Order entry software is used to process orders for products or services. These orders can be taken by phone, internet or mail, or at retail locations. These software packages range from small business solutions to enterprise level products designed for large businesses. Order tracking software can be purchased either as a stand alone product or as part of a small business software suite. Large corporations often use an integrated manufacturing solutions, commerce solution or Enterprise resource planning (ERP) programs that include order entry processing.
In order to be truly efficient for your business, your order entry package needs to integrate fully with all areas of your business including accounting , purchasing, sales, inventory-control, shipping, marketing, and customer service. It should be scalable so your business has the flexibility required to grow. You might also consider a vertical market solution designed for the specific requirements of your industry such as manufacturing businesses, construction businesses, medical offices, etc.
Basic order handling packages generally include:
- Customer data management
- Order entry and processing
- Inventory tracking and management
- Receipt and invoicing software
- Sales analysis tools
- Email marketing capabilities
- Financial package interfaces
Higher end products may also include:
- Bar code software
- Back order management
- Multiple currency handling
- Product information pop-ups
- Accounts receivable handling
- Return authorization
- Vendors and sales rep modules
- Partial order shipping
Major Vendors in the order processing software market include:
- Everest Software
- Choice Technologies
- DydaComp
- KnowledgeStorm
- Lilly Software
- Mainstreet Commerce
- All-Pro Software
- Sage Software (formerly known as Best Software)
Selection Criteria:
- Cost
- Types of orders to be processed (walk in, email, internet, phone, etc)
- Type of order processing needs (allow partial shipments? Outside shipping interface?, etc.)
- Level of integration with your existing business systems
- Ease of use and training
- System resources: Not usually an issue, but sometimes small business environments are on over-taxed hardware already.