Digitizing your business and setting up an ordering platform feels like a huge step, but it's mostly a rewarding step. The Belgian e-commerce market is growing very fast, and the figures don't lie. The latest BeCommerce Market Monitor shows that we shopped 22% more online in Belgium in 2022, bringing us to 8.5 million Belgian online shoppers, accounting for 170 million purchases worth 14.7 billion euros. The e-commerce boom will also continue to affect business web shops, so it's smart to prepare for this as a company. Convinced? In this blog, we would like to take you through the 6 most important steps to set up your ordering platform as efficiently as possible!

#1 Define your business goals

Before you start working on your order platform, you need to fully understand your company's unique needs. Take the time to analyse where your business currently stands and which areas can be improved. Maybe you want to process orders faster, engage new customers, reduce errors, automate manual tasks, or simply offer your customers a better online shopping experience.

By setting clear goals, you will be more focused when setting up your ordering platform and ensure that it perfectly meets your company's needs.

#2 Explore various ERP integrations

A seamless integration with your ERP system is a real game changer for your company. It gives you the opportunity to streamline all your business processes, from order processing to inventory management and accounting. This integration makes it possible to effortlessly synchronize data between different systems, minimizing duplicate entries and errors.

If you already have an ERP system, integrating an order platform offers you a lot potentials for growth and efficiency. It allows you to strengthen your existing systems and add new functionalities that improve overall business performance. What are you going to do with all that time that you no longer have to spend maintaining your online catalog or following up on orders? True, growing your business by investing your own and your team's time in customer relationships instead of just maintaining diverse IT systems.

#3 Opt for a user-friendly platform

Time is valuable, we understand that better than anyone. That's why it's essential to choose an ordering platform that is easy to use. Thanks to out-of-the-box solutions with an intuitive management module and, above all, plug-and-play in-depth ERP links such as Marcando's, you can get started quickly without the need for technical expertise. This means less time spent struggling with complex systems and endless IT journeys, and more time spent growing your business.

But your order platform must also be easy to use for your customers. Make sure your platform has an intuitive interface, is easy to navigate and is also mobile-optimized. A user-friendly platform facilitates its adoption and increases customer satisfaction.

#4 Choose a scalable ordering platform

Your ordering platform should not only meet today's needs, but also tomorrow's needs. How do you see your company growing in the coming years and how does a B2B ordering platform fit in? Is it scalable enough to grow with your business? Can it be easily adapted to changing needs or technical developments? Keep up with your other IT packages, especially your ERP system. By thinking about these questions, you can choose a platform that supports your business in the long term.

When selecting an ordering platform, flexibility is crucial. It must be able to move with growth, changing customer needs and internal requirements within your organization. This way, you can ensure future-proofing and ensure that your investment pays off in the long term.

#5 Consider the cost

Budgeting is an essential step in setting up your ordering platform. You need to have a clear idea of the costs and make sure that the solution you choose fits your budget. A Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model can be invaluable here. Such a model offers a predictable monthly rate with no hidden costs or surprises.

If you opt for a SaaS solution, you will avoid large initial investments in hardware or software licenses. Plus, the SaaS model often offers flexible subscription options so you can scale based on your business needs. This makes it easier to grow and evolve without worrying about expensive upgrades or maintenance costs. This helps your company focus on what it's really about, without constant IT hassles. IT should be a tool, not a primary concern.

#6 Protect your customers' privacy

Privacy and data security are of the utmost importance, especially at a time when digital information is playing an increasingly important role in business. That's why data security and compliance with certain legislation are also extremely important when setting up a B2B ordering platform. Make sure your platform complies with all relevant security standards and legislation so that you can protect your customers' privacy.

This includes implementing security measures such as data encryption, access control and regular security audits. In addition, try to stay up to date with important developments in data protection and compliance so that your platform is always up to date. By investing in data security and compliance, you're not only building trust with your customers, but you're also protecting your company's reputation and integrity.

Want to take the leap but have no idea how to build an ordering platform? Feel free to contact us for a personal demo!

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