How well does your order fulfillment process work? Is everything as smooth as it could be? Do shipments arrive at your customers' locations on time without errors? Can your fulfillment center get orders from you quickly and out the door with little effort? Could there have been better communication between your company and your third-party fulfillment center (3PL)?
Lacking proper order processing software that can electronically send customer orders to the warehouse can lead to setbacks and frustration on both sides, especially during peak business times.
Even if you work well with your fulfillment center and know they have the best infrastructure to deal with orders, it can strain your warehouse relationship if you don’t have the proper ordering software.
Investing in order processing software that integrates with your 3PL can relieve many headaches for you and your staff.
Better Communication
Communication is the key to a smooth order and shipping process. Clear communication means orders reach customers on time and error-free. Communicating with your warehouse shouldn't rely strictly on phone and email. Calling them daily to transmit orders manually can take time away from other important projects. Or paying the fulfillment center to key in the orders manually can quickly rack up charges that cut profits.
Proper communication through the ordering software you use helps get everyone on the same page without spending extra money or wasting valuable time. Lack of communication can affect both you and your warehouses, particularly when something unexpected happens.
Automatic Order Entry
Finding order processing software that allows you, your sales reps, and customers to enter orders right into the system is the best way to improve accuracy. With warehouse integration, you can then electronically send your orders right to the warehouse. This can save hours of processing time and reduce errors.
When you use ordering software that easily integrates with your shipping system and accounting software, like QuickBooks, you can finally have automatic order entry without mistakes. Just imagine how much time this saves by not having to employ someone to enter orders and correct embarrassing mistakes.
On the other hand, your warehouse will appreciate having accurate information and not taking the brunt of the blame if the ordering information is incorrect.
Shipping Dates, Costs, and Tracking Numbers
Receiving proper shipping dates and costs from your warehouse is essential to pass this information on to your customers accurately. Customers will also appreciate knowing when a product ships and the expected delivery date.
Your team can work more efficiently knowing when shipping occurs and if back-orders become necessary. By properly sending tracking information, you won't get customer complaints about when a product will arrive.
Out of Stock
You'll occasionally be out of stock on items, and properly communicating this to your customers is essential.
Using order processing software, orders can be placed without out-of-stock products, keeping the shipping process fast and efficient. Customers can be notified before shipping that a product is out of stock, keeping everyone informed.
At Now Commerce, we've developed order processing software that addresses all the above warehouse communication issues. See how we stand apart from other B2B order management software products.
