Customers Demand More
The world we live in today changes at a tremendous pace with the business world leading the way. Once considered luxuries, our personal devices now impact how we interact, consume information, and spend our time and dollars. Initially a book company, Amazon now boasts a market cap in excess of one trillion US dollars; and analysts predict it to grow earnings at 27% annually over the next five years. Innovative technologies and business practices drive Amazon’s success. For retailers and wholesalers alike, simply being online does not meet today’s consumer expectations. Today’s shopper expects to transition seamlessly between the online and brick-and-mortar world. Market leaders recognize this and continue to innovate employing unified commerce strategies to improve customer experience and satisfaction. As companies fight to retain market share and customer loyalty, the unified commerce journey shifts from optional to a retail necessity for survival.
Still on the fence?
While apparent to most, this newly evolved expectation still eludes certain B2B and B2C companies that have yet to invest in the concept. For many the transition appears too expensive and complex. Nevertheless, according to CRP Special Report, 53% of respondents plan to implement some form of a unified commerce platform within the next couple of years. This creates the question; how do retailers close this “great digital divide” and do so as efficiently and effectively as possible?
Before beginning the process of implementing these solutions, we recommend that companies consider the importance of avoiding shortcuts. Shortcuts typically yield poor financial results in the long run, and they produce a negative impact on consumer relations. That being said, for companies that run SAP ECC or S4 HANA a robust Order Management System orchestrated by DataXstream’s OMS+ provides a solution to the problem of “How do I begin my unified commerce journey?”
Implementing a unified commerce strategy
In a unified commerce environment, a single shopping cart provides tremendous benefits. A unified order management system allows retailers to shop across various channels for their customers and gather information that specifically outlines their customers trends and orders (as stated by CRP Special Report). Access to cross-channel inventory visibility and availability also expands a company’s capabilities. These capabilities increase sales by enabling endless aisle functionality for an array of products across various channels. These benefits highlight just the beginning of how a proven OMS strategy and unified commerce can transform your business.
Start your unified commerce journey
DataXstream’s OMS+ for SAP delivers the required foundation for a sound unified commerce strategy. With SAP ERP providing the backend horsepower, B2B and B2C companies can now begin to secure a better customer experience. Companies with OMS+ gain flexible ordering and delivery options, simplified flexible technology, and customer experience personalization. Regardless of where you are in your company’s unified commerce journey, click here to learn how DataXstream and OMS+ can help you increase sales and customer satisfaction.
