If there is one thing that is certain in this world, it is changing. And in the world of retail, change is coming at break-neck speed. Fueled by today’s shoppers who demand the ability to “buy anywhere, fulfill anywhere”, it is no longer uncommon that they also have come to expect to purchase at any time, anywhere, and from any device. Finally, today’s shopper is requiring the ability to connect with your brand on any channel and engage easily across their preferred channels, be it social, mobile, or in person.
Baffled as to how any eCommerce business could possibly fulfill these demands? Don’t be. In order to deliver on this type of exemplary customer experience, your current eCommerce systems must be integrated with inventory management, fulfillment, marketing, and all “back-end” accounting systems.
But first, let’s take a look at what eCommerce integration actually means.
So What Is eCommerce Integration?
eCommerce integration happens when there is a data transfer between the eCommerce platform you currently use and the areas of accounting, CRM, inventory sales, and marketing. Proper integration facilitates the two-way flow of information between the systems so that all data needs to be entered only one time.
This integration will help you keep track of all customers purchasing on multiple channels simultaneously as well as help you keep track of your “product transfer.”
Benefits Of Employing eCommerce Integrations
There are many benefits to implementing eCommerce integrations for your business, here are a few:
- Do away with both manual and duplicate entries
- Enhance the speed of data interchange between many systems.
- Strengthen the accuracy of data
- Synchronize inventory for all sales channels
- Seamlessly add more sales channels
What Are The Limitations Of Using Manual Processes?
When your processes are not automated your business is bound to suffer from endless mistakes. Here are just some of the things that can go wrong:
- Customer shipping addresses may be entered incorrectly
- Erroneous inventory levels can mean overselling of products
- Information regarding your products can be wrong, incomplete, or simply absent
- When there is no two-way integration in place, you risk endangering the customer experience which can contribute to loss of business
You’ve Decided To Move Forward With eCommerce Integration–Now What?
If you are convinced that your business is ready to employ eCommerce integration, your next step is to seek out a resource that can help you develop the integration that would be the best fit for your company.
But before you move head-on with integration, take into consideration what your needs are. Some of those considerations may be to determine what type of integration you need such as: an iPaas Tool, native, or custom development. It would be highly beneficial to seek out the expertise of a specialist who can help you decide which is the right technology to implement, “build out” the chosen system’s requirements, and turn out a training and implementation plan.
Your Customers Will Thank You
Once you implement your chosen eCommerce integration, not only does your business run like a well-oiled machine, but your customers’ experience will be raised to a higher level. This is how your customers will benefit with the integration:
- Customers will always have accurate, comprehensive, consistent, and well-rounded product information across all your channels
- Accurate inventory data
- You will build customers’ confidence when you are able to deliver on the products they want when they want it
- Offering prompt and valuable customer service
- Ease of returns
So Many Benefits To Be Had
As mentioned above, there are numerous benefits to implementing eCommerce integration for your business. If you are intent on growing your brand, increase your offerings, and seek to grow your customer base, you will need this system to handle the sudden increase of sales and to ensure your customers have an efficient and positive shopping experience.