Features to Look for in Your Next Order Management Software

In the fast-moving world of e-commerce, as your business grows and your sales start coming in from multiple channels, managing orders can quickly become a complex, time-consuming challenge. A good Order Management System (OMS) is the solution that transforms this chaos into a streamlined, efficient process. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

The best OMS is more than just a list of features; it's a strategic tool that acts as the central brain of your e-commerce operations. Here are the most critical features to look for when selecting an OMS that will help your business thrive and scale.

1. Dashboard for Centralized Orders

The core of any good OMS is this. No matter where an order originates from, it can all be viewed, managed, and processed in one location.

• What to search for: A user-friendly interface that displays all of your orders from all of your channels—including social media, Amazon, eBay, and your website—in a single screen. Filtering, sorting, and searching orders ought to be simple.

• Why it's important: It ensures that no order ever gets lost and saves you countless hours by removing the need to log into multiple platforms.

2. Inventory Syncing in Real Time

Perhaps the most important feature for multi-channel vendors is this one. It links all of your sales channels to your inventory.

• What to search for: A method that instantly and automatically refreshes your stock levels. An item's quantity should be immediately decreased everywhere else when it sells on one platform.

• Why it's important: The only way to avoid overselling, which results in canceled orders, bad reviews, and disgruntled consumers, is to sell an item that is already out of stock.

3. Capabilities for Integration and Multi-Channel

Instead of being a silo, your OMS must be a connector. It should be compatible with all of the platforms you sell on as well as the company management tools you employ.

• What to search for: Pre-made, smooth connections with marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart), major e-commerce platforms (BigCommerce, Shopify), and vital business tools like marketing platforms, accounting software (QuickBooks), and shipping companies (FedEx, UPS).

• Why it's important: By guaranteeing seamless data flow and doing away with manual data entry between systems, a strong OMS becomes the focal point of your whole company ecosystem.

4. Workflow & Shipping Automation

An OMS should automate the subsequent processes in addition to displaying orders.

• What to search for: Features that automate processes such as creating packing slips and shipping labels, updating order statuses, and providing customers with tracking information. Custom rules, like automatically using a particular shipping carrier for orders over a certain weight, can be set up with advanced systems.

• Why it's important: Automation decreases human error, expedites fulfillment, and frees up your time to concentrate on strategic business expansion.

5. Analytics & Reporting

An OMS should give you a single source of truth for your sales data since information is power.

• What to search for: You may learn more about your sales performance across all channels with the help of thorough reporting and analytics. To assist you make better business decisions, you should be able to understand which goods are selling the best, which channels are the most profitable, and which trends are emerging.

• Why it's important: It shifts your focus from responding to sales data to proactively utilizing it to improve your tactics and expand your company.

6. Customer Communication & Tracking

A great customer experience doesn't end at checkout. An OMS should help you keep your customers informed.

• What to look for: Automated email notifications for order confirmations, shipment updates, and tracking information. The system should also provide easy access to customer order history and details for quick support.

• Why it matters: It builds trust and confidence with your customers, reducing "Where's my order?" inquiries and fostering brand loyalty.

7. Return Management (RMA)

Handling returns efficiently and professionally is crucial for customer satisfaction.

• What to look for: A feature that streamlines the returns process, allowing you to easily approve returns, generate return labels, and process refunds or exchanges from within the same system.

• Why it matters: A smooth return process can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one, encouraging repeat business.

8. Scalability & Reliable Support

Your OMS should be able to grow with you, from a startup to a global enterprise.

• What to look for: A cloud-based solution that can handle increasing order volumes, product catalogs, and sales channels without a drop in performance. Also, look for reliable customer support and a dedicated team to help you when you need it.

• Why it's important: Your OMS is a long-term investment. Choosing a scalable platform ensures you won't outgrow your solution and have to go through a costly, time-consuming migration down the road.

The Right Choice for Your Business

Selecting the perfect OMS is a critical step in building a robust, scalable e-commerce business. Look for a solution that combines these essential features into a single, intuitive platform. It's the smartest investment you can make to streamline your operations, delight your customers, and prepare your business for future growth.

Ready to find an Order Management System that has all the features you need?