Is your eCommerce business struggling to manage multiple sales channels? Is tracking inventory across multiple platforms a nightmare? You may already know that an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can help. But how do you find the right one? What should you look for, and what are the most critical capabilities you need?
At Stellar One, we specialize in helping B2C and B2B businesses develop and optimize omnichannel sales through ERP implementation. We use certain key factors to help customers determine if Acumatica is right for them.
Of course, we always hope we're a good fit for a company's needs, but that's not always the case. This article includes a checklist for evaluating all your eCommerce ERP software options, not just ours. Using this worksheet, you can score each software provider for essential features. Based on a provider's total points, you will have a general idea of what you can expect with each solution.
How an ERP system benefits your eCommerce sales and operations
Whether you’re an online-only retailer or a brick-and-mortar business with a digital sales channel, ERP software can help you:
- Eliminate data silos for better reporting and forecasting
- Improve order fulfillment and customer satisfaction
- Use real-time visibility for better customer experiences
- Streamline workflows with automation
- Reduce operational costs with improved inventory management
The next section lists the key categories to determine whether the software can deliver these benefits.
5 areas to consider when you evaluate an eCommerce ERP solution
Your eCommerce ERP software is a back-office system that needs to work seamlessly with your customer-facing website.
1. Productivity
Workflows, streamlined processes, and automation can make you and your team more productive.
Functionality
Features and functions that align with your daily accounting and business management functions.
Technology
The right infrastructure allows personalization and configuration and scales easily as your business grows.
Value
The cost of implementation, licensing, and support should balance out over the lifetime of the software.
5. Risk
Your data, network, and brand should be protected against a data breach by a high level of security.
Each area has important features to consider. Depending on your specific digital commerce marketplace, some may be more or less important to you.
Using the eCommerce ERP Evaluation Worksheet to find the right ERP solution
Using a well-thought-out checklist can help you compare cloud-based eCommerce ERP software options.
We’ve crafted a worksheet that addresses these essential areas with criteria developed through our experience. Note: If you are looking for an on-premises or third-party hosted solution, it might not work as well for you because some criteria won’t apply.
Download the full eCommerce ERP Evaluation Worksheet now. See all criteria and create as many copies as you need.
Complete a worksheet for each eCommerce software provider you're considering. Using the scale below, give the ERP software vendor a score for each option.
0 = None 1 = Poor 2 =Good 3 = Better Than Average 4 = Excellent
Focus on areas that impact your eCommerce ERP satisfaction and performance the most.
These sample rating areas give you an idea of what to include if you choose to build your own worksheet. These are from our full version.
Productivity (out of 9 rating areas)
Natively integrates with popular eCommerce platforms—like BigCommerce and Shopify—and marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
True mobile capabilities allow remote staff to access important information from anywhere.
Functionality (out of 9 rating areas)
Supports retail pricing changes, offers, promotions, loyalty programs, and POS transaction capture.
Integrates online orders to track sales, manage inventory in real time, and collect the correct sales tax for multistate sales.
Technology (out of 8 rating areas)
A relational database is used for data query reporting, financial statements, and audits.
The system performs without lags and can handle peak shopping seasons.
Value (out of 4 rating areas)
A trial or proof-of-concept period is provided to test capabilities.
Risk (out of 5 rating areas)
Supports multiple companies, warehouses, and organizations, including inter-company financials for consolidation and reconciliations.
Once you’ve scored each feature, total the results. This makes it easy to compare software side by side. The ranking ranges listed below should give you a general look at the fit for your business.
What does an eCommerce provider’s evaluation score mean for your business?
Once you’ve completed an evaluation sheet for each eCommerce ERP software you’re considering, what can the total scores tell you? For our worksheet, we created a ranking system to identify solutions most likely to deliver critical eCommerce capabilities.
If you are building your own worksheet, you will need to establish your own rating evaluations.
0-27 (Very Poor)
Summary: Unsuitable solution
A solution scoring in this range is not a viable option for your eCommerce business. The system likely lacks essential functionality, productivity tools, and integration capabilities for basic operations.
What you could expect from this option:
- Extremely limited features with major gaps in critical areas, such as inventory, order management, or reporting.
- Poor usability with a steep learning curve and minimal automation.
- Higher risks could include downtime, data loss, and security vulnerabilities.
- Implementation may be self-service, or implementation and support may be expensive and inefficient, causing frustration and significant delays.
28-54 (Below Average)
Summary: Subpar performance and satisfaction
Scores in this range may offer some basic functionality but fall short in several key areas. The solution might work for businesses with limited needs but won’t meet your long-term growth goals.
What you could expect from this option:
- Missing or underdeveloped features, such as weak integration capabilities or limited automation.
- Poor user experience, with clunky interfaces and inconsistent performance.
- Higher implementation risks and hidden costs.
- Support may be insufficient or expensive, leading to delays in resolving issues.
- May be suitable for a small startup, but not for a growing or established eCommerce business.
55-81 (Average)
Summary: Adequate for basic needs, limited long-term potential
An ERP system in this range may meet basic operational needs but isn’t robust enough for a competitive, growth-focused eCommerce business. It’s functional but might not drive significant productivity improvements or return on your investment (ROI).
What you could expect with this option:
- Core functionalities, like inventory and order management, aren’t optimized or customizable.
- Limited automation and scalability can lead to bottlenecks as the business grows.
- Basic integrations with popular platforms are available, but deeper customizations or more complex sales channels may require additional investment.
- Support is decent but may lack the depth required for complex issues or growth strategies.
82-108 (Above Average)
Summary: Solid option for many eCommerce businesses
An ERP provider in this range offers a well-rounded solution that balances functionality, usability, and technology. It can support most eCommerce needs and scales well as the business grows. This solution is a solid investment for midsized or rapidly growing companies.
What you could expect with this option:
- Strong functionality across core areas such as inventory, order fulfillment, and financials, with room for minor improvement in customization or advanced features.
- Good integration capabilities with key platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, and other third-party tools.
- Reliable support and training help ensure smooth implementation and ongoing operations.
- Moderate risks during implementation, with most potential issues easily mitigated.
109-136 (Excellent)
Summary: Best-in-class solution with exceptional performance and satisfaction
An ERP platform in this range is a top-tier choice. It offers cutting-edge features, seamless usability, and exceptional support. This solution will drive significant productivity gains, scale easily, and deliver a high return on investment.
What you could expect with this option:
- Comprehensive functionality with advanced features like AI-driven analytics, predictive inventory management, and highly customizable workflows.
- Seamless integrations across all critical platforms with robust and extensible APIs.
- Excellent user experience with automation tools that save time and reduce errors.
- Minimal implementation risks with outstanding vendor support, including training, updates, and a dedicated success team.
- Future-proof technology that adapts to industry trends and evolving business needs.
Simplify your ERP for eCommerce decision and take the next step
Before this worksheet, choosing an ERP eCommerce solution may have seemed confusing. Balancing the value of each critical area might have felt overwhelming.
Now, you're armed with a straightforward evaluation tool. This means you’re much closer to understanding what’s essential for your ERP system. Comparing your options is much easier with data to back it up, isn’t it?
Your next step is to assess your proposed software providers once you’ve narrowed down who ranks the best for your eComm business.
If you believe Acumatica is the right eCommerce ERP solution, Stellar One is here to help with expert guidance. From implementation to ongoing support, it's our mission to make your ERP experience easy.
