What is OroCommerce?
OroCommerce is an open-source e-commerce platform built specifically to facilitate the e-commerce operations of B2B companies. It is a platform entirely focused on B2B commerce (B2B, B2B2B and B2B2C). Due to the functionalities available, OroCommerce has been named the number one B2B e-commerce platform according to a report by Frost & Sullivan.
By the way, did you know that since recently sister company 25Carat is fully focused on OroCommerce as a B2B e-commerce platform? If you desire operational efficiency for your B2B e-commerce services, be sure to check out how they can help you.
Why consider OroCommerce for B2B?
The digitization of a business environment is often not just about growth, but also about solving the often still manual day-to-day tasks more efficiently. In addition, there are also many differences compared to the B2C market. A business platform must be able to respond to any workflow of a company.
Especially the typical B2B functionalities that are built into OroCommerce by default are some pluses to facilitate business digitally. This allows companies to handle time-consuming issues such as quote requests, order processing, inventory management and more much faster and more efficiently. Because the platform provides a bridge between customers and businesses, customer loyalty will be even stronger.
Furthermore, B2B e-commerce is booming. Due to strong growth, this market too is now ready to experience a digital transformation just like the B2C sector a few years ago. Distributors, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and brands alike are all too eager to get a piece of the e-commerce pie.
For example, a company currently targeting individuals can realize more growth by also targeting B2B commerce. Amazon and Bol.com are some examples of B2C companies that are now also growing strongly with a strategy focused on business customers.
Verschil tussen Magento en OroCommerce
The OroCommerce creators were also behind the first Magento version. Like Magento, you can also choose between a free community or a paid Enterprise version. In B2B e-commerce, however, things can become complex fairly quickly and require more functionality from a platform. Specific pricing per customer group, corporate accounts and complex workflows are just a few obstacles in the business-to-business world. These specific functionalities are built into OroCommerce and work out-of-the-box. On Magento, you also have access to a whole range of B2B modules that can be added according to needs through the Magento Commerce version.
The choice of a company to choose between one of the 2 platforms is therefore not simple and will depend on a case-by-case basis. For example, a B2B company may also partially or fully serve a B2C market, which may require different needs and features. Furthermore, OroCommerce also has a Marketplace for extensions. The OroCommerce Marketplace already has a lot of useful extensions, but the range is somewhat more limited than Magento’s Marketplace for now.
Unsure which platform is right for your specific business purposes? Would you still like to discuss the possibilities of both platforms objectively with us? Feel free to contact us via our contact form and an e-commerce expert will answer your questions without obligation.
The features of OroCommerce
PERSONALIZED CATALOGS FOR CUSTOMERS
With Orocommerce, it is easy to display personalized product categories to different businesses. Furthermore, different price lists are often present for each customer group. OroCommerce provides a feature to easily assign specific permissions and roles.
DEFINING PRICE LISTS
As mentioned above, different price lists are present per customer. Thus, complex pricing can also be easily set through the backend of OroCommerce.
CORPORATE ACCOUNTS
User roles and customer groups have a strong presence. It is possible to create corporate accounts and assign appropriate permissions to users by profile type. Billing, data analysis, quote creation and numerous other permissions can be assigned very specifically and precisely.
ORDER LISTS AND QUICK ORDER
Multiple purchase lists and shopping baskets can also be worked with. The complexity that this entails for additional custom development has been completely eliminated. A customer can therefore easily select products or assign them to order lists. As a customer, it is possible to easily make quick orders on the platform. There are even upload functionalities such as a CSV or XML upload field or input field. This makes it very easy to upload and order products in bulk. Specific orders can be completed faster or put on-hold.
CREATE COMPLEX WORKFLOW
Creating a workflow is child's play with OroCommerce. The system provides a workflow management system to set up and define complex flows. For example, you can easily create flows that require prior approval at certain hierarchical levels (e.g. by a sales manager). Ignoring payment verifications can also be set up perfectly.
REQUESTING AND PROCESSING QUOTES
Quote requests are the first step in turning new leads into customers. Furthermore, these quotes must also be created for existing customers. These quotations can then also be modified several times to reflect, for example, new terms or current discounts. The platform makes it easier to request as well as create quotes.
CONFIGURABLE DASHBOARDS AND REPORTS
Most standard dashboards are not always relevant to most businesses. The creators of Orocommerce have understood this and offer fully customizable dashboards. Whether you wish to always see an overview of your weekly sales first or prefer a summary of leads brought in, it's all possible with Orocommerce.
CRM AND E-COMMERCE PLATFORM UNDER ONE ROOF
With OroCommerce, you'll never lose track of a lead again. The e-commerce platform already has a CRM system built into the backend. So new and existing leads can easily be entered and followed up in the CRM system. This eliminates the need for a company to build in an additional CRM module or system.
Interested in setting up an OroCommerce platform?
Are you interested in getting started with Oro or want more information? Let our colleagues at 25Carat help! They are our B2B e-commerce experts with a lot of technical expertise in OroCommerce. Be sure to request a no-obligation consultation.