Finding the Right B2B Software Solution

B2B eCommerce enterprise solutions offer an endless universe of opportunities, most of which haven’t been explored. Businesses interact in several ways in an eCommerce transaction. Almost all of these interactions occur on an online channel, through B2B software. The software provides businesses with a platform to conduct their dealings. Therefore, there is no question that your business needs a B2B software to engage in eCommerce and interact with buyers effectively.

New businesses are popping up every minute in the online marketplace to try their hand at B2B eCommerce. That’s why it is crucial for your business to strategically choose appropriate channels to keep up with the increasing demands of B2B eCommerce. This will allow your business to scale and stay ahead of competitors. By repurposing B2B commerce an incorporating B2B marketplace software, your business can reap the many benefits of the increasingly efficient online marketplace.

The only way to do this is through technology and relevant B2B software and platforms. Technology can operationalize your B2B business’ processes. If used right, B2B eCommerce software can help your business adopt the best practices of eCommerce. No two businesses, or B2B software, are alike. All businesses have their unique features and requirements. Therefore, they must find a perfect software fit or risk mismanagement in their B2B eCommerce. To find out which enterprise eCommerce software is right for your business, you must carefully consider what features you want on your platform and the best place you can find them.

B2B Software For Your Business

B2B software and platforms play a crucial role in eCommerce. Choosing a good platform is one of the most critical eCommerce business decisions. Integrating relevant technology into your business will ensure that your B2B business reaches its full potential. The software maximizes productivity and operationalizes business processes. Choosing appropriate platforms is essential because it will dictate how your business will proceed and whether it will scale successfully. A poor decision, such as choosing software that can’t handle your growing business (e.g., B2B inventory management software), can lead to roadblocks down the line. B2B business buyers want a simple and user-friendly shopping experience when engaging on a b2b eCommerce platform. B2B software is responsible for helping businesses create this experience for their potential buyers.

Additionally, modern customers are interested in self-service and want to use product research tools themselves. Therefore, software should have all the necessary tools that buyers may need. A shortfall in this area can lead to poor engagement and customer satisfaction. Alternatively, performing well in these areas can help boost your business in the eCommerce sphere. Therefore, your business’ B2B software needs to address all these needs.

B2B eCommerce Solutions

Any decent B2B eCommerce platform must incorporate the following B2B eCommerce solutions. The B2B software needs to be:

• Functionality - The software must be able to function smoothly within all aspects of the business. This means having relevant features that business buyers may require, such as; multiuser logins for approvals, solutions to process bulk orders, B2B inventory management to keep buyers updated, etc. All these features help empower users and support the B2B sales cycle as businesses contemplate whether to conduct business or not. Regardless of which solution you choose, every platform should include the aforementioned features.
• Resourceful - The platform needs to have all the required resources for both users and businesses. This should include everything buyers need to make a well-informed decision. There should be an excellent product catalog management process and an efficient way for buyers to access product details. There should be notification features to keep the buyer updated during the fulfillment process. The software should give itemized quotes, track orders, provide customer-specific pricing where necessary, give personalized recommendations to your B2B website’s visitors, and so on.
• Compatibility - One of the most important considerations is having a solution that is accessible to users regardless of what OS or device they are on. Anyone with access to the internet should be able to view and interact with your platform. Especially since business buyers have several employees handling purchases, your business needs to cater to all their situations. The B2B software must be accessible from multiple devices, meaning it should provide a mobile and tablet friendly user experience. Therefore, it should incorporate features like several checkout and payment options, responsive designs for each unique feature on the platform, and any other section of the site your end-users interact with.
• Availability - There should be 24/7 support and functionality on the platform. Buyers should have a seamless shopping experience whenever they decide to engage with your business or products. This means 24/7 wesbite uptime and a customer support portal where users can engage the sales/product support team.
• Marketable - The software should be optimized and compatible with your business’ marketing strategy. SEO optimized platforms used in eCommerce improve visibility and generate more traffic. This will help your business increase conversions and sales.
• Secure - The software must be secure and safe. It should protect your business’ privacy and prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing data. Whichever platform you decide upon, having native PCI compliance is a must have if you will be processing payments.

SaaS vs. Open Source

The two main types of B2B eCommerce platforms are SaaS and open-source software. Some things to consider about both platforms are:

Software as a service (SaaS)

• Cloud-based software which can be accessed using a web browser
• Your business can license SaaS from B2B software companies with a subscription so you’ll have to pay
• The third-party provider hosts and maintains the platform, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance and security
• Quicker launch-up time due to the platform already being set up helps if you don’t have an IT team to set things up to you or if you need to get your B2B eCommerce platform up and running quickly
• Users can’t edit or customize the software, which can be a problem when scaling or keeping up with B2B eCommerce or business buyers
• E.g., Shopify Plus

Open-source

• Anyone can view, edit, and distribute the open-source software’s source code
• The software is free, but your B2B business will have to cover licensing, hosting, maintenance, etc.
• Greater customizability and functionality since your business will have the source code
• Longer time for the software to be up and running, especially if your business needs web developers to customize the B2B eCommerce software to a higher degree
• Added responsibility for maintenance and security
• E.g., Magento 2

Clarity B2B eCommerce Experts

Clarity Ventures offers consulting services to facilitate the management, development, and implementation of web-based technologies. Our consultants use the latest tools and technologies coupled with unique experience to deliver superior, cost-effective service in meeting your specific needs in addition to developing a strategy for the highest user-acceptance level of your new software.

• B2B eCommerce Overview
• Finding the Right B2B Software Solution
• Benefits of B2B eCommerce Solutions
• Transitioning from B2C to B2B eCommerce
• B2B Projects
• Enterprise eCommerce Platforms
• Wholesale eCommerce Platform
• What is a B2B Infomediary Website?
• What is a B2B Industry Vertical Website?
• What is a B2B E-Procurement Website?
• What is a B2B Broker Website?
• B2B Sales Portal
• B2B Marketplace Platform
• B2B Marketplace Solution
• B2C Marketplace Platform