By 2027, the Ecommerce Market is anticipated to reach USD 16,215.6 billion. Numerous retailers, both online and offline, are embracing multi-channel strategies and are constantly reimagining how we purchase online.

A functional ERP ensures that several Business management tools work together for the majority of B2B businesses. You gain from an integrated, single data hub that breaks down silos with ERP eCommerce connection.

This article will not only cover what ERP is but also all the benefits it can offer you. Following are the topics covered:

• eCommerce Market Overview
• What is ERP?
• Why do you need ERP for eCommerce?
• What are the challenges faced by eCommerce Industry?
• What are the ERP solutions for eCommerce?
• What are the factors to assess when choosing an eCommerce ERP?
• What are the global trends in eCommerce Industry?
• How to Start Your Own eCommerce Business?
• What is the impact of COVID-19 on eCommerce Industry?
• Job Roles in eCommerce
• Key Takeaways

eCommerce Market Overview

E-commerce, or electronic commerce, describes business dealings carried out electronically over the internet. Along with activities like online auctions, payment gateways, online ticketing, and internet banking, it encompasses purchasing and selling consumer goods, marketplace services, and customer support.

• Business to Business (B2B), Business to Customer (B2C), Customer to Business (C2B), and Customer to Customer (C2C) are just a few of the different business models that are typically used to categorize eCommerce.
• It provides the seller with a number of advantages, including a worldwide audience, low transaction costs, larger profit margins, direct communication between the parties involved, and speedy delivery of goods and services.
• This market is primarily driven by elements including the increasing use of smartphones and the Internet, the dependence on social media to promote eCommerce platforms, the expansion of omni-channel business models, and the introduction of new payment methods.
• Additionally, eCommerce automation presents enormous growth potential for market participants. However, there are several challenges limiting the market's growth, including cybersecurity concerns and online fraud.

Local rules and regulations for international eCommerce as well as a lack of trust resulting from touch-and-feel experiences are the main obstacles to the entire market's expansion.

E-commerce Market Classification

By Business Model

• Horizontal Commerce
• Vertical eCommerce

Horizontal eCommerce:

The idea behind the horizontal eCommerce business strategy is to sell everything and reach as many people as you can. The horizontal eCommerce project is essentially a digital one-stop shop where you can buy everything you need without having to hunt around for the product category you're looking for.

• A real-world example is the greatest way to explain anything, and we have one. As a benchmark for horizontal eCommerce, think of Amazon
• After beginning as a bookseller, the business over time increased the scope of its product offering. Everything is available for purchase on Amazon, from a pair of pants to a combat knife. And that's precisely why the horizontal model is so unique.
• To increase coverage, it merges a number of market categories. Such a varied marketing approach does, however, come with drawbacks. You have little possibility of dominating a certain sector if you spend all of your time on diverse market segments.

Vertical eCommerce:

Businesses that are vertically oriented rely on industry dominance, as opposed to the horizontal approach. They concentrate all of their efforts on offering the greatest services in a single area. Being the best in your sector at the expense of a small target audience is the goal of vertical eCommerce.

• Your eCommerce company can integrate its customer relationship and product marketing tactics by using vertical integration.
• You can create a single marketing system and implement your strategy consistently and step-by-step far more easily if you restrict yourself to a single product category and its relatively small consumer base.
• With the vertical eCommerce model, your company will only compete for market share and have no impact on any other sectors. That is the cost of becoming the greatest in your field.

By Browsing Medium:

• Mobile/Tablet- Application-based, Browser
• Desktop/Laptop

By Payment Mode:

• Cash Payments
• Card Payments
• Bank Transfers
• Digital Wallets
• Other Payment Modes

By Transaction:

• Consumer-to-Consumer
• Business-to-Consumer
• Business-to-Business
• Others

By Offering:

• Food & Beverages
• Beauty & Fashion Products
• Pharmaceutical Products
• Travel & Tourism
• Electronic Products
• Household Products
• Others (Sports, Agriculture, and Automotive, among others)

By Region:

• North America- U.S., Canada
• Europe- Germany, Norway, U.K., France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Russia & Rest of Europe (ROE)
• Asia-Pacific- South Korea, China, Malaysia, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Vietnam & Rest of Asia-Pacific (ROAPAC)
• Latin America- Brazil, Argentina, Mexico & Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa- South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel & Rest of MEA

Key Players

The key players profiled in the global eCommerce market are:

• Tesco Plc (U.K.)
• Amazon.com, Inc. (U.S.)
• Wayfair, Inc. (U.S.)
• Alibaba Group Holding Limited (China)
• Walmart, Inc. (U.S.)
• Shopify, Inc. (U.S.)
• The Home Depot, Inc. (U.S.)
• JD.com, Inc. (China)
• Costco Wholesale Corporation (U.S.)
• Rakuten, Inc. (Japan)
• Otto GmbH & Co KG (Germany)
• Zalando SE (Germany)
• Inter Ikea Systems B.V. (Netherlands)
• Priceline.com (U.S.)
• Best Buy Co., Inc. (U.S.)
• B2W Digital (Brazil)Groupon, Inc. (U.S.)
• Suning.Com Co., Ltd. (China)

Key Growth Drivers

One of the main factors fueling the market's expansion is the rapid urbanization of the world. Additionally, rising internet usage and the use of gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to access eCommerce portals are boosting industry expansion.

Through eCommerce, companies may conduct transactions without having a physical presence, which lowers their infrastructure, communication, and overhead costs.

The market is also fueled by the rising popularity of online shopping, particularly among women, and the expanding impact of social networking sites on purchasing decisions.

• Online retail channels offer consumers a hassle-free shopping experience while offering a large selection of goods to pick from, all at reasonable price points.
• Additionally, the emergence of direct-to-consumer and private-label business models is fostering optimism for market expansion. This makes it possible for businesses to gather and use consumer data in order to offer customers customized goods and services.
• As a result of lockdown and social isolation measures, the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has given e-commerce activities an additional boost. Customers are turning to online platforms to acquire necessary supplies.
• Growth Engines Young consumers, primarily those in the millennial and Gen Z generations, are digital natives who are accustomed to and at ease utilizing technology in daily life. They also shop online because of things like affordable prices, convenient returns, and same-day delivery.

Additionally, the market is anticipated to grow as a result of recent developments such as increased internet connectivity, rising smartphone penetration, rising m-commerce adoption, rapid urbanization, growing acceptance of digital transactions, expansion of regional localization of internet content, elevated shopping experiences, etc.

E-Commerce Business Model

Electronic commerce, also known as eCommerce, is a business concept that enables buyers and sellers to transact online. There are six main business models for eCommerce:

• Business to Consumer (B2C)
• Business to Business (B2B)
• Business to Government (B2G)
• Business to Business to Consumer (B2B2C)
• Consumer to Consumer (C2C)
• Consumer to Business (C2B)

Business to Consumer (B2C)

Business to consumer (B2C) marketing is the practice of a firm marketing its goods or services directly to consumers. It is the type of business that is most well-known. B2C eCommerce is comparatively simple.

Every time you buy food from a grocery store, have supper at a restaurant, go to the movies, or get a haircut, you engage in a business-to-consumer transaction. You are the final consumer of the goods and services that these businesses offer.

Business to Business (B2B)

As the name suggests, B2B refers to the practice of a firm marketing its goods or services directly to other companies. There are two approaches for B2B eCommerce: vertical and horizontal.

Businesses that are vertically oriented sell to clients in a particular sector. You may reach customers in a wide range of industries by using a horizontal strategy. Each strategy has advantages and disadvantages, such as the benefits of vertical market depth and industry knowledge vs broad market coverage and diversity (horizontal).

Business to Government (B2G)

Direct marketing of a company's goods and services to a government body is known as business to government (B2G). It's possible for this organization to be municipal, county, state, or federal.

When a private engineering firm sells its engineering skills to a county government to create a new water and sewer infrastructure for the town, that is an illustration of a local B2G partnership. Businesses often submit bids for projects in B2G when governments issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Business to Business to Consumer (B2B2C)

A company sells goods to another business, which then sells them to consumers, in B2B2C eCommerce. When a wholesale distributor sells goods to retail stores, those retailers then resell the goods to consumers, that is an illustration of a B2B2C relationship.

The first company (the firm from which the product originated), a middleman, and the end user make up the B2B2C model.

The B2B2C system can be applied in eCommerce applications in a variety of ways. To market its goods and services, for instance, a business can collaborate with another business and pay the partner a commission on each sale.

Consumer to Business (C2B)

When we think of commerce strategies, we usually think of them from the beginning of the business. Consumer-oriented models, such as Consumer to business, are gaining popularity.

Individuals sell goods and services directly to businesses in the C2B eCommerce business model. This is most prevalent on websites that allow individuals (contractors or freelancers) to share work or services in which they are skilled. Businesses will frequently submit a request or bid for that person's time and pay the person through that platform.

Consumer to Consumer (C2C)

Another model that most people do not consider is the consumer to consumer business model. With companies like eBay, Craigslist, and Etsy leading the way, the rise of the digital landscape has really enabled the concept to take off.

Consumers sell goods or services directly to other consumers in C2C eCommerce. This is most often made possible by third-party websites (such as the ones mentioned above) or marketplaces that facilitate transactions on behalf of buyers and sellers.

These eCommerce marketplaces enable small businesses, as well as creators, to sell their products at their own prices without the need to maintain their own online storefront.

E-commerce business process

The eCommerce process flow describes all of the steps and functionality that go into running an eCommerce website. eCommerce functions in many ways similar to traditional brick-and-mortar stores, albeit online. There is what the customer sees, and then there are areas that are only accessible to employees.

Employee-only areas in eCommerce are similar to the management office and the space behind the registers in a physical store, but they exist on a computer rather than in a physical space. Similarly, the customer-facing areas are similar to the sales floor, aisles, signage, and other typical retail features, but they are on a website rather than inside a building.

These two areas are referred to as the backend and the frontend in software, including that which runs eCommerce websites.

Backend

The backend of an eCommerce website is the business-facing side. It's also known as the dashboard, the control panel, the admin panel, or sometimes just the admin. The backend is known by different names depending on the software provider, this is where you control all aspects of your eCommerce website.

The backend includes tools for website creation and management. Users can upload products, categorize them, and select which payment methods to accept. Many eCommerce platforms provide online store templates to help with design.

Inventory tracking and control, order processing, marketing tools, a coupon and promotion creator, customer records, and other features are possible.

Frontend

The frontend of an eCommerce website is the consumer side and includes everything the customer sees when shopping. The frontend is also known as the storefront, and when people say "the website," they're usually referring to the frontend. The frontend's appearance and functionality are directly related to the options you configure in the backend.

• The frontend must be easy to use and well-organized so that customers can find what they're looking for with minimal effort. You can achieve this by creating a sensible category structure for your products and implementing simple navigation.
• You should also include business information such as a "About Us" page, a FAQ (Frequently-Asked Questions) page, and additional pages outlining your store's policies such as returns, shipping, and privacy.
• These latter pages are considered mandatory for any business, and the more transparent information you provide, the more the customer will trust your store.
• Other features that can be added to the frontend include product reviews and Q&As, security logos and other trust badges, the ability for customers to view, edit, and save their cart, and more.
• Your store's checkout should run smoothly and have a clear layout to help prevent errors. Keep in mind that the quality of your website's frontend has a significant impact on your conversion rate.

What is ERP?

ERP is a software application that automates business processes while also providing insights and internal controls. It is based on a central database that collects data from departments such as accounting, manufacturing, supply chain management, sales, marketing, and human resources (HR).

Every business must complete work that involves a large number of stakeholders with varying responsibilities. However, this is difficult when the information required to execute processes and make key decisions is dispersed across disparate systems.

Employees struggle to find what they need and may not have access to it at all if data is stored in basic business management software or spreadsheets. For example, the accounting and FP&A teams may use separate spreadsheets with different figures for expense tracking.

• ERP can save a significant amount of time and money by providing organization-wide visibility that highlights inefficient manual processes and reveals opportunities for growth.
• ERP is critical business software that collects data from various departments and stores it in a single database, allowing leaders to monitor the pulse of a company using a single view of reality.
• Finance, manufacturing, inventory and order management, customer communication, sales and marketing, project management, and human resources are all unified by ERP systems. Detail analytics and reporting on each department is a key feature.
• ERP software can be deployed in a variety of ways, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid. While cloud ERP has grown in popularity in recent years, the best approach for any given company is determined by its needs.
• Before selecting a winner, businesses should ensure that they understand the capabilities, implementation models, integration requirements, and total cost of ownership of a short list of software providers.

Key features of ERP systems

ERP systems vary greatly in size, scope, and functionality, but most ERP systems have the following features:

Enterprise-wide integration: End-to-end integration of business processes across departments and business units. A new order, for example, automatically initiates a credit check, inquires about product availability, and updates the distribution schedule. The invoice is sent once the order has been shipped.

Operation in real-time (or near real-time): Because the processes in the preceding example take place within a few seconds of order receipt, issues are identified quickly, giving the seller more time to correct the situation.

Consistent appearance and feel: ERP systems provide a consistent user interface, lowering training costs. When an ERP vendor acquires other software, the common look and feel is sometimes abandoned in favor of speed to market. Most ERP vendors restore the consistent user interface as new releases hit the market.

Common database: A common database allows data to be defined once for the enterprise and used by all departments. To improve performance, some ERP systems split the physical database.

ERP implementation

The majority of successful ERP implementations are led by an executive sponsor, who sponsors the business case, obtains approval to proceed, monitors progress, chairs the steering committee, removes roadblocks, and captures benefits.

• The Chief Information Officer(CIO) collaborates closely with the executive sponsor to ensure that integration with existing systems, data migration, and infrastructure upgrades receive adequate attention.
• The CIO also advises the executive sponsor on challenges and assists the executive sponsor in selecting an ERP implementation firm.
• An organizational change management executive should also advise the executive sponsor, as ERP implementations result in new business processes, roles, user interfaces, and job responsibilities.
• A business project manager and an IT project manager should report to the program's executive team. If the company has hired an ERP integration firm, the project managers from that firm should be part of the core program management team.

The following is how most ERP practitioners structure their ERP implementation:

Obtain approval: The executive sponsor is in charge of creating any documentation required for approval. This document, commonly referred to as a business case, usually includes a description of the program's objectives and scope, implementation costs and timeline, development and operational risks, and projected benefits.

The business case is then presented to the appropriate executives for formal approval by the executive sponsor.

Stabilize the system: Most organizations experience a drop in business performance after deployment as employees learn new roles, tools, business processes, and metrics.

Furthermore, poor data cleansing and infrastructure bottlenecks will cause disruption. All of these put a strain on the ERP deployment and support teams.

Configure software: The most difficult and time-consuming phase entails analyzing gaps in current business processes and supporting applications, configuring parameters in ERP software to reflect new business processes, completing any necessary customization, migrating data using standardized data definitions, performing system tests, and providing all functional and technical documentation.

Plan the program: The timeline should now be refined into a work plan, which should include finalizing team members, selecting any external partners (implementation specialists, organizational change management specialists, technical specialists), finalizing contracts, planning infrastructure upgrades, and documenting tasks, dependencies, resources, and timing as precisely as possible.

Deploy the system: Several activities must be completed prior to the final cutover, including staff training on the system, planning support to answer questions and resolve problems after the ERP is operational, testing the system, and making the "Go live" decision in collaboration with the executive sponsor.

Why do you need ERP for eCommerce?

A global pandemic and widespread global eCommerce adoption have both raised customer expectations about eCommerce. Customer experience (CX) is now an important part of developing your web store, even for B2B companies. Most ERP software, on the other hand, can optimize:

Inventory details: An ERP system can automatically change the inventory count or product information when an item is purchased or altered. This keeps customers informed and prevents orders from being placed for items that are out of stock.

Your online business will run more smoothly if these systems are automated through ERP integration. This avoids customer dissatisfaction while also ensuring that your inventory and accounting reports are accurate and up to date.

Order placement: ERP software can help with order placement by automating the subsequent steps, such as calculating shipping costs or creating a shipping label.

Process Visibility and Management: When evaluating various ERP eCommerce options, process and project visualization are critical. These systems frequently include customizable dashboards with information about finances, project status, and labor allocation.

Users can quickly identify bottlenecks and make company decisions to facilitate operations by making insights more visible and presenting them in an easy-to-understand graphical format.

Simplify changes: While an online sale can be time-consuming for many businesses, ERP software can help with price changes within product categories.

Customer updates: When you integrate ERP software into your e-commerce platform, your customers will receive automatic communications. This includes when an order is received, an item is shipped, or an item is delayed in transit.

Shipping/Distribution: Many eCommerce companies use dropshipping, which is when a company sells a product online and then orders it from a third-party vendor, who then ships the item to the customer.

This allows eCommerce businesses to offer a wide range of products without the need for a large inventory or a large warehouse space.

What are the challenges faced by eCommerce Industry?

In terms of cybersecurity, the eCommerce industry is widely regarded as the most vulnerable. Malware attacks temporarily take over the targeted user's system, web server, and all confidential data and demand a fee in exchange for returning the user's data. It is a threat to eCommerce websites because it undermines customer trust.

As a result, the increasing number of malware applications would have a negative impact on the growth of the eCommerce market. Other challenges to the market include ambiguity in cross-border trade, information asymmetry (virtual vs. reality), and so on.

Customer Experience

A successful eCommerce website relies heavily on customer or user experience. Shoppers anticipate a similar, if not identical, experience to that of a traditional brick-and-mortar store. The website's flow, segmentation, and retail personalization of products based on the shopper's preferences are critical.

Omnichannel experience

Omnichannel eCommerce provides a unified e-commerce experience for your customers regardless of digital device or platform. This is critical because 73% of online shoppers use multiple channels when shopping online, according to research.

Delivering consistent messaging about your brand to your customers is one of the primary benefits of providing an omnichannel experience. No matter where a customer encounters your brand, the messaging is consistent.

Customer loyalty

Your company will struggle if it lacks customer trust and loyalty. However, acquiring and retaining customers requires a significant amount of effort.

One of the reasons eCommerce businesses struggle to build customer trust and loyalty is that the seller and buyer frequently do not know or cannot see each other. Interactions become less personable as a result.

This eCommerce problem will only be solved with time and effort. The company can eventually build this trust and loyalty through multiple transactions.

Selling strategies

Keeping up with modern customer expectations is one of the most pressing customer service issues in eCommerce. Many businesses lack the necessary understanding of customer behavior and purchasing patterns.

Appropriate technology and partners

Some online retailers may face growth challenges because their technology is limiting them or they have hired the wrong partners/agencies to assist them with project management. Retailers seeking to expand must establish a solid technological foundation.

They must select the appropriate shopping cart solution, inventory management software, email software, CRM systems, analytics, and other tools. Hiring the wrong partners or agencies to assist you with project implementation or marketing campaign oversight may also limit your growth. Online retailers must be cautious about who they work with.

Data & Cyber Security

One of the most difficult challenges in eCommerce is security breaches. When dealing with eCommerce, there is a lot of information/data involved, and a technical issue with data can cause severe damage to the retailer's daily operations as well as brand image.

Right products to sell

Many barriers to entry have been removed by shopping cart platforms such as Shopify. Anyone can set up an online store in a matter of days and begin selling a variety of products. Amazon's massive online product catalogue is sweeping the eCommerce world.

Their marketplace and fulfilment services have made it possible for sellers all over the world to reach paying customers. Let us not forget Aliexpress. They've made product sourcing easier by providing access to Chinese manufacturers in just a few clicks. All of this has  made it extremely difficult for retailers to find unique products unless they decide to manufacture their own.

Customer Support

Despite the fact that chatbots appear to be taking over the world, only 34% of online shoppers worldwide are comfortable receiving customer service from artificial intelligence when shopping online.

While chatbots are useful for lead generation and are cost-effective, artificial intelligence has yet to replace the personalized service provided by human support.

Vast competition

One of the most competitive industries is eCommerce. Variations in various parameters — such as costs, service, supply chain operations, and so on — can make a significant difference for customers. One of the most difficult eCommerce challenges is acquiring and retaining customers.

Product exchange and refund

Returning items is one of the issues that customers face when shopping online. According to a comScore and UPS survey, 63% of American consumers check the return policy before making a purchase, and 48% would shop more with retailers that offer hassle-free returns.

However, when a product is returned, the company suffers a significant loss in both shipment and reputation. Shipping costs have always been an issue for sellers in this case.

Online Identity Verification

When a customer visits an eCommerce site, how does the retailer know if the customer is who they claim to be? Is the shopper providing correct information? Is the shopper sincere in his or her interest in the eCommerce products?

How do you proceed if you lack accurate details or information? It does get complicated. Investing in online identity verification would be the solution.

Abandoned shopping cart

Shopping cart abandonment is a major issue for eCommerce businesses. Even eCommerce conglomerates are vulnerable.

For example, when brick-and-mortar giant launched an eCommerce portal, they experienced significant eCommerce sales opportunity losses due to abandoned carts. Customers were abandoning their purchases due to the lengthy and bug-infested checkout process. This eCommerce issue must not be overlooked.

Marketing Campaigns

Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, for example, are all running active influencer marketing campaigns. Celebrities, TikTokers, and others with "influence" continue to flaunt products or services purchased from these sites.

However, they are mostly paid to promote, but it is sometimes done for free because the influencers are satisfied and delighted with the products. This also comes up as a big challenge for budding eCommerce companies as they struggle to fight the big competitors.

Quality leads

Online retailers spend a significant amount of money to drive traffic to their website. With conversion rates ranging from 1% to 3%, they must expend significant effort in generating leads in order to maximize the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.

• The cash is on the list. Building an email list of subscribers is critical for long-term success.
• It will not only help you communicate your message better, but it will also allow you to prospect more effectively using tools like Facebook Custom Audiences.
• Leads are not all created equal. Retailers must craft the right message for the right audience in order to convert them into leads and eventually into customers.

Voice-search

Voice-enabled search has exploded in popularity in recent years. Experts predict a further increase in demand for voice-driven user experience with the rise of products in online markets.

This is not surprising given that the majority of voice search queries occur while people are walking or driving somewhere. Or, perhaps more importantly, when they come across new locations or businesses.

People looking for the "best pizza places in Chicago" are looking for the best pizza cafes. Include your city in your keyword optimization if you own a pizza shop and want to attract more customers. Understanding the significance of user intent is critical.

Agility and Adaptability

Agility is a company's ability to quickly adapt to new technologies, digital content, and trends. It is responsible for digital fulfilment, which has been identified as the most important aspect of the eCommerce domain. Scaling eCommerce businesses is a breeze thanks to the agile approach.

Given the market conditions, many businesses find it difficult to easily scale up and down. To grow profitably in any business, strategies, resources, and acumen are required, and eCommerce is no exception.

What are the ERP solutions for eCommerce?

Billing and payments

The billing information is transmitted to the ERP platform for processing by the accounting department after validation and eventual payment. Typically, any non-payment reminders will be managed automatically directly in the ERP platform.

Order Management

It's never easy to keep track of orders, special orders, and drop shipments. To keep your business running smoothly, it is critical that your vendors process your orders, especially special orders, and drop shipments on time.

Keeping track of vendor orders and how they correspond to your customer obligations can become difficult, if not impossible, as your order volume grows. However, an eCommerce ERP can cross-reference sales and purchasing data to provide you with quick insights on purchasing details such as:

• Customer orders that have passed their expected ship date
• Orders that may necessitate upgraded shipping in order to meet promises
• Purchase orders that have yet to be confirmed by the vendor Past-due drop shipments or special orders
• Average lead times for vendors and how they compare to their promises

Furthermore, when inventory arrives in stock, eCommerce ERP can automatically flag orders as ready to ship, eliminating the need for your team to manually monitor backorders to ensure they ship on time.

When the customer places an order from the eCommerce site, the order syncs up automatically with the ERP periodically. The order information is then displayed in the ERP integrated tool.

Operations

Construction and Retail industry are always thinking about scaling eCommerce business through ERP. But why is this the case, and why is it so necessary? The best ERP solutions help customers check their order status, learn about inventory availability, and track shipping details.

As a result of all of this, employees have plenty of time to begin working on the core functions of the business. Order backfires, human errors, and re-works are all instances that will never occur with the best software solutions.

Team Management

When you own an eCommerce company, you must know how to manage your team. You can't expect a better business unless you can unite all of your employees as a team. So, be a great leader, take advantage of the ERP team management feature, and easily manage your team.

Accounting and Finance

Management of business finances is required. Important calculations include what comes in, what goes out, and how much needs to be disbursed. Any error in these calculations can wreak havoc on a company's reputation.

An organization can keep track of its entire financial picture with ERP solutions. Monitoring and managing capital is simplified. In addition, generating balance sheets, P&L statements, and sales reports can help to clarify financial information.

Any eCommerce company that uses ERP software can benefit from hands-on flexible bookkeeping, unparalleled financial consolidation, and impeccable reporting. It will aid in the establishment of cordial relationships with customers and vendors.

Online Shopping

If you want to move to offering online shipping as an option or as an additional source of sales orders, now is the time. Many organizations have chosen it as an additional option for customers to shop from home.

Online shopping and eCommerce have become commonplace, and this is likely to become the dominant channel of sales in the future. The challenges of eCommerce are in eCommerce operations and seamless integration with:

Omni-Channel Compatibility: The best thing about ERP integrations is that they serve as Retail Omnichannel Solutions for your online store. Online orders can be picked up in store, and items purchased in retail stores can be returned. As a result, the overall business reach will be expanded in no time, while daily sales will increase.

Complex Pricing

When shopping online, a customer places a high value on price when selecting a product. This is also true for eCommerce businesses. Product pricing, sales tax, tier or bulk pricing, delivery and shipping, consumer loyalty rewards, discounts, and so on must all be considered. When re-scaling, it is difficult for businesses to prepare the correct price structure for services or goods.

Such tasks can be time-consuming due to semi-integrated online processes or manual processes. This is where ERP software comes into play. A modern cloud ERP stores pricing data in one location and integrates it seamlessly with third-party applications. With these systems, the e-commerce platform can also improve accuracy and efficiency.

Customer relationship management (CRM)

Whether your business is B2B or B2C, a sizable portion of your customer base has most likely made their first purchase through your website. In this case, they made a customer account by entering their personal information online.

Integrating your online customer base's information into your ERP system is the key to effective customer relationship management and customer loyalty.

Distribution and shipping

Each customer's order is then recorded, including the products purchased, quantities purchased, frequency, and so on. This information, when combined with other channels (store visits, for example), allows the marketing department to set up communication and personalize promotional products.

• As soon as an order is processed in an ERP system, its status is updated in the website's customer area so that customers can check the status of their orders.
• Following the completion of the warehouse stock and proper marketing, the e-commerce business will proceed to delivery.
• Scaling an eCommerce business will always require the people involved to work more quickly and efficiently. Individual invoice generation, on the other hand, is both costly and time-consuming in a small-scale business. This is when companies need transportation management systems, which work in tandem with accounting software. These procedures can be started immediately.
• Everything is accessible from a single location, including documentation, shipment, delivery proof, and so on. Using a solid ERP system is critical for all of this.

After-Sales Service

It is critical to provide adequate post-purchase support to individual customers in order to facilitate long-term retention rates and increased business. ERP solutions allow your employees to store order history, generated queries, and feedback in a convenient location.

As a result, ensuring that the entire team is on the same page while assisting a single client with their generated grievances or product return requests.

Levels of inventory and replenishment times

By connecting your ERP and your website, you can update inventory levels from your ERP system and upload them to your eCommerce site, or vice versa. When a customer places an order online, inventory levels in the ERP are automatically updated.

You'll be able to see the number of products that are actually available for each product in real time. When inventory is replenished, the quantities are updated in the ERP system and on your eCommerce site at the same time. When products are sold out, this optimized inventory management reduces customer frustration. That's always a good thing!

Product Management

If you only have one eCommerce website, product management within your eCommerce solution can be simple. However, as you add more sites, microsites, or third-party sales channels, managing products and synchronizing inventory can become more difficult without a centralized system.

An eCommerce ERP software can consolidate all of your products and channels into a single database. When the product information in the database is updated, all of the product information on the site is automatically updated.

What are the factors to assess when choosing an eCommerce ERP?

ERP software can benefit any organization, from small businesses to large corporations. ERP systems, in particular, are extremely beneficial for businesses that must manage a wide range of business processes, including accounting and financial management, inventory management and supply chain management, order management, human resources, project management, and others.

Some ERP solutions, such as those used in healthcare or manufacturing, may also include industry-specific functionality.

1. Implementation Time

When selecting an eCommerce ERP, it is critical to choose an ERP implementation with a reasonable timeline. The sooner your eCommerce company can reap the benefits of your ERP system, the better.

If you intend to handle the installation process yourself, for example, a simpler (yet still effective) ERP solution is probably a better choice. If your company has prior experience with ERPs, or if you're working with an implementation partner, you can afford to use a more advanced, complex system when selecting an e-commerce ERP.

This is critical because time (and budget) overruns are common during the ERP implementation stage. Panorama Consulting, for example, found that 46% of organizations experienced delays during their ERP project. Companies, on average, planned for an 11-month timeline but ended up taking 15 months.

2. Features

It is critical to select an eCommerce ERP with the appropriate features and functionality. You should look for the following eCommerce ERP features:

• Mobile compatibility and remote work options
• Assistance for the appropriate functions and departments (accounting, HR, supply chain, sales, marketing, etc.)
• Simplicity and ease of use
• A cloud-based or hybrid computing model
• Task and process automation
• Data analytics and reporting

The five factors to consider when selecting an e-commerce ERP:

• The ERP solution's scalability and flexibility as your business grows.
• The time it will take to implement the ERP project
• The ERP application's cost and pricing model.
• What the ERP system has to offer in terms of features and functionality.
• The ERP software's ability to integrate with the rest of your IT environment.

Choosing the right eCommerce platform, such as Shopify or Magento, is only the first step in planning your IT environment. ERP (enterprise resource planning) software can also help your e-commerce business by streamlining, automating, and optimizing your business workflow.

3. Integrations

If you're looking for an eCommerce ERP, it's likely that it won't be the first component of your IT ecosystem. Aside from your eCommerce solution, your ERP should work well with other third-party applications and systems in your IT environment.

• Many users, for example, want to integrate their ERP system with their customer relationship management (CRM) software.
• A CRM is a platform that stores the entire history of a company's interactions with its customers and potential customers via various channels, such as phone calls and website visits, as well as email newsletters and social media.
• Accounting software, automation platforms, data warehouses, business intelligence and analytics tools, project management applications, and other desirable integrations when selecting an eCommerce ERP include CRM and eCommerce software.
• Make certain that the eCommerce ERP you choose has the necessary connectors and integrations (for both right now and the future).

4. Scalability

When choosing an eCommerce ERP, it’s important to pick one that will be with you for the long haul. For one, this means a scalable ERP that can expand alongside your business as it grows. Your ERP software should be flexible enough to accommodate new datasets and new business demands.

For many companies, this will mean choosing a cloud-based ERP. Cloud ERPs are highly scalable because they can shift their consumption of compute and storage resources quickly and on-demand. Running your ERP system in the cloud also saves you from support and maintenance obligations, which are handled by the cloud provider.

5. Pricing

Last but not least, price is an important consideration when selecting an eCommerce ERP. From small eCommerce startups to major players, there is an eCommerce ERP solution to fit nearly every business's needs and budget. While the cost of ERP systems can vary greatly, a 2022 report discovered that the average budget per ERP user is around $9,000—a figure that rises with the size of the organization.

The following factors can have an impact on the cost of ERP software:

• the cost of education and training
• the number of users
• the cost of support and maintenance
• the deployment model (cloud-based or on-premises)
• the level of features and customization
• the cost of implementation

What are the global trends in eCommerce Industry?

5G Technology

The introduction of 5G technology has the potential to improve consumer shopping experiences and ease application in a variety of industries.

In the eCommerce industry, the 5G network is regarded as a powerful tool for supporting applications such as VR and AR. As a result, the potential of 5G is expected to generate significant synergies that result in digital transformation in eCommerce in the coming years.

More market trends, such as the growing influence of social media, the expansion of e-share commerce's of total retail sales, the increasing use of search engine optimization, the rising popularity of self-service platforms, the rising adoption of omnichannel platforms, the growing trend of green consumerism, technological innovations, the integration of augmented reality and virtual reality in the eCommerce industry, are expected to drive the eCommerce market during the forecasted period.

Augmented reality

The reality of online shopping is enhanced by augmented reality. Augmented reality (AR) has completely transformed eCommerce. With this technology, shoppers can actually see the item they're looking at, which aids in their purchasing decision.

AR has a significant impact on the shopping experience in certain industries, such as fashion and home decor, because customers can get a better sense of the item without seeing it in person. Gartner predicted in 2019 that 100 million consumers would use AR to shop by 2023, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out next year.

Internet and smartphone usage

The proliferation of the Internet, particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries, is primarily responsible for the exponential growth of eCommerce. Many people benefit from online services, including eCommerce, as a result of the Internet's ease of use.

• Consumers are drawn to internet subscriptions by rising smartphone penetration, rising government initiatives to digitalize various aspects of its society, and lower and more affordable network services.
• According to Internetworldstats.com, approximately 5.05 billion people have access to some form of the internet. E-commerce sectors are expanding rapidly as the Internet continues to spread, consumer awareness of eCommerce grows, and consumer spending capacity improves in developing and underdeveloped countries.
• Furthermore, rising smartphone penetration is a major driver of the eCommerce market's expansion. The ease of shopping from a remote location via smartphones, growing automation, and advancements in smartphone technologies simplify the shopping experience.
• As a result, most internet users are gradually shifting away from desktop/laptop computers and toward smartphones for basic internet access.

Value of Personalized Experiences

Aside from price, modern online customers want "shopping experiences" that are tailored to their specific requirements. There are numerous ways to accomplish this in 2023, all of which revolve around customer data and an independent platform.

• Marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart lag behind in this regard, with uniform, standardized store pages. Buyers nowadays require a more "human" touch, such as smart product suggestions based on purchasing history, indicating a one-to-one relationship between the brand and the buyer.
• This type of special treatment has a genuine impact on business; according to a Forbes Insights report, approximately 77% of executives reported a positive impact on sales as a result of increased personalization.
• According to another Reflektion survey of eCommerce marketers, an overwhelming 98% regarded personalization as important for sales and customer retention.
• This type of special treatment has a genuine impact on business; most e-retailers saw up to a 20% increase in sales using such tactics.
• It will be even more critical in 2023, when there will be a record number of new online buyers, up to 10% more than in previous years. Personalization will be critical in turning them into loyal customers.

Supply chain management

According to Morris Cohen, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions, the COVID-19 pandemic caused "a major disruption, comparable to an earthquake or tsunami." For decades, the following were the defining characteristics of supply chain management:

• Low inventory
• Globalization
• Low-cost supply

When the coronavirus disrupted supply chains around the world, it prompted businesses to focus on supply chain resilience, or ways to prevent supply chains from halting and quickly restoring them when they do.

Experts predict that systems will not "normalize" until at least 2023. Even if they do, the pandemic has exposed future political instability, natural disasters, and regulatory changes to the global logistic network.

Metaverse and Interactive shopping

On various eCommerce platforms, brands are betting on virtual shopping and experimenting with augmented and virtual reality retail. The metaverse, a 3D virtual world, removes consumer borders. People from all over the world can experience products in a metaverse regardless of where they live.

Nike and Gucci have launched fashion shows within the Roblox multiplayer game. Adidas has collaborated on an NFT collection with the well-known Bored Ape Yacht Club, as well as interactive experiences on the South Korean social avatar app Zepeto. Balenciaga began selling clothing in Fortnite. Charlotte Tilbury, for example, has created virtual stores in their online store.

Horizontal eCommerce model

The eCommerce market is divided into horizontal and vertical eCommerce models based on business model. In 2021, the horizontal eCommerce models segment held the largest share of the overall eCommerce market.

During the forecast period, the vertical eCommerce models segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. The growing popularity of dedicated eCommerce portals, the reduced time required for vertical eCommerce shopping, and personalized merchandising are some of the key driving factors promoting the segment's growth.

Voice search

Not only are smart speakers becoming more popular, but people are also relying on voice assistants to complete daily tasks. According to Loop Ventures, by 2025, 75% of US households will own a smart speaker.

As more smart speakers are installed in homes, more consumers will use voice search to shop online, order food, and organize their lives. In terms of keywords and content, the rise of voice search presents an opportunity for eCommerce businesses.

Mobile/tablet market

In 2021, the desktop/laptop segment accounted for the largest share of the overall eCommerce market. Consumers appear to prefer the desktop/laptop because the large screens allow them to make better purchasing decisions.

Adoption of cross-border buy now, pay later

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) trend is showing no signs of abating. Well-known European brands have begun to expand into the United States and other global markets. According to JP Morgan, "mobile, cross-border, and buy now, pay later are on the rise as consumers demonstrate a willingness to embrace new shopping and payment methods."

Klarna, a Swedish-based BNPL, reported a significant increase in transactions on its platform from January to March 2021, fueled by growth in the United States. Klarna's first-quarter gross merchandise volume (GMV) nearly doubled to $18.9 billion, up from $9.9 billion the previous year.

In April 2021, the number of US shoppers using Klarna doubled to 17 million, with a 125% increase in downloads.

Card payment market

In terms of payment mode, card payments held the largest share of the eCommerce market in 2020. The growing popularity of credit, debit, and pre-paid cards, which provide users with convenience and security, has resulted in the card payment segment capturing the largest share of the eCommerce market.

The increased sale of mobile phones and tablets with seamless integration of digital wallet applications, as well as extensive promotion of digital wallets, are expected to drive the digital wallet segment.

Language localization

Flow.io polled global consumers and found that 67% had made a cross-border purchase in their lives. Almost one-fifth of respondents said a lack of language translation was a major deterrent to purchasing on a foreign site.

Over two-thirds of English-speaking shoppers said they would not buy from a site that was not translated into English. In th