5 Essential Factors for Choosing the Perfect Order Management System (OMS)
How to choose an OMS that powers seamless retail
Retail has never been more complex. Customers expect seamless shopping experiences across every touchpoint, orders need to flow effortlessly, inventory must be accurate in real-time, and fulfilment has to be lightning-fast.
And at the heart of it all? Your Order Management System.
But not all OMS solutions are created equal. Many are add-ons, bolted onto existing systems, or repurposed from Warehouse Management (WMS), Point of Sale (POS) or ERP software. A True OMS is different. It’s built specifically for the complexities of modern retail, orchestrating orders, inventory and fulfilment with precision.
So, how do you choose the right one? Here are five key factors to consider.
1. Can it orchestrate the entire order lifecycle – Not just process orders?
A customer places an order. Simple, right? Not quite. Behind the scenes, your OMS needs to decide where the order should be fulfilled from; it could be a warehouse, a store, or a supplier. If the nearest location is out of stock, it must determine the next best option. It also needs to manage partial shipments or split orders across multiple locations while ensuring a smooth experience for the customer. And if something goes wrong, it should proactively intervene before the issue escalates.
A true OMS doesn’t just process orders, it orchestrates them. It makes smart decisions in real-time, balancing speed, cost, and customer experience. It ensures that no matter where or how an order is placed, fulfilment is seamless.
2. Does it give you complete control over inventory, across every channel?
A customer places an order. Simple, right? Not quite. Behind the scenes, your OMS needs to decide where the order should be fulfilled from; it could be a warehouse, a store, or a supplier. If the nearest location is out of stock, it must determine the next best option. It also needs to manage partial shipments or split orders across multiple locations while ensuring a smooth experience for the customer. And if something goes wrong, it should proactively intervene before the issue escalates.
A true OMS doesn’t just process orders, it orchestrates them. It makes smart decisions in real-time, balancing speed, cost, and customer experience. It ensures that no matter where or how an order is placed, fulfilment is seamless.
"Retailers who fail to modernize their OMS risk losing customers, revenue, and operational efficiency. A true OMS isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for scalable, profitable growth."
3. Can it adapt to the way your customers shop… today and tomorrow?
Retail moves fast. Five years ago, Click & Collect was a nice-to-have. Today, it’s a customer expectation. Same-day delivery, ship-from-store, marketplace selling, and flexible returns are now the norm. Your OMS needs to keep up.
A True OMS doesn’t just support omnichannel, it powers it. It enables: 
Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) Ship-from-Store for faster delivery Hassle-free returns, no matter where the order originated Seamless integration with marketplaces like Amazon, Zalando, and eBay
Retailers who fail to adapt lose customers. Choosing an OMS that grows with you is critical.
How does an OMS prevent omnichannel failure?
A true OMS centralises inventory, automates fulfilment, and ensures real-time data flow across all sales channels, reducing inefficiencies.
4. Is it built to scale with your growth?
Your business today isn’t the same as it was five years ago, and it won’t be the same five years from now. The OMS you choose shouldn’t just solve today’s problems; it should be an investment in your future. Consider whether it can support expansion into new markets, handle increasing order volumes without breaking down, and whether the pricing model will still make financial sense as your business grows.
An OMS must be modular, flexible, and scalable, ensuring that as your business evolves, your operations don’t fall behind.
5. Will it integrate seamlessly with your existing (and future) tech stack?
No retailer operates in a vacuum. Your OMS doesn’t just need to work, it needs to work well with everything else. A True OMS integrates seamlessly with:
- E-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, Salesforce Commerce Cloud
- Warehouse and logistics systems to streamline fulfilment
- Point of sale
- Payment providers and fraud detection tools
- Loyalty programs and customer data platforms
Retail is constantly evolving, and your tech stack will too. A rigid OMS is a liability. Make sure the one you choose is built for the future.
The difference between a basic OMS and a true OMS?
The difference between a basic OMS and a true OMS?
One just moves orders from A to B. The other powers your entire commerce operations flawlessly, efficiently and with future growth in mind. Choosing the right OMS isn’t just an IT decision, it’s a business strategy. A true OMS doesn’t just manage orders; it empowers retailers to sell, fulfil, and grow smarter.