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Stop Wasting Time Managing Orders Across Multiple Apps

Lloyd24 January 20256 min read

Article Overview

This blog explores the challenges of managing orders across multiple platforms and how centralised order management software can simplify the process. Learn how tools like 3PL Fusion and Linnworks consolidate orders, sync inventory, and improve fulfilment efficiency for growing businesses.

Managing orders across multiple platforms can feel like a juggling act. Logging into Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Shopify individually to process orders, track inventory, and manage shipping is time-consuming, prone to errors, and can quickly become overwhelming as your business grows. Speaking from personal experience with my wife’s business, we often found ourselves going back and forth within the Amazon app, trying to manage one order at a time. It was not only incredibly time-consuming but also easy to lose track of where we were, creating constant frustration. This same challenge repeated itself across all the apps we used, making order management a daily headache. For small business owners, this disjointed approach often becomes a bottleneck to growth, eating into valuable time that could be better spent focusing on customers or scaling the business.

Fortunately, centralised order management software offers a solution. These tools consolidate your orders, inventory, and shipping tasks into one streamlined system, saving time and improving efficiency. In this blog, we’ll explore how these platforms work, their benefits, and how to determine if your business is ready to make the switch.

The Problem with Managing Orders Individually

If you’re selling on multiple platforms like Amazon, Etsy, eBay, or Shopify, each one comes with its own order management system. While these systems are designed to handle platform-specific needs, they require you to log in separately, track inventory independently, and manage shipping through different interfaces. This siloed approach often leads to:

  • Wasted Time: Manually processing orders across platforms is inefficient and eats into time better spent growing your business.
  • Inconsistent Inventory: Without a unified system, overselling or stockouts become common issues.
  • Shipping Challenges: Tracking shipments and creating labels on multiple platforms increases the risk of delays and errors.

For a business processing only a few orders a week, this might be manageable. But as soon as you start scaling, these inefficiencies can pile up, impacting customer satisfaction and your ability to grow.

How Centralised Order Management Works

Centralised order management software integrates all your sales channels into one unified dashboard. Tools like 3PL Fusion, Linnworks, TradeGecko, and Brightpearl connect to platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and eBay via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Once connected, these systems pull orders from all platforms into one place, sync inventory in real-time, and streamline your shipping processes.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Order Consolidation: All orders from different platforms flow into a single dashboard, allowing you to manage them collectively.
  2. Real-Time Inventory Updates: The software syncs your inventory across all platforms, ensuring you never oversell or run out of stock.
  3. Shipping Integration: Generate shipping labels, track deliveries, and manage returns—all without switching between platforms.
  4. Reporting and Analytics: Gain insights into sales performance, best-selling products, and operational bottlenecks through comprehensive reporting tools.

Key Benefits of Centralising Your Order Management

  1. Time Savings: By managing everything from one dashboard, you eliminate the need to log into multiple systems and reduce manual data entry. This allows you to focus on strategic tasks like marketing and customer engagement.
  2. Improved Accuracy: Centralised systems reduce the risk of human error by automatically syncing inventory and order data across all platforms.
  3. Scalability: As your business grows, centralised order management makes it easy to handle increasing order volumes without adding complexity.
  4. Enhanced Customer Experience: Faster and more accurate fulfilment leads to happier customers and stronger brand loyalty.

Examples of Popular Centralised Order Management Software

  1. 3PL Fusion: A robust solution designed for seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. It not only centralises your order management but also provides tools for inventory tracking, reporting, and fulfilment coordination.
  2. Linnworks: A comprehensive platform that automates order processing and inventory management across multiple channels. It’s particularly popular with growing eCommerce businesses.
  3. TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce): Ideal for businesses looking to integrate order management with accounting. It’s a great option for businesses wanting financial and operational data in one place.
  4. Brightpearl: Aimed at retailers and wholesalers, Brightpearl offers advanced reporting and real-time inventory management.
  5. Skubana: Known for its powerful analytics, Skubana helps businesses optimise their operations by providing deep insights into order and inventory performance.

Each of these platforms has its own strengths, but 3PL Fusion stands out for businesses that need an all-in-one solution for order management, inventory tracking, and seamless integration with 3PL services.

How to Know If Your Business Needs Centralised Order Management

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to switch to centralised order management software, consider the following:

  • Multiple Sales Channels: Are you selling on more than one platform?
  • Order Volume: Are you processing more than 50 orders a week?
  • Inventory Challenges: Are you experiencing stockouts or struggling to sync inventory across platforms?
  • Time Constraints: Are you spending too much time managing orders and not enough on growing your business?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, centralised order management could transform your operations.

How 3PL Fusion Simplifies Order Management

While there are many great software options available, 3PL Fusion offers unique benefits for businesses looking to streamline their operations. It integrates seamlessly with major eCommerce platforms, consolidating your orders and syncing inventory in real time. The platform also connects directly with 3PL’s fulfilment services, making it easier to manage everything from receiving an order to delivering it to your customer.

What sets 3PL Fusion apart is its focus on simplicity and scalability. Whether you’re a small business processing a few hundred orders a month or scaling into new markets, Fusion adapts to your needs while providing the insights and tools necessary to grow.

Streamline Your Business with Centralised Order Management

Managing orders across multiple platforms doesn’t have to be a headache. By centralising your order management with tools like 3PL Fusion, Linnworks, or TradeGecko, you can save time, reduce errors, and position your business for growth. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling rapidly, the right software can transform your operations and improve your customer experience.

Ready to centralise your order management and simplify your business operations? Contact us today to learn how 3PL Fusion can help you take control of your fulfilment process.

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Written by

Lloyd

Lloyd

I'm Lloyd, a seasoned digital marketing specialist and blogger at 3PL, where I transform complex logistics and supply chain solutions into helpful, engaging content.

Frequently asked questions

What are order limits in centralised order management software, and how do I predict them for my business?

Order limits refer to the maximum number of orders a software plan allows you to process within a given billing period, often monthly. Predicting your order limits involves analysing your historical sales data, seasonal trends, and growth projections. For instance, if you process an average of 500 orders a month but anticipate 20% growth during a holiday season, you should factor that into your plan to avoid disruptions. Many platforms, like Linnworks or 3PL Fusion, offer tiered pricing plans to accommodate varying order volumes, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your current and forecasted business needs.

Do centralised order management platforms charge extra for exceeding order limits?

Yes, in most cases, exceeding your order limits may result in additional fees or automatic upgrades to a higher-tier plan. This varies depending on the software provider. Some platforms allow flexibility by charging per additional order over the limit, while others require you to switch to a larger plan for increased capacity. To avoid unexpected charges, monitor your order volume closely and choose a plan that offers some breathing room for growth. Providers like 3PL Fusion often provide real-time usage insights, helping you stay within your limits or plan for upgrades as needed.

Can I integrate custom platforms or marketplaces with centralised order management software?

Many platforms, including 3PL Fusion and Linnworks, offer integrations with major marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. However, for custom platforms or niche marketplaces, you may need to use API connections or middleware tools like Zapier to bridge the gap. These integrations allow you to consolidate orders, sync inventory, and automate workflows even if your platform isn’t natively supported. Before committing to a solution, check the software’s compatibility and whether additional development work is needed for custom integrations.