An enterprise order management system (OMS) is a centralized platform that helps businesses manage inventory, orders, and shipping. Retailers use an OMS to connect their eCommerce store with back-end systems like their warehouse management system (WMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The OMS can also track orders across multiple channels.
Every business is different and the length of time for OMS implementation will vary. But there are some approaches that can help you estimate how long the process will take.
In this blog post, we’ll outline what needs to be done before an OMS can go live and review factors that might impact the implementation timeframe. By understanding what’s involved in an implementation, you can better plan for your own project.
The value of implementing an OMS quickly
An OMS provides retailers with a real-time view of inventory and the ability to automate and optimize their order fulfillment process. Quick implementation means that businesses can start realizing the following benefits:
- Increased operational efficiency: Quick implementation of an enterprise OMS is key to helping to increase a retailer’s operational efficiency. By automating and optimizing the order fulfillment process, retailers can free up time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual tasks, which improves efficiency in other areas of the business.
- Happier customers: An OMS can improve customer satisfaction by streamlining the entire order management process. For example, inventory transparency can help ensure that customers know exactly what products are available and when they can expect to receive them. Additionally, more fulfillment options can provide customers with greater flexibility in how they receive their orders. And finally, better communication about product availability and shipping status can help keep customers informed throughout the ordering process.
- Reduced inventory costs: Fast OMS implementation can help reduce inventory costs by automating the ordering process. This enables retailers to keep better track of their inventory levels and avoid overordering or stocking too much inventory which can lead to significant cost savings over time.
- Increased sales and revenue growth potential: An OMS can help increase sales and fuel greater revenue growth potential. By improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, retailers can create a more positive reputation for their business. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and contribute to organic growth over time.
OMS Timeline: Factors that impact implementation
While the time frame for implementing an OMS varies, it typically takes from a few weeks to several months, depending on several factors including:
- The size and complexity of your business: Enterprise order management systems can be quite complex, so businesses with more products, locations, and channels will generally take longer to implement than smaller businesses.
- The number of integrations: You’ll need to integrate the OMS with a variety of back-end systems (e.g., WMS, ERP, etc). The more integrations you need, the longer the implementation process will take.
- The level of customization: a huge benefit of a microservices-based commerce system like Kibo Headless Commerce is that it’s highly customizable, but this can also add time to the onboarding process. Basically, the more customization you need, the longer implementation will take.
- Whether you’re starting from scratch or migrating from another system: If you’re building a system from scratch, the implementation process will take longer than if you’re migrating from an existing OMS.
The experience of your implementation team: An enterprise OMS is complex, so onboarding will take longer if your team doesn’t have a lot of experience. It’s important to ask the OMS vendor how much support they provide when onboarding the new system, since the level of support impacts the time frame of implementation.
Typical steps to consider with OMS implementation
Before you begin the process of implementing a new OMS, it’s important to take some time to plan. You’ll need to consider things like technology and staffing requirements, desired functionality, and how (or if) the new OMS system integrates with your existing commerce capabilities. Here’s a six step approach that considers the entire process of implementation.
Step 1: Planning
Before you begin implementation, it’s important to take some time to plan. You’ll need to consider things like technology and staffing requirements, what out-of-the-gate functionality you want, and your existing capabilities. This information can then be used to create an implementation blueprint that helps ensure a smooth and successful onboarding process.
Step 2: System design
After you’ve completed the planning phase, it’s time to start designing the system. This step involves figuring out how the various components of the system will work together. You’ll also need to decide which features you want to include and how they will be integrated into the overall system.
Step 3: Software configuration/development
Once design is complete, it’s time to start configuring the software. This step will involve setting up the various components of the system and making sure they work together correctly. You may also need to develop some custom software to meet your specific business needs.
Step 4: Testing
After the software has been configured, you’ll spend some time testing the system to make sure it’s working correctly. This step is critical to ensure a smooth and successful rollout.
Step 5: Rollout/deployment
Now that you’ve tested the system and determined that it’s working correctly, it’s time to go live. This step involves deploying the system in your production environment and making it available to your users.
Step 6: Ongoing support
Congratulations, you’ve successfully rolled out your enterprise OMS, but you’re not done yet. It’s important to provide ongoing support. This step will ensure that your system remains up-to-date and running smoothly. It involves training your staff on how to use the system and providing them with the resources they need to be successful.
OMS implementation is easier (and quicker) than ever
The prevalence of cloud-based systems has made it easier for businesses to implement an OMS quickly and efficiently. Many newer OMS solutions often require little to no IT involvement and OMS providers offer services to help retailers with the implementation process, further reducing the time and effort required.
What makes Kibo’s OMS different?
Kibo Order Management System stands out among our competitors for innovation and flexibility. Kibo was one of the first companies to offer cloud-based enterprise order management, enabling retailers to access the system from anywhere in the world.
Kibo’s microservices-based architecture facilitates an unlimited number of customization options which ensures the OMS meets your specific business needs. Our unified commerce platform is fully containerized and supports flexible deployments in public, private, and hybrid-cloud environments.
Kibo provides new releases and updates every two weeks versus our competitors who typically release new versions only twice a year. This ensures that the system is constantly being improved and refined, and that our clients always have access to the most advanced commerce features.
Kibo’s team of experts is incredibly hands-on. We’re available to help you with every step of the implementation process, from planning to execution.
Implementing an enterprise OMS can take some time, but the value it brings is worth the wait. By understanding the timeline and process for implementation, you can ensure that your business gets the most out of this powerful technology.
With Kibo Order Management, retailers can experience a shorter implementation timeline thanks to our innovative technology and dedicated team of experts. We understand the importance of getting up and running quickly so you can focus on scaling your business. Speak with a Kibo sales associate to learn more about how Kibo Order Management can help you succeed.
