Online stores are not only a dominant topic in retail. Service and production companies are also increasingly turning to e-commerce. For SMEs, it is important that the cost/benefit ratio is right. An integrated ERP/E-Shop overall solution ensures a continuous connection of all processes and simplifies data management. In this article, you will find out what other advantages are associated with this.
1. define system parameters only once
Defining currencies, languages, units, taxes, etc. is essential for both the ERP and the e-shop. It is advantageous if both system areas use the same parameters. This not only reduces the effort for the administrator, but also helps to avoid inconsistencies due to redundant settings.
2. central item data for all areas
Depending on the area of application - for example, web store, logistics, production, sales - articles sometimes require different additional information such as main storage location, description, production time etc. Thanks to an integrated system, all product data can be managed in one and the same place. For example, scale prices and price conditions can be used both for ERP processes and in the e-shop.
3. integration of upstream and downstream processes
Even though the value chain within the company may look different depending on the SME, all upstream and downstream processes can be fully covered with an integrated overall solution. From procurement and production to warehouse management, sales, logistics and finance, an SME benefits from an end-to-end system.
4. all sales channels under one hat
Many companies now take it for granted to rely on two, three or more sales channels. External and internal sales, e-shop, events, pop-up stores - the range is diverse. It is important that all data ultimately ends up in the right place, i.e. in the ERP system for further processing. Here, too, a company clearly benefits from an integrated multichannel solution.
5. returns handling under control at all times
The nature of online retailing also includes the handling of returns. To avoid complicated, time-consuming clarifications, warranty claims, returns, exchanges or refunds must be able to be assessed and processed quickly and easily. This is only possible if the interaction between customer service, logistics, e-shop and finance is closely interlinked, as is the case with an integrated overall solution.
6. 360-degree customer view for better service
We know from our own experience that the purchase of a product can span several touchpoints. Getting an overview online, going to the specialty store for advice, and then ordering in the web store is the normal case in many cases. The same applies to customer service. To find out who bought which product when and how, a central database is needed. Not only the service staff, but also marketing benefits from the 360-degree customer view of an end-to-end ERP/E-Shop solution.
7. support of marketing campaigns
Cross-selling campaigns or comparison portals are just two examples that speak for the use of an integrated ERP/E-Shop overall solution. There are two good reasons for this: On the one hand, all marketing measures can be planned and executed in the same system. On the other hand, the results can be directly assigned to the respective cost units or cost centers, which in turn enables transparent success control.
8. Comprehensive evaluation options
Let's stay with the evaluation options offered by an integrated overall solution. Modern ERP systems offer integrated reporting for the entire database. In this way, customer, order and article data from the e-shop can also be easily evaluated and, if necessary, compared with other channels.
9. Uniform order documents for all areas
An important, if often too little considered, argument is the design of uniform order documents. Thanks to an integrated solution, the same document templates can be used for both the e-shop and the other ERP areas. This not only saves time when creating or making adjustments, but also looks more professional.
10. web design, SEO and store templates
The scope of the e-shop is an important extension of the ERP functionality. With the on-board means of the overall system, it is possible to design the online presence. Modern applications also offer integrated SEO functions and the possibility of templates, so that the store can be set up quickly and easily.
1. define system parameters only once
Defining currencies, languages, units, taxes, etc. is essential for both the ERP and the e-shop. It is advantageous if both system areas use the same parameters. This not only reduces the effort for the administrator, but also helps to avoid inconsistencies due to redundant settings.
2. central item data for all areas
Depending on the area of application - for example, web store, logistics, production, sales - articles sometimes require different additional information such as main storage location, description, production time etc. Thanks to an integrated system, all product data can be managed in one and the same place. For example, scale prices and price conditions can be used both for ERP processes and in the e-shop.
3. integration of upstream and downstream processes
Even though the value chain within the company may look different depending on the SME, all upstream and downstream processes can be fully covered with an integrated overall solution. From procurement and production to warehouse management, sales, logistics and finance, an SME benefits from an end-to-end system.
4. all sales channels under one hat
Many companies now take it for granted to rely on two, three or more sales channels. External and internal sales, e-shop, events, pop-up stores - the range is diverse. It is important that all data ultimately ends up in the right place, i.e. in the ERP system for further processing. Here, too, a company clearly benefits from an integrated multichannel solution.
5. returns handling under control at all times
The nature of online retailing also includes the handling of returns. To avoid complicated, time-consuming clarifications, warranty claims, returns, exchanges or refunds must be able to be assessed and processed quickly and easily. This is only possible if the interaction between customer service, logistics, e-shop and finance is closely interlinked, as is the case with an integrated overall solution.
6. 360-degree customer view for better service
We know from our own experience that the purchase of a product can span several touchpoints. Getting an overview online, going to the specialty store for advice, and then ordering in the web store is the normal case in many cases. The same applies to customer service. To find out who bought which product when and how, a central database is needed. Not only the service staff, but also marketing benefits from the 360-degree customer view of an end-to-end ERP/E-Shop solution.
7. support of marketing campaigns
Cross-selling campaigns or comparison portals are just two examples that speak for the use of an integrated ERP/E-Shop overall solution. There are two good reasons for this: On the one hand, all marketing measures can be planned and executed in the same system. On the other hand, the results can be directly assigned to the respective cost units or cost centers, which in turn enables transparent success control.
8. Comprehensive evaluation options
Let's stay with the evaluation options offered by an integrated overall solution. Modern ERP systems offer integrated reporting for the entire database. In this way, customer, order and article data from the e-shop can also be easily evaluated and, if necessary, compared with other channels.
9. Uniform order documents for all areas
An important, if often too little considered, argument is the design of uniform order documents. Thanks to an integrated solution, the same document templates can be used for both the e-shop and the other ERP areas. This not only saves time when creating or making adjustments, but also looks more professional.
10. web design, SEO and store templates
The scope of the e-shop is an important extension of the ERP functionality. With the on-board means of the overall system, it is possible to design the online presence. Modern applications also offer integrated SEO functions and the possibility of templates, so that the store can be set up quickly and easily.