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💰 Sales Orders

Efficiently process customer orders from confirmation through delivery with integrated inventory allocation and shipping management.

Overview

What are Sales Orders?

Sales orders represent confirmed customer purchases that require fulfillment from your inventory. They manage the entire order lifecycle from initial confirmation through final delivery, ensuring accurate inventory allocation and customer satisfaction.

The system provides complete order visibility, automated workflows, and integration with shipping carriers to streamline the fulfillment process while maintaining accurate inventory levels.

Key Benefits
• Automated inventory allocation
• Real-time order tracking
• Integrated shipping management
• Customer communication automation
• Return and exchange processing
• Performance analytics and reporting

Order Status Lifecycle

Sales orders progress through defined states that track the fulfillment process from initial receipt to final delivery.

Pending
Order received, awaiting processing
Confirmed
Order confirmed, stock allocated
Picking
Items being picked from inventory
Packed
Order packed, ready to ship
Shipped
Order shipped to customer
Delivered
Order delivered to customer
Completed
Order completed and closed
Cancelled
Order cancelled

Core Features

  1. 👥
    Customer Management
    Comprehensive customer database and relationship tracking
    • Customer profiles and contact information
    • Order history and preferences
    • Credit limits and payment terms
    • Delivery addresses and preferences
    • Customer communication logs
  2. 📦
    Inventory Allocation
    Intelligent stock allocation and availability checking
    • Real-time stock availability checking
    • Automatic inventory allocation
    • Backorder management
    • Multi-location fulfillment
    • Reserved stock tracking
  3. 🚚
    Shipping Integration
    Seamless integration with shipping carriers and logistics
    • Multiple carrier options
    • Real-time shipping rates
    • Tracking number generation
    • Delivery confirmation
    • International shipping support
  4. ↩️
    Return Processing
    Efficient handling of returns and exchanges
    • Return authorization process
    • Return reason tracking
    • Restocking and quality checks
    • Refund and exchange processing
    • Return analytics and reporting

Order Fulfillment Process

Step-by-step process for fulfilling customer orders from confirmation to delivery

1. Order Confirmation

Verify order details and customer information

1
Review order items and quantities
2
Verify customer shipping address
3
Check payment status and authorization
4
Confirm stock availability
5
Allocate inventory to the order
6
Send order confirmation to customer

Collect items from inventory locations

1
Generate picking list and route
2
Pick items from designated locations
3
Verify item accuracy and condition
4
Handle substitutions if needed
5
Update picking status in system
6
Prepare items for packing

Package order and arrange delivery

1
Select appropriate packaging materials
2
Pack items securely with protection
3
Print shipping labels and documentation
4
Schedule pickup or delivery
5
Update tracking information
6
Notify customer of shipment

Complete order and handle follow-up

1
Confirm delivery with customer
2
Process any returns or exchanges
3
Handle customer feedback
4
Update order status to completed
5
Archive order documentation
6
Follow up for customer satisfaction

Inventory Allocation

How inventory is automatically allocated and managed for confirmed orders

How Inventory is Allocated to Orders
When an order is confirmed, inventory is automatically allocated to ensure items are reserved for that specific order. This prevents overselling and guarantees order fulfillment.
Allocation Process
  • Stock availability checked in real-time
  • Items automatically reserved for order
  • Multi-location fulfillment optimization
  • Backorder handling for unavailable items
  • Allocation released if order cancelled
Priority Rules
  • First-come, first-served allocation
  • VIP customer priority handling
  • Express order prioritization
  • Location-based allocation preferences
  • Minimum batch quantity considerations

Backorder Management

Efficient handling of backorders when inventory is unavailable

🔄 Backorder Process
  • Partial fulfillment with backorders
  • Automatic reallocation when stock arrives
  • Customer notification of delays
  • Priority queuing for backorders
  • Alternative item suggestions
📋 Backorder Options
  • Wait for full order completion
  • Ship available items immediately
  • Cancel unavailable items
  • Substitute with similar products
  • Provide estimated arrival dates

Shipping & Tracking

Comprehensive shipping integration and tracking capabilities

🚚 Carrier Integration
  • Multiple shipping carrier support
  • Real-time rate comparison
  • Automated label generation
  • Delivery date estimation
📍 Tracking Features
  • Real-time tracking updates
  • Customer tracking notifications
  • Delivery confirmation
  • Exception handling alerts
🌍 International Shipping
  • Customs documentation
  • Duty and tax calculations
  • Restricted items checking
  • International compliance

📊 Performance Metrics

Key performance indicators to monitor sales order efficiency and quality

Key Sales Order Metrics
📊 Efficiency Metrics
  • Order processing time
  • Pick accuracy rate
  • Shipping time performance
  • Cost per shipment
🎯 Quality Metrics
  • Order accuracy rate
  • Damage rate during shipping
  • Return rate by reason
  • Customer satisfaction scores
💰 Financial Metrics
  • Average order value
  • Fulfillment cost per order
  • Revenue per customer
  • Profit margin by order

Best Practices

✅ Recommended Practices
  • Confirm orders quickly to secure inventory
  • Communicate delivery dates accurately
  • Process orders in priority sequence
  • Double-check picking accuracy
  • Package items securely for protection
  • Follow up on delivery confirmations
❌ Common Mistakes
  • Overselling inventory without checking availability
  • Delaying order confirmation processes
  • Poor communication about delays or issues
  • Inadequate packaging causing damage
  • Not updating order status promptly
  • Ignoring customer preferences and instructions

Troubleshooting

Check real-time inventory levels and consider alternatives.
Verify current stock levels across all locations
Check for pending incoming inventory
Offer backorder or partial fulfillment options
Suggest alternative products to customer
Verify shipping configuration and address information.
Check customer shipping address accuracy
Verify package dimensions and weight
Review carrier rate configuration
Test with alternative shipping methods
Verify tracking integration and customer notification settings.
Check customer email address accuracy
Verify tracking number generation
Test carrier tracking integration
Review notification preferences

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