Small retailers often start using inexpensive eCommerce solutions or manual processes that let them serve their customers on a budget. As they grow, however, their needs change and so too do the tools they require to effectively handle eCommerce operations.

Here are three signs it may be time to upgrade to a full order management system:

1. Inventory management problems are everywhere
Is there a system in place that can clearly identify which items are selling the fastest and which items are languishing on their shelves? Are inventory counts kept up-to-date across multiple channels in real-time as orders come in? Is it difficult to efficiently update inventory from suppliers? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it may be time to consider upgrading to an complete OMS, as it would help boost sales, improve operations and provide a platform for growth.

2. Inability to keep up with demand
Retail is a fast-paced industry and if retailers are having any success, then they know how quickly things can spiral out of their control. Is there a way to consolidate and manage all incoming orders automatically? Are orders from different channels being managing separately? Is it easy to route orders to right fulfillment location? If not, then it may be time to look at OMS options, which can help with time-consuming tasks such as processing orders, managing the pick-pack-ship process, routing orders base upon inventory or location, or sending email notifications to customers.

3. Payroll costs seem unmanageable
One action many retailers take to deal with order management problems is hiring more people, Multichannel Merchant explained. They think this will be less expensive than dealing with their technology or process problems, but it is incredibly inefficient and may even cost merchants more in the long run. The best way to address this problem is by addressing the inefficiency at its source, which is generally the process in question.

Fortunately, small retailers have a lot of options when it comes to order management systems, and they can often integrate these solutions into current technology stacks, which can make it that much more easier to address mission-critical challenges.