3 Critical Technology Trends in B2B eCommerce

According to Digital Commerce 360, more than 40% of distributors have admitted that building a complex website that meets the needs of their consumers is their biggest challenge at the moment, and will likely continue to be so in the future. All entrepreneurs must thus be aware of the technology trends that will have the greatest impact on business. Here are a few:

1. eCommerce Channels

A B2B eCommerce channel is a great starting point when planning your digital shift. This platform acts as the heart of the enterprise’s digital ecosystem. More than 30% of B2B firms in the US prioritize investment in eCommerce channels.

Still, eCommerce platforms differ, with some still operating as a monolithic solution, denying users the ability to choose the best solution for their needs. Nonetheless, some platforms do not support B2B eCommerce services but do include a variety of features.

Advanced SaaS eCommerce solutions can provide you with all of the benefits of software-as-a-service, such as solid security, effective B2B features, and the speed you need to innovate while lowering total ownership costs. Furthermore, advanced eCommerce platforms are easy to integrate with existing business systems.

2. Integration-First Platforms

The availability of integration-first channels means that B2Bs can now accelerate the initiation of eCommerce. A recent B2B commerce report mentioned that the integration-first channels are causing market disruption. Monolithic technology is fast becoming less effective and obsolete.

As a result, advanced technology providers must demonstrate strong in-built integrations as well as solid user platform tooling. Given the difficulties of the post-Covid season, more markets are turning to alternative enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration and B2B eCommerce architectures.

The final stage of B2B eCommerce solutions is now determined by consumer-centric target groups, leading businesses to recognize the importance of ERP integration from the start. It is difficult to obtain accurate feedback from customers without this strategy.

3. Fast Fulfillment of Orders

With more B2B firms adopting digital operations, the need for adequate and fast fulfillment processes is increasing. Customer demands are rising, and B2Bs can take advantage of this opportunity to appeal to buyers. They can leverage order management software to centralize fulfillment processes. Advanced tools and software can facilitate order management for B2Bs across various sales channels, minimize complexity in the supply chain, and streamline information. 

B2Bs can also transform into third-party logistic (3PL) fulfillment to drive operations. 3PL is an excellent alternative for fast scaling businesses with rising costs. If a big percentage of your time is spent on inventory management, 3PL can be an ideal solution. 

Sweet Tips from Ally

On-premise solutions are becoming less and less effective in today's digital evolution. Businesses need scalable and agile B2B eCommerce solutions to stay competitive and increase revenue.