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There are so many different order fulfillment software, so making a shortlist of the best can be tricky. You want to streamline and manage the process of getting products from a business to its customers efficiently—and need the right tool for your online store. I've got you covered! In this post, I share from my personal experience managing online shops of all sizes, using many different order fulfillment tools with large and small inventory pools, and share my picks of the best order fulfillment software overall.

What Is Order Fulfillment Software?

Order fulfillment software is a digital solution designed to optimize the process of delivering products to customers. It manages the journey of an order from the moment it's placed until it reaches the customer, encompassing inventory control, order processing, warehouse management, picking, packing, and shipping.

The purpose is to automate and streamline these steps, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in fulfilling customer orders. It's particularly vital for ecommerce and retail businesses, helping them handle high volumes of orders, maintain real-time inventory tracking, and improve overall customer satisfaction with timely and reliable deliveries.

Overviews Of The 10 Best Order Fulfillment Software

Here’s a brief description of each order fulfillment tool to showcase each platform’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the user interface.

Best for streamlining Ecommerce shipping

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $9.99/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

ShipStation is an ecommerce shipping solution that offers a range of features to streamline the shipping process for online businesses. With ShipStation, businesses can automate actions, generate discounted shipping labels, and gain complete control and insight into their orders at every stage of the shipping process.

Why I chose ShipStation: I chose ShipStation because it offers a comprehensive set of features that make it easy to manage and streamline ecommerce shipping. It allows you to automate order processing, generate shipping labels, and track shipments all in one place, saving time and improving efficiency and saving time.

Additionally, you can set inventory alerts to keep you on top of changes, you can view stock levels, and allocate stock all while picking and packing and fulfilling orders more efficiently. And to make sure your customers don't get anxious leaving your website, the platform offers branded portals at no additional cost.

ShipStation Standout Features & Integrations

Features include its dashboards which let you view all of your orders at every stage of the fulfillment process, easily sort and filter through them, and combine or split orders as you see fit.

Integrations include over 300 options, including Squarespace, Ebay, Walmart, Shopify, Etsy, Wix, Klaviyo, Square, bigcartel, Quickbooks, and Morecommerce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Manage inventory levels across multiple warehouses.
  • Customize shipping labels and packing slips
  • Automate shipping processes

Cons:

  • Update delays can cause interruptions with some integrations
  • Mobile app needs improvement

Best for automating shipping workflows

  • Free demo available
  • From $449/month (volume-based pricing)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Linnworks is an innovative cloud-based order management system that provides ecommerce businesses with a comprehensive solution for managing and automating the entire order process. The platform offers extensive features, including inventory management, shipping integrations, order processing, and reporting.

Why I Picked Linnworks: Linnworks allows users to manage orders from multiple sales channels, which streamlines order processing and reduces errors. It provides an advanced inventory management system that lets online sellers track stock levels across multiple sales channels and warehouses. Linnworks can set reorder points for products to ensure they never run out of stock. They can also track inventory costs and get real-time updates on stock levels and purchase orders. Users can create locations and bins, assign products to those locations, and manage inventory levels at each location.

Linnworks Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include the ability to automate shipping processes by setting up rules and workflows. You can assign shipping preferences for each channel, shipping destination, and order status. Linnworks provides users with robust reporting and analytics tools to help them understand their business performance. Online sellers can generate detailed sales, inventory, shipping, and customer data reports. The platform also provides advanced filters and customization options, such as date range, product categories, and sales channels, giving users more profound insights into their business and making informed decisions based on data.

Integrations include leading shipping carriers such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS, as well as online retailers and other software, like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Shopify, QuickBooks, and ShipStation. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Multilingual support
  • Highly scalable
  • Multi-channel support on more than 70 channels

Cons:

  • Some learning curve for new users
  • No free trial

Best all-in-one order fulfillment software

  • Free demo
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 3.6/5

ShipBob is a complete solution for ecommerce fulfillment that enables sellers to scale their businesses quickly. Ship your products to ShipBob, connect your store, and the company will take care of order fulfillment for you.

Why I Picked ShipBob: The key to the company is its network of warehouses—it currently has locations in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. The U.S. network means you can deliver products across the U.S. in just two days, while the non-U.S. centers shorten the times it takes to ship globally. The service is able to work with both on and offline channels. It connects with storefronts on Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, and eBay, so you have more chances to make sales. It even has options for B2B fulfillment, allowing you to offer wholesale orders to a large list of supported retailers. 

Despite ShipBob taking care of the service, you can still add a personal touch to your deliveries. For example, you can use custom branded boxes, add customer notes, or include marketing materials with your packages. 

Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include a network of strategically located fulfillment centers across the United States. Unlike some of its competitors that rely on centralized warehouses, ShipBob's distributed fulfillment center approach offers several unique advantages like faster shipping speeds and inventory optimization. Plus, it has a whole feature set for fulfilling B2B and wholesale shipment needs. This stood out to me because so many shipping solutions focus on the needs of B2C businesses.

Integrations include Amazon, NetSuite, Shopify, BigCommerce, eBay, Magento, Square, Squarespace, Walmart, Wix, WooCommerce, USPS, UPS, DHL, FedEx, and Shippo, among others.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • End-to-end fulfillment services
  • Good for B2C and B2B businesses
  • Ability to outsource fulfillment operations

Cons:

  • No free trial
  • Takes time to get familiar with the system

Best for small businesses

  • 14-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $79/month.
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Rating: 4.3/5

Zoho Inventory is order fulfillment software from Zoho. It helps ecommerce businesses manage and fulfill orders faster. The dashboard shows the overall status of all your orders. You can see how many are pending, shipped, and to be delivered. And you can also see information like low-stock and top-selling items. 

Why I Picked Zoho Inventory: Zoho Inventory stands out with its exceptional multichannel support, allowing businesses to manage inventory and sales across various sales channels, including ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, and brick-and-mortar stores. This feature provides several advantages, like centralized inventory control, channel-specific pricing/product descriptions, and efficient order routing.

Zoho Inventory Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include the automatic packing slips feature. It’s easy to turn a confirmed order into a packing slip—the tool will import all relevant data, including the address and order details. You can then choose from over 40 shipping carriers and generate a shipping slip. Once your package is out, you and your customer can track its location with the AfterShip integration. Another cool feature is the ability to drop ship products straight from your vendor to your customer. You never actually have to see your inventory.

Integrations include Shopify, AfterShip, USPS, Amazon Services, Canada Post, Bond, eBay, Etsy, Google Shopping, Mailchimp, and dozens of others.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • All-in-one business management
  • Meets everyday needs and long-term goals
  • Nearly endless list of possible integrations

Cons:

  • Must buy integrations separately
  • Reporting data is basic

Best for manufacturing companies

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4/5

Fishbowl is inventory management software with powerful features designed to help manage your supply chain and warehouses. One of the tool highlights is the mobile picking feature. Just download the app and use it to quickly find products in your warehouse. It will also highlight if you have enough inventory to fulfill the order. It’s an easy way to streamline warehouse management.

Why I Picked Fishbowl: Fishbowl excels as an order fulfillment software due to its robust inventory management and order processing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to optimize their order fulfillment operations. It stands out for its seamless integration with QuickBooks, providing a powerful combination of accounting and inventory management in one system. This integration ensures accurate financial data and inventory tracking. Fishbowl also offers advanced inventory management features, such as multi-location tracking, barcode scanning, and customizable reporting.

Fishbowl Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include robust manufacturing and BOM capabilities. This feature allows businesses to create and manage complex product assemblies and track the components required for manufacturing. It's particularly useful for companies involved in light manufacturing or assembling products from various parts. Fishbowl's manufacturing tools enable businesses to plan production schedules, track work orders, and efficiently manage the entire manufacturing process, all within the same platform.

Integrations are available when implementing Fishbowl in your ecommerce business, including dozens of options such as Avalara, BigCommerce, Endicia, HubSpot, QuickBooks, Salesforce, ShipWorks, WaspBarcode, WooCommerce, Zoho CRM, and other software options.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time inventory visibility
  • Easy to use
  • Robust, detailed inventory control

Cons:

  • Needs more customizability
  • Steep pricing for smaller businesses

Best for US/Canada-based businesses

  • Free demo
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 3.9/5

Shipmonk is an order fulfillment company for ecommerce businesses. It streamlines sales across all channels, including your site and third parties like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. Just connect all your stores to the Shipmonk platform, and it will sync your customer orders. Once set up, you can see detailed information about orders, including how many you have at each stage of the order process. This can highlight potential problems such as late deliveries.

Why I Picked Shipmonk: ShipMonk is exceptional as an order fulfillment software due to its focus on providing ecommerce businesses with a scalable, end-to-end fulfillment solution. It stands out by seamlessly integrating inventory management, order processing, and shipping logistics in a user-friendly platform. ShipMonk's state-of-the-art technology and strategically located fulfillment centers enable businesses to deliver orders with exceptional speed and accuracy. Moreover, its real-time data and analytics empower companies with valuable insights into their operations, helping them make data-driven decisions for growth and customer satisfaction.

Shipmonk Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include warehouses across the U.S. and Canada. It also has one in the U.K. This enables fast shipping to people in any of these locations. It also gives customers a variety of shipping options, including fast 2-day delivery. The tool has powerful inventory management features. You can see levels at each location and selling trends so you can distribute stock more effectively. 

Integrations include over 75 ecommerce shopping carts, marketplaces, and solution providers; for example, Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Wix, BigCommerce, Extensiv, Cratejoy, Shift4Shop, PayPal, Ecwid, and other tools. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Dedicated customer support team
  • Predictive inventory management with real-time data visibility
  • Strategically located fulfillment centers

Cons:

  • Limited international presence (US focused)
  • Minimum volume requirements not good for small biz

Best for businesses who sell on Amazon

  • Free demo
  • From $39.99/month

Fulfillment by Amazon is a service for Amazon sellers that allows businesses to let the ecommerce giant take care of order processing. You send your products to Amazon warehouses, and the company fulfills any orders. If you’re a small business, it’s a great place to start, while larger companies also benefit. 

Why I Picked Fulfillment by Amazon: The service’s big advantage is that you get access to Amazon’s leading logistics infrastructure. You can offer quick shipping to anywhere in the U.S., and listed products are eligible for Prime delivery, which could increase your chances of making sales. Amazon handles all parts of the delivery, including returns and customer service, making it an incredibly hands-off experience. You can even connect the service with third-party ecommerce sites such as your own website. 

Fulfillment by Amazon Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include is its integration with Amazon Prime. FBA products are eligible for Amazon Prime's two-day shipping, making them highly attractive to Prime members who value fast and reliable delivery. This feature not only enhances the visibility of FBA products on Amazon's marketplace but also improves the customer experience by providing rapid delivery options. It's an unusual and highly effective offering that can significantly boost sales for businesses using FBA. While FBA is known for fulfilling orders made on Amazon's platform, it also offers a unique multi-channel fulfillment service. 

Integrations include over 100 connections from software titans such as Shopify, BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce, and Wix. They also offer custom, developer-friendly APIs if you want to build your own integrations. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Robust inventory storage and management services
  • Amazon Prime integration (fast, free delivery)
  • Extensive network of fulfillment centers worldwide

Cons:

  • Competition with Amazon's own products/pricing strategies
  • Fees for storage and fulfillment can add up fast

Best for managing multiple warehouses

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $499/month

ShipHero is an order fulfillment company allowing ecommerce stores to outsource shipping fully. The service manages seven warehouses, enabling an average delivery speed of 3.5 days. The software platform is a key part of ShipHero. Use it to stay up to date with your inventory, including stock levels, delivery times, and shipping costs. This ensures you can replenish inventory levels that are running low.

Why I Picked ShipHero: ShipHero stands out as an exceptional order fulfillment software due to its holistic approach to managing complex fulfillment operations. It excels in optimizing the entire order fulfillment process by seamlessly integrating order management, warehouse management, and shipping logistics within a single platform. ShipHero's comprehensive features include advanced inventory control, real-time order tracking, predictive analytics, and customizable workflows, making it an ideal choice for enterprises seeking to streamline their operations, reduce errors, and enhance customer satisfaction. 

ShipHero Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include multi-node inventory allocation feature is a niche capability that is especially useful for ecommerce businesses with multiple fulfillment centers or retail locations. It allows businesses to intelligently allocate inventory from the most appropriate warehouse or store based on factors such as proximity to the customer, inventory levels, and shipping costs. Plus, ShipHero's inbound inventory management provides businesses with the ability to track and manage inventory as it arrives at the warehouse, well before it is ready to be shipped out.

Integrations include many popular ecommerce tools, such as BigCommerce, Brightpearl, Google Shopping, Klaviyo, Returnly, Shippo, Shopify, SPS Commerce, WooCommerce, Xdelivery, and other software options. You can also use ShipHero’s API or tools, such as APIWorx and Pipe 17, to create custom integrations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Impressive scalability
  • Adapts to warehouse needs
  • User-friendly

Cons:

  • Some syncing errors
  • Can be difficult to reach customer service

Best for omnichannel fulfillment

  • Free demo
  • Pricing upon request

Kibo Commerce is order management software for retailers. The tool helps sellers implement omnichannel fulfillment strategies across both online and offline channels. The platform also enables dropshipping, so you can take orders and have vendors send them directly to customers. Setting this up reduces storage costs while allowing you to offer a wider variety of items without having to stock each one. 

Why I Picked Kibo Commerce: Omnichannel fulfillment enables you to ship online orders directly from in-store inventory. You’ll make better use of your existing stock and fulfill orders from the place closest to the customer. Alternatively, you can offer in-store pick up, whereby consumers shop online and pick up the item in-store. As well as being a useful option for customers, in-store pickup drives traffic which can result in more sales.

Kibo Commerce Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include a truly unified commerce platform that seamlessly integrates both online and offline sales channels. This feature allows businesses to create a unified customer experience, whether customers are shopping online, in-store, via mobile, or through other channels. It's particularly valuable for businesses with both brick-and-mortar and online operations, as it enables features like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and enables a consistent customer experience across all touchpoints.

Integrations include Apple Pay, Avalara, Bazaarvoice, Borderfree, ChannelAdvisor, Constant Contact, CyberSource Decision Manager, Google Pay, Kount, Lightspeed Retail, MailChimp, Pay with Amazon, PayPal, PowerReviews, Salesforce Sales Cloud, ShipWorks, Vertex, and Monetate.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Strong integration capabilities
  • Robust feature set

Cons:

  • Limited reporting
  • Steep learning curve

Best sustainability options

  • Free demo
  • Pricing upon request

Bolt is a logistics tool with solutions that cover the entire fulfillment process. It works by connecting your ecommerce platform to the Bolt portal and sending your inventory to its fulfillment center. From there, Bolt automatically fulfills your orders when they come in. The company has warehouses in nine locations across the U.S and Canada, meaning you get fast shipping across both countries. And the service works with multiple shipping partners, including FedEx, UPS, and DHL, giving you discounted rates with each one. 

Why I Picked Bolt: Bolt’s software has plenty of useful features. Get visibility into your delivery process with proof of delivery, including photos and estimates of delivery status and timings. You can also track inventory across Bolt’s warehouses to know when you need to restock. Bolt also handles returns and helps minimize associated costs. A cool feature is that when the returned item cannot be resold, the company redirects items to people in need. For example, they team up with Furniture Bank to provide furniture to people who need it, instead of sending these items to landfill.

Bolt Standout Features & Integrations 

Key features include advanced fraud detection and prevention capabilities directly integrated into its platform. While many ecommerce platforms rely on third-party solutions for fraud protection, Bolt's in-house system combines machine learning and real-time data analysis to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions. This feature not only enhances security but also simplifies the order fulfillment process by reducing the likelihood of chargebacks and disputes.

Integrations include BigCommerce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, BigCommerce, Quickbooks, Shopify, Order Desk, JetRails, Volusion, Solidus, and Adobe.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast account manager response
  • Nearly 100% uptime
  • Implements fast checkout times

Cons:

  • Some refunds don’t process
  • Onboarding process is slow

The Best Order Fulfillment Software Summary

Tools Price
ShipStation From $9.99/month
Linnworks From $449/month (volume-based pricing)
ShipBob Pricing upon request
Zoho Inventory From $79/month.
Fishbowl Pricing upon request
ShipMonk Pricing upon request
Fulfillment by Amazon From $39.99/month
ShipHero From $499/month
Kibo Commerce Pricing upon request
Bolt Pricing upon request
Preview Image - <h2 class="c-block__title b-summary-table__title c-listicle__title h3" > Compare Software Specs Side by Side</h2>

Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

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Other Order Fulfillment Options

Here are a few more that didn’t make the top list.

  1. OWD

    Best for product personalization

  2. NetSuite SuiteCommerce

    Best enterprise order fulfillment software

  3. Extensiv Order Manager

    Best for a modular ecommerce solution

  4. ShipEngine

    Best APIs for multi-carrier shipment and order management

  5. Saltbox

    Best for growing teams

  6. Shipfusion

    Best for FDA compliant supply chain processes

  7. Red Stag Fulfillment

    Best protection against shrinkage & mispicks

  8. Deliverr

    Best for Shopify stores

  9. Shipwire

    Best for dropship channels

  10. Whiplash

    Best for scalability

  11. Simpl Fulfillment

    Best user-friendly software

  12. Fulfillment.com

    Best for non-technical users

  13. eShipper

    Best for crowdfunded product logistics

  14. Fulfillment Bridge

    Best for ease of implementation

  15. Falcon Fulfillment

    Best for health & wellness brands

Selection Criteria For Order Fulfillment Software

Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best order fulfillment software for this article:

Core Functionality

The two core functionalities of ecommerce fulfillment software are:

  • Manages the entire order processing cycle, from the moment a customer places an order to the final shipment of the product. This includes order capture, order verification, inventory allocation, picking and packing, shipping label generation, and order tracking.
  • Inventory management is a central function of order fulfillment software. It involves tracking and controlling the availability and movement of products in a warehouse or distribution center.

Key Features

Order fulfillment software typically includes a range of key features designed to streamline and optimize the order processing and inventory management process. Some of the key features of order fulfillment software include:

  • Order Processing:
    • Order capture and entry.
    • Order verification and validation.
    • Order routing to appropriate fulfillment centers.
    • Real-time order tracking and status updates.
  • Inventory Management:
    • Real-time inventory tracking.
    • Stock level monitoring.
    • Multi-location inventory management.
    • Inventory forecasting and demand planning.
    • Batch and serial number tracking.
  • Warehouse Management:
    • Picking and packing optimization.
    • Wave picking and batch picking.
    • Bin and location management.
    • Automated replenishment.
  • Shipping and Carrier Integration:
    • Shipping label generation.
    • Rate shopping for cost-effective shipping options.
    • Integration with multiple carriers (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx).
    • Address validation and correction.
  • Returns Management:
    • Returns processing and authorization.
    • Return merchandise authorization (RMA) management.
    • Restocking and inventory updates for returned items.
  • Reporting and Analytics:
    • Performance analytics and reporting.
    • Sales and order analytics.
    • Inventory turnover and aging reports.
  • Multi-Channel Support:
    • Integration with various ecommerce platforms and marketplaces.
    • Centralized order management across multiple sales channels.
  • Customer and Vendor Management:
    • Customer order history and profiles.
    • Vendor management and communication for restocking.
  • Automation and Workflow Customization:
    • Rule-based automation of repetitive tasks.
    • Customizable workflows to align with business processes.
  • Barcode Scanning and RFID:
    • Barcode scanning for accurate inventory management and order processing.
    • Support for RFID technology in advanced systems.
  • Integration Capabilities:
    • APIs and connectors for integrating with other business systems like ERP, CRM, and accounting software.
    • Third-party integrations for additional functionality (e.g., payment gateways, tax calculation, marketing automation).
  • User Access Control:
    • Role-based access control for security and privacy.
    • User permissions and authentication.
  • Customer Communication:
    • Automated order confirmation and shipping notification emails.
    • Tracking information provided to customers.

Usability

Usability is paramount in order fulfillment software because it directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of the order fulfillment process. User-friendly interfaces and intuitive workflows enable warehouse staff to navigate the system swiftly, reducing the likelihood of errors, missed steps, or delays in processing orders. With usability, businesses can onboard new team members quickly to the new ecommerce fulfillment software and/or updates, minimizing training time, costs, and human error.

Software Integrations

Software integrations are crucial for order fulfillment software because they enable seamless communication and data exchange between various systems and tools within a business's technology ecosystem. Integration allows order fulfillment software to connect with ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and other essential business applications. This connectivity streamlines operations by automating data transfer and synchronization, reducing manual data entry and the risk of errors.

People Also Ask

Here are a few questions I wanted to address about order fulfillment software, processes, and workflows.

How much does order fulfillment software cost?

The cost of order fulfillment software can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific software provider, the features and functionality required, the size and scale of the business, and the number of orders to be processed. Additional fees, such as transaction fees, storage fees, or implementation costs, may also apply, further impacting the overall cost.

Generally, small to medium-sized businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 per month for a basic to mid-tier order fulfillment software subscription. Larger enterprises with more extensive requirements may incur costs ranging from $500 to $1,500 or more per month, and custom solutions can be significantly more expensive.

What order fulfillment software offers 2-day delivery?

Several order fulfillment software solutions offer 2-day delivery options through their fulfillment networks or partnerships with shipping carriers. However, the availability of 2-day delivery depends on factors such as the location of your fulfillment centers, the shipping carriers you work with, and the specific service levels offered by those carriers.

Some notable order fulfillment providers and platforms known for offering 2-day delivery options include:

  • Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon’s FBA program allows sellers to leverage Amazon’s extensive fulfillment network, which includes 2-day Prime shipping for eligible products.
  • ShipBob: ShipBob offers 2-day ground shipping in the United States, leveraging its strategically located fulfillment centers.
  • Rakuten Super Logistics (formerly Webgistix): Rakuten Super Logistics offers 2-day delivery services through its SmartFill network.
  • ShipMonk: ShipMonk provides 2-day delivery options within the United States, making use of its fulfillment centers and carrier partnerships.

Please note that the availability of 2-day delivery with ecommerce fulfillment software can vary depending on your specific location, the location of the fulfillment centers, and the shipping carriers used by the order fulfillment provider. It’s essential to discuss your specific requirements and shipping goals with the fulfillment warehouse software provider to ensure they can meet your needs.

What are the six steps of the order fulfillment process?

The order fulfillment process typically involves several steps to ensure that customer orders are accurately processed and delivered in a timely manner. The six core steps of the order fulfillment process are as follows:

  1. Order Receipt: The process begins with the receipt of customer orders. Orders can come from various channels, such as e-commerce websites, marketplaces, phone orders, or in-store purchases. It involves capturing all relevant order information, including the customer’s shipping address, product details, and any special instructions.
  2. Order Processing: Once received, orders are processed to verify their accuracy and prepare them for fulfillment. This step may include order verification, payment processing, and order confirmation to the customer.
  3. Picking and Packing: After processing, the order moves to the warehouse or fulfillment center for picking and packing. Warehouse staff locate the products listed in the order, pick them from inventory shelves, and carefully pack them into shipping containers, ensuring that the items are secure and protected during transit.
  4. Shipping and Labeling: The packed orders are then labeled with shipping information, including shipping labels, tracking numbers, and any required customs documentation for international shipments. The shipping carrier is selected based on the chosen shipping method and destination.
  5. Quality Control and Inspection: Some businesses include an additional quality control and inspection step to verify that the order is correct, all items are undamaged, and the packaging meets quality standards. This step is particularly important for industries with stringent quality requirements, such as pharmaceuticals or electronics.
  6. Delivery and Tracking: The final step involves handing the order over to the selected shipping carrier for delivery. Customers are provided with tracking information, allowing them to monitor the progress of their order until it arrives at its destination. Once delivered, the order fulfillment process is considered complete, and the customer is typically asked for feedback on their experience.

Only you can decide whether you want your order fulfillment software to handle all of these, some of these, or just one of these. You will also have to find a balance between keeping the work in-house (cheaper, slower) or outsourcing some of these steps (pricey, faster).

What are the benefits of order fulfillment software?

Order fulfillment software offers a wide range of benefits for businesses involved in processing and delivering customer orders. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Improved Efficiency: Order fulfillment software automates various aspects of the order processing and inventory management workflow, reducing manual tasks, errors, and delays.
  • Accurate Order Processing: Fulfillment warehouse software minimizes order errors, such as incorrect shipments or stockouts, through real-time inventory tracking and automated order verification, ensuring that customers receive the correct products on time.
  • Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Faster and error-free order fulfillment, along with real-time order tracking and notifications, leads to improved customer experiences, loyalty, and positive reviews.
  • Optimized Inventory Management: Ecommerce fulfillment software provides real-time insights into inventory levels, demand patterns, and stock turnover, allowing businesses to optimize their inventory, reduce carrying costs, and prevent overstock or understock situations.
  • Multi-Channel Integration: Many order fulfillment solutions integrate seamlessly with various sales channels, including ecommerce platforms and marketplaces, enabling businesses to manage orders from multiple sources in a centralized manner.
  • Scalability: Order fulfillment software can scale with a business’s growth, accommodating an increasing volume of orders and expanding inventory needs.
  • Streamlined Returns Processing: Efficient returns management features simplify the handling of returned merchandise, reducing processing times and ensuring accurate restocking.
  • Cost Savings: By automating processes and optimizing inventory management, order fulfillment software helps reduce operational costs and improve the overall financial performance of a business.
  • Data Insights: Fulfillment warehouse software provides valuable data and analytics on order processing, inventory turnover, and customer behavior, helping businesses make informed decisions and develop strategic plans.
  • Competitive Advantage: Faster order fulfillment, reduced errors, and improved customer service provide a competitive edge, helping businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace.
  • Real-Time Reporting: Businesses gain access to real-time reporting and analytics, allowing them to monitor performance, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
  • Enhanced Accuracy and Traceability: Features like batch and serial number tracking, as well as barcode scanning, ensure accurate product identification and enhance traceability, which can be critical for certain industries.

Other Fulfillment Tool Reviews

With order fulfillment software comes myriad other tools, services, and software to build out your ecommerce "bigger picture." Here are some additional review lists that you might be interested in:

What do you think about this list?

This list contains some of our favorite order fulfillment tools. The biggest decision you’ll have to make is whether you just want software or you also want the company to handle orders for you. Once you know the answer to this question, you can narrow down what ecommerce order fulfillment solution works best for you. 

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By Francois Marchand

Francois Marchand is passionate about helping and educating business leaders, ecommerce professionals, and digital marketers grow their skill sets to stay ahead of the competition. Francois holds a BA Specialization in Communication Studies & Journalism from Concordia University (Montreal, QC) and 20+ years of experience in ecommerce, marketing, traditional and digital media, and public relations, including The Vancouver Sun, National Post, CBC/Radio-Canada, Unbounce, and Vancouver Film School.