Cin7 Core is the Ultimate Inventory and Order Management Solution
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced market, the right inventory and order management system isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer. Cin7 Core stands out as a comprehensive solution designed to simplify complex processes, enhance efficiency, and empower businesses to scale seamlessly.
Whether you’re in retail, wholesale, or manufacturing, Cin7 Core provides the robust functionality you need to manage and expand your operations effectively. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Cin7 Core is more than just software—it’s your partner in achieving sustainable growth.
Why Cin7 Core?
Businesses today face numerous challenges, from managing multi-channel sales to keeping accurate stock levels across various locations. Cin7 Core addresses these issues head-on, offering a real-time view of your inventory wherever it’s located—be it in a warehouse, in transit, or on store shelves.
This system not only supports growth but also adapts to changing business needs, making it an invaluable asset for any forward-thinking company. Whether you’re looking to streamline processes, reduce manual errors, or ensure your stock aligns with customer demand, Cin7 Core has the tools to make it happen.
Statistical Impact of Cin7 Core:
125+ million orders processed annually
8,000+ businesses powered by Cin7
$35+ billion in gross merchandise value managed
These figures aren’t just numbers; they represent the vast potential Cin7 Core has unlocked for businesses worldwide. Each statistic underscores the confidence businesses place in Cin7 Core to handle their most critical operations.
Real-World Success Stories:
Meghan Fabulous: This women’s fashion brand has experienced exponential growth, expanding 18 times in size within five years, largely thanks to the scalability and efficiency provided by Cin7 Core.
Every order and inventory item is meticulously managed through Cin7, allowing the brand to meet customer demands swiftly and accurately.
Titan RV & Redfoot Levelling: With the support of Software4Business and the implementation of Cin7 Core, Titan RV has revolutionized its operations, leading to significant growth and the development of new brands like Redfoot Levelling.
This transformation is credited to the powerful, flexible tools and the expert setup and support from industry professionals.
Key Features of Cin7 Core:
Multi-Channel Integration: Seamlessly manage sales and stock across e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and brick-and-mortar stores.
Real-Time Inventory Management: Always know your stock levels, costs, and locations to prevent overstocking or stockouts.
Advanced Reporting: Gain insights into sales trends, inventory health, and customer behavior to drive informed decision-making.
Warehouse Management: Streamline operations with efficient tracking, picking, and shipping processes.
Automated Reordering: Maintain optimal stock levels with automated alerts and reorder points.
These features make Cin7 Core a powerful ally in managing even the most complex operations. Its flexibility and scalability ensure it can grow alongside your business, adapting to your unique requirements.
Transformative Benefits:
Businesses using Cin7 Core don’t just survive—they thrive. They report:
Improved inventory turnover: Avoid stockouts and overstocking with accurate data.
Reduced operational costs: Eliminate manual processes and errors to save resources.
Enhanced customer satisfaction: Meet customer demands with faster and more accurate order fulfillment.
Implementing Cin7 Core means no more manual inventory counts, reduced errors, and a significant decrease in wasted time and resources. It’s the ultimate solution to keep your business running seamlessly.
Client Testimonials:
Hear directly from our satisfied clients who’ve seen the transformative power of Cin7 Core:
MJ Nutman of Samson Medical Technologies: “Simply amazing… from scope to live in less than three weeks. Exceeded our expectations on all levels.”
Rick Barker of Pacific Fittings: “The best software implementation and support we’ve ever had. Made complex operations seamless and easy.”
Why Partner with Software4Business for Cin7 Core?
Choosing the right partner for implementation is just as important as selecting the right software. At Software4Business, we specialize in delivering tailored solutions and expert support to ensure that your Cin7 implementation is seamless. From initial setup to data migration and training, we’ll guide you every step of the way, reducing downtime and ensuring your team is equipped to fully leverage the system.
Conclusion:
Cin7 Core is not just software—it’s a strategic partner in your business growth. By integrating Cin7 into your operations, you align yourself with a solution that is poised to handle whatever the future brings. Ready to see how Cin7can transform your business?
Contact us today for a demo or consultation, and join the ranks of companies achieving more with Cin7. Visit our website to schedule a personalized demo and see how we can help streamline your operations and boost your bottom line.
It’s time to manage less, connect everything, and scale smarter with Cin7.
You can find more articles like this on our other website
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If you want to explore other solutions feel free to also visit: DearSystems
Unleashing Efficiency with Cin7 Core, The Digital Successor to Dear Systems
Welcome back, enthusiasts of process efficiency and streamlining! Let us dive into the digital ocean of Cin7 Core, the modern evolution of DEAR Systems, and explore a game-changing feature fresh off the development lines. With a striking balance between simplicity and complexity, Cin7 Core is set to redefine business efficiency with its suite of tools. And, the icing on the cake is our focus today – the ‘Awaiting Approval’ status filter.
Cin7 Core awaiting approval
Introducing the ‘Awaiting Approval’ Status Filter – A Revolutionary Feature in Cin7 Core
In this era of relentless innovation, Cin7 Core unveils the ‘Awaiting Approval’ status filter. This newly launched feature is engineered to drastically alter how you oversee your sales and purchases. A feature that was once solely accessible when Core to Core Networking was enabled, is now ready for action irrespective of the status of order or quote approval.
Breathing Life into Sales and Purchase Modules with the ‘Awaiting Approval’ Status Filter
A Paradigm Shift in Sales and Purchase Management
Visualize the convenience of efficiently segregating your sales and purchases based on their ‘Awaiting Approval’ status. This innovative update isn’t just a feature change; it’s a paradigm shift that guarantees a fluid and hiccup-free workflow, proving to be a boon for all Cin7 users!
Focussed look at the feature
Simplifying Cin7 Login and Quote Approval with Intuitive Design
Rolling Out the Red Carpet for the ‘Awaiting Approval’ Status Filter
Before you leap to harness the power of this novel feature, some prerequisites require your attention. Start by logging into your Cin7 account. Once inside, enable quote approval by navigating to ‘Settings’, selecting ‘General settings’, then proceeding to ‘Sale process customisation’ or ‘Purchase process customisation’.
cin7 core-awaiting-approval-step-by-step
Configuring User Access Rights in Cin7 Core
For the ‘Awaiting Approval’ filter to function, it is imperative to set user access rights accordingly. Essentially, the approval setting must be disabled. If this sounds complex, don’t worry! Cin7 Help, available through Cin7 Academy, can guide you through this process, ensuring a smooth transition.
Unleashing the Full Potential of Cin7 API
Harnessing the Power of the ‘Awaiting Approval’ Status Filter
The functionality of this feature is simple yet robust. The ‘Awaiting Approval’ status can be selected from the status filter dropdown menu when examining your sales or purchase list. This addition significantly simplifies the tracking of your orders awaiting approval, thus enhancing your control over the sales and purchase processes.
Where the filter will be displayed exactly
The Cin7 Omni Experience – An Example Workflow
Utilizing ‘Awaiting Approval’ Status Filter in Real-time
To illustrate the practical application of this feature, consider this workflow scenario: When logged in with a limited user account, the creation of a Quote enables its Authorisation. However, an additional layer of approval is still required. This sales order or quote now becomes visible in the list of items requiring approval, making it easy for managers to swiftly locate and approve or reject orders.
Approve or Reject with Ease Using Cin7 Core
Cin7 Core’s comprehensive design also allows you to approve or reject an order using the mass action menu when listing orders. The API ensures that these processes run seamlessly, adding to the charm of this versatile feature.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Business with Cin7 Core
From Dear Cin7 to Cin7 Core: A Journey Towards Process Excellence
Our journey from Dear Systems to Cin7 Core is laden with innovations like the ‘Awaiting Approval’ status filter, tailored to smoothen your workflow. As we walk into the future together, we’re excited for the limitless possibilities Cin7 Core opens up for your business. Remember, the key to success lies in innovation and productivity.
Software4Business – Your Companion in the Digital Journey
For any assistance in your journey towards process efficiency, don’t hesitate to reach out to Software4Business. And, until our next update, continue to innovate and strive for efficiency.
For similar post related to Odoo, please go to our new Odoo site Prodoo
The Cin7 Orders screen displays sales orders that need to be picked or packed individually or in groups.
Numbers to guide you
Nevertheless, it’s not as simple as you might think. Knowing exactly what steps to take when you open a Cin7 sales order can be more challenging.
In the new system, they do provide you with numbers, so that you can follow them.
I would suggest, rather than focusing on the numbers, you should learn how to use the interface in general, as you may be confused if you don’t.
As a result, I have designed this workflow to explain how to move from a sales quote to a draft sales order and eventually a sales invoice.
You should keep in mind…that in the standard workflow, once approved the button names change from “Approve & Email” to “Save & Email”.
Apart from understanding little quirky things like that, it is also important to understand that there are statuses that can trigger interaction with external applications like Shopify or the Cin7 WMS.
Basically, stages are used when sales orders move from one stage to the next until they are fully completed.
When is what updated
Cin7 Process Flow – Cin7 Support.
You might also like these Cin7 Support articles I wrote
This Cin7 integration enhancement eliminates an unnecessary step for Xero and QuickBooks Online users.
Cin7 allows for partial payments on individual sales orders. To clarify, with this new Cin7 integration enhancement, they no longer require you to enter invoice payment details manually. The process eliminates manual steps and saves you even more time.
What do you need to do to be able to use this feature?
If you use the Accounting Dashboard, nothing. You’ll see all reconciled invoice payments in the “Payments” section of your sales order. On the other hand, if you’re not currently using the Accounting Dashboard, get it from Cin7 App Store.
How does this update to Cin7 change the way you use it?
Until now, the payments from Xero or QuickBooks Online invoices would only appear in the main Sales Order section of the Sales module. As shown below.
Payment information from Xero or Quickbooks online
Further, with this new Cin7 integration enhancement the payment details are automatically recorded under “Payment Type” in the corresponding order.
Information regarding payment from Xero or Quickbooks online
The Cin7 integration enhancement allocates payments to the sales orders. This eliminates the need for you to manually enter payment information in the Payments section of every order. We could all agree that Cin7 made a really good choice.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about Cin7, data migration, system implementation, expert consulting, operational support, design work, or integration with other add-ons.
Originally published here. Created by Simon Eskow and modified for S4B and XeroHero by Hanno Winterbach February 09, 2021
This Cin7 integration enhancement eliminates an unnecessary step for Xero and QuickBooks Online users.
Cin7 allows for partial payments on individual sales orders. To clarify, with this new Cin7 integration enhancement, they no longer require you to enter invoice payment details manually. The process eliminates manual steps and saves you even more time.
What do you need to do to be able to use this feature?
If you use the Accounting Dashboard, nothing. You’ll see all reconciled invoice payments in the “Payments” section of your sales order. On the other hand, if you’re not currently using the Accounting Dashboard, get it from Cin7 App Store.
How does this update to Cin7 change the way you use it?
Until now, the payments from Xero or QuickBooks Online invoices would only appear in the main Sales Order section of the Sales module. As shown below.
Payment information from Xero or Quickbooks online
Further, with this new Cin7 integration enhancement the payment details are automatically recorded under “Payment Type” in the corresponding order.
Information regarding payment from Xero or Quickbooks online
The Cin7 integration enhancement allocates payments to the sales orders. This eliminates the need for you to manually enter payment information in the Payments section of every order. We could all agree that Cin7 made a really good choice.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about Cin7, data migration, system implementation, expert consulting, operational support, design work, or integration with other add-ons.
Originally published here. Created by Simon Eskow and modified for S4B and XeroHero by Hanno Winterbach February 09, 2021
There’s nothing like starting out a new year with some exciting new features to share with you!
Software4Business (and our sister company Xero Hero) is excited to focus more on Cin7 in 2021. We are committed to making your business software journey more efficient and easier to use.
Throughout the year, Cin7 will be adding great new features that help expand overall functionality.
In February 2021, for example Cin7 will bring the following three exciting updates:
A refreshed user interface that improves overall usability with a more modern and consistent look and feels.
Two automation bots (Dropship and Purchase to Order) to help automate existing manual processes.
The initial release of the EDI/3PL Portal to help customers work on and monitor their in-progress EDI/3PL connections
Refreshed User Interface
I’ll be the first to admit that this has been a long time coming. While Cin7 functionality has continued to evolve, the look and feel of the product has not. It’s a patchwork of colors and fonts that causes frustrations at multiple levels for users, new and existing. The time is now for a change.
The updated user interface brings consistency to a number of different visual aspects used throughout the product. It introduces a more modern and inviting colour and font scheme that makes using the application a more enjoyable experience. It includes better placement and understanding of key “action” buttons, and takes into account accessibility standards for colour/contrast combinations, making it easier for visually-impaired users to leverage the product. And even more exciting: No need to worry about having to re-learn the product, as it’s the same product with essentially a new coat of paint.
What does it look like? Here’s a sneak peek at the Home Page Dashboard with an expanded left navigation panel:
Of course, I’m sure what’s catching your attention is the new color scheme seen in the left navigation and top menu (Midnight blue, for the curious). It’s fresh, it’s clean. Most importantly, it makes using the product for longer periods of time more enjoyable.
But wait, there’s more! What about detail screens within the modules, you ask? Here’s a look at the enhanced CRM list page:
Gone is the orange text. Gone is the uncertainty of not knowing what buttons are the primary “action” buttons. (Hard to miss the “Create New Supplier” and “Create New Customer” action buttons, right?) Gone is the multiple fonts used within the same page. In its place is a simplified, consistent, and easier-to-know-what-to-do-next interface. More inviting to both new and existing users alike!
We’re excited to have you experience the refreshed user interface, and we’re even more excited to hear what you think about it. See below for a new and easy way to get us your feedback. And know that an important product theme for us in 2021 is to continue to make the product easier and more efficient. The refreshed user interface included in this release is the start of that journey!
Dropship and Purchase to Order Automation Bots
Two new automation bots make their presence known in the February 2021 Release: Dropship and Purchase to Order. Both are targeted at another important product theme for us in 2021: Automation. These two bots help automate manual steps involved in the workflows for dropship and purchase to order sales. Here’s an overview of each:
Dropship
The Dropship automation bot helps create purchase orders based on new sales orders having dropship products and then dispatch the stock upon the linked purchase order being completed. Key features include:
Automatically create purchase orders when creating sales orders for dropship products on sales orders
Dispatch stock on sales orders once the created purchase orders are fully received
Specify suppliers to whom the automation should apply to prevent the automation from creating purchase orders
Automatically send an email to the supplier as soon as the purchase order is created
The following is a screenshot of how the Dropship automation is configured via the Automation Bots Dashboard:
Purchase to Order
The Purchase to Order automation bot helps create purchase orders based on new sales orders having “Purchase to order” products. Key features include:
Allows users to create purchase orders for “Purchase to order” products on sales orders
Automation sends an email to the supplier as soon as the purchase order is created
With this bot in place, it will remove the current manual process involved in sorting sales orders to identify “Purchase to order” products and automatically notifies suppliers of the orders created.
EDI/3PL Portal Initial Release
Leveraging our EDI and 3PL connectivity continues to be front and center for new and existing customers alike. And recent trends show you want even more connections, not less. As new connection requests continue to grow, it’s imperative we find a way to work more directly with you while at the same time offering a way to more transparently keep you posted on where new connections stand in the process. Say hello to our new EDI/3PL Portal!
The initial release of our EDI/3PL Portal is a centralized self-service module in Cin7 that allows you to directly work with us in setting up a new connection as well as monitor your EDI/3PL connections that are in progress. The EDI/3PL Portal offers the following key features:
Visibility of in-progress connection progress
Ability to directly submit connection requirement information
Quick and easy access to brand new EDI/3PL video resources
The following is a screenshot of the main EDI/3PL Portal page which shows the default “Status” tab information as well as the “Setup”, “Compliance” (March release; see note below), and “Resources” tabs:
Currently, EDI/3PL customers have to contact Cin7 EDI/3PL Support team to get an update on their connection progress. Inefficient, and a source of frustration in today’s information age to say the least. With the Portal in place, customers will be able to answer their own status questions while at the same time actively engage with the Cin7 EDI/3PL Support team in seeing connections across the finish line!
As mentioned above, product efficiency is an important theme for us in 2021. The EDI/3PL Portal is tailor-made to increase efficiency around new connections and execute on that theme. And while the initial functionality included in the February 2021 Release is an important first step, there’s more to come. Targeted for release in March 2021, we’ll be turning on the “Compliance” tab within the Portal that provides additional overview and insight into compliance testing related to new connections and in some cases, allows you to drive the entire compliance process!
In this detailed comparison, you’ll learn the ins and outs of Trade Gecko.
Almost all Australians are shopping online in 2021. In the e-commerce world, online shopping is called B2C (Business-to-Consumer). Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, B2C rocketed itself into relevancy in 2020 because people did not want to go shopping. Rather than physically going to shops for fear of catching Covid, everyone embraced shopping online through Woolworths.com.au and Coles.com.au. In this article, Cin7 and Dear Systems, along with Trade Gecko (aka Quickbooks Commerce) and their respective B2B and B2C e-commerce offerings, are compared.
Since 2010, but particularly from 2020, we finally had the ability to shop on our computers. This was a huge step forward in B2C transactions because it solved many of the problems that come with this kind of shopping like long lines and crowded stores.
Before and After 2020: As the world of B2C grows, so does the demand for a solution that will help businesses operate efficiently in this increasingly digital landscape.
Innovation in the retail industry has been steadily increasing over the last decade. Ten years ago, e-commerce was mostly unheard of and people did not take much notice. However, despite this innovation’s growth before 2020 most people still found no real reason to buy everyday groceries online. Ten years ago software for business solutions like Trade Gecko, Shopify, WooCommerce, Cin7 and Dear Systems did not even exist.
Although the 20s were a decade of futuristic visions, it was not until 2021 that we saw advancements in B2C. This shift is forcing inventory-keeping businesses to implement e-commerce sooner than they might have anticipated.
B2C businesses shouldn’t just be limited to e-commerce for customers, they should also be able to purchase goods online. Take a moment to think about how you buy from your suppliers? In the vast majority of cases, if it is still done over the phone, by email, or by spreadsheet you need to change. Can you survive long-term if you do not?
What is B2B: Trade Gecko, Dear Systems and Cin7 offer comprehensive SaaS platforms for B2B commerce. This helps thousands of businesses to manage their supply chain.
Business-to-business is the transactions between businesses. B2B ecommerce refers to all of the information exchange that occurs in order for these trades to take place. It may not be as popular or well known, but if you’re a small business owner who hasn’t heard about Business To Business (or B2B), now’s your chance!
Business-to-Business refers to the transactions between businesses like manufacturers and wholesalers, and retailers. B2B e-commerce refers to all the information exchange to conduct transactions over a computer network.
The Choice Between B2B within Trade Gecko, Cin7 and Dear Systems Shouldn’t Be So Complicated – but it is.
These transactions come in a variety of ways, including electronic file or database communication, API calls, and enabling stock visibility. But as I said before we are not discussing IBM’s Watson computer here so let’s keep it simple!
B2B for SME’s is merely offering your business clients an online platform like a website page with a username and password login. This way, they can easily place their orders online, view previous invoices and statements and communicate with you.
Below are a few screenshots of the B2B Backend and Front solutions we support namely (Trade Gecko, Cin7 and Dear Systems). Let’s start with Trade Gecko:
Trade Gecko Backend B2B Setup
So what’s the difference between B2B and B2C?
What is the difference between B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business) e-commerce? Well, the answer is not that much, but the small differences are significant and logical.
The similarities between B2B and B2C has an ingenious design allowing a B2B solution to function as a B2C, but it cannot be the other way around. They were both built from the same base.
There are four main differences between B2B and B2C.
B2B has a formal account with login detail, and you cannot check out as a guest.
Specific pricing with special discounts for each client, not a generic retail price.
Purchases are mostly made on Account whereas B2C requires you to pay on the spot.
Historical Invoices and Statements are available, whereas B2C might have it, but generally, for B2C it is not a significant thing.
Formal Account with particular login details
Have you ever phoned a wholesaler only to hear you cannot buy from them directly? The sales rep might say you need a formal account and point you to a retailer. If you did, then you will understand this.
The same principle is true for B2B e-commerce sites. Buyers can only purchase products once log unto the online store with appropriate login and password. You cannot buy as a guest or as a visitor.
These accounts are activated manually for some companies, and your application has to go through vetting to get approved.
Specific pricing with special discounts
Unlike B2C or standard online shopping, B2B can offer specific pricing for each business customer (or group of customers). Additionally, discounts that apply to the one group may not apply to another group. Price management usually is more complex to manage for B2B and trying to do this on multiple places, or Excel sheets are begging for trouble.
Having the ability to change customer-specific prices and then let that feedthrough to your B2B is magic. But in the case, of Cin7 and Dear Systems (and Trade Gecko aka Quickbooks Commerce), this is indeed what happens.
On a side note, in addition to managing and uploading relevant and appropriate pictures for each product, managing pricing can take a long time and a bit of effort, so getting around this problem fast and quickly should be a no brainer.
Luckily Cin7 and Dear Systems allow for this functionality.
When using Cin7 and Dear Systems B2B, Purchases are mostly on Account.
B2B stores typically offer an additional payment option over and above B2C namely “Account” or “Credit”. King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 6:9 wisely said: “The bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”, and while Accountants say cash is king selling on a Credit is a risky reality but needed.
Being able to sell to your customers online, and putting the invoice due on credit will help you sell more, and manage your cash flow while planning day to day operations. Buying on account means the customer’s order will automatically skip through to generate a warehouse picking slip, and then once packed and shipped, an invoice will be printed and emailed.
Payment on Account, not PayPal
The invoice can then fully reflect on your inventory system (like Cin7 or Dear Systems) and your Accounting solution (like Xero or Quickbooks).
These days, similar to your council invoice, business owners can easily show payment options like BPay, PayPal, Stripe, Bank Transfer or Credit Card on invoices and statements. Once paid, the payment is allocated to the invoice either through Xero or Cin7 and Dear Systems and reflects on paid invoices.
Historical Invoices and Statements are Available.
B2C customers rarely need to go back to previous purchases unless they become a recurring supplier like Vet food or medicine. Online giants like Amazon and eBay have become giants due to their ability to offer this feature, but generally, B2C does not provide this.
However, for B2B customers, due to the higher number of transactions, they must track each order individually and collectively.
Most B2B platforms, including Cin7and Dear Systems, offer the end-client the ability to view historical invoices and outstanding balances due. Administrators can use their accounting system like Xero for sending out account statements at the end of the month.
I am bringing it all together with Cin7 or Dear Systems.
Yes, flying cars would have been excellent in 2020, and having no Coronavirus in 2021 would be fantastic. But let’s face it, things are going to take a while to settle down. Let’s address where we are, and work through what we have, making the most of what is currently available. Cin7 and Dear Systems.
Fortunately for us, there is a lot we can do to improve business systems and to automate processes while bringing SME businesses into the future of e-commerce.
With the evolution of the internet, we all were witnesses to colossal speed and functional improvements. Software and business features previously only available to larger corporations are now available for all.
As little as a few years back, this was not possible, but now SMEs can enjoy having access to all their systems with just a simple internet connection.
The purpose of this article is not to tell you how all of the ecosystems building blocks fit together, for that you can read more on this website, but rather which e-commerce options you can use with Cin7 andDear Systems or a little bit on Trade Gecko as well.
Cin7 and Dear Systems in more detail
Cin7’s e-commerce options.
Cin7offers quite a several integration options (550 in total 1 being their B2B and 4 for B2C) to link into your favourite e-commerce platform while allowing you to grow your online sales without increasing operating expenses rapidly.
The Cin7B2B and B2C solution offer inventory management, stock locations and e-commerce into one automated solution while updating stock figures in real-time.
With Cin7, you can say goodbye to employees manually entering data, manipulating spreadsheets, and welcoming accurate inventory and visibility.
Discussing Cin7‘s B2B
Thankfully, Cin7‘s B2B solution is a native platform that seamlessly works with background data and pricing synchronisation. Very little has to be done to enable and use the B2B solution.
Enabling and inviting customers to use it, it also very easy, and can be accomplished within a few minutes. In short, Cin7‘s B2B platform’s smart thing is its “no-fuss let’s get going” attribute.
Within a few clicks, your B2B site can be ready for taking orders. Additionally, the B2B backend allows for necessary theme modifications like choosing colours and branding.
It is also entirely possible for the more technical to have your website domain (name) or sub-domain and point your B2B portal URL to it. That way, a client can easily navigate to your website and not get confused.
Although some clients find the Cin7 B2B platform lacks street appeal, it boasts some powerful features, which most B2C big players cannot offer. We have a few clients that use Cin7‘s B2B platform as a B2C.
Enabling Cin7‘s B2C
When moving on to the B2C platforms that you can link up to Cin, your options are quite exceptional. Cin7 is the platform of choice, offering the most optimistic and complete integration with top suppliers.
I suspect most people reading this are already familiar with at least one or two of these platforms. They are:
Shopify
BigCommerce (Only Cin7 offers this – Dear Systems & Trade Gecko does not)
WooCommerce
Magento
For complex industries that do not sell straight forward products, I would recommend WooCommerce, or if not successful use Magento. These are suppliers selling custom products.
Shopify and BigCommerce are both very stable, and although Shopify is the world-leading e-commerce supplier, our analysis showed that BigCommerce would give you more bang for your bucks in the long run.
That being said, Shopify does have more integration partners, and links with more inventory systems than BigCommerce does, so thoroughly plot out your business software and distribution plan before making your final decision.
If you were going to choose Cin7, my B2C platform suggestion would be BigCommerce, even though we are experts in Shopify, WooCommerce and BigCommerce.
Some of Cin7’s Advantages
Cin7 stand out above smaller players is its well established EDI connections to big distributors and retailers like Amart, Kmart, Big W, Coles Bunnings, Amazon, Walmart, eBay and Etsy to name a few.
The Cons of using Cin7.
New Cin7 users might find it challenging to use and understand the workflows. The user interface has been described as clunky, and sometimes monthly pricing is complex. For those looking for support, that is why we exist.
A summary on Cin7
We are delighted to see that Cin7 has simplified its pricing model recently. After the recent acquisition from an American based company, things are being tidied up. The website has a new look-and-feel, and branding has been updated. It would be great to see Cin7 using more local suppliers and providing better training/help information.
As experts, we would suggest Cin7 for larger businesses looking to tap into large corporates to enlarge their supply chain and distribution business. Our business has a few clients who stand by Cin7‘s outstanding features and who are happy about the fair price point, especially compared to much more extensive and expensive ERPs.
Dear Systems e-commerce options
After some investigation, we found that Dear Systems offers around 50 integrations in total, with 1 being their B2B and 3 for B2C.
Like Cin7, Dear Systems also offers B2B and B2C solutions for easy inventory, locations and e-commerce management.
Even though Dear Systems has fewer integration points than Cin7, in conjunction with Xero, for example, and including all its capabilities, you will have a pretty decent solution.
Brilliant Dear Systems B2B
Similarly to Cin7, Dear Systems also has a native B2B solution with seamless background data and pricing synchronisation. It is super easy to enable and use the B2B solution and compared to Cin7; it is arguable more powerful, comfortable and better looking.
Using the B2B system is intuitive, and enabling products to sell on the platform, changing prices and inviting customers cannot have been made easier.
When we first set up the B2B portal, the surprising thing was its flexibility, menu customisation, and professional look. You can point your website to the B2B platform or feel free to ask us for help.
Dear Systems B2C options
If you are considering moving to a B2C platform that integrates with Dear Systems, this section is for you. You will be glad to know that Dear Systems offers the same options as Cin7, except for BigCommerce. So three major players can work as your preferred B2C provider.
In our opinion, Dear Systems stand out above other players because it is easy to use. The user interface (UI) works great, and it has fairly low monthly fees. Besides, the help documentation and videos are excellent help.
Is there any Dear Systems Cons
What makes Dear Systems less desirable, but only because we compare it other more mature systems, is the lack of integration partners. We are fairly sure that Dear Systems will add more modules over time. Just because I feel it would be fair to include something negative here, Dear has fewer retailer API connections than some competitors.
In Summary for Dear Systems
We think Dear Systems is a great solution that offers enough functionality to enable advanced business operations. Yet, the design is keeping it simple to allow new users to understand their next step.
As Dear Systems resellers and implementation partners, we are happy to partner with such a great system and can confidently recommend it to our customers.
The fact that it links up with Xero makes it a real contender for systems like Netsuite and Sage Intacct and other cloud-based ERPs, not to mention their drive to expand their Warehouse and Manufacturing modules.
B2C e-Commerce Quick Analysis
Shopify offers a quick start with a few easy add-on modules. Due to the lack of customisation and completeness, it is not our first choice. Our assessment score for Shopify is 80%.
BigCommerce is a rather smart solution and compares closely with Shopify. Its offer focuses on the actual online store with a few cosmetic options. Their advantage above Shopify, in our opinion, is openness and WYSIWYG, and it is complete. It allows for customisation, complex pricing and robust settings. It might be worth noting that Big Commerce has a smaller marketplace than Shopify, but well worth investigating. We score them 85%.
WooCommerce, although a bit more tricky to get started, offers the client the most flexibility with code customisation and add-on modules. It is more technical, and not recommended for beginners, so we give them 75%.
Magento used to be the industry leader in e-commerce platforms, but due to its early success and higher technical skills required to main the code, we only give them 65%. If possible, try and avoid Magento, it will work our more expensive.
Diagram
Cin7, TG, and Dear e-commerce Diagram
When to use which B2C solution
For more complex industries that do not sell straight forward products, I would recommend WooCommerce, or if not successful use Magento. These are suppliers selling custom products.
Shopify and BigCommerce are both very stable, and although Shopify is the world-leading e-commerce supplier, our analysis showed that BigCommerce would give you more bang for your bucks in the long run.
That being said, Shopify does have more integration partners, and links with more inventory systems than BigCommerce does, so thoroughly plot out your business software and distribution plan before making your final decision.
If you are going to choose Cin7, our B2C platform suggestion is BigCommerce. Even though we are experts and partners with Shopify, WooCommerce and BigCommerce for Cin7 we saw some good stuff from them. Our recommendation is either WooCommerce or for simpler stores, Shopify, for those who want to use Dear Systems.
