Smartstore Order Management System (SOMS) - End-to-End Value Chain for Retail

Smartstore Order Management System (SOMS): The middleware for holistically integrated E-commerce processes

Introduction

The Smartstore Order Management System (SOMS) is much more than a classic order management tool. In our role as a provider and operator, we offer SOMS as middleware that reliably manages data and process flows between our customers' Smartstore-Shop, their ERP systems, and other connected systems.

SOMS ensures a seamless value chain in digital commerce – from order entry to fulfillment, from inventory management to accounting.

What makes SOMS middleware?

At its core, SOMS enables standardized, automated, and fault-tolerant communication between all participating systems. This prevents process disruptions, reduces media breaks, and keeps data consistently accurate.

Key features of the middleware

• Platform-independent and integrative: SOMS can be integrated into any front-end sales channel (e.g., Smartstore-Shop) as well as any back-end systems (ERP, warehouse, accounting).

• Cloud or on-premises: Customers can use SOMS as a cloud service or fully integrate it into their own infrastructure – with the same functionality.

• High data security: In the cloud, SOMS is operated under strict security standards. On-premises, the customer bears the responsibility.

This makes SOMS the connecting element that automates order processes, inventory data, payment information, shipping, and returns processes.

What advantages does SOMS offer in the interaction of shop, ERP, and other systems?

SOMS enables an efficiency that would never be achieved without middleware.

1. Reliable and cross-channel order management

All incoming orders from the Smartstore-Shop are processed automatically, assigned to the correct fulfillment location and seamlessly transferred to downstream systems. Errors due to manual intervention are completely eliminated.

2. Omnichannel fulfillment through process logic

SOMS evaluates based on rules and metrics:

• Location availability

• Logistics options

• Shipping costs

• Fulfillment speed
  and controls the optimal fulfillment scenario.

3. Global inventory management

All inventories in ERP, shop and possibly POS systems are synchronized via SOMS. This ensures that inventory displays in the Smartstore-Shop are always correct – a crucial advantage to avoid misinformation and revenue loss.

4. In-store processing and Click & Collect

SOMS also enables:

• Pick & Pack processes in retail

• Label printing

• Shipping processes including carrier integration

• Click & Collect scenarios without special effort
  

5. Customer service and returns processing

All relevant data on returns, complaints, cancellations, and credits are centrally available. SOMS maps these processes consistently across systems.

How does SOMS operate in practice?

Despite its complex integration logic, operation for merchants is straightforward:

1. Automatic order entry
   After checkout in the Smartstore-Shop, an order is immediately created and transferred to the ERP via SOMS.

2. Transparent status logic
   SOMS supports standard statuses such as New, Processing, Complete, Canceled, as well as freely definable statuses. These are synchronized across systems.

3. Invoice logic based on payment method
   Invoices are automatically or – if necessary – manually generated and sent to the customer. SOMS then distributes invoice information to the connected systems.

4. Shipping processes & tracking
   Once generated, shipping labels and tracking information are automatically provided and communicated to the customer.

SOMS as a link between online retail and ERP – a practical example

The jewelry retailer Ametista used Smartstore as a shop and SelectLine as ERP. Before the SOMS integration, there were massive issues due to incorrect inventory information in the shop.

SOMS achieved:

• Real-time synchronization of all inventories between ERP and Smartstore

• Automatic hiding of out-of-stock items

• Reappearing upon goods receipt

• Automatic invoice creation in ERP for shop orders

In the first run alone, SOMS corrected about 1,000 incorrectly hidden items, resulting in direct revenue increases.

Automated data integration by SOMS – Added value beyond commerce

In addition to the classic shop-ERP integration, SOMS also supports complex data processing processes, e.g.:

• automated collection of item information from manufacturer APIs, web data, or PDFs

• Supplementing and integrating this data into Smartstore

• Transformation of emails into offers, order proposals, or newsletters

• automated EDI conversion of thousands of PDF invoices without OCR

• Validation of incoming invoices including documentation of the legally required audit trail
  

Thus, SOMS not only takes on responsibilities in commerce but also in the area of ETL, BPM, and data quality.

Conclusion: Why SOMS is indispensable for modern Smartstore-Shops

In a time when customers shop across channels with high expectations of transparency, middleware like SOMS is the decisive success factor:

• Avoiding errors and manual effort

• Higher revenues through correct inventories and fast processes

• Seamless integration from shop to financial accounting

• Anytime expandable – from pure commerce to complex data pipelines

In short: Anyone who wants to professionally connect their Smartstore-Shop with ERP and other systems cannot avoid SOMS.

Do you have any questions on this topic? Or would you like to send us your feedback? Then you can reach us via the contact form, by email at info@smartstore.com or by phone from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 4 pm at +4923153350