How to automate an online store?

In this article, we will look at the disadvantages of manual optimization of an online store, the advantages of automation, and a step-by-step plan for implementing automation in your store.

When attempting to manually configure an online store, many encounter problems related to incorrect portal functioning, which significantly slows down the process and causes inconveniences during usage.

Disadvantages of manual work

Common mistakes include:

• Errors in Product Assortment Management

When information is entered manually, it can contain typos or errors, leading to incorrect display of products and prices.

• Lack of Timely Customer Feedback

This manifests as delays in responding to customer questions or feedback requests, lowering the level of service and causing dissatisfaction among customers who may leave.

• Inefficient Inventory and Warehouse Operations Management

This can result in an increase in incorrect orders and discrepancies in product quantities, as well as issues with inventory accounting.

• Prolonged Order Processing and Delivery Times

When processing a single customer order takes too long, it negatively impacts delivery times and customer satisfaction.

• Absence of Analytical Information and Insights for Decision-Making

Insufficient analytical data is provided, which could aid in making strategic decisions for the store's development.

In reality, these are just some of the challenges—there are many more. Manual optimization demands considerable effort and resources to ensure proper functioning. But what if these problems could be resolved much faster and more accurately?

And that's where automation comes into play... By leveraging new technologies, a store can be optimized to minimize error rates. Automated systems enable fast data entry, effective inventory management, and prevent human-related mistakes.

Let's explore four key benefits that automation brings:

Advantages of automation

Improved Quality of Customer Service
Now, customers can get responses to their queries much faster. For instance, automated systems can send notifications about order status or offer personalized recommendations based on past purchases. This contributes to higher customer satisfaction and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.

Various services can be utilized to achieve this goal, such as:

• Zendesk – A customer service platform that offers various tools, including a feedback system, live chat, ticket management, and a knowledge base. It allows for efficient handling of customer requests and ensures prompt, high-quality support.

• MailChimp – An email automation service that can be used to send order status updates, discount information, and special offers. It facilitates ongoing communication with customers and enhances their engagement.

• LiveChat – An online chatting platform that enables store operators to communicate directly with customers in real-time. Providing instant feedback, assistance in selecting products, and overall improving the purchasing experience.

• Yotpo – A reviews and ratings management platform that gathers and displays customer feedback about products and services. It acts as a tool for collecting and moderating reviews, as well as utilizing positive feedback for marketing purposes.

Optimization of Warehouse Inventory
Helps reduce risks associated with insufficient or excessive stock levels. Automated systems track inventory levels and provide information on the most demanded products and those that need to be reordered. This helps lower storage costs and ensures that needed items are available when required.

Examples of such programs include:

• Integration with Order Management System (OMS): Enables automatic updating of available stock information and efficient order processing. Improves accuracy and speed of order fulfillment, reducing the risk of errors.

• WMS (Warehouse Management System): Specialized warehouse management systems that automate and optimize warehouse operations.

• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Technology that allows for contactless identification and tracking of goods in the warehouse. Ensures precise and automatic inventory tracking, simplifies the inventory process, and optimizes inventory management.

• IMS (Inventory Management System): Software designed to optimize stock levels, prevent shortages or surpluses, and automatically place new orders. Examples include Fishbowl, inFlow Inventory, and TradeGecko.

Reduced Order Processing Time
Much less time is spent on order processing, resulting in faster delivery and higher customer satisfaction. To learn more about order automation, check out our article dedicated to this topic.


Data Analysis for Strategic Decisions
Detailed analytical information helps analyze sales, customer behavior, and determine effective business development strategies. Metrics such as Yandex.Metrica and Google Analytics can assist you in this regard.



Once you implement these tools, you'll quickly notice a significant improvement in your workload. We've discussed the challenges of manually optimizing a store and the benefits of automating these processes. But here's the next question: How do you begin automating your store?

There are two paths to automation: custom automation or self-implementing automated systems.



Self-Automation

To successfully automate your online store, follow these steps:

• Analyze the Current State of Your Store and Define Automation Goals: Evaluate your current processes, identify problems, and set goals for automation.

• Implement Specialized Software: Research the market for suitable software platforms, choose one that fits your needs, and deploy it.

• Collect and Import Data into the Management System: Identify data sources, establish connections, create scenarios, test and debug, and establish monitoring and updates. This way, your store management system will automatically receive up-to-date data from various sources.

• Set Up Automatic Notifications for Customers About Order Status and Communication: Configure an automatic notification system so that customers are always aware of their order statuses and can easily contact you.

• Optimize Inventory Management, Warehouse Operations, and Delivery Processes: Leverage the power of your automated system to efficiently manage inventories, control warehouse operations, and expedite deliveries.

• Integrate Analytical Tools and Reporting for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Use the built-in analytics tools to obtain data on sales, customer behavior, and other important KPIs.

• Train Employees to Work with the Automated System and Provide Ongoing Support: Ensure employees are adequately trained to use the system effectively and provide continuous support throughout the implementation phase.

Following these steps will likely result in a successful automation of your online store and reduced operational costs.



Custom Automation

Unlike self-implementation, custom development offers a more professional and secure approach, which can be beneficial for effectively automating your store.

Custom automation provides:

• Professional Development: Utilization of best practices and modern solutions, as well as effective setup and integration of systems for optimal performance.

• Individual Approach: Consideration of your store's unique features and needs. Conducting an analysis of current processes to identify problem areas and develop bespoke solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

• Technical Support: Provision of technical support and assistance in operating the system. This allows for quick response to any potential issues and ensures uninterrupted operation of automated processes.

• Time and Resource Savings: Helps save time and resources that you'd otherwise spend on researching, developing, and implementing automation systems yourself.

• Integration and Scalability: Automation experts can integrate various systems and tools, and ensure scalability, so the solution can keep pace with your store’s growth and evolving needs.

How do I automate my store?