
Confused about Managing Orders? This is a Complete Guide to Using an Efficient Purchase Order Management System
Briantama Afiq Ashari
Managing business orders can be a challenge, especially if the volume of orders increases every day. So, therefore, the role of a structured system is very important.
One solution that is widely used by business people is the purchase order management system.
If you are looking to find out whether this system is suitable for your culinary business, let's see the full review below!
What is an Order Management System?
Before discussing further, it is important for you to understand the true meaning of the order management system.
In brief, an order management system is a digital system that helps you manage all order processes.
This process is from the beginning of the customer ordering until the order is sent and received.
This system makes many things easier, such as stock checking, order processing, and integration with shipping.
In the fast-paced world of F&B, a solution like this could be a game changer. Not only that, now there are also many available order management system software which you can adjust to your business needs.
One of the superior features is usually integration with POS and inventory systems directly.
Why do businesses need a Purchase Order Management System?
Now, let's get to the main discussion. Purchase order management system specifically taking care of all ordering processes to suppliers. So it's not just about customer orders.
This system also manages relationships with suppliers of raw materials, kitchen equipment, and other operational needs. Well, some Direct benefits of this system include:
- You can track all purchase requests without the hassle of opening manual files.
- No more double orders or forgetting to order stock.
- The purchase approval process is faster and can be monitored at any time.
If your business starts to grow and becomes more complex, a purchase order management system can help you maintain efficiency and control costs.
Important Components in an Order Management System
Source: Freepik
So that you understand better, let's first discuss some of the general features that are usually found on order management system software:
1. Automatic Order Input
All orders from customers are entered automatically, so you don't need manual entry which is prone to errors.
2. Integration with Inventory
The system immediately checks the availability of goods in the warehouse. If stock is empty, you can make a request directly to the supplier.
3. Monitoring Order Status
You can see where each order has been processed, has not been processed, is being sent, or has been received.
4. Sales Report Dashboard
With this feature, you can review daily, weekly or monthly performance from just one place.
These features really help to maintain speed and accuracy, especially if you have many branches.
Now, let's discuss what is different from the work order management system.
Read Also: Prevent Financial Report Fraud with This Technology
Work Order Management System: What's the Difference?
Source: Freepik
You may also have heard the term work order management system. This system is actually almost similar, but is usually used to manage internal work, not orders.
For example, if you need routine service for kitchen equipment or delivery between outlets, this system will record all the work. Its function is more towards maintenance and team workflow, not buying and selling transactions.
So, if you focus on restaurant operations, these two systems can work together and complement each other.
How Order Management System Used in Restaurants?
Imagine you have a restaurant with 3 branches. Every day, each branch needs a supply of raw materials and must record every order from customers.
Without an order management system, you have to communicate via WA, spreadsheets and manual notes.
If there is a delivery error, a stray order, or out of stock at busy times? Wow, it could all be messy.
Well, with an Integrated system, you just need to monitor all orders from one dashboard. If there is a request to purchase raw materials, just approve it from the application.
And if an order comes in from a customer, the system is directly integrated into the kitchen. So you save time, energy and operational costs.
Order Management System Challenges
Even though it looks simple, implementing this system also requires strategy. Here are some challenges that often arise, namely:
- Employee Adaptation: Requires training so that all teams understand how to use it.
- Data Input Consistency: Product data must be complete and updated so that the system can run optimally.
- Integration with Previous Systems: If you previously used a manual system or a different POS, you need to adjust it so it doesn't conflict.
The solution? Choose order management system software which is flexible, easy to operate, and has been proven to be reliable.
Tips for Choosing the Right Order Management System
So that you don't make the wrong choice, here are some things you need to pay attention to before using its purchase order management system:
1. User Friendly
Choose a system that is easy to use even by non-technical staff.
2. Update in Real
The system must be able to provide reports and updates directly without delay.
3. Can Be Customized
Every business has different needs, look for one that can be adjusted according to the scale of your operations.
4. Complete Integration
Make sure the software can connect with POS, inventory and payment applications.
Conclusion
Managing orders can be easier if you use an order management system. This system not only helps with buying and selling, but also connects to all restaurant operations.
Starting from ordering raw materials through a purchase order management system, to managing internal work via work order management system, you can manage everything from one platform.
Don't wait until your business is overwhelmed before looking for a solution. Come on, start upgrading your way of working with a more sophisticated and integrated system ESB Order.
If you want to know more about other digital solutions for the culinary business, just ask the ESB Team for a free consultation.
