As consumers continue to express concern over the continuing coronavirus pandemic, social distancing and other health and safety protocols are putting eCommerce into overdrive, causing an eCommerce explosion that affects a plethora of industries from warehousing to retail.

New consumer interest in contactless checkouts, mobile payments, and even augmented reality applications to explore products and services have placed pressure on brick-and-mortar establishments to provide an e-commerce option.

Progressive companies have adopted digital protocols that have provided decades worth of eCommerce acceleration in the matter of a few months, with digital sales growing by 71% globally during the second quarter of 2020 and an additional 55% in quarter three.

While that is good news overall, it does put significant pressure on businesses to keep up with the technologies — and processes — essential for success in this burgeoning market.

Navigating the Ecommerce Explosion Successfully

This surge in interest — and sales — in the eCommerce arena is bound to be good news for any business with the potential for online commerce, but only if they fully understand how to capitalize on the trends and commit to doing so.

This article targets three important trends that smart companies will want to take note of to gain an advantage as this sector continues its rapid forward motion.

B2B is Gaining Ground

Like other areas, business-to-business (B2B) eCommerce was already accelerating in advance of the pandemic.

Growth is incredibly disruptive, a trend that can mean significant changes in how retailers, warehouses, manufacturers, and distributors interact — and how they manage their operations.

Dropshipping will be a key factor for companies looking to accelerate growth and allow smaller companies to enter the competition by removing the need to purchase entire truckloads of merchandise.

Automated integrations that allow data and orders to be placed, tracked, and managed on mobile devices will allow for more accurate supply chain details and inventory data. Advances in scanning and software will help warehouses more efficiently track inventory, orders, and shipping for faster, error-free fulfillment.

Emerging Markets are Entering the Fray

There are potentially 3 billion new consumers from markets such as South Africa, Russia, Brazil, and China that will gain internet access by 2022.

It is predicted that these emerging markets will make up at least 20% of all eCommerce sales in that year.

Targeting these markets and tailoring products and services to meet these consumers’ expectations will give smart businesses a leg up on a new — and largely untapped — market base.

Ecommerce Automation is a Key Component of Success

Consumer fulfillment demands are multiplying as the face of eCommerce changes. In summary, customers want shipping that is sustainable, branded, fast, and free.

For a competitive advantage, businesses need to find ways to automate returns, get inventory closer to the consumer, and offer flexible delivery or pickup options. Distribution centers are processing those direct-to-consumer orders more rapidly to meet aggressive shipping deadlines.

That means faster, more efficient order picking at the warehouse or distribution center is the minimum standard for staying ahead of the competition. In response to this trend, automated picking systems can bring accuracy rates above 99% for speedier order fulfillment and faster shipping.

Blue Technologies Has Cutting-Edge Technologies to Help You Grow Your Ecommerce Business

Ecommerce is becoming a necessity for businesses of all sizes, from mom-and-pop sized businesses to big-box brick-and-mortars.

Businesses that serve or integrate with these storefronts, such as manufacturers, suppliers, warehousing and distribution centers, and even trucking organizations, need to stay on top of their game to remain competitive.

Not only does Blue Technologies provide expert assessment, planning, and advice to help manage your company’s digital transformation, but we also have state-of-the-art technologies to help automate workflows, optimize business processes, and streamline every aspect of the product cycle from initial design and production to inventory, invoicing, and delivery.

Let our team help you take advantage of the eCommerce explosion to grow your business. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant today and discover how our automated solutions and managed IT programs can transform your business.