ERP for eCommerce: Features, Benefits & Best Integrations

As the world of business is becoming more and more automated, managers and business people are looking into ERP eCommerce integration. Where does it tie in with your online business? Learn about ERP eCommerce integration and find out how your business can benefit from it!

What is ERP System

ERP, also known as Enterprise Resource Planning, is a type of software that enables you to run your business and take care of daily tasks all in one place. As such, you can count on your ERP to provide a space for taking care of inventory, accounting, risk management, and other pressing business activities.

More and more businesses are beginning to sprout in through platforms like Shopify and Magento. If you need some help with Magento development, you can get in touch with GoMage to discuss your projects.

An eCommerce ERP system is not that different from a regular ERP. It has all the features needed to run an online business and can easily be integrated with the other eCommerce tools you use. With the help of such a tool, you can take your business from beginner to successful and continue to grow in this ever-changing environment that we call the internet. An ERP system can reduce your administrative and operational costs by approximately 22%.

Top ERP Modules & Features

Different ERP systems will offer different features. You need to focus on finding the best ERP for eCommerce. Here are some features that will help your eCommerce business thrive and that you should look for in your eCommerce ERP:

Accounting

In any for-profit business, finances are at the root of everything. You need a strong financial management tool to keep track of your accounting processes. If you’re already using accounting software, then you should be able to integrate it with the best eCommerce ERP program. Keeping your hand on the pulse when it comes to finances will allow you to accurately track inventory and know when to order more, communicate with vendors, and ensure your customers are paying you on time.

Inventory

Keeping track of your inventory is the key to fulfilling orders with no delay. In a brick and mortar store, you can see when you’re running low on a certain product and place an order for more. Because with eCommerce everything is digital, you don’t always notice that you’re running out of something in time. With a top ERP system, you won’t have to be afraid of running out of some product unexpectedly or ordering far more than you can sell.

Shipping

The speed and quality of shipping can determine your success as an online business. An eCommerce ERP software can help you get a detailed overview of how the shipping process works in your company. Many businesses choose to outsource the shipping process, thus losing their insight into it. Through ERP eCommerce integration, you can get a better overview of the way shipping is handled. By understanding the process, you can find bottlenecks and correct them in due time.

CRM System

Your relationship with your customers can make or break your business. Brick and mortar stores have the benefit of foot traffic, tourists, and one-off customers. When consumers are shopping online, they are a lot less likely to make impulsive decisions. Online shoppers are tech-savvy and they tend to compare their options before making their final decision. Because of that, focusing on customer relationship management is a must.

Another important thing to consider is communication. When you run a brick and mortar store, communication becomes quite easy. Any customer can come to the physical location to return a product, try something on, or have a chat. With an eCommerce business, you have to keep track of all customer reviews, reply to messages and emails on time, and prioritize your clients’ needs. It might be harder than you think when the customer cannot physically approach you.

Best ERP Solutions for eCommerce

There is a large number of top ERP platforms on the web, but what is the best ERP for eCommerce? We’ve compiled a list of ERP eCommerce software solutions to help you make the right choice.

NetSuite

NetSuite by Oracle is one of the top ERP providers at the moment. Once you’ve made an account, you can access it through any web browser. To make things easier, you don’t have to download any applications. NetSuite has everything you need to succeed in the online business sphere. Its features include inventory management, accounting management, shipment tracking, and an effective CRM capability.

Key features:

• Cloud-based software
• Customizable dashboards
• Accessible from any device
• Sales forecasting

SAP

SAP is arguably one of the best cloud ERPs for growing businesses. The brand is a giant that has been around for many years, so you can trust its products and services are high-quality. The solution did not start as an eCommerce ERP. In fact, it is suitable for all types of businesses in different fields. SAP boasts all the functionality you would expect from one of the top ERP systems in the USA, including a CRM system, financial management, product lifecycle management, and more.

Key features:

• Reporting and analytics tools
• Customizable features and controls
• Forecasting tools

Acumatica

Acumatica is one of the best small business ERP systems on the market. With the help of this application, you can keep track of your inventory, manage orders and shipping, stay in touch with your customers, and introduce automation into the way you run your online business. If the functionalities offered are not enough, you can take advantage of the integrated eCommerce apps that work with Acumatica.

Key features:

• CRM
• Document management
• Accounting software
• Reporting tools

Odoo

Odoo is a unique solution for integrated eCommerce. In essence, the platform gives you a collection of apps to choose from. Choosing relevant applications for your eCommerce business, you’re building your own ERP ecosystem. You can easily integrate Odoo with your Magento account too! For some extra help with Magento development, you can contact GoMage. Odoo is one of the best ERPs for eCommerce because of its customization feature.

Key features:

• Fully customizable
• User-friendly interface
• Email marketing tools
• Accounting software

Advantages of eCommerce ERP

Higher Productivity

The whole point of an ERP system is to make your job easier. Instead of keeping 10 tabs open and running to keep track of your business, a great eCommerce ERP software should ideally provide a single tab with all the information you need. When it’s all in one place, your productivity can shoot through the roof. Instead of spending time looking for information and putting it together, you can focus on profit-bringing activities, such as marketing and customer service.

Consolidation

One of the best ways to improve brand awareness and promote sales is through multi-channel selling. If you sell your products on different marketplaces online, you can reach a wider audience and increase your sales dramatically. However, this model comes with its downsides. For instance, it can be hard to keep track of all the sales and use analytics effectively. Consolidating the data from all of your sales channels allows you to create valuable insights about your business. With accurate statistics and analyses, you can plan for a better future for your business and focus on the tools that are helping you grow.

Visualization

When you’re working with statistics and analytics, it’s important to be able to visualize your data. Numbers and figures mean very little when they’re out of context. By presenting them in a visual format, you are not only able to motivate your colleagues and employees, but also get a better understanding of what you’re doing right and wrong. Doing so enables you to see the company’s issues and struggles, and work on coming up with effective solutions. At the same time, seeing your numbers grow right before your eyes can be very motivating.

Saving Time & Money

It may sound counterintuitive at first because the best eCommerce ERP system can be a large investment for some firms. Consider the returns you will get from the software in the long-run. Automating certain processes in the way you run your business will save you lots of time. That, in turn, can give you more time to spend on important activities that will turn into profits sooner than you think.

Better Customer Service

Some eCommerce ERP software programs offer a CRM system as an add-on. With a CRM system within your ERP software, you can get even closer to your customers and their needs. Use the data you gather from analytics to communicate with your customers and keep it all in one place. With all the client data right under your fingertips, you can tailor your marketing efforts to your customers and greatly improve sales and customer loyalty. Tools like shipment tracking allow you to notify your customers when their package is about to arrive and thus build a trusting relationship between them and the brand.

Final Words

Regardless of your eCommerce business model, product, and audience, you can benefit from a smart ERP software for eCommerce. A really great solution will make your job easier by providing a clear overview of all the processes, gathering and analyzing important data, and keeping all the information in one place. If you are considering ERP and eCommerce integration, do not hesitate to enhance your business toolset!