5 Benefits of Integrated eCommerce and ERP
When looking at the retail industry over the past decade, it is clear that eCommerce has revolutionized the way companies and consumers interact. The need for eCommerce integration with an ERP system is usually overlooked because of the cost or anticipated business disruption. However, not integrating means losing out on the enormous benefits like reduced operational costs, more shipping choices, better customer experiences, increased control and greater insight.
What do we mean by eCommerce platform? An eCommerce platform is a software application that allows online businesses to manage their website, marketing, sales, and operations. Think of channels such as Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, Squarespace and more. When you integrate your eCommerce platform with an ERP solution, data can be passed through both systems automatically, which enables your business to function more effectively as a unit. While a webstore can certainly operate without connections to an ERP, there are many tedious tasks that can be eliminated with integration. Below, we take a look at 5 of the (many) benefits an integration can bring you.
eCommerce and ERP integration benefits
Benefits of ERP eCommerce Integration
1. Better customer experiences
With an ERP eCommerce integration, customers can be kept in the loop during the entire sales process. Customers can be contacted with updates and get access to real-time data. With up-to-date product and shipping information, you reduce potential frustrations and help build long-lasting relationships with your customers.
2. More Shipping Choices
Buyers can choose their own shipping strategies based on costs, delivery times, specific handling and more. Integration also means complex split shipping to multiple global addresses and using different shipping and transportation methods are made easy.
3. Reduced operational costs
When you integrate your eCommerce platform with an ERP solution, you are able to automate many manual processes to reduce human errors. Sales orders can be transferred directly from your eCommerce platform to your ERP system. You can reduce unnecessary costs with access to real-time data regarding inventory management.
4. Greater Control and Insight
With a tight ERP eCommerce integration, you can automatically generate financial reports for your business. Get insight into what products are doing well, and which ones need improvement, so you can quickly adapt your strategy. Fast synchronization and the ability to access information on any device means you can make strong decisions quickly, with accurate data.
5. Increased Trust and Credibility
Reliability and trust are key for retaining customers. When customers are promised one thing and receive something else, your reputation suffers. When customers have visibility into all steps of the buying process, and are given accurate information, they are much more likely to purchase from you again. More self-reliant customers means your team has more time to explore new areas of growth.
There are many benefits of ERP e-commerce integration with your online store. To get the most from it, be sure to select a partner who is an expert on your business and who will take the time to consider your specific needs.
The Answer Company are experts in ERP ecommerce integration. We specialize in Shopify integrations for Sage X3 and Acumatica as well as CommerceBuild for Sage X3. We take the time in understanding your individual business needs and work with you to develop the best solution. If you think ERP integration is for you, Contact us so we can chat about the process.