B2B order management software (OMS) plays a critical role in managing the often complex and multifaceted process of handling large-scale orders for manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers. Unlike B2C systems, B2B order management must handle more intricate processes like custom pricing, large quantities, recurring orders, and multi-location fulfillment, all while maintaining seamless integration with ERP systems and other back-end technologies. This page will explore what B2B order management software is, the key differences between OMS and ERP systems, essential features businesses need to look for, and important considerations when selecting the best solution for your business.
B2B order management software is a system designed to automate and optimize the eCommerce fulfillment process for businesses that deal with other businesses. It tracks orders from initial placement through delivery, managing inventory, invoicing, shipping, and customer data across multiple channels and locations.
The goal is to ensure that every order, no matter how complex, is processed efficiently and accurately, while providing visibility into the status of orders, stock levels, and delivery timelines. For many B2B companies, eCommerce order management is essential for managing the high volume and complexity of orders they handle daily.
Two of the most common systems businesses use to manage their operations are Order Management Systems (OMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. While these systems can overlap in functionality, they serve different primary purposes.
An OMS is specifically designed to manage the lifecycle of orders. In a B2B context, this includes handling custom orders, managing bulk orders, setting up recurring orders, and integrating with fulfillment partners. The key advantage of an OMS is its specialization in order processing, fulfillment, and ensuring that customer orders are completed efficiently, even if they involve complex workflows.
Benefits of OMS for B2B:
ERP systems, on the other hand, are designed to be comprehensive solutions that integrate various business functions such as accounting, HR, procurement, and manufacturing into a single system. While they often include some order management features, enterprise order management systems are broader and may not offer the same depth of functionality as an OMS when it comes to complex order fulfillment processes.
When ERP may be more suitable:
Many B2B businesses opt to integrate OMS with their ERP systems to strike a balance between comprehensive business management and advanced order processing capabilities.
When selecting B2B order management software, businesses should look for features that truly fit their day-to-day needs. For instance, real-time inventory visibility is key. Managing stock across multiple warehouses, retail locations, or even with third-party partners becomes much simpler when you can instantly see what’s available. It ensures you’re always in balance—meeting demand without overstocking or running out. Another big factor is flexibility with pricing. In the B2B eCommerce world, orders are often negotiated rather than simply placed at a fixed price. Software should allow for dynamic pricing, tailored quotes, and special discounting based on the size of the order or client relationship.
On the fulfillment side, handling larger, complex orders means the system should support automated routing, split shipments, and bulk shipping management, all while integrating seamlessly with multiple carriers. For clients who rely on recurring orders, automation tools can make it effortless—allowing them to schedule deliveries without needing constant back-and-forth. Additionally, multi-channel order management brings everything together by centralizing orders from all sales avenues, whether they come through eCommerce platforms, direct sales teams, or marketplaces. Lastly, smooth integration with existing systems like ERP, CRM, or financial tools ensures that all operations are in sync, reducing manual errors and keeping data consistent across the board.
Choosing the right OMS for your business isn’t as simple as finding one with the most features. Every business has unique needs, so it’s important to consider a few key factors:
Scalability
Can the system handle your future growth? B2B businesses often grow rapidly, adding new products, clients, or regions. You’ll need a system that can scale with you, managing additional inventory, orders, and data without sacrificing performance.
Flexibility and Customization
B2B businesses often have highly specific workflows that can vary greatly between industries. Look for a platform that allows you to customize workflows, reports, and dashboards to meet the specific needs of your business.
User-Friendly Interface
You want a system that your team can adopt quickly and easily. A user-friendly interface with clear navigation, reporting tools, and minimal training requirements ensures that the system gets used to its fullest potential.
Support for Multi-National Operations
If your business operates in multiple regions, look for software that can handle the complexities of international shipping, taxes, and compliance regulations. Multi-currency and multi-language support are also critical for businesses operating on a global scale.
Kibo’s B2B Order Management Software simplifies the complexities of B2B transactions by offering an integrated, flexible platform that helps businesses manage orders, inventory, and fulfillment across multiple channels. Built for manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors, Kibo’s solutions empower businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and scale with ease.
Kibo’s B2B order management software handles the intricate needs of B2B transactions, including custom pricing, bulk orders, recurring orders, and contract management. With Kibo, businesses can easily:
Kibo’s B2B order management solution integrates effortlessly with your existing ERP, CRM, and other systems to streamline business operations and improve data visibility. This means businesses can:
Kibo’s fulfillment tools provide businesses with the flexibility to meet customer needs while optimizing internal processes. Whether it’s dropshipping, cross-dock replenishment, or shipping from a central warehouse, Kibo’s B2B order management software supports:
Kibo’s modular and scalable architecture is designed to grow with your business. As your B2B operations expand, Kibo’s B2B order management software enables you to:
B2B order management software is a system designed to handle the complexities of processing, tracking, and fulfilling orders between businesses. It automates tasks like order routing, inventory management, custom pricing, and recurring orders, ensuring smooth and efficient order fulfillment for manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
B2B order management software handles more complex processes, such as managing large-volume orders, custom pricing, bulk discounts, recurring orders, and integrating with complex supply chains. In contrast, B2C systems typically focus on individual consumers and simpler fulfillment processes.
When selecting B2B order management software, look for features such as real-time inventory visibility, automated order routing, custom pricing and quoting tools, multi-channel order management, integration with ERP and CRM systems, and support for large or recurring orders.
B2B order management software can integrate with ERP systems to provide seamless data exchange between order management and other business functions like inventory, finance, and procurement. This ensures better visibility, data consistency, and streamlined operations across the entire business.
Yes, many B2B order management systems offer features for managing recurring and subscription-based orders. These features allow businesses to automate repeat orders, set up subscription models, and manage long-term contracts with clients efficiently.
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