ERP for Ecommerce: The Future of Ecommerce Business Management

Imagine an ecommerce business that can manage its entire supply chain, from order fulfillment to inventory tracking to customer service, all from a single platform. That's what ERP (enterprise resource planning) can do for ecommerce businesses.

ERP is a software solution that integrates all of a business's core processes into a single system. This gives businesses a real-time view of their operations and allows them to automate many tasks, which can save time and money.

ERP is especially beneficial for ecommerce businesses, which need to be able to scale quickly and efficiently. With ERP, ecommerce businesses can manage their inventory more effectively, fulfill orders faster, and provide better customer service.

This blog will discuss about everything related to ERP ecommerce businesses in more detail, as well as how to choose and implement the right ERP system for your needs.

What is ERP Ecommerce?

ERP ecommerce also known as Shopify erp is the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to manage the core business processes of an ecommerce business. ERP software integrates all of a business's core processes, such as order management, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and financial management, into a single system. This gives businesses a real-time view of their operations and allows them to automate many tasks, which can save time and money.

ERP ecommerce software is especially beneficial for ecommerce businesses, which need to be able to scale quickly and efficiently. With ERP, ecommerce businesses can manage their inventory more effectively, fulfill orders faster, and provide better customer service.

ERP Features for Ecommerce

ERP software for ecommerce businesses typically includes the following features:

Order management: ERP ecommerce software can automate the entire order management process, from receiving orders to shipping them out. This can help ecommerce businesses to fulfill orders more quickly and efficiently.
Inventory management: ERP ecommerce software can track inventory levels across all channels, including warehouses, stores, and online marketplaces. This helps ecommerce businesses to ensure that they always have the products they need in stock.
Customer relationship management (CRM): ERP ecommerce software can help ecommerce businesses to manage their customer relationships by tracking customer interactions, purchase history, and preferences. This information can be used to provide more personalized customer service and to target marketing campaigns more effectively.
Financial management: ERP ecommerce software can help ecommerce businesses to manage their finances by tracking income, expenses, and cash flow. This information can be used to make better business decisions and to improve profitability.
Analytics and reporting: ERP ecommerce software can generate reports on all aspects of the business, from sales and inventory to customer service and marketing. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to make better business decisions.
Product information management (PIM): PIM software helps ecommerce businesses to manage their product data, such as product descriptions, images, and specifications. This information can be used to create and update product listings on websites and marketplaces.
E-commerce integrations: ERP ecommerce software can be integrated with e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify and Magento. This allows businesses to manage all of their operations from a single system.
Mobile access: ERP ecommerce tools can be accessed on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This allows businesses to manage their operations from anywhere.

How does ERP work for ecommerce businesses?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems work for e-commerce businesses by providing a centralized and integrated platform to manage various business functions and processes. Here's how ERP works for e-commerce businesses:

Integration: ERP systems connect and integrate different aspects of an e-commerce business, including inventory management, order processing, financials, customer data, and more. This ecommerce ERP integration eliminates data silos and ensures that information flows seamlessly between departments.
Centralized Database: ERP systems maintain a centralized database where all relevant data is stored. This includes product information, customer details, sales orders, supplier information, and financial records. Having a single source of truth for data ensures consistency and accuracy.
Automation: ERP systems automate routine tasks and processes, reducing manual data entry and human errors. For example, when a customer places an order, the ERP system can automatically update inventory levels, generate an invoice, and send shipping details to the logistics team.
Inventory Management: ERP systems enable real-time tracking of inventory levels. When a product is sold, the system deducts it from available stock. When inventory reaches a certain threshold, the system can trigger reorder alerts to replenish stock.
Order Processing: E-commerce businesses receive orders from various channels, such as online stores, marketplaces, and brick-and-mortar locations. ERP systems consolidate these orders, process them efficiently, and update order statuses as they move through the fulfillment process.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): ERP systems often include CRM features that help businesses manage customer information, track interactions, and provide personalized service. This enables businesses to build stronger customer relationships and enhance the shopping experience.
Financial Management: ERP systems handle financial aspects, such as accounting, invoicing, and financial reporting. They can generate financial statements, track expenses, manage accounts payable and receivable, and handle tax calculations.
Analytics and Reporting: ERP systems offer robust analytics and reporting ecommerce tools that allow businesses to gain insights into their operations. Users can generate reports on sales trends, inventory turnover, customer behavior, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
Scalability: ERP systems are scalable and can accommodate the growth of e-commerce businesses. They can handle increased transaction volumes, expanded product catalogs, and additional sales channels without major disruptions.
Compliance: Many ecommerce ERP systems include features for regulatory compliance and tax management. They can help e-commerce businesses navigate complex tax regulations, calculate taxes accurately, and generate compliance reports.

Benefits of using ERP for ecommerce businesses

There are many benefits to using ERP in ecommerce businesses, including:

Improved efficiency: ERP can help ecommerce businesses to improve their efficiency by automating many tasks and by providing a single system for managing all of their operations. This can help to reduce costs and improve profitability.
Reduced costs: ERP can help ecommerce businesses to reduce costs by automating tasks, reducing waste, and improving inventory management. For example, ERP can help businesses to avoid overstocking and to reduce the number of errors in orders.
Increased sales: ERP can help ecommerce businesses to increase sales by improving their supply chain management, order fulfillment, and customer service. For example, ERP can help businesses to ensure that products are always in stock and that orders are shipped quickly and accurately.
Improved profitability: ERP can help ecommerce businesses to improve their profitability by reducing costs and increasing sales.
Scalability: ERP can help ecommerce businesses to scale quickly and efficiently by providing a single system for managing all of their operations. This can be especially important for ecommerce businesses that are growing rapidly.
Order fulfillment: ERP can automate many of the tasks involved in order fulfillment, such as picking, packing, and shipping. This can help businesses to fulfill orders more quickly and accurately.
Customer service: ERP can give ecommerce businesses a complete view of each customer's order history and interactions with the company. This information can be used to provide more personalized and efficient customer service.
Financial management: ERP can help ecommerce businesses to manage their finances by tracking income, expenses, and cash flow. This information can be used to make better business decisions and to improve profitability.
Analytics and reporting: ERP can generate reports on all aspects of the business, from sales and inventory to customer service and marketing. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to make better business decisions.

List of 10 best ecommerce ERP software

Several ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions are tailored for e-commerce businesses to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Here are a few examples of ecommerce ERP software commonly used in the e-commerce industry:

NetSuite

NetSuite, owned by Oracle, is a cloud-based ERP solution that offers comprehensive functionality for e-commerce businesses. It includes features for order management, inventory management, financials, and customer relationship management. NetSuite is known for its scalability and can accommodate businesses of all sizes.

SAP Commerce Cloud

SAP Commerce Cloud, formerly known as SAP Hybris, is part of the larger SAP ecosystem. It provides end-to-end e-commerce ERP capabilities, including product content management, order management, and customer experience management. It integrates seamlessly with other SAP solutions.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce is part of the broader Dynamics 365 suite of business applications. It offers features for e-commerce, including online store management, order processing, inventory management, and customer insights. It's known for its flexibility and integration with Microsoft products.

Epicor Commerce Connect

Epicor Commerce Connect is designed for mid-sized and larger e-commerce businesses. It offers functionalities for order processing, inventory management, and customer engagement. It can be customized to meet specific business needs.

Shopify Plus

While Shopify is primarily an e-commerce platform, Shopify Plus offers more advanced features suitable for larger e-commerce businesses. It is the best ERP for ecommerce and integrates with various ERP systems to manage back-end operations such as inventory, order processing, and financials.

Acumatica Commerce Edition

Acumatica Commerce Edition is a cloud-based ecommerce ERP solution that caters to e-commerce businesses. It includes modules for inventory management, order fulfillment, financials, and customer management. It's known for its flexibility and adaptability.

Sage X3

Sage X3 is an ERP ecommerce solution suitable for e-commerce businesses looking for streamlined operations. It offers functionalities for financials, inventory management, and order processing. Sage X3 is known for its ease of use and scalability.

Brightpearl

Brightpearl is a cloud-based ERP system designed for retailers and e-commerce businesses. It provides features for inventory management, order processing, and multichannel sales. It integrates with various e-commerce platforms and marketplaces.

Odoo

Odoo is an open-source ERP system that can be customized to suit the needs of e-commerce businesses. It offers modules for inventory management, order processing, and customer relationship management. Odoo is known for its flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Fishbowl

Fishbowl is an inventory management and ERP solution that integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. It's particularly suitable for businesses with complex inventory needs.

The future of ERP for ecommerce

ERP systems are becoming increasingly powerful, flexible, and affordable, making them more accessible to businesses of all sizes. And with the help of AI-powered solutions like Manifest AI, businesses can get even more out of their ERP systems.

Manifest AI is a GPT-powered AI chatbot that can be integrated with ERP systems to automate tasks, answer questions, and provide insights. For example, Manifest AI can be used to:

Automate customer service tasks, such as answering questions about orders and products
Help you in personalized product discovery
Answer customer queries in 95+ languages
It can became live on your store in less than 30 seconds
Can help you provide qualified leads on your store for retargetting

Install Manifest AI for on your Shopify store now

By integrating Manifest AI with their ERP systems, ecommerce businesses can improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and make better business decisions.

Conclusion

ERP is the future of ecommerce business management. ERP systems can help ecommerce businesses to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, increase sales, improve profitability, and scale quickly and efficiently.

ERP systems are becoming more powerful, flexible, and affordable, making them more accessible to businesses of all sizes. And with the help of AI-powered solutions like Manifest AI, businesses can get even more out of their ERP systems.

If you are an ecommerce business owner, then ERP is a solution that you should consider. ERP can help you to take your business to the next level.