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Order Fulfillment Software
What Is Order Fulfillment Software?
An order fulfillment system automates the order fulfillment process, ensuring that a production order is completed with the highest level of accuracy and least amount of lead time necessary. It promises high quote accuracy, fulfillment efficiency, and billing management tools to maximize billing and order effectiveness. It is often combined with transportation management software and warehouse management software to create a supply chain execution system that promises real-time visibility.
Order Fulfillment Features & Functionality
Order fulfillment starts with a smooth quote-to-order-to-cash transition, so the user can deliver a quote to the buyer that is both accurate and achievable, the implication being that customers expect no deviation from the original quote provided to them by the supplier.
Once the quote offer has been accepted, the next step is order fulfillment, which comes with four potential degrees of flexibility:
| Made-to-stock (MTS) or build-to-forecast (BTF) | This option is for products that are mass produced in anticipation of future demand, and will be used by vendors whose products are in constant demand and never customized. The software would likely suggest recurring billing cycles to meet ongoing sales and purchase needs. |
| Build-to-order (BTO) or make-to-order (MTO) | BTO or MTO software is for standardized products that are produced only when ordered, but are never customized in the building process. This requires project-based billing, but simple efficiency, rather than customizability in the ordering process. |
| Assemble-to-order (ATO) | The ATO option is for products that are assembled to order from a select number of possible components. ATO allows only as much customization as the available components can deliver, providing the minimum amount of flexibility required in this situation. |
| Engineer-to-order (ETO) | The most customizable option, ETO gives the customer more control over the design of the product by engineering production to the customer’s needs. Order management software would likely assign time-based billing to ETO products and allow much greater overall functionality to meet the required customization. |
Finally, order processing software handles financial transactions through billing management, which prevents billing errors that would otherwise interrupt cash flow. The important thing for suppliers is to limit days sales outstanding (DSO) and obtain real revenue from customers. In this case, order fulfillment systems use accrued or deferred revenue recognition processes to keep track of accounts receivable and which customers have paid for products and services rendered.
Evaluating Order Fulfillment Software
Obviously, the type of product(s) and degree of customization required will be the biggest deciding factor in evaluating order fulfillment software. A close second will be quoting billing needs, since quote accuracy and billing cycle requirements are such a key component of order fulfillment.
Consider the following when selecting an order fulfillment software vendor:
- Are price quotes a major part of your ordering/fulfillment needs?
- To what degree are products manufactured and/or customized to order?
- Do you need time-based billing?
- Do you mass-produce products in anticipation of future demand?
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RedPrairie On-Demand WMS
Fulfillment is accurate and automated with RedPrairie On-Demand WMS’s inventory and warehouse management application. Integration with Dynamics GP, QuickBooks, Peachtree, and other accounting systems is also possible.
SphereWMS
A great system for warehouse managers that are looking to increase speed and accuracy of order fulfillment. Has the ability to process and allocate orders based on set parameters, as well as print any paperwork for processing.
CartonLogic
Warehousing, inventory, and distribution managers looking for order fulfillment functionality should look into the CartonLogic solution from WDG. Meets the needs of a wide range of users, from food/beverage to medical equipment.
3PL Warehouse Manager by 3PL Central
3PL operators can track and manage orders from initial generation to final delivery using 3PL Central’s 3PL Warehouse Manager solution. Supports EDI, spreadsheet importing, or manual inventory entry. Supports ASNs to customers.
Geneva Business Management Systems (GBMS)
Geneva Business Management Systems has the features and functionality for warehouse managers to effectively track inventory, while being user-friendly sothat sales staff can successfully use it to check on order fulfillment.
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3PLink
Because 3PLink by Camelot Software can be deployed either as a standalone warehouse management system or an integrated WMS, TMS and financials application, users can customize this system to meet their specific fulfillment needs.
RedPrairie
Inventory managers looking for a robust application suite should evaluate RedPrairie’s supply chain solution. RedPrairie offers inventory optimization functionality and specializes in transportation, warehousing and distribution
Epicor Supply Chain Management
Because the Epicor system is an enterprise suite, it’s a great system for those looking to manage and control their entire fulfilment operation. It includes sourcing and warehouse management applications to expedite orders.
Manhattan Associates
Manhattan Associates provides multi-channel retailers and manufacturers the ability to view orders from any origin, optimize inventory based on customer demand, and predict product shortages with real-time inventory data.
HighJump Warehouse Advantage
Made for small to midsized organizations, HighJump helps warehouse managers optimize the order fulfillment process. Advanced workflows enhance the speed and accuracy of order processing, even in complex distribution environments.
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