What is unified commerce?
A unified commerce results from a strategy wishing to unify all the channels used by the merchant. The aim of the unification process is to centrally and uniquely manage the different sales and communication channels. The customer must be able to switch from one channel to another without difficulty.
Omnichannel and unified commerce
Unified commerce goes beyond omnichannel. Omnichannel works through different platforms and software that communicate little or not with each other. Unified commerce is managed via a single platform, which allows direct communication between the different distribution channels. Unified commerce reduces errors and puts customers at the center to deliver the best possible customer experience.
How to set up a unified commerce?
When a company wants to implement a unified commerce strategy, it must review the entire information system with the aim of adopting a centralized information system. It is appropriate to choose suitable and modular software that will interface with the different tools used by the company. Take for example a company that operates with different tools that do not communicate with each other, the company can choose to use an ERP which will centralize the data.
The advantages of unified commerce?
Data reliability
The centralization of data will allow the company to reduce errors and increase reliability. With all data going back to a single platform, the risk of error is lower. Take inventory for example, as sales can be made through different channels it can be difficult to know the exact stock. A unified commerce strategy will make it possible to know the stock in real time thanks to sales feedback made via all distribution channels. Thus, the data will be more reliable and customers will be able to benefit from a better purchasing experience.
Offer better quality of service
Customers benefit from a better quality of service. Being placed at the heart of the company’s strategy, they benefit from a unified purchasing experience which allows them to choose: how to communicate with the company, where to make purchases… This freedom and flexibility offered by a unified commerce will impact customer satisfaction and improve the purchasing experience.