Best Order Management System for Ecommerce: Full Guide

Managing orders sounds simple—until it isn’t. As your business grows, so do the moving parts: incoming sales, inventory shifts, customer updates, shipping deadlines, returns, and the occasional curveball. Without a solid system, you’ll find yourself putting out fires instead of actually running your business.

That’s where a work order management system steps in. Whether you're dispatching repair crews, processing fulfilment requests, or managing stock movements, this kind of system helps keep everything organised and accountable—so things don’t fall through the cracks.

What Is an Order Management System?

An order management system (OMS) is software that tracks sales, stock levels, and fulfilment across sales channels. It streamlines every stage—from the second a customer clicks “Buy” to when their order arrives at the door.

Whether you're running your store on Shopify or juggling multiple marketplaces, an OMS ties everything together, reducing manual work and giving you back control.

The Hidden Backbone of Online Selling

Think of your ecommerce business like a high-street shop. You’ve got a lovely front window display (your homepage), great salespeople (your ads), and a spotless floor (your UX). But none of it matters if what’s going on in the stockroom is a mess. That’s what your order management system is: the stockroom brain. And when it’s firing on all cylinders, everything else flows.

Without one, orders can get lost in spreadsheets, inventory runs out without warning, and your support inbox fills with “Where’s my order?” emails. But with one? You can fulfil hundreds—sometimes thousands—of orders a day without breaking a sweat.

OMS vs CRM: What's the Real Difference?

It’s easy to lump these two together. Both sit in the back office, both involve data, and both have dashboards. But they serve very different purposes.

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool is all about people. It tracks how often a customer opens your emails, what they’ve bought before, and when they last got in touch. Think Klaviyo, Salesforce, or HubSpot.

An OMS, on the other hand, focuses on the life cycle of the order. It deals with the logistics—what was bought, how it’s packed, when it’s shipped, and whether it made it to the customer in one piece.

You can—and should—use both. For instance, when your CRM sees that a customer placed a large order, it could trigger an email thanking them. But it’s the OMS that ensures the order’s picked, packed, and posted without a hitch.

The 4 Types of Ordering Systems (and Why It Matters What You Pick)

Not every business needs a heavy-duty system from day one. Some start with simple setups that get the job done—until they don’t. Others go all in early to avoid the inevitable growing pains later. Your choice depends on how many orders you’re processing, how many sales channels you juggle, and how much you value your sanity.

Here’s how the main types of ordering systems break down:

1. Manual Ordering Systems

Ah yes, the scrappy phase. If your “system” involves Google Sheets, inbox searches, WhatsApp messages, and the occasional Post-it stuck to your screen—congrats, you’re manually managing orders.

This can work, believe it or not. Especially in the early days when you’re fulfilling ten, maybe twenty orders a week. It’s cheap. It’s flexible. It’s yours. But as soon as your volume picks up, the cracks show. You forget to update stock. A customer’s address gets pasted wrong. Suddenly you’re refunding someone in Sweden because their order went to Swindon.

Manual systems are fine for MVPs and side hustles. Just don’t build your business on one.

2. Standalone OMS Software

Standalone systems are the next step up—simple, self-contained tools built specifically for managing orders. You install it (or log in via cloud), upload your products, and track your orders from one place.

These tools work well for businesses with a single sales channel and a relatively small product range. Think Etsy sellers, niche Shopify stores, or boutique DTC brands with a loyal but manageable audience.

What you get is focus: fewer bells and whistles, but easier setup and a shorter learning curve. And unlike manual systems, these tools can automate key things like confirmation emails, shipping label creation, or inventory deduction.

That said, they don’t always scale well. If you’re eyeing Amazon, eBay, or a wholesale arm, you may outgrow them quickly.

3. Integrated Ecommerce OMS

This is where things get slick. Integrated systems sync your entire ecommerce ecosystem—your online store, marketplaces, warehouses, shipping tools, and even accounting software. Everything talks to everything else.

Let’s say someone buys a product from your Shopify store. The OMS updates your inventory, sends the order to your 3PL, books the courier, and triggers a Slack notification for your team. That’s the magic of integration.

This type of system is best for fast-growing brands who sell across multiple platforms. If you’ve ever oversold stock because Amazon and Shopify weren’t in sync—or spent hours copying tracking numbers between tools—you’re ready for this.

Many integrated OMS tools come with pre-built connectors or APIs, making setup smoother than it used to be. But beware: with great flexibility comes the need for some technical know-how. It’s worth it—but only if you’re ready.

4. ERP-Based Systems

This is the big league. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP, NetSuite, or Oracle are more than just OMS tools—they’re business control towers. They connect your finance team, warehouse, supply chain, and procurement processes into one master system.

If you manufacture your own products, run multiple warehouses, or handle both B2B and B2C orders, ERP is probably where you’re headed. These systems are built to handle thousands of transactions per day with granular visibility and tight process control.

But they’re not for the faint of heart. Implementation can take months. Costs can run into six figures. And unless you have an IT team, you’ll likely need a partner or consultant to manage it.

Still, for some businesses, the sophistication is worth every penny. If you’re hitting the upper ceiling of your current systems and planning for a multi-region, multi-channel expansion—ERP might be the only viable way forward.

Key Features To Look For in an OMS

Alt text: OMS features infographic showing inventory tracking, order routing, integration, and reporting.

The right order management system should feel like hiring an operations manager who never takes a day off. Not just someone who can track packages—but one who anticipates problems, fixes them before they start, and quietly keeps the machine running.

You don’t want to be up at midnight wondering if that TikTok Shop order synced properly. A good OMS handles that—and a dozen other things—while you sleep. Here’s what to look for when picking your system:

Multi-Channel Syncing

These days, you’re not just selling from your own website. You might have a Shopify store, Amazon listings, TikTok Shop campaigns, and even a wholesale B2B portal. An effective OMS brings all those channels together in one clean dashboard.

This means orders from every source land in the same place, follow the same process, and talk to the same warehouse or shipping system. You shouldn’t have to log into five tools to get a view of what’s selling and what’s shipping. If your current setup involves toggling tabs and copying data across platforms, it’s time to upgrade.

Real-Time Inventory Updates

Stock-outs and double-selling are silent killers. There’s nothing more awkward than telling a customer their order’s been cancelled because the product “wasn’t actually in stock”—especially when your site said it was.

A good OMS automatically adjusts your stock levels across all platforms the moment something is bought, returned, or even reserved. It should prevent overselling on one channel just because another hasn’t updated. And if you’re restocking, the new levels should reflect everywhere instantly—no manual upload required.

Even better? Look for systems that can forecast low inventory and send alerts before you hit zero.

Shipping Integration

Shipping shouldn’t require a dozen browser tabs and an Excel cheat sheet. Your OMS should be able to:

• Print shipping labels
• Pick the most cost-effective courier
• Handle international customs info
• Calculate real-time shipping costs

Many OMS platforms integrate directly with carriers like Royal Mail, DPD, Hermes, and DHL—so you can compare rates and transit times without ever leaving the dashboard. Some even offer automation, like automatically selecting tracked shipping for high-value items or free shipping for VIP customers.

Returns Management

Returns are inevitable. But they don’t have to be a drain on time or morale. A solid OMS simplifies the returns process, both for your team and your customers.

This could mean:

• Automated return labels
• Rules for when to refund or restock
• Return tracking
• Customer-facing portals with branded instructions

Not only does this make life easier for you—it improves the customer experience. And in ecommerce, the ease of returning an item can influence whether someone buys in the first place.

Analytics & Forecasting

Data is where the real power lies. Your OMS should give you insights beyond “what sold today.” It should tell you:

• Which SKUs are trending
• How long your stock lasts
• What products tend to be returned (and why)
• How much you’re losing on shipping costs or failed deliveries

Some systems also offer demand forecasting, showing when to reorder based on past trends and seasonality. This is particularly handy before peak seasons like Black Friday or Christmas, when guessing wrong can cost thousands.

Automation Rules

The best part about a smart OMS? It saves you from clicking the same buttons over and over again. Look for systems that let you set up custom automation rules. For example:

• Automatically route UK orders to your Birmingham warehouse, and EU orders to your Amsterdam one
• Bundle accessories with core products during checkout
• Flag high-value orders for manual review
• Trigger SMS updates for express shipping customers

The more you automate, the more your team can focus on strategic work instead of repetitive admin.

User Roles & Permissions

You want your warehouse staff to see pick-and-pack info. Your accountant needs sales reports. Your support team just needs order statuses. But none of them need access to everything.

Good OMS tools let you define user roles with specific permissions. You can keep things secure, avoid accidental edits, and reduce noise for each team. Some systems also offer audit trails—so if a setting gets changed or an order is edited, you know who did it and when.

Which OMS Is Best? A Quick Comparison

Alt text: Illustration of a person comparing multiple OMS options with the text "Which OMS Is Best? A Quick Comparison.

Here’s a quick peek at some of the top players in the OMS space:

These tools vary wildly in cost, setup time, and complexity—so the best choice depends more on where you are now than where you want to be.

Why Bezos Is the Best Choice

Alt text: Logo of Bezos.

Bezos helps ecommerce brands grow by taking care of the messy backend—OMS, fulfilment, warehousing, shipping—all bundled into one streamlined system. Whether you're scaling a Shopify store or branching into new markets, Bezos helps you manage orders, automate shipping, and deliver faster without breaking the bank.

Want to stop worrying about operations and start focusing on growth?

Get a quote here and let’s make your life easier.

How an OMS Helps You Scale (Without the Chaos)

Here’s the thing: growth sounds good—until your systems can’t keep up. That’s where an OMS earns its keep.

With a smart OMS, you’ll see:

• Fewer Errors: No more typos, wrong items, or missed orders.
• Faster Fulfilment: Orders flow from checkout to carrier automatically.
• Lower Costs: Less staff time spent chasing stock or fixing mistakes.
• Better Forecasting: Know what to reorder and when.
• Customer Happiness: On-time deliveries and fewer complaints.

In fact, most successful ecommerce stores credit their operational infrastructure—especially their OMS—for enabling them to scale.

Need a refresher on how this connects with fulfilment? Check out this detailed guide on order fulfilment.

Is SAP an Order Management System?

Short answer: kind of. SAP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Order management is just one of its many modules.

If you're running a multinational business with warehouses on three continents, SAP makes sense. But for 95% of ecommerce brands? It’s overkill.

Think of SAP like a Boeing 747—capable, but hard to steer. You need a team just to manage it, and it can cost more than your annual revenue if you’re not careful.

When It’s Time To Upgrade Your Order System

Not sure if it’s time to invest in a proper OMS? Look for these signs:

• Orders slip through the cracks
• You're overselling or running out of stock
• Refunds take too long to process
• Your team spends more time on admin than strategy
• Support queries are growing, not shrinking

If any of these sound familiar, your current system might be holding you back.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all. The best OMS for you depends on your:

• Tech stack (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)
• Sales channels (DTC, wholesale, marketplaces)
• Budget and resources
• Current pain points

Here’s how to start:

1. Make a list of what’s not working right now
2. Set goals: Faster fulfilment? Lower returns? More accurate stock levels?
3. Book demos with 2–3 shortlisted tools
4. Test integrations during a trial period

And don’t forget—implementation is half the battle. The slickest software in the world won’t help if your team doesn’t use it properly.

FAQs

What are the 4 types of ordering system?

The four main types of ordering systems are manual, standalone, integrated, and ERP-based. Manual systems rely on tools like spreadsheets or email, which are fine for small volumes but hard to scale. Standalone OMS tools work well for single-channel sellers, while integrated systems connect multiple platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay into one dashboard. ERP-based systems, such as SAP or NetSuite, include order management as part of a wider suite for larger, more complex operations.

What is the difference between OMS and CRM?

An OMS (Order Management System) is focused on handling the entire order process—tracking sales, stock, shipping, and returns. A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool, on the other hand, is designed to manage relationships—storing customer data, tracking communication, and helping with marketing and retention. While they serve different functions, they often work best together. Your OMS fulfils the order, and your CRM follows up with customer engagement and feedback.

Is SAP an order management system?

SAP isn’t just an order management system—it’s a full enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that includes OMS features. It’s built for large organisations that need integrated control over operations, from finance to inventory to order processing. If you’re a small to mid-sized ecommerce brand, SAP might be too complex or expensive. But for large-scale businesses with global operations, SAP’s OMS capabilities are highly robust.

Which OMS is best?

The best OMS depends on your business size, sales channels, and operational needs. Shopify users might benefit from native tools or apps like Bezos.ai or ShipStation. Mid-sized brands often choose platforms like Skubana or Linnworks for more customisation and automation. Enterprise-level businesses tend to opt for ERPs like NetSuite or SAP, but ease of use, support quality, and integration capabilities should weigh just as heavily in your decision.

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