eCommerce automation goes way beyond having just a website and a decent shopping cart system. In fact, it’s all about the whole online journey of your customers – from the initial click to the moment their order arrives at their doorstep. eCommerce tech plays a huge role in managing and monitoring each step of completing customer orders. Indeed, eCommerce automation involves handling inventory, processing orders, taking care of shipping, and ensuring top-notch customer service. By embracing eCommerce automation, businesses can streamline their workflows, cut costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Check out these 9 hot trends in the world of eCommerce automation!
1. eCommerce Cloud-Based Software Platforms To Integrate Workflows And 3rd Party Software.
Cloud-based eCommerce software platforms allow businesses to integrate their workflows and third-party software seamlessly. For example, eCommerce sales channel platforms like Amazon, Shopify and BigCommerce provide a centralized software integration hub. Specifically, businesses can use the eCommerce platforms to manage inventory, process orders, and connect with other software tools such as accounting systems or customer relationship management (CRM) software. Also, many eCommerce platforms such as Shopify have out-of-the-box solutions to create automated workflows across your online store and apps.
Also, there are eCommerce automation systems such as Webgility that integrate with dozens of sales channels. For example with Webgility, this includes Shopify, Amazon, Magento, BigCommerce, and more. Further, these eCommerce platforms are continually offering more features and 3rd party app integration. For instance, other features can include automated pricing, monitoring stock, track sales, preventing fraud, enhance marketing, and even managing customer engagement.
2. Artificial Intelligence and Chatbots: eCommerce Automation For Customer Service.
AI-powered chatbots are used to provide instant customer support and personalized recommendations. For example, companies like Sephora use chatbots to help customers find the right products based on their preferences. Other examples, include AI-powered chatbots developed by LivePerson or Zendesk that can handle routine customer queries, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex issues. For more details, see my article, Ecommerce Chatbot Examples: The 11 Ways That Successful Businesses Can Actually Secure Results.
3. Mobile Wallets and Seamless Payments: Omnichannel Payments To Increase Sales.
Mobile wallets and seamless payment options have become increasingly popular in eCommerce. For instance, these payment methods enable customers to make purchases conveniently across multiple channels, including mobile devices, websites, and physical stores. Apple Pay and Google Pay are examples of mobile wallets that offer secure and quick payment options for customers. For details, see my article, 14 New EFT Payment Technology Trends In The FinTech Industry.
4. Social Media eCommerce Automation To Enhance Marketing.
Social media eCommerce automation leverages social media platforms to enhance marketing efforts. For instance, businesses can use tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to schedule posts, engage with followers, and analyze the performance of their social media campaigns. Also, more and more businesses are using social media influencer partnerships to sell directly to their customers. For example, fashion brands collaborate with influencers on Instagram to promote their products and drive sales. So, by automating these processes, businesses can save time and reach a wider audience effectively.
5. Business Intelligence (BI) For Advanced Analytics and Data-driven Insights.
Advanced analytics tools help businesses analyze large amounts of data to gain valuable insights. An example of this is a business using data analytics to identify customer buying patterns and optimize inventory management. Also, these tools help businesses track key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze customer behavior, and make data-informed decisions. Examples of BI tools include Google Analytics, Tableau, and Power BI. For more details, see my article, A Data Analytics Perspective To Better Empower Supply Chain Managers.
6. Personalization eCommerce Automation to Enhance Marketing And Customer Experience.
Personalization allows businesses to tailor marketing messages and customer experiences based on individual preferences and behaviors. For instance, Amazon’s eCommerce platform uses personalized product recommendations based on a customer’s browsing history and purchase behavior. Also,x this approach enhances customer engagement and increases the likelihood of sales.
7. Omnichannel Retailing eCommerce Automation That Offers Customers A Seamless Experience.
Omnichannel retailing integrates online and offline channels to provide a seamless shopping experience. An example is offering options like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or return online purchases in physical stores. With this approach, customers can start their shopping journey on one channel (e.g., mobile app) and continue it on another (e.g., physical store) without any disruptions. For more details, see my article, The Delighted, Connected Customer: Reasons Call Centers Need To Be Omnichannel.
8. Intelligent Robotics To Streamline Order Fulfillment.
Intelligent robotics is being used to streamline order fulfillment processes in eCommerce. In fact, intelligent robots can automate most order fulfillment tasks such as picking, packing, and sorting products in warehouses. As a result, this reduces human labor costs and improving efficiency. As an examples, companies like Amazon have implemented hundreds of thousands of robots in their fulfillment centers to expedite order processing. According to Gartner, by 2026, 75% of large enterprises that move products will be using smart robots in their warehouse and order fulfillment operations.For more on intelligent robots in logistics, see my article, Warehouse Robots – 7 Types Of Truly Revolutionary Smart Robotics That You Need To Know About.
9. Fast and Flexible Delivery Options Powered By eCommerce Automation.
eCommerce automation empowers businesses to provide fast and flexible delivery options to their customers. With the help of emerging technology and methods, businesses can optimize their delivery processes, track shipments in real-time, and offer various delivery options such as same-day or next-day delivery.
For instance, companies like Amazon have implemented automated sorting and routing systems in their warehouses to ensure efficient order fulfillment and timely deliveries. Also, companies like Instacart can provide grocery delivery within a few hours of placing an order. In fact, this automation not only enhances the customer experience but also helps businesses stay competitive in the fast-paced eCommerce landscape. For more details on eCommerce delivery options, see my article, Advice On The Right eCommerce Delivery Speed Options That Will Make Your Customers Rave.
For more information on trending eCommerce automation, see Gargias’ What is Ecommerce Automation? Everything You Need to Know and Statrys’ What is Ecommerce Automation? How it Works & Benefits.
Greetings! As an independent supply chain tech expert with 30+ years of hands-on experience, I take great pleasure in providing actionable insights to logistics leaders. My background includes implementing 100s of innovative solutions using emerging technologies and a data-centric development approach. I have also provided business intelligence (BI) solutions for 1,000s of shippers. For more about me, click here.