10 Ways ERP Can Benefit Your eCommerce Business

Gartner predicts that eCommerce businesses that consider their integration capabilities as strategic investments can grow up to 65% in 2024.

As B2Bs (Business to Business) embrace digital transformation and move to eCommerce, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) integration remains at the top of their list.

It is said that ERP will drive the growth of online systems and help firms deliver customer-oriented solutions. So, without further ado, let us see how ERP integration can revolutionize eCommerce businesses.

1. Automate Manual Processes

An ERP integration for eCommerce businesses lets you automate various processes that you would need to perform manually. Some of these include generating reports, updating inventory, and creating invoice data.

Besides, ERP integration frees up your staff and lets them perform tasks that cannot be automated. These include building relationships, solving customer issues, and offering personalized support.

Moreover, it reduces the chances of productivity losses and errors and adds up to substantial savings over time.

2. Provide Accurate Pricing

eCommerce businesses often rely on complex pricing structures. At the same time, some sellers may change their prices based on inventory data.

Some of our customers may need discounts, but then there are new products and other prices to deal with. As these businesses grow, their product types, factors, and catalogs grow too.

Interestingly, ERPs can help eCommerce businesses centralize contracts, invoicing, and pricing.

3. Increase Inventory Visibility

Things in more demand go out of stock, and customers face frustration since product availability was not displayed accurately on websites.

Without an ERP integration or the ERP software to help your customers to stay updated on stock levels, getting access to real-time inventory information becomes near impossible. You must have an ERP to help your customers stay updated on stock levels as they place their orders.

4. Eliminate Errors

Most B2Bs utilize organized ordering workflows based on contracts, quotes, and approval processes. As a result, some customers may only have access to certain products, while others may require order limits or specific shipping options.

Fortunately, order data is kept within the ERP. Thus, it lets you streamline and personalize the ordering process as per every customer. Interestingly, all of this is done automatically without the need for manual data transfer.

5. Offer Omnichannel Experiences

By omnichannel, we mean that shoppers meet at a channel where they expect to shop, be it a website, physical store, or even telephone. Many customers are now willing to take a step further and buy online and pick up in person.

ERP integration lets you deliver these orders and store fulfillment-related data into the eCommerce system. Having an ERP allows eCommerce brands to create customer journeys irrespective of their purchasing channel.

6. Make Better Use of Data

Most companies keep their major share of data in their ERP. So integrate it into your eCommerce system to make better reports for sales and marketing teams. Data visibility and streamlined operations are not the only benefits.

With the right data at your fingertips, you can make calculated and informed decisions to grow your business. Besides, ERP integration leads to customizable reporting. This can help you generate data from other solutions, deliver everything on time, and take care of your inventory and supplier projections.

7. Scalability and Security

Most B2Bs have products, transactions, client, or user data centered in the ERP, and their volume grows over time. So, eCommerce brands need an efficient ERP integration that’s scalable, secure, and can accommodate their growth.

With a cloud-based ERP system, brands get access to a robust platform without substantial investment. It is a win-win situation for brands as they get the scalability and security of an ERP without the expense of hiring employees.

8. Future-proof Your Business

ERP-eCommerce integration unlocks a plethora of benefits associated with flexibility and customization. For example, it lets you streamline workflows as your business model changes or expands to new markets.

B2B eCommerce businesses considering an ERP integration can test out basic functionality and then customize and build their ideal ERP system over time. The process of doing so is super efficient and lets you prepare for unexpected situations, and lets you act on opportunities faster.

9. Improve Compliance

A connected ERP and B2B eCommerce system let you streamline compliance by delivering top-notch services to customers at their negotiated pricing and contracts. Integrations help you tie tax or region-specific rules directly to purchases made by customers.

ERPs also keep a check on accounting and tax data that are associated with inventory. Since invoicing and taxation activities are performed automatically, ERP integration lets you centralize tracking and manage your contracts, invoices, and other compliance-related needs.

10. Boost Customer experience

Happy customers= More sales

With better customer account tracking and personalization offered by an ERP integration, you can easily create memorable customer service experiences.

An eCommerce system integrated with the ERP can offer customers information about their products/ services, order history, and fulfillment and shipping preferences. But, how is it possible?

Well, by enabling omnichannel self-service experiences, brands can eliminate the need for customer calls about order confirmation and updates. You can also see the latest ERP software trends for better customer experiences.

Wrapping Up

To meet the increasing demands of customers, businesses are looking to add speed, convenience, and personalization and revamp customers’ shopping experiences. You can also see the latest ERP software trends for better customer experiences.

With a wealth of data offered by ERP Systems, businesses can optimize their systems for increased productivity. Besides, they can dedicate resources towards growth strategies and even explore new markets.

Say goodbye to clunky old ERP systems and take your eCommerce business to the next level with an ERP integration today!