Order Management
Order management covers multi-operations. Companies that offer this service usually do everything for you from sales, automated payment processing, order processing, to shipping management. Some companies have integrated with UPS, FedEx and the United States Postal Service to make it easy for customers to do business with them. These order management companies support multiple shipping methods, real-time or batch credit card processing, PayPal and purchase order processing.
On-hold tracking systems assure that you have enough items on hand for sale so there are fewer back-orders for your customers. The company takes care of any back-orders by fulfilling the orders as the inventory comes in. An on-order system helps you have control of your stock levels. These companies also have full lifecycle support for all orders providing a single system for managing orders origination across all sales channels. Time is saved and costs are contained by streamlining order administration.
Shipping quotes and tracking information can be sent to the customer via the internet and customers can sign in and track their order status. These companies also provide praiseworthy customer service.
Another feature these order management companies offer is taxation support. They have up to date information for tax rates for the different zip codes. This provides accurate tax rates on all items from a large shipment to a single item. They are usually integrated with warehousing facilities and distributors that provides easy integration for your business.
They have order modification and notification. Order modification allows orders to be modified, added to, changed or voided any time after placement. Order notification allows customers to state their preference of notification by email, fax, snail mail or electronically. Authorization and order approval are also managed by these companies.
All aspects of each order can be used in analyzing sales data, customer buying trends, products and profitability. The order sources, the name of the salespersons and other such things are all tracked through the company's attribution system. It can record events, processes and documentation and attach it to any item.
It can support any number of inventory locations such as, warehouses, third-party provider locations and ports-of-entry for items that are being imported. It can keep track of inventory levels and statuses for any of the locations. Multiple units of measure are used for purchasing, ordering, storing and shipping.
The companies can manage multiple suppliers for any item. To enable smart purchasing, descriptions, costing and vendor specific item codes are all tracked. Order management companies usually have a web service interface that provides the details on all aspects of items, inventory status, customers, orders, purchase orders and transactions.