In today’s fast-moving ecommerce world, keeping your order process efficient is essential. From managing stock levels to fulfilling orders across different platforms, businesses need a reliable system to stay ahead. That’s where an Order Management System (OMS) comes into play. In this guide, we’ll break down what an OMS is, how it works, and how it supports your fulfilment operations across ecommerce platforms, warehouses, and third-party logistics providers (3PL).
What is an Order Management System?
An Order Management System is a digital tool that centralises and automates the entire order process. It manages everything from order capture and inventory tracking to warehouse fulfilment and shipping. Whether you’re running your own ecommerce store or partnering with a 3PL warehouse in the UK, an OMS helps ensure orders are accurate, timely, and cost-effective.
OMS software integrates with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and TikTok Shop, along with your warehouse or 3PL logistics partner, giving you complete visibility and control over your operations.
How Does OMS Software Work?
OMS software connects your sales channels, warehouse, and logistics partners into a single system. Here’s how it functions across the order lifecycle:
1. Centralised Order Capture
Orders from websites, marketplaces like Amazon, or social platforms such as TikTok are pulled into a single dashboard. This unified view prevents missed orders and simplifies management.
2. Real-Time Inventory Control
The OMS syncs with your Warehouse Management System (WMS) and tracks inventory across all storage locations, including 3PL fulfilment centres, pallet storage, and pick and pack warehouses. This helps avoid stockouts and excess inventory.
3. Streamlined Fulfilment Operations
Once an order is confirmed, the OMS triggers picking and packing instructions in your warehouse or 3PL logistics provider. It ensures that the correct items are picked, packed using appropriate packaging, and prepped for dispatch, reducing errors and delays.
4. Automated Shipping and Carrier Selection
The OMS compares carriers and selects the best option based on delivery speed, cost, or customer preferences. Whether you’re offering local UK delivery or global shipping, it ensures efficient handling.
5. Simplified Returns and Refunds
An OMS also manages returns, coordinating with 3PL fulfilment partners to receive, inspect, restock, or refund products quickly — enhancing your post-sale experience.
Key Benefits of an OMS for Ecommerce and 3PL
Using an OMS offers major advantages for businesses involved in ecommerce, warehousing, or logistics:
Seamless Integration with 3PL Systems
An OMS links directly with 3PL warehouse systems to provide real-time order status, stock levels, and shipping updates essential for accurate fulfilment.
Boosted Warehouse Productivity
Automation of picking and packing tasks, smart use of warehouse pallet storage, and optimised routing help reduce errors and improve order turnaround time.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Customers get timely updates, faster delivery, and easy returns — all of which improve trust and loyalty.
Multi-Channel Selling Made Easy
If you’re selling on Amazon FBA, Shopify, or social commerce platforms, an OMS consolidates all orders and directs them to the right fulfilment centre, keeping operations organised.
3PL vs 4PL: Know the Difference
Understanding logistics providers helps in making the right business decisions.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics): Manages storage, packing, and delivery.
4PL (Fourth-Party Logistics): Manages the full supply chain, from raw materials to customer delivery.
While 3PL focuses on operational execution, 4PL provides strategic oversight of the entire logistics network.
The Growing Role of OMS in Ecommerce Logistics
The UK’s ecommerce landscape is growing rapidly, driving demand for efficient 3PL warehouse services, Amazon fulfilment, and ecommerce shipping solutions. Businesses adopting OMS tools are scaling faster thanks to better visibility, automation, and accuracy.
With support for custom packaging, automated labelling, and real-time tracking, an OMS is a powerful ally for ecommerce growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Order Management System used for?
An OMS is used to track orders, manage inventory, automate shipping, and streamline the entire ecommerce fulfilment process.
How is OMS different from WMS?
A WMS focuses on warehouse operations like stock storage and picking. An OMS manages the full order cycle from sale to delivery.
Can small businesses use OMS software?
Yes, many OMS platforms are scalable and ideal for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises using platforms like Shopify or Amazon.
Does OMS software work with 3PL providers?
Absolutely. Most OMS tools integrate with 3PL warehouses for real-time updates, faster shipping, and better stock control.
How does OMS support multi-channel selling?
An OMS combines orders from multiple platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, TikTok) and routes them to the best fulfilment centre.
Conclusion
An Order Management System is more than just a back-end tool — it’s the backbone of modern ecommerce. Whether you’re a growing brand selling on Shopify or a logistics company managing multiple warehouses, an OMS helps streamline operations, boost efficiency, and deliver better customer service.
By adopting the right OMS, you’re setting your business up for smoother fulfilment, stronger logistics, and sustainable growth in a competitive online market.
