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Best Order Management Systems (OMS) in the Philippines

Marketing

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Do you really need to invest in an OMS today?

The world of commerce has changed rapidly. Global E-commerce sales is expected to reached a staggering $6.3 trillion in 2023. With this growth, the way businesses operate, particularly in managing orders, also transformed.

Efficiency & Accuracy 

Mistakes can be costly. A misplaced order or an inventory oversight can lead to lost sales or, worse, lost customers. An OMS automates many of these processes, minimizing human error.

Omnichannel Experience

Modern consumers shop everywhere – online, offline, mobile apps, social media, and more. An OMS integrates these channels, ensuring a consistent experience for customers.

Insights & Analytics 

It’s not just about managing orders. OMS solutions offer data-driven insights, helping businesses forecast trends, manage inventory, and refine their strategies.

Customer Expectations 

The more Filipino online shoppers get accustomed to online shopping, the more they would expect accurate and timely deliveries. An efficient OMS is vital to meet these expectations.

If you’re still managing orders manually or through scattered systems, take a moment to explore OMS options. The investment could transform your E-commerce business operations and boost customer satisfaction.

What is an Order Management System (OMS)?

An Order Management System, commonly known as OMS, is a digital tool that assists businesses in tracking sales, orders, inventory, and order fulfillment. In essence, it’s the central hub where sales, customer service, and supply chain operations converge. 

For example, when a customer places an order online, an OMS ensures the order details are accurate, the inventory is updated, and the right product reaches the customer’s doorstep efficiently.

Why OMS Matters for Filipino Businesses

With the rise in E-commerce comes the increasing need for streamlined operations. Here’s why:

  • Volume & Scale: As more Filipinos shop online, businesses encounter a surge in order volume. An OMS helps in effectively managing this influx.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Filipino customers value timely and accurate deliveries. A reliable OMS ensures businesses deliver on their promises, building trust and loyalty.
  • Competitive Edge: In the bustling e-commerce scene, businesses that utilize an OMS often outpace competitors in efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Don’t wait for operational hiccups to start looking into OMS solutions. Being proactive can give your business a significant advantage.

Local Elements Influencing OMS Choice

When selecting an OMS in the Philippines, businesses should consider certain unique local factors:

  1. Payment Methods: While digital payments are on the rise, many Filipinos still prefer ‘Cash on Delivery’ (COD) as a mode of payment. An ideal OMS should be able to handle such preferences seamlessly.
  2. Logistics: The Philippines, being an archipelago, poses unique logistical challenges. An effective OMS should integrate with local delivery systems, ensuring orders reach even the remotest islands.
  3. Regulations: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has set guidelines for online businesses. An OMS should be compliant with local regulations, ensuring businesses avoid unnecessary legal hassles.

Before choosing an OMS, make a checklist of these local factors. Engage with OMS providers to ensure their solutions align with the specific needs of the Philippine market.

Features of an Ideal OMS for the Philippine Market

Choosing the right OMS tailored to the Philippine market isn’t just about following global trends. It’s about understanding local nuances and ensuring the solution fits like a glove.

Below are some of the features you can consider when choosing the right order management system for your business.

Smooth Integration with Leading E-commerce Platforms

The Philippines has a wide selection of E-commerce platforms, from giants like Lazada and Shopee to emerging local ones. 

Your chosen OMS should easily connect with these platforms, making the transfer of data and order details seamless.

Before committing to an OMS, list down the platforms you use or plan to use. Check if the OMS supports integration with them.

Multi-channel Sales Monitoring

With Filipinos shopping across websites, apps, social media, and even offline, it’s crucial for E-commerce businesses to have a unified view. 

An effective OMS collates sales data from all channels, offering a holistic snapshot at a glance.

Check for OMS solutions that promote “omnichannel” capabilities. It can be a game-changer for your business.

Comprehensive Inventory Management

Inventory snags can be detrimental. The right OMS will not only track sales but also monitor stock levels, alerting you about low inventory or potential overstock situations.

Opt for OMS platforms that offer real-time inventory tracking. This ensures you’re always in the know and can make timely decisions.

Integrations with Local Payment Gateways

As highlighted, Filipinos have a diverse range of payment preferences, including COD, bank transfers, e-wallets, and more. 

An ideal OMS caters to these, integrating with local payment gateways to facilitate smooth transactions.

Look for OMS solutions that support a wide range of payment options. It can enhance customer experience and boost sales.

Tailored Reporting and Analytics

The local market has its quirks. An OMS should provide reports and analytics tailored to the Philippine market, enabling businesses to extract meaningful insights and refine their strategies.

Prioritize an order management system that allow customized reporting. Being able to focus on locally-relevant metrics can steer your business in the right direction.

Support and Training in Filipino

While English proficiency is high in the Philippines, offering customer support and training in Filipino can make technology adoption smoother and more effective.

Consider OMS providers that either have a local presence or dedicate resources to cater to the Filipino audience. It’s about ensuring ease of use and understanding.

Top Order Management Systems in the Philippines

Choosing the right OMS can be a pivotal decision for your business. By understanding the features, integrations, and costs associated with each, you can select a system tailored to your specific needs in the Philippine market.

Odoo

Odoo is a comprehensive suite of business applications, with OMS being a vital component. It’s known for its modularity, allowing businesses to add more apps as they grow.

Key Features:

Integration Capabilities:

  • Integrates with major E-commerce platforms, CRMs, and accounting tools.

Pricing Model:

  • Subscription-based, with pricing varying based on apps chosen (custom account is priced at $10.90 per month)

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Scalable as businesses grow.

Cons

  • Might be overwhelming for first-time users due to its vast features.

QuickBooks Commerce

Previously known as TradeGecko, this cloud-based inventory and order management system is popular among SMEs. It seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks’ accounting software.

Key Features:

  • Real-time order and stock level tracking
  • Detailed sales analytics
  • Multi-currency sales capabilities

Integration Capabilities:

  • Works with major E-commerce platforms, payment gateways, and shipping carriers.

Pricing Model:

  • Tiered subscription model, based on order volume. Plan starts at $15/month.

Pros:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Robust reporting features

Cons

  • Some advanced features are only available in higher-priced tiers.

Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus is the enterprise-level offering from Shopify, targeting high-volume merchants and big businesses.

Key Features:

  • Automated workflows for complex processes
  • Customizable storefronts
  • Dedicated support

Integration Capabilities:

  • Supports a plethora of apps on the Shopify marketplace, ranging from marketing tools to customer service integrations.

Pricing Model:

  • Custom pricing tailored to business needs. Plan starts at $2,000 per month.

Pros

  • Scalable, extensive customer support, reliable uptime.

Cons

  • Pricier than standard Shopify, some customizations might require developer expertise.

Zoho Inventory

A cloud-based application from the Zoho Suite that specializes in inventory and order management for growing businesses.

Key Features:

  • Automated reordering
  • Multichannel selling
  • Barcode scanning

Integration Capabilities:

  • Integrates with major e-commerce platforms, shipping services, and other Zoho apps.

Pricing Model:

  • Subscription-based with different tiers based on order volume. Offers a free account for 1 warehouse and 2 users.

Pros: 

  • User-friendly, robust mobile application

Cons: 

  • Integration limitations with non-Zoho apps.

Netsuite

Netsuite, owned by Oracle, is a comprehensive cloud business software suite that includes ERP, CRM, and OMS functionalities.

Key Features:

  • End-to-end order lifecycle management
  • Returns management
  • Customer-specific pricing

Integration Capabilities:

  • Offers integrations with various e-commerce platforms, CRM tools, and financial software.

Pricing Model:

  • Customized based on modules chosen, user count, and add-ons.

Pros: 

  • Comprehensive solution, global reach with localized capabilities.

Cons: 

  • Might be overkill for very small businesses, higher learning curve.

Tips for Businesses Considering OMS Adoption

Subscribing to an Order Management Software is a significant investment, and every step matters. To find the right one that will  truly complements your operations, here are some clear-cut recommendations:

1. Understand Your Needs First

Before diving into OMS options, evaluate your business’s specific needs. For instance, if you’re a startup focusing only on local sales, a simpler system might be apt. But if you have plans for regional expansion, a scalable solution is crucial.

List down your top three business challenges related to order management. Aim to find an OMS that addresses these head-on.

2. Prioritize User-friendliness

The learning curve for a new software can be steep. An intuitive user interface can drastically reduce training time and foster quicker adoption.

Consider platforms that offer trial periods. This lets your team get a hands-on feel, gauging ease of use.

3. Integration is Key

Your OMS will likely need to communicate with other systems, be it your e-commerce platform, CRM, or accounting software. Seamless integration can save time and reduce errors.

Check if the OMS integrates easily with the software tools you already use. Also, consider future tools you might adopt.

4. Budget Wisely

While it’s tempting to go for the most feature-rich OMS, always weigh the benefits against costs. 

Sometimes, a moderately-priced OMS with fewer features could serve your needs just as effectively.

Set a budget range for your OMS adoption. Remember to factor in costs like training and potential add-ons.

5. Seek Feedback from Peers

In a vibrant community like the Philippines’ business ecosystem, peer recommendations can be gold. Knowing the real-world experiences of fellow entrepreneurs can provide invaluable insights.

Join local business forums or Facebook groups, to ask for OMS feedback.

6. Prioritize Local Support

While global solutions offer vast features, having local support can be advantageous. They’ll understand the unique challenges of the Philippine market and provide solutions tailored to them.

Look for OMS providers with local offices or representatives. It ensures you get timely support when needed.

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