The digital commerce revolution is a good opportunity for eCommerce growth – it’s the right time to invest in sustainable growth. Often, however, it is easier said than done. Perhaps you’re struggling with a growing product range or order volume? Or perhaps your eCommerce can’t handle the demands of international markets fast enough? Or is the development of your current systems lagging behind?
Growth strains processes and creates new needs for systems. Therefore, in the midst of growth, it is worth harnessing a modern system solution that will help you achieve your goals agilely and cost-effectively, while still keeping the work pleasing.
The expanding range of products and services strains systems, increasing order volume tightens resources, outdated systems complicate processes, and the demands of internationalization are a headache. Does this sound familiar? The growth path of eCommerce can sometimes appear quite rocky, as changes demand more from both systems and employees.
For example, a new product line may require an upgrade to logistics solutions and order processing. Updating product information should also be easy so that new products go on sale as quickly as possible. If the practices and processes behind the scenes of the eCommerce are not in order, there is a risk that the customer experience suffers. In the worst case, customers will start flooding feedback on delayed delivery times, even if warehouse workers work around the clock.
In the eCommerce business, competition is global. However, digital commerce overseas requires a lot of research. Have you decided how to handle localization, tax processing, currency conversions, or customs clearances? When you have decided on international growth, you should first consider whether your current systems support agile internationalization.
However, sustainable growth is possible when you have a far-reaching and reliable system that meets your needs.
Many online retailers face the above challenges on the verge of growth. Indeed, this is often the time when it becomes apparent that the systems acquired during the start-up phase no longer seem to benefit the business. The systems you use and their features – or lack thereof – make your work stressful. Maintaining systems can take up more resources than the amount it frees up. However, sustainable growth is possible when you have a far-reaching and reliable system that meets your needs.
Even functioning systems become obsolete at some point, and growth requires changes in the systems, as well. However, this does not always mean replacing the whole system, as even small changes can have a big impact. The key is to identify your needs – new systems are beneficial when they bring value to your eCommerce now or in the future.
Functional processes and modern technology solutions are visible to the public, above all in the form of a successful customer experience. At its best, the customer’s journey, from getting to know the products to ordering and delivery, even to post-processing and billing, can be handled efficiently through integrations and automation.
Modern systems can enable, for example, mobile collection, real-time inventory management, or automated shipments and billing. Optimally, systems can be used to automate entire work steps. In addition, the integration of information between different systems reduces manual labor and the potential for errors.
However, do not rush into replacing your systems, but first look carefully at the current state of your eCommerce. Where are the operating bottlenecks? Which things put the most strain on your staff and systems? And where does the biggest growth potential of your business lie? An expert partner can help you identify the most suitable solutions for your online store. Often, the solution can be found in either a capable eCommerce platform, an ERP, or a product information management system – or a combination of the three.
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