The Best Order Management System Features to Guide Your Purchase
The Real MVP Behind the Curtain: An order management system (OMS) keeps sales, inventory, and fulfillment processes streamlined, preventing chaos and ensuring operations run smoothly across various channels.
Say Goodbye to Spreadsheet Chaos: Choosing an OMS is like selecting a favorite spreadsheet among many demos, but it's essential to find one that eliminates busywork and keeps your team on the same page.
Real-Time Control: Keep Calm, Carry On: A good OMS provides real-time order management, preventing chaos as you navigate your Shopify empire, retail chain, or complex warehouses.
OMS Features—Your Sanity's Best Friends: Selecting the right OMS features can protect both your mental well-being and profit margins by supporting effective order tracking and management.
A-Z Order Tracking—From Click to Doorstep: OMS software oversees the complete order lifecycle, ensuring a cohesive journey from the customer's purchase to the product's arrival at their door.
Running orders across multiple channels without an OMS? Bold move. Also, a recipe for chaos, headaches, and possibly public meltdowns on Slack.
An order management system (OMS) is your behind-the-scenes MVP—wrangling sales, inventory, and fulfillment into one (semi) sane process. But let’s be real: picking the right OMS can feel like trying to choose your favorite spreadsheet… in a room full of sales demos.
Here’s the cheat code: look for features that kill busywork, keep your team aligned, and give you real-time control over orders before things spiral.
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Whether you’re running a Shopify empire, a retail chain, or managing warehouses that resemble labyrinths, the right OMS features will save your sanity—and your margins. Let’s break down the ones worth paying attention to.
What is an Order Management System?
An order management system (OMS) is software that tracks the entire lifecycle of an order—from the moment a customer clicks “buy” to the second that package lands at their door.
It centralizes sales, inventory, and fulfillment data across all your channels, so you’re not cobbling together spreadsheets or playing email tag with your warehouse team.
The real magic is automation.
A solid OMS cuts down manual processes and tasks, syncs inventory in real-time, and keeps your customers in the loop with timely updates. Fewer errors, faster shipping, happier customers.
But here’s the kicker—an OMS doesn’t just tidy up operations. It frees up your team to focus on what actually grows the business, not the endless admin treadmill.
Key Order Management System Features That Actually Matter
Let’s be real—not every flashy feature demoed by sales reps is worth your time.
The best order management system features aren’t just bells and whistles—they’re the tools that streamline chaos, cut down busywork, and help you fulfill orders faster (without losing your mind).
These are the core features you actually need to process orders efficiently, manage inventory in real time, and give your team full visibility across sales channels. Nail these, and you’ll avoid a world of operational headaches.
Let’s break them down.
Multichannel integration that keeps your sales in sync
Selling on Shopify, Amazon, and in-store? Congrats—you’re officially juggling. Without multichannel integration, that juggle turns into a circus act real fast.
This feature connects all your sales channels into one centralized system, so orders, inventory, and customer data stay synced—no copy-paste chaos, no manual updates, no dropped balls.
For retail leaders and ecommerce operators, multichannel integration means less time firefighting and more time scaling.
Your warehouse teams? They get real-time inventory updates, helping avoid stockouts, overselling, and the dreaded “where’s my order?” emails.
Key things to look for:
- Real-time data sync across platforms (think Shopify, Amazon, eBay, POS systems)
- Seamless integrations with your current stack
- Unified reporting so you actually know what’s selling—and where
Multichannel integration doesn’t just simplify—it supercharges your decision-making and keeps your ops lean, even when sales are popping off.
Real-time inventory management you can actually trust
Inventory guesses don’t cut it. Real-time inventory management means your stock levels update automatically with every sale, return, or restock—across all channels.
No delays, no surprises, no overselling that leads to awkward customer emails.
This feature gives you a live view of your inventory, so you can make fast, informed decisions—whether it’s running a flash sale, planning a reorder, or just avoiding that warehouse “oh no” moment.
Why it matters:
- Prevents stockouts and overstocking (aka money pits)
- Helps you react to demand shifts in real time
- Keeps your entire team aligned—sales, warehouse, support, all looking at the same numbers
Look for features like low-stock alerts, automated reorder points, and tight integration with your sales platforms. Bonus points for systems that offer inventory forecasting tools to help you stay ahead of demand.
Real-time inventory is your safety net—it keeps you selling confidently without second-guessing your numbers.
Order processing automation that saves time (and headaches)
Manually processing orders? In this economy?
Automating your order processing means your system handles the boring (but critical) stuff—updating inventory, generating invoices, sending shipping info—without human intervention or the errors that come with it.
From the second a customer hits “buy,” your OMS gets to work behind the scenes, moving orders through the pipeline fast and accurately. No more late shipments or missed steps.
Why this matters:
- Speeds up fulfillment and improves customer satisfaction
- Reduces human error (and the clean-up that follows)
- Frees up your team to focus on high-value work, not admin tasks
Look for features like automated invoicing, real-time shipping updates, and customizable workflows that adapt to how you operate.
Bonus if the system can flag issues automatically—so you can deal with exceptions, not every single order.
Advanced analytics and reporting that drive smarter decisions
Data is great—if you can actually use it. Advanced analytics and reporting turn your raw numbers into real insights about what’s working, what’s not, and where your money’s hiding.
A good OMS doesn’t just spit out spreadsheets.
It gives you dashboards you actually want to look at, with real-time data on orders, sales trends, inventory levels, and customer behavior—so you’re not flying blind.
Why you need this:
- Spot trends early and forecast demand with more accuracy
- Identify bottlenecks in fulfillment process or inventory
- Make better decisions—faster—about purchasing, staffing, and promos
Look for customizable dashboards, real-time data sync, and integration with your other tools (think BI platforms or marketing software). The goal? Less guesswork, more strategic moves that boost revenue.
Scalability that grows with your business, not against it
The last thing you want? An OMS that taps out when orders spike.
Scalability means your order management software can handle more orders, more customers, and more complexity—without melting down or costing a fortune to upgrade.
Whether you're prepping for peak season or expanding to new markets, a scalable system adapts to your business growth—no overhauls, no drama.
Why it matters:
- Handles higher order volumes without slowing down
- Supports new sales channels, warehouses, and workflows
- Saves you from outgrowing your tech stack every 12 months
Look for cloud-based infrastructure, automated load balancing, and easy integrations with tools like customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), or shipping software. Bonus points for modular pricing—so you're not paying enterprise rates before you're ready.
Customer management that keeps buyers coming back
An OMS isn’t about more than moving boxes—it’s about managing relationships.
Customer management features help you track buyer info, order history, and interactions in one place, so you can deliver better service and smarter follow-ups without digging through email chains.
It’s how you turn one-time buyers into loyal fans, and keep your support team from scrambling for answers.
Why it matters:
- Fast access to order history = faster support
- Personalized service based on buying behavior
- Helps sales, marketing, and support stay aligned
Look for customer profiles, order timelines, and communication logs all baked in. Bonus if your OMS syncs with your CRM—so customer data is always up to date, no matter where it lives.
Compliance and security features that protect your ops (and reputation)
Let’s face it—data breaches and compliance slip-ups are costly.
A solid OMS has built-in compliance and security features to keep sensitive data locked down and ensure you’re playing by the rules, whether you’re selling locally or globally.
It’s not just about checking boxes—it’s about protecting your business and your customers from avoidable messes.
Why it matters:
- Keeps customer and order data secure
- Ensures compliance with regional laws (hello, GDPR)
- Reduces risk of fines, breaches, and legal headaches
Key features to look for? Role-based access controls, automated compliance updates, and audit trails that track who did what, when.
Bonus: systems that make it easy to configure permissions without needing an IT degree.
Bottom line—compliance and security aren’t optional. They’re what keep your business running smoothly (and out of the news for all the wrong reasons).
User-friendly interface your team won’t hate using
An OMS can have all the bells and whistles, but if it’s clunky and confusing, no one’s going to use it properly. A user-friendly interface means your team can navigate the system fast, with minimal training and zero headaches.
Think clean dashboards, intuitive menus, and workflows that make sense—not a maze of dropdowns and hidden settings.
Why it matters:
- Reduces training time and user errors
- Boosts team adoption and productivity
- Lets you focus on work—not figuring out where the settings are
Look for customizable dashboards, quick search functions, and built-in templates that simplify the day-to-day. Bonus if the system is mobile-friendly—because work doesn’t stop at your desk.
A slick, easy-to-use interface isn’t fluff—it’s what keeps your ops running smoothly when things get busy.
Returns and refunds management that keeps customers (and cash) happy
Returns happen—it’s how you handle them that counts. A solid OMS simplifies the process for both your team and your customers, making returns and refunds fast, painless, and cost-efficient.
The goal is to turn a potentially negative customer experience into one that builds loyalty—and gets inventory back in play quickly.
Why it matters:
- Improves customer satisfaction with clear, easy returns
- Speeds up restocking and reselling returned items
- Cuts down support tickets with automated updates
Look for features like self-service returns, real-time return status tracking, and automated refunds. Bonus if your OMS handles reverse logistics and flags frequent returners for review.
Returns are inevitable—losing customers over them isn’t. The right system helps you protect your revenue and your reputation.
Supplier and purchase order management that keeps stock flowing
Your fulfillment game is only as strong as your supply chain. Supplier and purchase order management features help you track vendor relationships, automate POs, and stay on top of incoming stock—all without drowning in spreadsheets or missed emails.
It’s how you avoid stockouts, overordering, and that “where the hell is our shipment?” moment.
Why it matters:
- Streamlines PO creation and order tracking
- Improves supplier communication and accountability
- Helps maintain optimal inventory levels without overstocking
Look for features like automated PO generation, supplier performance tracking, and real-time inventory sync. Bonus if your OMS alerts you when stock dips below a threshold and preps a reorder—so you’re always ahead.
Smooth supplier management means fewer delays, lower costs, and less chaos in your supply chain.
Workflow automation that kills the busywork
Manual tasks are productivity killers. Workflow automation lets your OMS handle repetitive processes automatically—from order updates to inventory adjustments—so your team can focus on real work, not button-clicking.
Set triggers, define rules, and let the system do the heavy lifting.
Why it matters:
- Reduces errors and manual effort
- Speeds up order fulfillment and inventory updates
- Keeps processes consistent—even during peak chaos
Look for customizable triggers, automated notifications, and integration with your other tools. The more your OMS can do on autopilot, the more your team can focus on scaling—not scrambling.
Demand forecasting and automated replenishment that stay ahead of the curve
Guesswork doesn’t cut it. Demand forecasting uses data to predict what’s going to sell and when, while automated replenishment ensures your shelves (virtual or real) are stocked without overloading inventory.
It’s like having a crystal ball—backed by data.
Why it matters:
- Reduces stockouts and overstock
- Helps plan promotions and inventory buys strategically
- Cuts carrying costs while maximizing sales potential
Look for scenario planning, sales trend analysis, and auto-triggered POs based on real demand. Bonus if your order management solution integrates with CRM or marketing tools to factor in campaign-driven spikes.
Stay stocked, stay agile, stay profitable.
Mobile accessibility that keeps you in control anywhere
You’re not always at your desk—and your OMS shouldn’t be either. Mobile accessibility lets you manage customer orders, check inventory, and respond to issues on the fly, using your phone or tablet.
Perfect for when you’re on the warehouse floor—or just out grabbing coffee.
Why it matters:
- Enables real-time decision-making, no matter where you are
- Helps warehouse teams update stock and orders on the go
- Keeps your ops moving, even when you’re not at HQ
Look for push notifications, mobile-friendly dashboards, and full system functionality (not a stripped-down app). The goal? True mobility—not just window dressing.
Customization that adapts to how you work
No two businesses run the same way—so your OMS needs to flex. Customization features let you tailor workflows, reports, and interfaces to match your specific processes, not force you into a one-size-fits-all setup.
It’s your system—make it work your way.
Why it matters:
- Aligns the OMS with your unique workflows
- Improves efficiency by eliminating unnecessary steps
- Helps your team move faster with tools that feel built for them
Look for customizable dashboards, automated alerts, and flexible integrations with tools you already use (think CRM, ERP, accounting). A customizable OMS doesn’t just support your business—it scales with it.
API and third-party integrations that connect your entire stack
Your OMS doesn’t operate in a vacuum. API access and third-party integrations let it sync seamlessly with your other tools—from CRMs and ERPs to shipping carriers, marketplaces, and accounting software.
Less data entry, fewer errors, and way more automation.
Why it matters:
- Keeps data flowing between platforms in real time
- Automates tasks like order syncing, invoicing, and shipping updates
- Gives you flexibility to build a tech stack that actually works for you
Look for open API access, plug-and-play integrations, and webhooks for real-time updates. Bonus points for integrations with major players like Shopify, QuickBooks, NetSuite, and ShipStation.
When your tools talk to each other, you move faster—and smarter.
Distributed order management that fulfills smarter, not harder
Orders coming in from everywhere? Distributed order management ensures each one is fulfilled from the best possible location—whether that’s a warehouse, storefront, or third-party logistics (3PL) partner.
It’s all about faster delivery, lower shipping costs, and smarter resource use.
Why it matters:
- Optimizes fulfillment based on inventory and location
- Cuts shipping time and cost
- Helps you scale across multiple warehouses or partners
Look for real-time inventory visibility, automated order routing, and integration with fulfillment partners. The result? Orders go out faster, customers stay happy, and your ops stay lean.
Rule-based order routing that works how you do
Not all orders should be treated the same. Rule-based order routing lets you set custom logic to decide where orders go—based on inventory levels, customer location, shipping speed, or cost.
Think of it as your fulfillment autopilot—smarter, faster, fewer mistakes.
Why it matters:
- Speeds up delivery by routing orders to the best location
- Reduces shipping costs without manual intervention
- Helps maximize inventory usage across all warehouses
Look for geographic rules, inventory-based logic, and priority settings to fine-tune fulfillment. Bonus if the system lets you easily update rules as your business evolves.
Smart routing = happy customers and optimized ops.
Split order processing that keeps things moving
When one order, one shipment isn’t realistic—split order processing lets you break up a single order into multiple shipments based on stock availability, location, or urgency.
Your customer gets what they need faster. You keep fulfillment flowing.
Why it matters:
- Improves delivery times by shipping what’s ready now
- Reduces delays caused by out-of-stock items
- Keeps customers in the loop with shipment updates for each part
Look for automated split logic, partial fulfillment tracking, and clear customer notifications. Bonus if your system lets customers choose split shipping options at checkout.
Because sometimes faster, smaller shipments beat one big delay.
Backorder and pre-order management that keeps sales coming in
Sold out? Not a problem. Backorder and pre-order management let you keep selling even when inventory’s tight or unreleased—without overpromising or annoying your customers.
You capture demand, manage expectations, and turn “not in stock” into “still making money.”
Why it matters:
- Keeps revenue flowing during stock gaps
- Helps forecast demand and plan inventory more accurately
- Builds customer trust with clear timelines and updates
Look for automated customer notifications, real-time availability tracking, and detailed reporting on demand trends. Bonus if your OMS syncs with marketing tools to capitalize on pre-order hype.
No stock? No problem—smart systems make the wait worth it.
Omnichannel fulfillment capabilities that deliver anywhere, anytime
Today’s customers don’t care where they buy—they just want fast, accurate delivery. Omnichannel fulfillment capabilities let you fulfill orders from anywhere—stores, warehouses, 3PLs—and manage it all in one place.
It’s about flexibility, speed, and total visibility across every fulfillment point.
Why it matters:
- Reduces stockouts by using all available inventory
- Cuts delivery times by shipping from the closest location
- Centralizes fulfillment for better tracking and cost control
Look for real-time inventory sync, intelligent order routing, and integration with warehouse management systems (WMS) and supply chain partners. Bonus features like dropshipping and in-store pickup support even more fulfillment options.
With omnichannel fulfillment, you’re not just keeping up—you’re delivering on customer expectations, every time.
How to Choose an Order Management System
Shopping for an OMS? It’s easy to get buried in feature lists, sales pitches, and “free demos” that eat your week. Instead, let’s cut through the noise with clear steps that help you zero in on the right system—without the analysis paralysis.
Use this action-first buyer’s checklist to guide your search and avoid costly missteps.
| What to Check | How to Take Action |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Think ahead—can this system handle double your current order volume without breaking? Ask for proof. |
| Integrations | List your current tools (e.g., Shopify, QuickBooks, ShipStation). Can the OMS connect to them seamlessly? |
| Value for Money | Don’t pay enterprise prices for features you won’t use. What’s included—and what’s extra? |
| Customizability | Test-drive dashboards and workflows. Can you tweak it to match your process without hiring a dev? |
| Industry-Specific Features | Selling B2B? Subscription boxes? Make sure the OMS isn’t too generic. Ask about your niche. |
| Ease of Use | Get hands-on. Is it intuitive—or does your team need a manual and a prayer? Try before you buy. |
| Security Safeguards | What security standards does it meet (e.g., SOC 2, GDPR)? Is access control flexible for your team setup? |
| Reporting Capabilities | Can it deliver the reports you need—without a BI team? Bonus if you can build custom dashboards fast. |
| Customer Support | What happens when things break? Look for real support—chat, phone, or a dedicated manager, not just FAQs. |
| Mobile Accessibility | Pull it up on your phone. Can you manage key tasks from anywhere—or is mobile an afterthought? |
Our Top 10 Order Management Systems
Here are our top picks of the best order management system, to help you in your search:
Find the System That Works as Hard as Your Team
You’ve seen the features. You’ve dodged the fluff. Now it’s time to get serious about picking an OMS that doesn’t slow you down or make your team want to rage-quit.
The goal? Less chaos, more control, and no late-night inventory panics. The right system helps you move faster, stay lean, and actually keep up with your customers’ expectations (without sacrificing your sanity).
So skip the endless demos and “maybe later” spreadsheets—find the system that fits your workflow and gets out of your way.
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