimization of the picking and packing process accurately. It automates numerous manual processes and helps in the informational exchange between the retailer and the carrier. It also streamlines the shipment operations and fulfillment process on a hyperlocal scale. Brands can also identify bottlenecks and adjust their shipping operations by referring to data insights.
4. Enhanced Customer Service
An adept shipment tracking system boosts customer satisfaction and allows brands to retain customers. Merchants can reduce the number of WISMO (Where is my order) inquiries which can elevate the customer experience and increase their loyalty to your venture. Also, the software records order histories for brands to offer personalized assistance to new customers.
Types of eCommerce Order Management Tracking Systems
E-commerce order tracking systems exist with diverse functionalities that make them unique.
E-commerce order tracking systems exist with diverse functionalities that make them unique. They offer paramount visibility, improve shipping experience, and much more. Here are some of them-
1. On-Premises OMS
On-premise order management systems are housed within the offline ecosystem where brands can have access to them physically. The on-premise OMS requires a licensed software version or a copy that protects and supports a sizable management system. For example, the in-house software requires a team of IT professionals to maintain and operate it within the premises.
2. Cloud-Based OMS
A cloud-based OMS is unlike the on-premise platform. Here, a retailer depends on a third-party software provider that offers a cloud environment through virtual technology to host the brands’ applications and data. Businesses that rely on such an order management system pay the software provider based on the usage, requirement, and growth of the brand or on a contractual basis.
3. All-in-One Platforms
When it comes to an all-in-one OMS, A brand can use a flexible software solution that involves all-encompassing order fulfillment and multichannel integration. These platforms offer a single dashboard to manage and monitor orders, print labels, manage returns, allocate orders accurately, and help business owners make calculated decisions. Most of your delivery performance data can be easily uploaded to these platforms via spreadsheets.
4. Third-Party Integrations
Third-party integrations refer to the external functionalities and services opted by a brand to improve order fulfillment. Brands can deploy these specialized tools to manage shipments. For example, retailers connect with WooCommerce to sync their parcels, access customer information, and manage inventory levels.
2. Aftership
Aftership is a delivery management platform with several functionalities and features. Brands rely on its tracking API with 9 statutes to tag multiple delivery checkpoints while acquiring order information.
3. ShippingEasy
ShippingEasy is known for its effortless delivery services across the globe. It was established in Sydney, Australia, and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. Its customer service is highly commendable among others.
4. ShipStation
ShipStation also operates from Austin, Texas. It is a SaaS (Software-as-a-service) shipping company that helps businesses cater to their shipping needs including LTL and small parcels. It simplifies shipping operations and makes them painless.
5. Shippo
Founded in San Francisco, California, Shippo hosts 10,000 ventures with its logistics expertise. Since 2013, they have paved the way for numerous businesses to improve their shipping exceptionally. Merchants can choose from Shippo’s subscription plans and start shipping.
6. Narvar
Narvar is an American post-purchase experience-providing fully integrated platform for businesses looking to step up their logistics game. It helps brands build long-term customer relationships and enhance their delivery experience.
7. Easyship
Easyship is a prominent logistics expert from Hong Kong that offers more than 250 carrier integrations for free. Easyship offers pre-negotiated prices from its delivery partners and a solid tracking prowess.
9. Shipway
Shipway is a great alternative to the abovementioned order tracking solutions. Shipway’s all-in-one capabilities help Indian and international e-commerce businesses automate the reverse logistics process and support shipping operations through its API adeptness.
10. Shipwell
This logistics and freight management startup has strong American roots in supply chain efficiency. Shipwell is pre-integrated with numerous carriers and data-driven technology to offer an unforgettable shopping experience.
11. ShippyPro
ShippyPro caters to a global audience and assists them in automating their shipping operations. It connects brands with more than 170 carriers and 80+ sales channels. They are ideal for businesses of all sizes across 50 nations worldwide.
How to Choose the Best eCommerce Order Management System?
Choosing the right eCommerce order management software is almost similar to finding a needle in a haystack, it's daunting! The reason brands go through such a difficult decision-making process is to find the best logistics software that aligns with their needs and what they are looking to get out of it. Here is a checklist of aspects to find in delivery software. These will help you see through this struggle and remove your apprehensions.
1. Multi-channel Integration
Multi-channel integration is a common offering from order tracking software. It is a method of distribution where a brand relies on more than one channel and reaches more customers. Multi-channel involves integration with physical stores, online marketplaces, and social media platforms.
2. Shipping & Carrier Integration
A capable order tracking software should offer shipping automation and other features to ease your order delivery. Also, multiple pre-integrated carriers can help brands make a viable choice before aligning their business goals.
3. Real-Time Inventory Updates
Real-time inventory updates are essential for a business to deduce understocked items, overselling goods, and keeping an eye on customer satisfaction. An e-commerce delivery tracking system can synchronize SKUs (Stock keeping units) and synchronize them systematically.
4. Order Processing Automation
Automated online order processing involves the picking, packing, and shipping of the ordered item. It can be a difficult and time-consuming process when executed manually. Automating the order processing task involves the management of every aspect of order fulfillment until the order is delivered.
5. Scalability
Logistics software can improve your scalability. It can automate workflows and shipping tasks, optimize overall performance, and update the latest solutions. Scalability can also be measured based on the volume of orders software can handle.
6. Order Tracking and Notifications
Brands should be able to rely on an order delivery system that offers real-time tracking and notifies their customers at every stage of the order journey. This is one of the key factors that counts when a logistics platform is tested for its competence.
7. Return and Refund Management
The returns or the reverse logistics process is equally important as the forward logistics responsibilities. When an item is returned, it requires enough visibility for the brand to oversee how it is safely returned to its designated warehouse or origin. This process is simplified and executed automatically by an order tracking system.
8. Pricing Structure
The price factor is crucial when picking out an order tracking software. Brands have a budget among other factors that can encourage them towards the decision or make them take an about-turn. The latter scenario occurs when the logistics software has a steep price point.
9. Availability of Support
Customer support and assistance is not just a mere aspect of an order tracking software, it is integral to the very confidence of a brand. Hence, it is a deciding factor for ventures seeking order-tracking software because they are planning to resolve issues and customer queries for the most part.