Glossary: OMS, Retail and Ecommerce

A comprehensive glossary of all things go-to-market, retail tech, and e-commerce.

Order Management & Fulfillment

Central software for managing, tracking, and processing orders across multiple sales channels. Helps unify workflows, automate routine tasks, and prevent order errors.

Note: "Order management system" and "order management software" are often used interchangeably.

A purpose-built software designed to manage orders based on specific business rules, workflows, and integrations. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, custom OMS adapts to your operations for better efficiency and scalability.

The automatic real-time update of inventory quantities across all connected marketplaces, POS systems, and webstores to ensure consistency, reduce overselling, and improve customer trust.

A unified system that tracks product stock levels and processes customer orders in real-time to ensure accurate fulfillment across sales channels.

A digital tool designed for wholesale and enterprise transactions, enabling bulk order processing, customer-specific pricing, and purchase order workflows.

The process of automating manual order entry tasks, reducing errors, and speeding up the entire sales cycle from quote to delivery.

The backend operations that handle order picking, packing, and shipping within a warehouse, often integrated with real-time inventory systems.

Software that consolidates orders from various platforms—like e-commerce sites, marketplaces, and offline stores—into a single streamlined dashboard.

The process of fulfilling orders from various sales channels (e.g., Shopee, TikTok Shop, webstore) using one centralized inventory and shipping system. Helps streamline operations and reduce manual work.

The system of assigning and tracking Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) to organize inventory, identify product variations, and enable efficient syncing across platforms and fulfillment systems.

Connecting external sales platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, or Shopify into your backend system for automatic syncing of orders, products, and inventory.

A methodical process for selecting and organizing items from storage shelves to fulfill orders efficiently. Includes techniques like batch picking, wave picking, and zone picking.

Allows sellers to print multiple order documents (invoices, shipping labels) in one go, streamlining high-volume processing.

Generates a consolidated picking list for several orders, making it easier for warehouse staff to retrieve products efficiently.

Automatically creates shipping documents for couriers, enabling smooth dispatch and providing end-to-end parcel tracking.

Monitors and enforces predefined standards such as shipping deadlines or delivery accuracy, essential for marketplace and customer trust.

Allows shipping available items from an order immediately, while pending items are sent later. Improves delivery speed and customer satisfaction.

Combines multiple orders from the same customer into a single shipment to reduce shipping costs and processing time.

Splits a large order into multiple shipments based on stock availability or warehouse locations for faster delivery.

Lets you update shipping status for multiple orders simultaneously, saving time during peak fulfillment.

Handles returned products, generating return authorizations, tracking status, and updating inventory accordingly.

Ensures order status updates are reflected in real-time across all channels, minimizing customer confusion and overselling.

Generates shipping labels directly within the platform, supporting various courier templates and formats.

Lets sellers and buyers monitor real-time progress of their shipments, from dispatch to delivery.

Automatically pulls new orders from connected marketplaces into the OMS for central management.

Systematizes order cancellation procedures, ensuring inventory is adjusted and customers are notified promptly.

Detects, logs, and helps resolve errors in syncing orders between marketplaces and the OMS.

A unique identifier for each order, aiding in tracking, reporting, and customer support.

Coordinates shipping processes tailored for each marketplace’s requirements and preferred couriers.

Creates and manages customer invoices for each order, supporting accounting and compliance.

Processes large groups of orders simultaneously for efficient bulk operations, ideal for flash sales or high-demand periods.

Outsourced logistics providers handle inventory storage, packing, and shipping, enabling sellers to scale with less overhead.

A business model where the seller transfers customer orders to a supplier who ships directly to the customer.

Warehouse operations that involve selecting ordered items (picking) and preparing them for shipment (packing).

Documentation (often digital) confirming that an order has been received by the customer.

A warehouse or distribution center that processes online orders on behalf of sellers.

The total time from when an order is placed to when it is fulfilled and delivered to the customer.

A logistics method where inbound shipments are directly transferred to outbound trucks, minimizing storage time.

The process of handling product returns, repairs, recycling, or disposal.

An order for an item that is temporarily out of stock and will be shipped once available.

All stages an order passes through, from creation and payment to fulfillment, delivery, and possible return.

Automatic assignment of orders to specific warehouses, stores, or fulfillment partners based on rules or location.

The first stage in the delivery process, moving goods from the seller to the shipping carrier.

The final step in the delivery journey, where goods are delivered to the end customer’s address.

Dividing an order into multiple deliveries, often to speed up fulfillment when items are sourced from different locations.

A document listing all shipments being transported, used for verification and compliance.

An unexpected event (e.g., weather, incorrect address) causing a delay or change in delivery schedule.

Connecting shipping carriers directly to your OMS for real-time label generation, rates, and tracking.

Time taken from when an order is received to when it is shipped or completed.

Percentage of orders fulfilled without errors, reflecting warehouse and process reliability.

The average monetary value of all orders over a set period, useful for analyzing customer purchasing behavior.

The process of using software tools or systems to handle order-related tasks—such as receiving, confirming, routing, and tracking—without manual input, improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency in the sales process.

The end-to-end journey of a customer order, starting from order placement, payment processing, and inventory checks, through to fulfillment, shipping, and post-sale service such as returns or refunds.

A live, constantly updated view of stock levels across all sales channels and warehouses, allowing businesses to prevent overselling, track stock movement, and respond instantly to demand.

The series of steps a business takes to deliver a product to a customer after an order is placed. This includes picking items from inventory, packing, shipping, and confirming delivery.

The day-to-day activities carried out within a warehouse, including inventory storage, stock organization, order picking, packing, receiving shipments, and managing returns to ensure efficient fulfillment.

Ecommerce & Marketplace

Connects your OMS with platforms like Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, or Amazon, enabling centralized product, order, and inventory management across channels.

Tools to oversee multiple sales channels from one dashboard, making it easy to compare performance, manage listings, and avoid overselling.

Synchronizes orders, products, and inventory between your branded online store (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce) and the OMS for streamlined operations.

Direct API connection with Shopify, enabling automatic syncing of orders, stock, and product data for efficient fulfillment.

Links WooCommerce webstores to your OMS, consolidating inventory, order processing, and catalog management.

Identifies which sales channel (e.g., Shopee, Lazada, webstore) each order originates from, improving analytics and fulfillment planning.

A unified database for all products listed on every connected channel, ensuring accuracy and simplifying updates.

Manage multiple webstores or marketplace accounts from one platform, reducing manual work and enhancing scalability.

Detects and resolves synchronization problems between OMS and sales channels, minimizing data discrepancies.

A dedicated portal for managing marketplace operations—listings, orders, promotions, and performance—in one place.

Manages store branding and naming across all connected platforms for unified customer recognition.

Allows sellers to operate and manage several brands or business entities from one OMS account.

The online presentation of your products, including images, descriptions, and reviews—crucial for competitive positioning.

When a shopper adds products to their online cart but leaves without completing the purchase—a key metric for conversion optimization.

The percentage of website or marketplace visitors who complete a desired action (usually a purchase).

A secure online service that processes electronic payments for eCommerce transactions.

Selling directly through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, often integrated with chat or live selling features.

A service allowing customers to purchase online and pick up their orders at a physical store location.

Conducting buying and selling activities via mobile devices, often requiring dedicated apps or responsive websites.

A performance-based marketing system where external partners promote your products and earn commission on resulting sales.

The series of steps a buyer takes from discovery to purchase and post-sale interaction, essential for mapping user experience.

A structured plan outlining how a company will introduce its products or services to new markets, including channels, pricing, distribution, and marketing approaches.

The buying and selling of goods or services online across international borders, requiring attention to logistics, currency, taxes, and compliance.

Adapting product listings, content, pricing, and user experience for specific countries or regions, including translation, currency, and cultural preferences.

The total cost of a product once it reaches the buyer, including the item price, shipping, customs duties, taxes, and insurance—crucial for international pricing.

The process of submitting necessary documentation and paying duties/taxes to legally import goods into a new country.

The approach a business uses to enter a foreign market, such as direct exports, partnerships, joint ventures, or establishing a local presence.

Storing inventory in multiple geographic locations to reduce delivery times and costs for international customers.

Enables customers to purchase items not yet in stock, with fulfillment set for a future date.

Allows the sale of items temporarily out of stock, promising delivery when replenished.

A business model where brands sell directly to customers through their own channels (webstores or social media), bypassing third-party retailers.

The mean revenue generated per customer or account over a set period, used to gauge the value of different channels or segments.

The total cost of acquiring a new customer, including marketing, advertising, and sales expenses; a key metric for profitability analysis.

A sales approach that provides customers with a seamless experience across online stores, marketplaces, social media, and physical retail locations.

The lowest quantity of a product that a supplier or marketplace allows for a single order, often used to manage logistics costs and supply chain efficiency.

Tension or competition between different sales channels (e.g., retail, marketplace, direct), which can lead to pricing or service inconsistencies.

A strategy where product prices are automatically adjusted in real time based on demand, competition, inventory, or other factors.

A scenario where too many sellers compete in the same category, making differentiation, visibility, and pricing power more challenging.

A framework for determining which marketing touchpoints or channels get credit for a sale or conversion.

The percentage of customers who continue buying from your business over a specific period, indicating loyalty and satisfaction with your brand or service.

Inventory & Product Management

Centralized tool for creating, editing, and organizing product information across all connected sales channels.

Automatic updating of inventory levels across marketplaces, webstores, and internal systems to prevent overselling.

Process for correcting inventory counts due to returns, losses, or errors, ensuring accurate stock records.

Bulk upload or download of product data for faster onboarding and catalog management.

Manage and track stock in multiple storage locations for greater fulfillment flexibility and efficiency.

Creation and maintenance of unique Stock Keeping Units for accurate tracking of each product and variant.

Combining multiple products into a single package for sale, often used to increase order value or clear stock.

Batch or individual updating of product prices across all integrated channels from one dashboard.

Moving inventory from one warehouse or location to another for optimized stock allocation.

Using barcode technology for quick, error-free product identification, receiving, and picking.

Automated notifications when inventory falls below set thresholds, preventing stockouts.

Updating inventory levels for many SKUs at once, saving time during audits or large shipments.

Organizing products with characteristics such as color, size, or material for better catalog navigation.

Assigning products to the correct categories on each sales channel for improved search and organization.

Keeping inventory accurate across webstores, marketplaces, and offline stores in real time.

Automatically updates product data across all connected sales channels after any change.

Provides insights into stock movement, turnover, and aging for better replenishment decisions.

Spotting unsold or obsolete items to aid in clearance or write-off planning.

A log of all inventory changes—purchases, sales, transfers, and adjustments—for audit and analysis.

Designates products as available or unavailable for sale, controlling visibility on each channel.

Extra inventory kept on hand to prevent stockouts during demand spikes or supply delays.

A measure of how often inventory is sold and replaced within a set period.

A strategy to receive goods only as needed, reducing storage costs and waste.

Accounting method where the oldest inventory is sold or used first.

Inventory accounting where the most recently received stock is sold or used first.

Managing individual items by their unique serial numbers, useful for electronics or regulated goods.

Frequent, systematic counting of inventory subsets to spot errors before they escalate.

When demand for an item cannot be fulfilled due to insufficient inventory.

Excess inventory, leading to increased holding costs and risk of obsolescence.

Products no longer saleable due to expiration, damage, or market changes.

Loss of stock from theft, damage, or administrative error.

Stock that remains the property of the supplier until it’s sold by the retailer.

Suppliers monitor and replenish inventory at the retailer’s location.

Pre-assembling items into ready-to-ship packages or kits for easier sales.

A list of raw materials, parts, and components needed to manufacture a product.

Assigning value to inventory for accounting and financial reporting.

Manually counting all items to verify inventory accuracy.

Total costs associated with storing unsold goods, including warehousing, insurance, and spoilage.

Continuously tracks inventory changes in real time as sales and receipts occur.

Automation & Integration

Connects Sellercraft with other software applications through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), enabling automated data transfer and system interoperability.

Event-driven notifications that automatically send data from Sellercraft to other systems whenever specific triggers (like a new order) occur.

Automatically syncs order, payment, and invoice data from Sellercraft to accounting platforms (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks) for streamlined bookkeeping.

Links Sellercraft with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to unify business processes such as inventory, sales, and finance.

All automated alerts and system messages are collected in a single dashboard for quick action and review.

Uses software bots to automate structured, repetitive processes like data entry or report generation, reducing manual labor.

Automates the exchange of product, inventory, and order data between Sellercraft and various marketplaces in real time.

Links Sellercraft with payment processors, enabling secure and automated payment acceptance and reconciliation.

Automatically generates and sends reports (e.g., sales, inventory) at set intervals for easy performance monitoring.

Keeps product, price, inventory, and order data aligned in real time across all sales channels.

Automatically generates purchase orders or stock transfers when inventory drops below predefined thresholds.

Sellercraft leverages the cloud to automate updates, backups, and access, ensuring reliability and scalability.

Centralizes customer chats from multiple platforms into a single inbox for streamlined support and faster response.

Instant synchronization of information (such as inventory, orders, and customer details) across all platforms, ensuring data accuracy and up-to-date insights.

Tools and platforms that enable users to connect apps and automate processes without programming, making automation accessible to non-technical teams.

A unified interface that aggregates data, notifications, and actions from multiple systems, simplifying business management and oversight.

The seamless automation of every step in a workflow—from order capture to fulfillment and reporting—reducing manual tasks and errors.

Instant alerts for sync issues, order errors, or inventory mismatches to ensure prompt resolution.

Connects Sellercraft with various courier services to automate shipping label creation, order tracking, and logistics management.

Allows users to update, edit, or process large volumes of products, orders, or inventory entries at once, saving significant manual effort.

Creates and sends invoices to customers automatically for every completed order, supporting faster accounting and smoother customer experience.

Automatically aligns data fields (e.g., SKUs, attributes) between systems during setup or integration.

Detects, logs, and sometimes self-resolves data or process errors to maintain smooth operations.

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Sellercraft, we are a team of experienced tech enthusiasts powering up major brands and warehouses in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines, with our feature rich cloud supply chain solutions.

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