B2B Order Management Software: What Actually Works in 2025
The B2B ecommerce sector paints an even more compelling picture. The market value stands at $19 trillion, and experts expect it to reach nearly $48 trillion by 2030. This represents an annual growth rate above 16%. Companies using B2B capabilities on platforms like Shopify see their reorder frequency jump 1.2x compared to other selling methods. Global eCommerce sales will hit $7.4 trillion by 2025, making traditional order tracking systems obsolete.
This piece dives deep into what makes a B2B ordering system work in 2025. You'll learn about the best B2B order management software features, see how leading solutions stack up, and find the right B2B order management system for your business needs. Our guide helps you optimize B2B order entry and build a reliable infrastructure that propels your growth forward.
Key Takeaways
Modern B2B order management systems are essential for handling complex business transactions that traditional ERPs can't effectively manage, especially as B2B ecommerce grows toward $48 trillion by 2030.
- Real-time visibility is non-negotiable: Systems must provide instant inventory updates across all channels to prevent overselling and enable confident order promises to customers.
- API-first composable architecture wins: Modular, cloud-native systems with microservices design offer the flexibility and scalability needed for future growth without complete overhauls.
- Automation dramatically reduces costs: Businesses see 50% faster order processing, 85% fewer errors, and $17,800 average savings per prevented order mistake through automated workflows.
- Integration capabilities determine success: The best systems seamlessly connect with existing ERP, CRM, and 3PL platforms while serving as central orchestration layers for your entire tech stack.
- Self-service portals boost satisfaction: 24/7 buyer portals with order tracking reduce customer service inquiries by 40% while meeting modern B2B buyers' expectations for consumer-grade experiences.
What is a B2B Order Management System?
A B2B Order Management System (OMS) is specialized software that helps manage the entire lifecycle of business-to-business orders from capture to fulfillment. This complete solution coordinates complex processes like order entry, inventory management, customer account oversight, and order fulfillment. These functions create the foundation of business-to-business commerce.
Modern B2B order management software does more than simple order tracking. It automates multi-step workflows and gives immediate visibility across the supply chain. B2B organizations that handle over 1,000 orders daily can reduce fulfillment errors by 35% with an automated system, showing its vital role in operations.
How B2B order management is different from B2C?
B2B transactions have unique complexities that set them apart from consumer-facing commerce. The systems managing these transactions need to address specific priorities:
- Order Complexity: B2C deals with many small-value transactions. B2B has fewer but much larger orders. These orders often include hundreds of line items, custom specs, and complex configurations.
- Relationship Dynamics: B2C purchases focus on transactions. B2B builds ongoing partnerships that need strong communication and negotiation. B2B buyers also make regular, recurring purchases instead of one-time buys.
- Procurement Workflows: B2B transactions follow strict approval chains and involve multiple stakeholders. 95% of B2B purchasing decisions need committees of two or more people. These buyers work within set processes that don't allow impulse purchases.
- Payment Structures: B2B commerce uses purchase orders, credit lines, and invoice-based transactions, unlike B2C's simple payment methods. This needs advanced financial integration in the order management system.
- Customer Expectations: B2B buyer demographics have changed. Millennials and Gen Z now make up 71% of procurement roles. These buyers want digital experiences like B2C - quick, clear, and self-service focused.
B2B order management must focus on accuracy, relationship management, and handling complex workflows. B2C systems mainly deal with speed and processing high volumes.
Why traditional ERPs fall short for B2B order flows
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been operational cores for many businesses. They don't deal very well with modern B2B commerce needs. These limits are clear as digital ordering grows, with 71% of B2B businesses now offering ecommerce.
Traditional ERPs update inventory in batches instead of in real-time. This creates visibility gaps, leading to overselling or missed sales. Inventory delays cause problems in complex B2B networks with multiple warehouses and suppliers.
Legacy systems were built for financial management and simple workflows, not intuitive commerce. They lack the flexibility to create personalized buyer experiences that 79% of B2B buyers prefer for repeat orders.
ERP systems have trouble with complex order routing across multiple fulfillment locations. B2B orders often split into multiple shipments from different warehouses. Traditional ERPs handle this poorly, forcing manual fixes and creating visibility gaps.
ERPs are great at managing financials and simple operations, but fall short in several key B2B order management areas:
- Specialized functionality: ERPs lack features for B2B needs like contract pricing, customer hierarchies, and approval workflows.
- Integration capabilities: Many ERPs can't merge well with modern ecommerce platforms, CRM systems, and third-party logistics providers.
- Adaptability: Traditional ERPs have rigid architectures that resist quick changes. Gartner reports 55-75% of ERP projects fail or miss objectives, often because they're inflexible.
This explains why more companies choose specialized B2B order entry systems built for complex business transactions. Solutions like Fluent Commerce offer cloud-native Distributed Order Management with a microservices architecture. They provide near real-time inventory visibility and flexible fulfillment logic that traditional ERPs can't match.
Types of B2B Order Management Solutions in 2025
B2B companies face growing challenges when selecting the right B2B order management system in today's digital world. The market in 2025 features three main architectural approaches, each offering unique benefits for specific business needs.
Standalone OMS vs ERP-integrated systems
Traditional Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been the backbone of business operations for years. Modern B2B commerce often overwhelms these systems. In fact, even the newest ERP versions lack the flexibility required for dynamic B2B environments, particularly in inventory visibility, up-to-the-minute delivery commitments, and buyer personalization.
Standalone Order Management Systems (OMS) provide several advantages over ERP-integrated approaches:
- Specialized functionality: Standalone OMS solutions concentrate solely on order management logistics and offer more comprehensive capabilities than ERPs for complex B2B workflows
- Flexibility: OMS platforms adapt naturally to changing business environments and eCommerce needs
- Real-time operations: Modern OMS solutions provide up-to-the-minute visibility, unlike ERPs that typically update inventory in batches
Integration plays a vital role. Many B2B companies now add modern b2b order management software on top of their existing ERP infrastructure instead of completely changing their core ERP systems. This approach improves ordering and fulfillment while protecting previous investments.
Unified commerce platforms for hybrid B2B/DTC
B2B and direct-to-consumer (DTC) commerce lines continue to blur. Companies now sell to retail buyers and consumers from the same digital presence. This rise has created a need for unified platforms that can handle multiple sales models without separate technology stacks.
Unified commerce software offers a platform architecture that connects every sales channel, inventory pool, and customer record instantly. These platforms store all orders, payments, and product data centrally to maintain consistent pricing and stock levels across all touchpoints.
Key advantages include:
- Data synchronization: A Single database operation eliminates delays from middleware copying data between separate systems
- Operational efficiency: Companies using unified solutions achieve 20% faster rollouts and 22% lower total cost of ownership compared to multi-vendor approaches
- Consistent experiences: Customer experiences remain consistent across B2B and DTC while maintaining market adaptability
Manufacturers managing wholesale and direct channels benefit from unified platforms. These systems simplify operations by combining B2B and DTC workflows, which reduces complexity and support costs.
Composable architecture with API-first design
The rise of composable architecture with API-first design marks a revolutionary change in B2B ordering systems. This modular, flexible design methodology lets B2B businesses build and develop their enterprise technology stack by combining separate, compatible components—rather than depending on one monolithic system.
API-first approaches focus on external needs rather than internal system requirements. Businesses can create easy-to-use endpoints, implement standard industry terminology, and provide developer-friendly tools.
Modern B2B order entry solutions must include several key technical features:
- Cloud-native design: Continuous uptime, automatic scaling during busy periods, and the latest innovations.
- Microservices-based: Modular deployment, quick iteration, and horizontal scalability.
- Real-time integration: Continuous data exchange with ERPs, fulfillment systems, and digital commerce front ends.
McKinsey & Co. reports that more than 70% of B2B buyers now prefer remote or digital purchases. This trend increases pressure on B2B companies to adopt modern technology that serves customers through their preferred channels.
Fluent Commerce demonstrates this API-first approach through its cloud-native Distributed Order Management System built on a microservices architecture. The system provides near instant inventory visibility, adaptable fulfillment logic, and unified order orchestration across e-commerce, retail, and B2B operations—offering the modularity needed for integration within broader composable commerce stacks.
Key Features to Look for in B2B Order Management Software
Choosing the right B2B order management software demands a look at specific features that solve unique B2B commerce challenges. Modern systems need more than simple order tracking - they must offer a detailed set of features to simplify complex processes and boost customer experiences.
Real-time inventory visibility across channels
Accurate, up-to-the-minute inventory visibility forms the foundation of effective order management. 47% of supply chain professionals rate inventory levels and availability visibility as their top priority in e-commerce operations. Companies risk overpromising, missing sales, or facing surprise shipping fees without this vital capability.
Modern B2B ordering systems must deliver:
- Synchronized inventory data between warehouses, suppliers, and third-party partners.
- Bin-level inventory accuracy updates as items move through scanning, storage, and shipping.
- Automatic stock level updates that merge with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
- Knowing how to reserve stock for orders in real-time prevents overselling.
This visibility lets companies confidently say "yes" to customers more often, knowing they'll deliver as promised.
Automated order routing and fulfillment logic
Smart routing becomes a vital part of efficient fulfillment after receiving an order. Automated order routing (AOR) uses preset rules to send each order to its best fulfillment location.
Effective B2B order management systems offer advanced routing features that:
- Assess orders based on product availability, delivery location, and customer priorities.
- Send orders to nearby warehouses to speed up delivery.
- Use inventory allocation rules that ensure complete order fulfillment.
- Include future inventory in planning when purchase orders face delays.
- Change routing instantly based on stock levels and warehouse capacity.
These automation features help businesses process orders in minutes instead of hours with perfect accuracy. They cut manual errors and make customers happier.
Custom pricing and contract-based order entry
B2B deals often involve complex pricing structures and contract arrangements, unlike standard retail models. The best B2B order-taking software handles these needs through:
- Customer-specific pricing and discount controls
- Quote management and approval process support
- Contract-based order execution with preset terms for pricing and delivery schedules
- Large order management for high-value account contracts
These features help sellers execute orders precisely, meet contract terms, and build lasting, profitable relationships.
Self-service portals for B2B buyers
Today's B2B buyers want 24/7 self-service ordering like in consumer experiences. Self-service portals enable customers to handle their purchases without calling sales representatives.
Quality buyer portals offer:
- Tools to manage buyers and permissions
- Live tracking of shipments, quotes, and order history
- Invoice access and return request options
- Custom lists for frequent orders
- Support for company approval workflows and preferred payments
These portals create an easy purchasing experience that drives sales while reducing customer service workload. These portals create an easy purchasing experience that drives sales while reducing customer service workload. Moreover, they serve as powerful tools for B2B prospecting, allowing businesses to gather insights and qualify potential leads more effectively.
Integration with CRM, ERP, and 3PL systems
System integration stands out as the most significant feature of successful B2B order entry systems. Integration connects internal and partner systems for automatic data exchange.
Everything in integration includes:
- ERP connections that sync financial and inventory data
- CRM links for personalization using customer history
- 3PL connectivity for live updates on inventory, orders, and shipping
- PIM integration to maintain accurate product details
- WhatsApp chatbot connectivity for real-time customer communication.
These connections lead to faster processing, fewer errors, lower costs, and smarter decisions. Companies handling large order volumes or multiple sales channels benefit from centralized oversight through integrated systems more than connecting channels separately.
Top 6 B2B Order Management Software That Work in 2025
The right B2B order management software can determine a business's success in the ever-changing commerce landscape of 2025. Here are six outstanding solutions that work well for complex B2B operations.
Fluent Commerce: API-first distributed OMS
The Forrester Wave™ recognized Fluent Commerce as a Leader in Order Management Systems for Q1 2025. The platform shows excellence in workflows, order orchestration rules, and B2B order management. This cloud-native, distributed order management platform shows inventory levels in real-time across locations and optimizes order orchestration and fulfillment automatically.
Fluent Commerce's architecture is different from traditional systems. The platform runs on microservices and event-driven design principles. Businesses can check inventory data in real-time from any location with internet connectivity. Organizations looking for flexibility can use Fluent OMX—their low-code platform. It lets users customize interfaces and fulfillment logic with minimal coding.
The platform blends with major commerce technologies like Adobe and Salesforce to streamline order administration. This setup has helped businesses optimize product cycle times, reduce fulfillment errors, and update fulfillment strategies faster.
Shopify Plus: Unified B2B and DTC operations
Forrester Wave™ named Shopify Plus a Leader in Commerce Solutions for B2B in 2024. The platform unites wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses on a single platform. B2B merchants see results—up to a 53% increase in GMV per buyer in their first year using Shopify.
Shopify Plus stands out by handling company profiles with multiple contacts, locations, payment terms, and tax IDs for each buyer account. This feature applies contract prices, net payment terms, and order reconciliation accurately in real-time.
The unified commerce architecture gives the platform another advantage. Running ecommerce and POS on one platform means using a single product catalog, inventory count, and order ledger. Companies save money, reducing the total cost of ownership by 22% compared to using separate systems.
Brightpearl: Retail-focused automation suite
Brightpearl's powerful automation engine focuses on retail and wholesale operations. This specialized approach helps thousands of omnichannel merchants optimize core operations while adapting to market changes.
The platform automates several critical areas—order fulfillment, dropshipping, invoicing, and order routing. Brightpearl simplifies retail business processes by automating returns and updating inventory levels in real-time.
The platform's integrated nature provides one view to manage inventory, orders, warehouses, accounting, fulfillment, and shipping. The Point of Sale system syncs inventory and customer information between online and offline channels, creating a smooth operation.
Cin7 Omni: Built-in EDI and warehouse sync
Cin7 Omni changes Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) from a technical challenge into a business advantage. The native EDI integration software connects retailers, distributors, 3PLs, and marketplaces easily.
The platform stands out with pre-built EDI connections to major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco. This eliminates complex integration processes and speeds up the order-to-cash cycle while removing financial workflow friction.
Cin7 has released improved B2B online store and warehouse management modules. The B2B online store creates dedicated storefronts for major retail customers. On-account customers can purchase quickly online, with orders going straight to designated branches for fulfillment.
Salesforce Order Management: CRM-native OMS
Salesforce Order Management System (SOM) works both as a standalone OMS and as an easy-to-deploy addition to other Salesforce cloud products. The CRM-built system helps businesses offer unique delivery and order support through same-day shipping, curbside pickup, or self-service returns.
The platform unites orders from online stores, mobile applications, marketplaces, and physical outlets on one platform. Teams across sales, service, and fulfillment work with similar real-time data, eliminating data silos.
The system connects with Commerce Cloud, Service Cloud, and Sales Cloud. Service representatives can view and change orders while marketers use order information for personalized campaigns. This complete visibility leads to better internal coordination and stronger buyer trust.
Pipe17: Real-time sync across platforms
Pipe17 markets itself as "the OMS alternative that actually works." The platform updates orders, inventory, products, fulfillments, and reverse logistics across channels almost instantly. Instead of replacing entire systems, Pipe17 improves existing technology stacks. It keeps selling, fulfillment, and back-office channels working together without needing developers.
The platform uses built-for-commerce connectivity with order orchestration. This automates order operations fully without the cost of traditional order management systems. Entity-aware connectors understand different platforms' unique features, bridging systems like Shopify B2B and NetSuite.
Pipe17 delivers practical benefits. Brands launch in 30 days instead of 6+ months with traditional OMS platforms. The system provides real-time data synchronization across connected channels and AI-native intelligence through Pippen, their order operations agent. Users spend up to 85% less compared to legacy OMS platforms.
How to Choose the Best B2B Order Management System
You need more than just a feature checklist to pick the right B2B order management system. Let's look at some significant selection criteria that will help you make a smart choice and ensure success down the road.
Assessing integration with the existing tech stack
Your OMS must work smoothly with your current ERP, CRM, and fulfillment systems. Make sure to confirm that the OMS can exchange data effectively with your business-critical apps. The right solution acts as a central hub that connects your entire tech ecosystem without creating isolated data pools.
Evaluating scalability for future growth
Your system's capacity needs will grow beyond today's order volumes. Ask vendors about these key performance metrics:
- Orders handled per second/minute/day
- API call volumes and response times
- Speed of inventory updates per second
Cloud-native architectures with microservice design let you scale resources up or down. This ensures your system handles peak loads without slowing down.
Understanding pricing models and TCO
The real cost runs way beyond the original setup and license fees. Your calculations should include:
- Integration costs with external services
- Future innovation costs that tend to rise
- Hidden expenses tied to maintenance, support, and customization
A deeper look at TCO shows that add-ons, hosting upgrades, and custom integrations cost more than first predicted.
Vendor support and onboarding experience
The quality of vendor support and their implementation approach make a big difference. Some vendors roll out updates every two weeks, while others do it twice a year. This update schedule, plus hands-on implementation help, plays a key role in how well your team adopts the system.
Benefits of Using a Modern B2B Ordering System
Modern B2B ordering systems create substantial business effects that go beyond basic operational improvements. The right solution creates measurable advantages that directly affect your bottom line.
Faster order-to-cash cycles
Order management automation speeds up the cash process significantly. Companies using automated ordering see a 50% reduction in order processing time that turns hours of manual work into seconds of automated processing. This acceleration happens through:
- Instant order submission and confirmation
- Automated approvals and workflows
- Direct integration between sales channels and backend systems
Connected departments eliminate data silos and improve cash flow. This unified system prevents delays between order capture, fulfillment, and invoicing.
Reduced manual errors and returns
Nearly two-thirds (66%) of inventory and fulfillment problems stem from human error. Companies that automate order processing reduce errors by 85%. The financial effects are significant—B2B order errors cost about $17,800 on average.
The system's error-reduction features include validation checks that flag missing fields or incorrect product codes. Data standardization and automated approvals ensure proper verification.
Improved customer satisfaction and retention
Customer loyalty increases through self-service capabilities that create positive experiences. Customers can place orders 24/7 without waiting for representatives through mobile-friendly ordering. Order tracking transparency reduces customer service questions by 40%. Teams can focus on growth initiatives as a result.
Better forecasting and inventory planning
Real-time visibility enables strategic inventory management that supports better cash flow decisions. Businesses can use historical data to:
- Reduce safety stock without increasing risk.
- Adjust purchase orders based on seasonal patterns.
- Make confident decisions about when and where to restock.
This approach prevents stockouts and excessive inventory costs while optimizing cash flow.
Conclusion
Choosing the right B2B order management solution is crucial. It affects business operations, customer satisfaction, and profits. This piece shows how specialized order management systems tackle B2B transaction complexities that regular ERPs don't deal with very well.
Without doubt, the B2B commerce world keeps changing faster. Today's buyers want consumer-quality experiences along with enterprise features. Systems with live inventory tracking, automated order routing, and self-service options give businesses a clear edge over competitors.
API-first and composable architectures mark a major breakthrough in this field. Companies can now create flexible, future-ready systems that adapt to market changes without complete rebuilds. Unified commerce platforms naturally manage both B2B and DTC operations. These platforms remove expensive data silos and create consistent customer experiences.
Companies must look past simple features to check integration options, growth potential, and ownership costs. On top of that, vendor support quality and setup methods strongly affect user adoption and long-term results.
Modern B2B ordering systems offer advantages way beyond just making operations better. Quick order-to-cash cycles, fewer errors, happier customers, and better inventory planning help boost revenue while cutting costs.
B2B ecommerce grows at an explosive rate. Companies that choose reliable order management tools are ready to grab market share and deliver unmatched customer experiences. The ideal system does more than process orders—it turns them into valuable assets that propel business growth.
