The 10 Best Order Management Software for Optimized Fulfillment
Here are the best of the best order management systems (OMS) for your growing brand, with ideal use cases for each.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Dealing with your store's orders shouldn't be like working a switchboard—it should be seamless and behind-the-scenes. Because, it's the future, right?
Order management software deals with all the little moving pieces associated with orders. Your customers buy your stuff, inventory is updated, orders get sent to the warehouse, and notifications go out for tracking. Easy.
So, you get real-time inventory visibility across all your channels as your orders are automatically entered, processed, pushed toward fulfillment, and tracked through the shipping and returns processes.
As always, there are a truckload of order management software options, which can cause a bit of decision paralysis. That is, unless you have a really great roundup of the absolute best order management solutions handy.
Our ecommerce expertise paired with our smart software scoring system resulted in just this sort of roundup. And, you are already reading it. Let's gooooooo!
Why Trust Our Order Management Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021. As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
Comparing the Best Order Management Software
Below, you’ll find a pricing comparison of our top order management solutions. Then, to get a fuller comparison, just click Compare Software to see all the features.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best OMS software for stock forecasting | Free demo available | From $449/month (volume-based pricing) | Website | |
2 | Best for custom order management automation | 14-day free trial | From $25/user/month | Website | |
3 | Best for unified customer experiences | 14-day free trial | From $25/user/month | Website | |
4 | Best ecommerce order management for Quickbooks integration | 30-day free trial | From $10.50/month (for 3 months, then $35/month) | Website | |
5 | Best ecommerce order management for Shopify users | 3-day free trial | From $19/month (billed annually) | Website | |
6 | Best OMS software for various shipping options | Free plan available | From $29/month (billed annually) | Website | |
7 | Best ERP with order management built-in | Free demo available | From $1,000/month | Website | |
8 | Best OMS software for multichannel sellers | Free demo available | Contact for pricing | Website | |
9 | Best complete ecommerce solution | 15-day free trial | From $29.95/month | Website | |
10 | Best OMS software for wholesale sellers | 14-day free trial | From $349/month | Website |
The 10 Best Order Management Software, Reviewed and Compared
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for—the reviews.
For each of the following OMS all-stars, we’ve included why we picked it, its top features and integrations, pros and cons, and screenshots of the tool in action.
Linnworks is a cloud-based order management software that helps businesses streamline their operations by managing their inventory, orders, shipping, and more from a single platform. It offers a range of features designed to automate and simplify the process of managing orders, making it a popular choice for ecommerce businesses.
Why I Picked Linnworks: I was initially drawn to Linnworks for its comprehensive feature set. It offers everything you need to manage your orders and inventory, from order processing and shipping to in-depth reporting. It's also very easy to set up and use, even for team members without prior experience.
Linnworks is a cloud-based multichannel ecommerce platform that helps online sellers automate their business processes, from order and inventory management to shipping and fulfillment. Linnworks is highly versatile and customizable, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes and types, and its integrations with a wide range of marketplaces, shopping carts, and shipping carriers make it an all-in-one solution for managing multichannel sales.
Linnworks standout features & integrations
Standout features include automation capabilities to sync inventory, orders, and shipping across multiple sales channels. Its Open API and custom workflows make it versatile and adaptable for unique business needs. Advanced reporting and analytics offer insights into sales, stock levels, and fulfillment efficiency.
Integrations include Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and Magento, as well as shipping carriers like FedEx, DHL, and USPS. Linnworks also supports integrations through its API and partnerships with third-party platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Strong reporting and analytics
- Multichannel integration
Cons:
- Some marketplace listing restrictions
- Steep learning curve
CRM Creatio is a comprehensive no-code platform and customer relationship management tool designed to automate and manage business processes across sales, marketing, and service departments. It offers features such as lead management, opportunity management, sales forecasting, and marketing automation.
Why I picked CRM Creatio: The platform offers omnichannel order management, which centralizes order processing from multiple online and offline channels. CRM Creatio also has the ability to plan supply and payment schedules according to customer agreements. Additionally, the order approval process is designed to save time by following best practice steps, which can be easily modified to suit specific business needs. This level of customization and automation not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment.
CRM Creatio standout features & integrations
Standout features include its no-code customization, which allows businesses to easily tailor workflows and approval processes to their specific needs without relying on developers. The platform also offers omnichannel order management, centralizing orders from online and offline channels for seamless processing. Additionally, its 360-degree customer views and sales forecasting tools empower teams to better understand customer needs and plan effectively for future sales.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Gmail, Mailchimp, HubSpot, Google Calendar, Microsoft Word, Tableau, Microsoft Outlook, Meta for Business, and DataService, making it versatile for a wide range of business operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No-code platform for users with varying technical skill levels
- Advanced automation tools
- Highly customizable and scalable
Cons:
- Initial setup and implementation can be complex and time-consuming
- May be challenging to integrate with some third-party apps
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a cloud-based software solution designed for businesses to create unified, intelligent digital commerce experiences. The platform is equipped with tools for merchandising, marketing, promotions, and content creation, aiming to empower businesses to connect with customers and drive engagement.
Why I Picked Salesforce Commerce Cloud: Salesforce Commerce Cloud provides an order management system that centralizes order processing, inventory management, and customer service. It enables businesses to manage customer orders from multiple channels within a single interface and offers capabilities for order capture, payment processing, and order fulfillment. The system also allows for real-time inventory visibility across all sales channels, which helps to maintain accurate stock levels and reduce the risk of overselling.
Additionally, Salesforce Commerce Cloud's order management system includes customer service tools that empower service representatives to view and manage customer orders, handle returns, and provide customer support, which can improve the overall customer experience.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud standout features & integrations
Standout features include customer acquisition and loyalty tools that help businesses engage and retain customers effectively. It also offers AI-powered insights and digital storefront templates, making it easier to create personalized shopping experiences. The generative page designer and advanced merchant dashboards streamline content creation and management for ecommerce teams.
Integrations include PayPal, Coveo, Pimly, Logik.io, Hawksearch, Tradecentric, Walmart GoLocal, Avalara, Stripe, and Ordergroove, all accessible through Salesforce AppExchange.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Can scale with growing businesses
- Offers staff augmentation services
- Provides regular software updates
Cons:
- Requires a significant learning curve
- Limited customization options
Best ecommerce order management for Quickbooks integration
Quickbooks Commerce is the Order Management System from popular accounting software Quickbooks. The tool has all you need to manage orders across multiple platforms, as well as powerful accounting features.
Why I Picked Quickbooks Commerce: Quickbooks Commerce lets you track orders on any connected platform from inventory through to fulfillment, so you always know where each order is. Starting from their Essentials plan ($27.50/month) you can connect up to 3 sales channels. Plus and Advanced plans allow for unlimited connections.
If a customer has an issue with a purchase, it’s easy to use this data to keep them updated. Another useful feature is the ability to add and update product listings on multiple platforms simultaneously. This saves a ton of time as you only have to create a product listing once to see it reflected across all your channels.
Quickbooks Commerce standout features & integrations
Standout features include seamless integration between order management and accounting, allowing businesses to track orders and update inventory in real-time while maintaining accurate financial records. The ability to add and update product listings across multiple platforms simultaneously is another time-saving feature, ensuring product information stays consistent. Additionally, workflow automation streamlines repetitive tasks like invoicing and bill management to improve efficiency.
Integrations include eBay, Amazon, WooCommerce, and Shopify, as well as tight integration with the Quickbooks accounting platform, ensuring a unified experience for financial and operational management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to set up & use
- Tons of payment & payroll features
- Detailed sales tax handling
Cons:
- Inventory locked to higher plans
- Not ecommerce specific
Shopify Plus is an order management system that gives Shopify users advanced order management features. At the heart of the tools is the ability to connect your online channels with your physical locations. If you're already using Shopify, it's a no brainer to upgrade your plan to include their built-in order management system.
Why I Picked Shopify Plus: With Shopify Plus, stock and orders from each site will update automatically. And you can access features like click-to-collect and the ability for customers to buy from your online itinerary while in-store. You can even allow customers to return or exchange items they bought online at your retail outlets.
Shopify Plus also has advanced features for international sellers. You can localize the sales experience depending on the customer’s location through expansion websites that reflect the customer’s currency and language. You can even accept payments using locally favored methods.
Shopify Plus standout features & integrations
Standout features include seamless integration of online and physical sales channels, enabling features like click-to-collect and in-store returns for online purchases. For international sellers, the platform offers expansion websites to localize sales by adapting to a customer’s language, currency, and preferred payment methods. Additionally, Shopify Plus automatically updates stock and orders across all connected sites, streamlining inventory management.
Integrations include Facebook, Instagram, Google, Pinterest, Google Analytics, Walmart, Skubana, Xero, Kissmetrics, Wish Marketplace, and Heyday, along with hundreds more through Shopify’s extensive app ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Feature-rich solution
- Built into your ecommerce site
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Higher cost than others
- Charges transaction fees
Zoho Inventory is a platform that helps you track and manage orders from popular online sales platforms. Users get all the order management features you’d expect, including the ability to set automated reorder points to ensure you never miss out on sales due to low stock.
Why I Picked Zoho Inventory: Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management system designed to help businesses of all sizes streamline their inventory and order management processes. What makes Zoho Inventory great is its comprehensive feature set, which includes inventory tracking, order management, purchase management, warehouse management, and shipping and fulfillment. Users love Zoho Inventory for its ease of use, affordability, and scalability.
With flexible pricing plans and the ability to integrate with other Zoho apps, Zoho Inventory is a great choice for businesses looking to optimize their operations and scale their growth. Additionally, the platform offers detailed reports and analytics, allowing users to gain insights into their inventory performance and make informed decisions about their business. Zoho has a large suite of business tools. The order management solution works well with these products, including Zoho Inventory, which helps with inventory tracking.
Zoho Inventory standout features & integrations
Standout features include automated reorder points that ensure stock levels are maintained to prevent missed sales opportunities. The platform also excels in providing detailed reports and analytics, enabling users to gain valuable insights into inventory performance and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, Zoho Inventory’s seamless integration with other Zoho apps makes it a scalable choice for businesses looking to streamline operations across sales, marketing, and customer service.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Zendesk, and ServiceNow. The platform also supports integrations via Zapier and Zoho Flow, along with native connections to other Zoho services for sales, marketing, CRM, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Highly scalable
- Feature-rich platform
Cons:
- Learning curve
- Limited reporting
Acumatica is an integrated order management software that is specifically designed to facilitate the needs and processes of companies that don’t carry inventory. The software helps streamline processes and delivers increased visibility companies require to make faster and smarter business decisions.
Why I Picked Acumatica: Acumatica lets you know your true costs; it lets you measure your profitability across operations, including product lines, business units, or locations. Acumatica allows you to leverage real-time data to control costs throughout your entire supply and distribution chain. You can also reduce your order times and eliminate or avoid unnecessary delays by automating key processes such as sales order processing and shipping order generation.
Acumatica is equipped with features that help simplify pricing and discounts, allowing you to set up both quantity and volume discounts by percentage or by amount. You can specify various discount rules and sequences or you can configure the system so it will automatically apply the most suitable discount combination.
Acumatica standout features & integrations
Standout features include real-time data access that enables businesses to monitor profitability across operations, from product lines to locations. The platform also automates key processes like sales order processing and shipping generation, reducing order times and avoiding delays. Additionally, Acumatica’s flexible pricing and discount management system lets businesses set up volume or quantity discounts with customizable rules, ensuring accurate and efficient pricing strategies.
Integrations include Pacejet Logistics, eWorkplace Apps, BigCommerce, Vertex, Velixo, Celigo, EasyPost, Solver Inc., and 1Retail Point of Sale. The platform also offers a range of first-party add-ons to expand functionality and tailor the software to specific business needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration capabilities
- Highly customizable
- Comprehensive functionality
Cons:
- Limited mobile app functionality
- Steep learning curve
Brightpearl is order management software with plenty of features that help multichannel sellers keep customer orders organized. You can connect to most popular ecommerce platforms, including Amazon, BigCommerce, Magento, and Shopify. If you have a physical store, you can also connect your point of sale (PoS) system to ensure these orders are taken into account in real time.
Why I Picked Brightpearl: Brightpearl is a multichannel retail management platform that helps businesses streamline their operations and increase efficiency. For multichannel sellers, Brightpearl provides a centralized system to manage inventory, orders, and customer data across all channels, including online marketplaces, brick-and-mortar stores, and e-commerce platforms. The platform integrates with a wide range of channels, including Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and Magento, providing real-time inventory updates and order management.
Additionally, Brightpearl offers a range of features to help businesses optimize their operations, including purchasing and supplier management, warehouse management, and shipping and fulfillment. With Brightpearl, you can see how each channel performs based on metrics like revenue and average order value. If some platforms are underperforming, consider optimizing them to maximize revenue. You can also see data about specific customers to identify top spenders.
Brightpearl standout features & integrations
Standout features include its ability to centralize inventory, order, and customer data management across multiple sales channels, including ecommerce platforms and physical stores. The platform provides real-time inventory updates and performance metrics, enabling businesses to identify top-performing channels and customers. Additionally, Brightpearl simplifies warehouse and shipping management with tools for purchasing, supplier management, and fulfillment optimization.
Integrations include Amazon, BigCommerce, Shopify, Walmart, eBay, Magento, Mailchimp, ShipStation, Stripe, QuickBooks, CommerceHub, Square, USPS, WooCommerce, Xero, Worldpay, and Sage Pay, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time inventory management
- Highly scalable solution
- Multichannel integration
Cons:
- Limited reporting
- Steep learning curve
BigCommerce is a complete ecommerce solution that helps you with everything from setting up an online store to managing multichannel sales. It’s a good option if you need to start from scratch to build your store, although you can also use the tool’s backend to power an existing shop front.
Why I Picked BigCommerce: BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform that provides businesses of all sizes with a comprehensive set of tools to design, build, and manage their online stores. One of the things that BigCommerce does well is its ease of use and flexibility, making it easy for users to set up and customize their online stores without needing to know how to code.
BigCommerce also offers a wide range of features, including built-in SEO tools, payment and shipping integrations, and advanced analytics and reporting. Users appreciate the platform's scalability and reliability, which allows them to handle high volumes of traffic and sales without downtime or performance issues.
BigCommerce standout features & integrations
Standout features include its user-friendly interface and flexibility, enabling businesses to set up and customize their online stores without coding knowledge. The platform also provides built-in SEO tools and advanced analytics, helping businesses optimize their online presence and track performance. Additionally, BigCommerce is highly scalable and reliable, ensuring smooth operation even during high-traffic periods.
Integrations include Facebook, Google, Instagram, eBay, Amazon, and Spocket, along with many other tools to support multichannel sales and marketing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 24/7 customer support
- Very customizable and flexible
- Easy to use system
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Limited built-in SEO
Cin7 is a flexible order management tool with plenty of powerful features for large eCommerce businesses. It connects retail, eCommerce, and wholesale channels so you can sell in the ways that suit your business best. It’s easy to check the order status of each sale from within the dashboard as well as attribute it to a particular platform.
Why I Picked Cin7: Cin7's wholesale features stand out. You can provide B2B customers with accurate quotes and choose the most relevant payment terms. There are even warehouse management features so you can connect these locations with your retail outlets to ensure you always have accurate stock counts. The tool has plenty of features that help you provide a true omnichannel experience.
Click-to-collect allows users to buy a product online and then collect it in a nearby location. And the ability to ship online orders from a store when out of stock in your warehouse maximizes sales opportunities.
Cin7 Standout Features & Integrations
Features include API, contact management, customer management, dashboards, data export/data import, data visualization, external integrations, forecasting, inventory tracking, multi-currency, multi-user, supplier management, third-party plugins/add-ons, product catalog, shipping management, order management, PayPal, Stripe, route optimization, and warehouse management.
Integrations include Shipstation, Shopify, Xero, Quickbooks Online, WooCommerce, Magneto, Square, BigCommerce, Amazon, Walmart, Afterpay, PayPal, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Hubspot, StockTrim, Inventoro, Syncware, ShipBob, ShipWire, ShipHero, and other options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High degree of automation
- Comprehensive features
- Multichannel integration
Cons:
- Limited reporting
- Cluttered UI
Other Order Management Systems
Here’s a few more that didn’t make the top list.
- Cadence WMS
For real-time warehouse monitoring
- Kibo Commerce
Order management app for selling through your dealer network
- Conexiom
Order management app for email orders
- Subbly
For subscription-based ecommerce models
- Extensiv Order Manager
Ecommerce order management for a modular solution
- SkuVault
For order, inventory, and multiple warehouse management
- Cin7 Core
For multi-channel inventory management
- SphereWMS
For secure cloud-based WMS
- Veeqo
Free order management powered by Amazon
- DiCentral’s Order Management System (DiOMS)
Order management system with integrated EDI
- Cin7 Orderhive
For pulling items from multiple stores into one channel
- Odoo
Open source order management
- Freestyle Solutions
For frequent updates/growing feature set
- Extensiv
For connecting brands to 3PL
Related Ecommerce Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.
- Wholesale Order Management Systems
- B2B Order Management Software
- Ecommerce Platforms
- Inventory Management Software
- Payment Processing Software
- Shopping Cart Solutions
- Order Management Systems
- Warehouse Management Software
Our Selection Criteria for Order Management Systems
Selecting the right order management system isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about finding a solution that fits your business like a glove.
Through extensive trials and research, we’ve fine-tuned these criteria to help you make a smart, informed decision.
Core order management system functionality (25% of total weighting score)
This is the heart of any OMS. We’re talking about the basics—order processing, inventory management, customer management, shipping, and returns.
These features need to work smoothly and reliably, handling your orders from start to finish without a hitch.
- Order processing and tracking. Ensuring smooth transitions from order receipt to fulfillment.
- Inventory management. Real-time visibility into stock levels to prevent overstocking or stockouts.
- Customer management. Tools to manage customer information, preferences, and order history.
- Shipping and fulfillment. Integrations with shipping carriers and management of shipping rates, labels, and tracking.
- Returns and exchanges. Streamlined handling of returns, refunds, and exchanges to keep customers happy.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score)
What makes an OMS truly shine? These are the features that go beyond the basics, offering something extra that can make a real difference in your operations.
Think AI-driven analytics, advanced customization, or mobile accessibility.
- Unique integrations. Emerging technologies like AI for predictive analytics or IoT for inventory tracking.
- Advanced customization. Options that allow businesses to tailor the system to their specific workflows.
- Mobile accessibility. Real-time management and monitoring from anywhere.
- Advanced reporting. Tools that offer deeper insights into sales trends and operational efficiency.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
Even the most powerful software is useless if it’s a pain to use. Usability is about finding that sweet spot where powerful features meet a user-friendly design.
- Intuitive design. Balances powerful features with ease of use.
- Logical navigation. Clear paths that minimize the learning curve.
- Responsive design. Ensures functionality across all devices, particularly for teams on the move.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
A smooth onboarding process sets the tone for your experience with the OMS. It’s all about how quickly and easily you can get up to speed with the system.
- Comprehensive resources. Training videos, interactive product tours, and webinars to facilitate learning.
- Templates and best practices. Guides that accelerate the setup process.
- Personalized support. Chatbots or dedicated account managers to assist with onboarding.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
When something goes wrong (because it inevitably will), good customer support is your lifeline. It’s crucial that help is readily available and effective.
- Responsive support. 24/7 options including live chat, email, and phone.
- Knowledge base. Articles, FAQs, and resources for self-service troubleshooting.
- Community forums. User groups for peer support and advice.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
It’s not just about the price tag—it’s about what you’re getting for your investment. A good OMS should provide value at every price point, with clear and flexible pricing options.
- Transparent pricing. Clear delineation of features and benefits at each tier.
- Flexible options. Pricing that caters to businesses of different sizes and stages.
- Long-term ROI. Consideration of scalability and integration capabilities.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
The real-world experiences of other users can tell you a lot. Consistent positive feedback and specific testimonials can be strong indicators of an OMS’s effectiveness.
- Positive feedback. Consistent reviews on usability and customer support.
- Testimonials. Highlighting benefits like improved order accuracy or reduced fulfillment times.
- Impact on efficiency. Feedback on the system’s effect on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
When selecting an order management system, it's crucial to weigh these criteria against your business's unique needs. An ideal OMS not only tackles your current challenges but also grows with you, supporting future success.
What is an Order Management System?
An order management system (OMS) is software that handles the flow of customer orders from the moment they’re placed to the moment they’re delivered—or returned.
It acts as the central hub for tracking inventory, processing orders, syncing data across channels, and coordinating fulfillment.
For ecommerce brands selling through multiple channels—like marketplaces, websites, physical stores, and social platforms—an OMS makes it possible to maintain consistent stock levels and order accuracy everywhere.
This is what’s known as omnichannel order management: the ability to manage and fulfill orders across all your sales touchpoints in a unified way.
Modern OMS platforms also include distributed order management (DOM) capabilities. This means the system doesn’t just track where products are—it decides the most efficient place to fulfill each order from.
Whether that’s a warehouse, a retail store, or a 3PL partner, DOM ensures orders are routed based on inventory availability, location, and delivery speed.
Together, these capabilities give you a real-time view of what’s in stock and where, reduce manual work, and help you avoid overselling or delays. That’s essential if you’re scaling your brand or selling through multiple fulfillment points.
The right OMS brings clarity and coordination to what could otherwise be a tangled mess of spreadsheets, siloed systems, and customer service headaches.
It’s one of the most important tools in modern ecommerce infrastructure—especially as order volume and channel complexity grow.
How to Choose Order Management System
Choosing the right OMS doesn’t have to feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Use this table to cut through the noise and get to the decision that actually works for your business.
Step | What to do | Why it matters |
---|---|---|
1. Map your order flow | Sketch out how orders come in, get fulfilled, and (sometimes) come back. Include all your channels—web, marketplaces, in-store, and wholesale. | You can’t fix what you haven’t mapped. Understanding your current flow highlights gaps, bottlenecks, and must-have features. |
2. Prioritize integration needs | List your current tech stack (ecommerce platform, accounting, CRM, shipping tools) and confirm which OMS tools plug into them. | A disconnected OMS = extra manual work. Tight integrations keep everything talking and reduce errors. |
3. Look for distributed order management (DOM) | Choose a system that automatically routes orders to the best fulfillment location based on stock and shipping speed. | DOM reduces delays, cuts costs, and keeps your “where’s my order?” emails to a minimum. |
4. Test for omnichannel readiness | Make sure the OMS supports inventory and orders across all channels—online, in-store, social, and 3PLs. | If your channels aren’t synced, your customers will notice—and they’ll bounce. |
5. Match features to real pain points | Struggling with stockouts? Returns a mess? Pick tools that solve those problems first. Skip the fluff. | Fancy dashboards won’t help if your fulfillment is broken. Start with what matters. |
6. Plan for scale | Pick a system that grows with you. Ask: Can it handle 10x order volume? Can I add new channels without re-platforming? | You’re not choosing an OMS for today—you’re choosing it for the next 3 years. Don’t outgrow it in 6 months. |
Trends in Order Management Systems for 2025
Forget the trend echo chamber—here’s what actually matters when future-proofing your OMS in 2025.
- Distributed order management is only as good as your inventory data. Most DOM implementations fail not because the logic is flawed, but because the inputs are garbage. If your inventory data isn’t real-time and accurate across all channels, DOM will route orders wrong—and fast.
- Omnichannel is being overbuilt—and under-used. Everyone’s racing to offer “buy anywhere, fulfill anywhere” functionality, but few retailers are operationally ready. The smart move? Prioritize channel alignment over feature bloat. Simplify before you scale.
- Speed isn’t everything—reliability is. Fast shipping gets the headlines, but predictable, on-time delivery builds long-term trust. Choose OMS tools that optimize for delivery consistency, not just raw speed, especially if you’re managing regional fulfillment.
- Returns are still the weakest link. Everyone’s obsessed with fulfillment, but returns logic is lagging. This year, OMSs that offer dynamic return routing (to store, to 3PL, to vendor) and real-time refund triggers will quietly become heroes.
- AI is powerful—but brittle without context. Predictive fulfillment sounds great until your promo calendar or weather throws it off. Use AI for suggestion and alerting, not autopilot. The best OMS tools still put humans in the driver’s seat.
- Mobile-first is still not the norm—and that’s a miss. Most back-office OMS tools are designed for desktops. Field teams, pop-ups, and mobile fulfillment centers need mobile-native tools that work reliably offline and in low-connectivity environments.
- Channel profitability reporting will replace vanity metrics. “Total orders” is cute, but smart operators want to know margin by channel, including fulfillment costs and returns. OMSs that surface this data natively are rare—and hugely valuable.
Top Features of the Best Order Management Solutions
Here’s what to actually look for when evaluating OMS platforms—beyond the usual marketing fluff.
- Real-time inventory sync across all channels. Your OMS should update inventory the moment an item sells, no matter where it happens—Shopify, Amazon, your retail store, or TikTok. If it lags, you’re flying blind.
- Distributed order management logic. Smart OMS tools route each order to the best fulfillment location based on stock availability, shipping speed, and cost. This cuts delays, reduces split shipments, and saves you money—automatically.
- Automated order routing and exception handling. When something breaks (and it will), your system should flag it, reroute it, or notify someone before the customer finds out. No more babysitting every order.
- Multichannel order capture and fulfillment. One platform should handle orders from everywhere and fulfill them through anywhere—retail, warehouse, 3PL, or store pickup—without manual patchwork.
- Batch fulfillment and pick/pack logic. Optimize warehouse operations with rules for grouping orders by zone, product, or urgency. This is how you move from reactive to efficient.
- Returns and reverse logistics management. Great OMS platforms don’t stop at delivery—they help automate returns, track item condition, restock inventory, and process refunds or exchanges, all in one place.
- Flexible workflow customization. Look for drag-and-drop rule builders, no-code automations, and conditional logic to adapt the OMS to your exact ops, not the other way around.
- Fulfillment performance analytics. You want more than “shipped vs. not shipped.” Track order accuracy, delivery speed, delay reasons, and even fulfillment cost per order to spot and fix leaks.
- Prebuilt integrations that actually work. Anyone can say they “integrate with Shopify”—you want deep, tested connections with CRMs, ERPs, accounting, WMS, and 3PLs that don’t fall apart mid-promo.
Key Benefits of Order Management Systems
A good OMS isn’t just about processing orders—it’s the infrastructure that keeps your brand operational, scalable, and competitive.
- More profitable operations through optimization. By syncing data across systems, automating decisions, and minimizing fulfillment inefficiencies, an OMS directly improves your margins over time.
- Faster fulfillment with less manual routing. Distributed order management automates the decision of where to ship from based on real-time data, reducing delays and improving delivery reliability.
- Improved inventory accuracy and visibility. Real-time syncing across channels and warehouses prevents overselling, minimizes out-of-stock situations, and gives your team one version of the truth.
- Consistent customer experience across channels. Whether someone buys on your site, in-store, or on a marketplace, the OMS keeps the backend aligned so customers get the same experience everywhere.
- More efficient warehouse operations. Features like batch picking, barcode scanning, and automated packing rules help your team move faster and reduce errors on the floor.
- Streamlined returns and reverse logistics. The best OMS platforms make it easy to manage returns with automated workflows that track items, issue refunds, and restock inventory without a mess.
- Fewer support tickets and WISMO inquiries. With built-in tracking and automated customer notifications, your OMS reduces those “where’s my order?” pings that eat up team bandwidth.
- Scalable workflows as you grow. As order volume increases or you add new channels, your OMS adapts without requiring a system overhaul or heavy developer input.
Cost & Pricing for Order Management System
Order management systems (OMS) are the backbone of smooth operations for any business, whether you’re just starting out or running a large enterprise.
Prices and features can vary quite a bit, so it’s important to find the plan that fits your needs—and your budget. Let’s break down what you can expect from different tiers and who they’re best suited for.
Plan comparison table for order management software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Limited orders, basic inventory management, community support, essential reporting tools | Very small businesses or startups with minimal needs. |
Basic | $50 - $100/month | Order tracking, basic reporting, inventory management, customer support | Startups and small businesses needing essential tools. |
Professional | $100 - $500/month | Advanced analytics, multi-channel support, API access, enhanced inventory management | Growing businesses managing multiple channels. |
Enterprise | $500+/month | Custom integrations, dedicated support, unlimited orders, comprehensive analytics | Large enterprises with complex needs and high order volumes. |
Picking the right plan
Choosing the right OMS plan is all about finding that sweet spot between what you need now and where you want to go.
- A Free plan can be a great starting point if you’re on a tight budget, though you’ll likely want to upgrade as your business expands.
- A Basic plan might be just what a small startup needs to get the ball rolling.
- As your business grows and your order volume picks up, you might find that a Professional plan offers the extra features and analytics to help you scale smoothly.
- For bigger businesses with more complex needs, an Enterprise plan could be a lifesaver, offering advanced customization and dedicated support to keep everything running like clockwork.
In the end, the right OMS plan is one that fits your business today and grows with you tomorrow, making sure you’re always on track for success.
New & Noteworthy Product Updates
Here are some key product updates for order management systems products that users and software buyers should be aware of this quarter.
Learn what’s new, if it’s hot—or not, and why each major change matters for ecommerce experts.
Linnworks Recent Updates

Here are some recent Linnworks updates.
- Enhanced FedEx Shipping Services: Released in March 2024, Linnworks introduced new FedEx shipping services, including FedEx First and FedEx Priority Service, among others. This update aims to simplify and improve shipping options for users in Europe by harmonizing domestic and international services.
- Amazon Shipping Delivery Note: In March 2024, Linnworks integrated a feature allowing users to send delivery notes to carriers for non-Amazon channel orders using Amazon Shipping. This service is available with specific Amazon Shipping services in the UK.
- eBay Bulk Listing Tool: Updated in February 2024, this tool facilitates the creation of multiple listings on eBay, enhancing visibility and tracking of eBay listing templates. It is particularly useful for handling large volumes of listings.
Verdict: Hot! It seems like Linnworks is working hard to play well with other titans of ecommerce, including Amazon, eBay, and FedEx. This bodes well for their position in the marketplace.
Cin7 Core Recent Updates

Here are some recent Cin7 Core updates.
- B2B Portal Enhancements: In February 2024, Cin7 Core introduced new settings in the B2B portal to enable or disable customer delivery preference selections and to hide prices from B2B guest users. This update aims to simplify the checkout process and enhance the customization of the B2B portal experience.
- Sales and ShipStation Integration Enhancements: This March 2024 update includes a new prohibition on overpayments in sale invoices and introduces new attribute field types for additional attributes in inventory items, suppliers, and customer records. It also allows for setting default carrier, service, and package types for ShipStation, facilitating easier and more consistent shipping operations.
- QuickBooks Online and Stripe Integration Enhancements: March 2024 enhancements include the ability to pay supplier invoices with Settle, summarization of sales invoices/credit notes into consolidated transactions for QuickBooks Online, and small UI improvements to the Stripe payment workflow. These updates aim to streamline financial transactions and sales invoice management.
Verdict: Mixed! The B2B portal enhancements seem promising, but I'll have to see them in action first. The other updates are pretty mild.
SphereWMS Recent Updates

Here are some recent updates from SphereWMS over the past few months:
- Inventory Management Enhancement: In March 2024, SphereWMS introduced enhancements to its multi-channel inventory management capabilities. This update aims to provide better stock control and efficiency by enabling more seamless tracking, allocation, and distribution of goods across various sales channels, including eCommerce platforms and retail sites.
- SOC 2 Certification: SphereWMS achieved SOC 2 certification, demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards of data security and operational integrity. This certification is crucial for customers concerned about data safety and compliance in their warehouse management operations.
- Amazon Integration Improvements: SphereWMS has improved integration with Amazon, specifically for FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) shipments, ensuring that shipments are created, labeled, and tracked more efficiently. This integration helps streamline operations for fulfillment providers and third-party logistics companies using the SphereWMS platform.
Verdict: Not! There's not a lot "new" here, although better multi-channel inventory management and data security is always welcomed.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud Recent Updates

Here are some recent updates from Salesforce Commerce Cloud:
- Generative AI Enhancements: This February 2024 update introduced generative AI capabilities across workflows, departments, and industries with Einstein Copilot, enhancing automation and conversational AI features.
- B2C Analytics Upgrade: This March 2024 update focused on enhancements in e-commerce analytics and platform management, providing tools for deeper customer insights and improved operational efficiency.
- Quality of Life Improvements: April 2024 introduced several new functionalities to improve user experience on the commerce platform, including updated APIs and security enhancements.
Verdict: Hot! AI enhancements across the entire Salesforce software platform will bring numerous improvements to workflow, data sorting, and content creation.
Zoho Inventory Recent Updates

Here are some recent updates from Zoho Inventory:
- Enhancements to Inventory Aging Summary Report: Released February 2024, this update allows users to select which columns to display in the Inventory Aging Summary Report, use advanced filters for more specific reporting, and includes a new column showing the asset value of items over time.
- Create Receives From the Purchase Receives Module: Released March 2024, users can now directly create purchase receives from the Purchase Receives module, which simplifies the process and saves time.
- Credit Notes in Customer Portal: Released March 2024, this feature allows customers to view their credit notes and the invoices associated with them directly within the Credit Notes module of the customer portal.
Verdict: Hot, if just because of the improved Inventory Aging Summary Report. This is such a critical step in product inventory management, and anything that makes it easier, better, faster for users is a plus.
Order Management Software FAQs
Q & A time! While we talked through a lot in this post, now’s the time to cover the things that may not have gotten talked through so far.
Can an order management system integrate with my existing ecommerce and accounting platforms?
Yes—assuming you pick the right one. Most modern OMS tools offer native integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, QuickBooks, and major CRMs.
The real trick? Making sure those integrations are deep, reliable, and don’t break every time you update a plugin. Always test, and never assume “connects with X” means “actually works with X.”
How long does it take to implement an order management system?
Anywhere from two weeks to six months. It depends on the complexity of your operations, how many channels you’re juggling, and whether you’re migrating data. Lighter tools for startups can be plug-and-play.
Enterprise systems with warehouses, stores, 3PLs, and complex workflows take time—and you’ll want to get onboarding support baked into the deal.
What’s the difference between traditional order management and distributed order management (DOM)?
Traditional order management tracks and fulfills orders from a central source. Distributed order management, on the other hand, is smart enough to choose the best fulfillment location—automatically. DOM systems use rules and real-time inventory data to ship from the fastest or cheapest point, which is critical if you’re selling through multiple channels and locations.
Do AI features in OMS tools actually matter?
Some do, most don’t. AI that predicts stockouts, flags order anomalies, or suggests better shipping routes? Worth it. AI that auto-generates reports or dashboards you don’t use? Meh. Look for tools that enhance decision-making without turning your ops into a black box.
When should I upgrade from manual order processing to an OMS?
If you’re spending more time fixing fulfillment mistakes than selling—or if you’re processing more than a dozen orders a day manually—it’s time. When your tech stack becomes a patchwork of spreadsheets, half-integrated apps, and late-night guesswork, an OMS will pay for itself fast.
Can a small business actually benefit from an OMS?
Absolutely. You don’t need to be shipping hundreds of orders to see the impact. Even small teams gain serious time back by automating order syncing, inventory updates, and basic customer comms. The best OMS tools scale with you—so you’re not rebuilding your backend every time you grow.
Additional Order Management Software Reviews
Order management system for ecommerce are just part of your larger software solution puzzle. Alongside your traditional ecommerce order management system, you may have a need for additional tools and services.
If you're interested in order management systems, these other software review lists might be of interest to you.
- Order Fulfillment Software
- B2B Order Management Software
- Enterprise Order Management Software
- Order Tracking Software
- Fulfillment Services
- Order Entry Software
Get Your Orders Managed Right
To be a good ecommerce merchant, you don't have to be sweating orders like a switchboard operator. You just need the right tools to sweat that part for you.
Order management software does the busywork alongside your other MVPs (inventory management, warehouse management, ecommerce platform) so that you can put your work into creating a big exciting brand that everyone knows.
So, find your OMS and get to scaling.
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