In simplest terms, b2b means business-to-business transactions conducted in between businesses. Here one company purchases raw materials or inputs from another company to process the raw materials to final goods or finished goods. B2b is a type of e-commerce where exchanges of goods, services, or data between businesses occur. Order management comprises processes such as order capturing, tracking, etc. The b2b order management system is introduced to support fast ordering.
Order Management System- As discussed above order management system includes order capturing, tracking. There are five common types of order management systems, such as-
- Your eCommerce back-end
- ERP(Enterprise Resource Planning)
- Retail and b2b operation platforms.
- Spreadsheets
- Standalone order management software
Process Involved In B2b Order Management.
The sales representative enters the order from the customer onto the tracking system. The order confirmation letter is sent to the customer after it has been confirmed. The items or the orders are sent to the stock house or the warehouse for proper packing so that further processes can occur. After all the processes, a confirmation is sent to the customer like “your item has been shipped.” After the transportation, when the order is ready to get delivered, the customer gets another confirmation like “your item will be delivered today.” And the order gets delivered to the customer, and they receive it. Even after the delivery, if the customer is not satisfied with the product, they can arrange for exchange or return and keep track of it.
Challenges faced by b2b order management
The popularity, as well as the demand for b2b eCommerce, were high. The other methods of transactions have certainly affected it. Here are some of the challenges faced by it-
- Increased demand for online shopping- As people like more to shop and order products online than from the shops, it can somehow affect the business if it lacks the required efficiency. And day by day, the amount of online shopping is increasing as it provides comfort and all kinds and variety of goods.
- Different expectations- An organization has certain goals and objectives, and the customer has certain needs and expectations. Both things are very different from each other. Some of the customers’ expectations can include discount/bulk discount, tailored pricing, coupons, personalized and regular updates. A company needs to balance its own goals and customer expectations for sustenance and growth, which is a challenge.
Conclusion
According to the survey, about 93% (or something around) of b2b customers prefer shopping online. The b2b businesses made life more comfortable and easier. The customers can get products safely and securely get discounts and coupons. Especially the customers with a busy life can easily order and get their product delivered. And day by day, more people are engaged in shopping online. With time the demand for b2b had been increasing and expanding. However, some challenges have been faced by the b2b businesses, but they can be eliminated with proper solutions.