Buying order management software requires extensive pre-purchase research. Not only do you have dozens of potential solutions to evaluate, your existing system processes may need to be updated. As you know, the fulfillment process has grown increasingly complex. Investing in an enterprise order management system can help you streamline your processes, integrate with existing CRM software, and manage transactions across multiple channels. That said, it's not a simple matter of picking a product, installing it, and watching the magic happen. Use these best practices to make the best buying decision possible.


Look at the Big Picture 
Start by looking beyond your current need for order management software and consider all aspects of a transaction such as customer relationship management and receivables. What systems do you currently have in place for these extended system processes? Is it possible to integrate your existing systems into your new system solution? Does it make sense to start from scratch?

While you're at it, consider your infrastructure. How will implementing an order management system affect your current and future IT plans?

Gather Order Management Software Requirements 
After looking at the big picture and making some broad decisions, it's time to identify actual requirements. Start on paper by documenting your end-to-end order management process. What happens when? What is needed to support this?

Next, critically evaluate your existing process. Does it make sense? Could it be streamlined? What can be automated? It's a good idea to get input from those who carry out these processes on a regular basis as they'll be able to share their frustrations, ideas, insights, and wish lists. For example, your accounts receivable clerk may find certain data entry tasks time-consuming, redundant, and error-prone and wish that certain data could automatically carry forward.

As you get feedback, separate your requirements list into the following color-coded categories:

1. Absolutely necessary (Green)
2. Would be nice (Yellow)
3. Unnecessary (Red)

Now it's time to evaluate various order management solutions such as Dolphin's SAP Order Management which automates various processes and helps you to maximize service levels to your customers.

As you compare your software solutions, label each feature with the color that corresponds with your categories. If a solution is loaded with red features, it's not a good match. Your ideal solution will have all of your green features as well as a fair amount of yellow ones. A few unnecessary features may be inevitable, but try to limit them as you don't want to pay for a large amount of features you don't need.

Plan for the Order Management Software Implementation 
Bear in mind that buying the software is just the beginning. You'll need to work carefully with the vendor to implement it properly. These implementations tend to be highly customizable, making it important to invest the time and effort up front to get it just right. As you plan the implementation and modify your system procedures in the process, make sure to document your new procedures. This will come in handy during training and operations.

Provide Order Management Software Training 
Finally, ensure a successful launch by providing ample training for your team. It's not easy transitioning to new software. It's even more difficult if you modified some of your system processes as part of the implementation.