Crafting a Comprehensive Tech Stack for Modern Omnichannel Brands

One of the most common questions we get from customers and prospects is related to designing from scratch, or modernizing, their tech stack. In today's retail landscape, omnichannel brands must seamlessly integrate various technologies to create a unified and exceptional customer experience.

A well-structured tech stack is the cornerstone of success. In this blog post, we will delve into the different aspects of a tech stack for modern omnichannel brands, highlighting the 8 key components we think you should consider:

1. Ecommerce platform
2. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software
3. Long-tail B2B marketplaces
4. Order management tools
5. Accounting/ERP
6. Inventory management
7. Warehouse Management System (WMS)
8. Analytics

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1. Choosing the Right E-Commerce Platform

An ecommerce platform is the fundamental building block of your tech stack and the main component of your online business that ensures your online store is user-friendly and can handle your product catalog and content.

Shopify provides a versatile and user-friendly e-commerce platform that makes it easy for brands to build a robust online shopping experience. It empowers brands to create online stores, manage products, handle payments, and customize their digital presence. With its extensive ecosystem of apps and integrations, Shopify ensures that your online retail operations are efficient and customer-centric.

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2. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): Streamlined Communication

EDI serves as the backbone of seamless communication with suppliers, partners, and customers. It enables automated data exchange, eliminating manual processes and reducing errors. In an omnichannel setup, EDI ensures that inventory, pricing, and order information remain consistent across all channels, delivering a unified shopping experience.

If you're looking for out-of-the-box EDI compliance that requires no coding or heavy lifting for your team, consider Crstl.

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3. Long-Tail B2B Marketplace: Expanding Reach

A long-tail B2B marketplace connects your brand with a diverse range of suppliers and wholesalers. It allows you to access niche products, diversify your product catalog, and expand your offerings. Integrating such a marketplace into your tech stack ensures a broader selection for your customers, enhancing their shopping experience.

Grovara is a great B2B marketplace option, especially for CPG brands who are looking to streamline processes with their retail partners and push for operational excellence.

Provi is another B2B market place to consider for CPG brands looking to improve their distribution channels, but has a stronger focus for food and beverage brands specifically.

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Order Management System (OMS): Efficient Fulfillment

An OMS is essential for orchestrating orders across multiple channels and locations. It helps you manage inventory, optimize order routing, and meet customer expectations for fast and accurate deliveries. OMS integration with your tech stack ensures that customers can order from anywhere while enjoying a consistent experience.

3 considerations for OMS software:

• Kibo is great for empowering ecommerce-focused teams who want to branch into omnichannel strategies.
• Blue Yonder is flexible for any business type - both established and growing.‍
• Fluent Commerce is great for growing omnichannel businesses who are looking to rapidly scale into new sales channels.

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Accounting/ERP Software: Financial Clarity

Accounting and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software forms the financial backbone of your business. Integrating accounting/ERP software into your tech stack allows you to efficiently manage revenue, expenses, and taxes. It provides real-time insights into your financial health, streamlines invoicing, and ensures compliance with accounting standards.

Here are a few considerations for ERP solutions for omnichannel brands.

NetSuite ERP - NetSuite, owned by Oracle, is a robust cloud-based ERP solution offering comprehensive features for omnichannel brands. Its strengths lie in financial management, CRM, e-commerce, and inventory management, all seamlessly integrated. 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 - Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers a suite of integrated business applications, including finance, operations, retail, and CRM solutions, making it an excellent choice for omnichannel brands.

‍QuickBooks Commerce - Formerly known as TradeGeko, QuickBooks Commerce is great for smaller omnichannel brands that are growing and looking for a solution that can scale with them without the complexity and cost of larger ERP systems like NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365.

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Inventory Management: Precise Stock Control

Inventory management software is crucial for optimizing stock levels, preventing overstocking or understocking issues. It aids in demand forecasting, order replenishment, and tracking product movements across various channels and warehouses. Effective inventory management ensures that products are readily available to meet customer demands.

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Warehouse Management System (WMS): Efficient Operations

A WMS is indispensable for optimizing warehouse operations and ensuring that products are efficiently stored, picked, and shipped. It plays a pivotal role in minimizing order fulfillment errors, reducing shipping times, and enhancing overall warehouse efficiency.

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Analytics: Data-Driven Insights

Analytics tools are pivotal for gaining insights into customer behavior, sales trends, and the performance of your omnichannel strategy. They enable data-driven decision-making and help you optimize marketing campaigns, product offerings, and inventory management. Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and Shopify's built-in analytics are valuable tools in this category.

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Integrating Technology in Your Omnichannel Tech Stack

Constructing a comprehensive tech stack for a modern omnichannel brand is a strategic imperative in today's competitive retail environment. Shopify serves as the core e-commerce platform, while EDI ensures seamless communication with stakeholders. Long-tail B2B marketplaces provide access to a diverse product catalog, and order management, accounting/ERP, inventory management, WMS, and analytics tools contribute to a robust infrastructure.

The key to success lies in integrating these technologies effectively and continuously evaluating and optimizing your tech stack to adapt to evolving customer preferences and market trends. By investing in the right tools and technologies, your omnichannel brand can thrive, delivering a seamless and exceptional customer experience across all touchpoints.