Best Order Management Software

What is Order Management Software?

Order Management Software is a sales system that helps businesses manage orders that customers place online. The software typically contains order management, inventory control, and customer relationship management modules, which can be part of a more extensive enterprise resource planning system.

Moreover, order management software systems are different from online sales order systems, and they require the user to navigate a menu system to take orders or check on orders placed previously. Online sales order systems do not typically require the user to enter parts numbers, quantities, or other details into a form.

Inventory control software is often used in conjunction with order management software. Inventory control helps manage costs and ensures that orders are only filled when required. The inventory control module will automatically track product supplies and notify the business about low collections of particular products, thus making suggestions to the person who operates the system on conserving product supplies and reducing costs.

What Does Order Management Software Do?

Order management software integrates with your online store and handles everything from order management to payment and shipping procedures, inventory control, etc.

An order management system will help you keep track of your business’s orders. It will let you know how many orders (and items) are in your inventory at any given time. The software also automatically allows you to reorder when a product is running low on stock.

You can customize order management software to suit the needs of any business, but no matter what industry they’re in, they share one common goal: making things easier for their customers.

Order management software helps order placement by allowing users to take orders through the internet or another channel, then managing those orders as they move through the manufacturing process. Once an order is complete, it ships directly to the customer’s door or is sent elsewhere for further processing (e.g., a fabricator). The system facilitates the paperwork associated with taking and managing orders but is not a substitute for the actual work that order representatives must do. Product planners and production managers are still responsible for preparing accurate information, entering estimates, and producing reports related to each order.

How We Rank the Best Order Management Software

At SaasGenius, we use a thorough ranking method to evaluate order management software based on pricing, ease of use, features, and support. Each software receives an individual rating, called a Genius Score, ranging from 0 to 100, with 100 being the highest. Our goal is to provide unbiased and accurate ratings to help you find the best order management software that meets your business needs.

Essential Features of Order Management Software

Order and Inventory Management

Order management software helps businesses ensure that all orders are confirmed, processed, and fulfilled in the correct quantity with the correct product, delivering the product to the right address at the right price. Real-time inventory tracking prevents overselling and ensures accurate stock levels across all sales channels.

Customer Fulfillment

Order management software provides customers with a way to manage their accounts online. You can track ordered items, report damaged or missing items, request returns (if warranted), or cancel an order entirely. Integration with customer relationship management systems ensures seamless communication throughout the order lifecycle.

Sales Analytics

For businesses that want to understand their sales information better, this feature can give them insight into how they are performing over time, including sales trends over specific periods and industry benchmarking data. Advanced reporting capabilities help identify top-selling products, peak sales periods, and customer purchasing patterns.

Customer Information

By using order management software, companies can keep track of customer data, including contact information, purchased products, customer history, and loyalty points. The software provides a way for businesses to manage customer addresses and other contact information for multiple customers in one place.

Customer Support

Thanks to the ability to connect with customers all in one place, this feature helps businesses respond more efficiently to requests through an easy-to-use interface that provides customer support and 24/7 access. Integration with support ticketing systems ensures no customer inquiry falls through the cracks.

Multi-Channel Order Consolidation

Modern order management systems aggregate orders from websites, marketplaces, social media platforms, and physical stores into a single dashboard. This eliminates the need to manually check multiple platforms and reduces the risk of missed orders.

Automated Workflow Management

Smart automation handles routine tasks like order confirmation emails, low-stock alerts, and fulfillment routing. Businesses can set rules to automatically assign orders to specific warehouses based on location, stock availability, or shipping costs.

Returns and Refunds Processing

Efficient reverse logistics handling streamlines the returns process with automated RMA generation, restocking procedures, and refund processing. This reduces the administrative burden and improves customer satisfaction.

How to Choose the Right Order Management Software

Selecting the right order management software requires careful evaluation of your business needs and growth trajectory. Consider these critical factors:

Business Size and Order Volume

Your current order volume and projected growth significantly impact which system suits your needs. Small businesses processing 50-500 orders monthly need different capabilities than enterprises handling 10,000+ orders daily.

Considerations:

• Current average monthly orders
• Peak season order volumes
• Growth projections for next 12-24 months
• Number of sales channels
• International vs domestic orders

Integration Requirements

Your order management software must seamlessly connect with existing business tools. Poor integration leads to data silos, manual data entry, and increased error rates.

Essential Integrations:

• E-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce)
• Marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy)
• Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, Sage)
• Shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS)
• CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Warehouse management systems
• Payment processors

Scalability and Flexibility

Software that works perfectly for 100 orders monthly may collapse under 1,000. Choose systems built to scale without performance degradation or prohibitive cost increases.

Scalability Factors:

• User limit flexibility
• Order volume tiers
• Additional warehouse/location support
• Multi-currency and international expansion
• API availability for custom integrations

User Experience and Training

Complex systems with steep learning curves slow adoption and reduce efficiency. Prioritize intuitive interfaces that your team can master quickly.

Evaluation Points:

• Interface clarity and navigation
• Mobile accessibility
• Training resources available
• Implementation timeline
• Vendor support quality

Order Management Software Pricing Comparison

Order management software can vary in cost, depending on the type and complexity of your business. The number of transactions carried out daily will also determine the price.

A typical ERP system will start at around $5,000 without customization and grow to $10,000 to $15,000 with customization. A more robust enterprise solution may require 50-80% more purchases than integration costs.

You’ll find order management software in a wide range of forms depending on the needs of your business:

• Software that handles shipping
• That tracks inventory through an ERP (enterprise resource planning) system
• Manages all this, plus customer service, warranty tracking, and event reporting

There’s also a range of price points to consider – some programs are quicker and more economical to buy off-the-shelf, while others are tailored to your own particular needs and may require custom programming.

Order management systems can be web-based (which lets you take orders over the internet) or customer service-oriented (designed to help your customer service personnel take orders over the phone). Some response times are under half a minute; others take up to 30 minutes or more. If you have a secure internet connection, you can use online order management software over the web.

Benefits of Using Order Management Software

Technology offers many advantages, like automating most parts of your business. If you’re wondering which of your daily tasks could be made more efficient, read on for a few ideas.

Day-to-Day Details

By using order management software, you can continue to focus on running your business while your system takes care of many day-to-day details. Automation eliminates repetitive tasks, reducing manual errors and freeing your team for strategic work.

Revenue

This software can also help you generate more revenue through automated reordering and better pricing structures. Real-time inventory visibility prevents stockouts of popular items while reducing overstock of slow movers.

Review Orders

You’ll be able to review orders, inventory, and pricing, making sure everything is in place to take care of your customers even better. Consolidated dashboards provide instant visibility into business performance without generating multiple reports.

Reduce Theft

In today’s world, shoplifting and theft are commonplace. Order management software helps in inventory management, which also helps reduce theft. Detailed tracking creates accountability and highlights discrepancies quickly.

Inventory Track

With order management software, you will be able to keep track of your inventory and automatically reorder when it runs low on stock. Smart reordering prevents emergency purchases at premium prices while maintaining optimal stock levels.

Detailed Information

You will also be able to manage your customers’ orders and provide more detailed information about the products they have ordered. Enhanced tracking provides customers with real-time updates, reducing support inquiries and improving satisfaction.

Operational Efficiency Gains

Businesses implementing order management systems report significant operational improvements. Order processing time typically decreases by 40%, while order accuracy increases by up to 60%. These improvements directly impact customer satisfaction and repeat purchase rates.

Improved Cash Flow Management

Better inventory management and faster order processing accelerate cash flow. You’ll know exactly what stock moves quickly, allowing smarter purchasing decisions and reducing capital tied up in slow-moving inventory.

Industry-Specific Use Cases

E-commerce Businesses

An order management system facilitates the shipping process, providing benefits such as tracking numbers and updates on delivery status, attracting new customers, and reducing complaints or returns due to lost packages or late shipments.

E-commerce sellers face unique challenges in managing orders from multiple platforms simultaneously. Order management software automatically pulls orders from your website, Amazon, eBay, and social media shops into one dashboard. This eliminates the risk of overselling when an item sells on multiple channels simultaneously.

Key Benefits for E-commerce:

• Automatic inventory synchronization across all channels
• Bulk order processing capabilities
• Automated shipping label generation
• Real-time tracking updates sent to customers
• Integration with major marketplaces and shopping carts

Brick-and-Mortar Shops

With a mesh network, order management software can keep track of the sales rank of items on the shelf. Physical retailers expanding into online sales need systems that unify in-store and online inventory.

Modern retailers operate omnichannel strategies where customers might buy online and pick up in store, or order in-store for home delivery. Order management software coordinates these complex fulfillment scenarios seamlessly.

Key Benefits for Retailers:

• Unified inventory across physical and digital channels
• Buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS) functionality
• Store-to-store transfer management
• Point-of-sale integration
• Customer order history accessible in-store

Order Fulfillment Departments

Order management software helps the relevant departments manage their workloads more efficiently. Fulfillment centers and 3PLs require specialized capabilities to manage multiple clients and complex routing rules.

Key Benefits for Fulfillment Centers:

• Multi-client order management
• Advanced picking and packing workflows
• Batch processing for efficiency
• Integration with warehouse management systems
• Client-specific routing and packaging rules

Manufacturing and Wholesale

Manufacturers and wholesalers dealing with B2B orders need different capabilities than retail-focused businesses. Large order quantities, custom pricing, purchase orders, and credit terms require specialized handling.

Key Benefits for B2B:

• Purchase order management
• Customer-specific pricing and discounts
• Credit limit enforcement
• Backordering with partial fulfillment
• EDI integration for large retailers

Subscription and Recurring Order Businesses

Subscription businesses require automated recurring order processing, payment handling, and customer management. Software must handle subscription modifications, billing cycles, and renewal management automatically.

Key Benefits for Subscriptions:

• Automated recurring order generation
• Subscription modification handling
• Dunning management for failed payments
• Subscription analytics and churn reporting
• Customer self-service portals

Implementation Best Practices

Planning and Preparation

Successful implementation begins long before software installation. Document current processes, identify pain points, and establish clear success metrics.

Pre-Implementation Checklist:

• Audit current order processing workflows
• Document all integration requirements
• Clean and organize existing product and customer data
• Establish baseline metrics for comparison
• Assign implementation team roles

Data Migration Strategy

Poor data migration derails implementations. Clean your data before migration to avoid carrying forward errors.

Data Migration Steps:

1. Export data from existing systems
2. Clean and standardize product information
3. Verify customer records accuracy
4. Test migration with sample data set
5. Validate migrated data accuracy
6. Schedule full migration during low-order periods

Staff Training and Adoption

Even excellent software fails without proper user adoption. Invest in comprehensive training and create detailed documentation.

Training Best Practices:

• Conduct role-specific training sessions
• Create video tutorials for reference
• Establish power users as internal champions
• Provide hands-on practice before go-live
• Schedule follow-up training sessions
• Maintain accessible documentation library

Phased Rollout Approach

Implementing everything simultaneously increases risk. Phase your rollout to minimize disruption.

Recommended Rollout Phases:

1. Phase 1: Core order management functionality
2. Phase 2: Inventory management and reordering
3. Phase 3: Advanced automation and workflows
4. Phase 4: Analytics and reporting optimization
5. Phase 5: Additional integrations and custom features

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Inventory Synchronization Issues

Problem: Stock levels don’t update correctly across channels, causing overselling or customer disappointment.

Solution: Implement real-time inventory synchronization with buffer stock settings. Configure safety stock levels and automated low-stock alerts to prevent overselling.

Challenge: Integration Complexity

Problem: Connecting multiple systems creates technical challenges and data inconsistencies.

Solution: Prioritize integrations by business impact. Use middleware platforms when direct integrations aren’t available. Work with vendors providing dedicated integration support.

Challenge: Order Processing Bottlenecks

Problem: Manual steps slow order fulfillment and increase error rates.

Solution: Map your entire order workflow and identify manual touchpoints. Automate routine decisions with business rules. Implement batch processing for efficiency.

Challenge: Multi-Location Inventory Management

Problem: Tracking inventory across multiple warehouses or stores becomes overwhelming.

Solution: Implement automated order routing based on inventory location, shipping costs, and delivery time. Use distributed inventory management features to optimize fulfillment location selection.

Challenge: Returns Management

Problem: Processing returns manually is time-consuming and hurts customer satisfaction.

Solution: Automate RMA generation and provide customers with self-service return portals. Implement clear return policies and automate refund processing based on return receipt.

Challenge: Reporting and Analytics Gaps

Problem: Standard reports don’t provide the specific insights needed for decision-making.

Solution: Choose systems with customizable reporting or API access for external analytics tools. Integrate with business intelligence platforms for advanced analysis.

Order Management Software Trends 2025

AI-Powered Automation

Artificial intelligence increasingly handles complex routing decisions, demand forecasting, and customer service inquiries. Machine learning algorithms analyze historical data to predict inventory needs and optimize fulfillment strategies.

Headless Commerce Integration

Modern order management systems operate as headless solutions, separating frontend experiences from backend processing. This allows businesses to create unique customer experiences while maintaining robust order processing.

Sustainability and Green Fulfillment

Software now includes features for optimizing shipping to reduce carbon footprint, selecting eco-friendly packaging options, and providing customers with sustainable delivery choices.

Mobile-First Management

Mobile applications provide full order management capabilities, enabling warehouse staff and business owners to manage operations from anywhere. Real-time notifications and mobile scanning improve response times.

Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency

Emerging implementations use blockchain technology for immutable order and shipment tracking, particularly valuable for high-value goods requiring authentication and provenance verification.

Integration Ecosystem

E-Commerce Platform Connections

Order management software must integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms. Native integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento are essential for automatic order import and inventory synchronization.

Marketplace Integration

Selling on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and other marketplaces requires specialized integrations that handle marketplace-specific requirements like FBA inventory, marketplace fees, and listing management.

Accounting Software Integration

Financial operations depend on integration with accounting platforms. Automatic order data transfer to QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage eliminates manual entry and ensures accurate financial records.

Shipping Carrier Integration

Direct carrier integrations with UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL provide real-time rate shopping, automated label generation, and tracking information. Multi-carrier support lets you choose the best option for each shipment.

CRM and Marketing Tools

Connecting order data to CRM systems and marketing platforms enables personalized communication based on purchase history, automated post-purchase campaigns, and customer lifetime value analysis.

Who Should Use Order Management Software?

Of course, your software requirements will always vary according to the needs of your business, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are plenty of great options out there if your business is one of the following:

Order Fulfillment Departments

Order management software helps the relevant departments manage their workloads more efficiently. Centralized order processing reduces errors and speeds up fulfillment times.

Brick-and-mortar Shops

With a mesh network, order management software can keep track of the sales rank of items on the shelf. Physical retailers benefit from unified inventory visibility across locations.

E-commerce Businesses

An order management system facilitates the shipping process, providing benefits such as tracking numbers and updates on delivery status, attracting new customers, and reducing complaints or returns due to lost packages or late shipments.

Growing Businesses Experiencing Growing Pains

If order volume increases are straining your current processes, order management software provides the scalability needed. Manual systems that worked for 50 orders monthly collapse under 500.

Multi-Channel Sellers

Businesses selling across multiple platforms face inventory synchronization challenges that only specialized software can solve. Without automation, overselling and stockouts become inevitable.

Businesses Seeking Competitive Advantage

Companies using order management software deliver orders faster, more accurately, and with better customer communication than competitors relying on manual processes. This translates directly to higher customer satisfaction and repeat purchase rates.

Measuring Order Management Software ROI

Quantifiable Metrics

Order Processing Time: Measure the time from order placement to shipment confirmation. Strong order management systems reduce this by 40-60%.

Order Accuracy Rate: Calculate the percentage of orders shipped without errors. Target improvement from baseline to 99%+ accuracy.

Inventory Turnover: Track how quickly inventory sells. Better inventory management typically increases turnover by 25-40%.

Customer Satisfaction Scores: Monitor customer feedback specifically related to order fulfillment, delivery time, and order accuracy.

Labor Cost Reduction: Calculate staff hours saved through automation. Most businesses recover software costs within 6-12 months through labor savings alone.

Calculating Your ROI

Step 1: Document current order processing costs (labor hours × hourly rate × monthly orders)

Step 2: Add costs from order errors, returns, and customer service related to fulfillment

Step 3: Calculate software costs (monthly subscription + implementation + training)

Step 4: Estimate efficiency gains (typically 30-50% time reduction)

Step 5: Project savings over 12 months and compare to software investment

Most businesses achieve positive ROI within 8-12 months, with ongoing savings accelerating as processes optimize.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between OMS and ERP?

Order management systems focus specifically on order processing, inventory, and fulfillment. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems encompass broader business functions including accounting, HR, manufacturing, and supply chain. Many businesses start with OMS and later integrate with ERP as they grow.

Can I use order management software for B2B and B2C sales?

Yes, many modern order management systems handle both B2B and B2C operations. However, ensure your chosen software supports B2B-specific features like purchase orders, net terms, customer-specific pricing, and bulk ordering if needed.

How long does implementation typically take?

Implementation timeframes vary based on business complexity. Basic setups for small businesses may take 2-4 weeks. Mid-sized businesses with multiple integrations typically need 1-3 months. Enterprise implementations can require 3-6 months or longer.

What happens to my data if I switch software?

Reputable order management software providers offer data export capabilities. Before committing, verify the software supports data export in standard formats. Review contract terms regarding data ownership and portability.

Do I need technical expertise to use order management software?

Modern order management systems prioritize user-friendliness with intuitive interfaces. While some technical knowledge helps during setup and integration, day-to-day operations typically don’t require technical expertise. Choose vendors offering comprehensive training and support.

How does order management software handle international orders?

Quality systems support multi-currency transactions, international shipping carriers, customs documentation, and tax calculation for different regions. If international sales are significant, verify specific global capabilities before selecting software.

Can order management software prevent overselling?

Yes, real-time inventory synchronization prevents overselling across channels. The system reserves inventory as orders are placed and updates stock levels immediately across all sales channels.

What security measures protect my data?

Look for software with SOC 2 compliance, SSL encryption, regular security audits, and secure data centers. Verify that vendors maintain proper security certifications and have clear data protection policies.

How does order management software handle returns?

Modern systems provide automated return merchandise authorization (RMA), restocking workflows, refund processing, and customer return portals. This reduces manual work and improves customer experience.

What support should I expect from vendors?

Support quality varies significantly between vendors. Look for multiple support channels (phone, email, chat), comprehensive documentation, video tutorials, and active user communities. Enterprise plans typically include dedicated account managers.

Take Your Order Management to the Next Level

The right order management software transforms operational chaos into streamlined efficiency. Whether you’re processing 100 orders monthly or 10,000 daily, automated order management reduces errors, accelerates fulfillment, and improves customer satisfaction.

Start by evaluating your current order volume, growth projections, and integration requirements. Review software options that match your business size and industry. Take advantage of free trials to test systems with real data before committing.

The businesses thriving in 2025 don’t process orders manually – they leverage technology to scale efficiently while maintaining exceptional customer experiences. Your order management software selection determines whether you’ll grow smoothly or struggle with operational bottlenecks as demand increases.

Choose wisely, implement thoroughly, and watch your business operations transform from reactive firefighting to proactive optimization.