5 Ways to Streamline Online Order Forms to Shorten Lead Time

The digital transformation of how customers and companies interact has had a huge impact on modern businesses. Ordering processes that used to take days can now be done in a fraction of the time. From browsing and selecting products to placing orders and receiving shipments, the entire process is now simpler and faster than ever before. Nowadays, many manufacturing companies are relying on online order forms to take their businesses to the next level. However, the transition from traditional paper-based orders to online order forms can be challenging. Many companies find themselves unable to keep up with customer demands and are faced with longer lead times.

How to Shorten Lead Time for Online Order Forms

As manufacturing companies shift from traditional order forms to online ordering, it is important to ensure that the process is as efficient as possible. To do this, having an organized workflow for handling online orders is essential. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips for streamlining your workflow to shorten the lead time when processing online orders. From automatically routing orders based on key inputs to developing systems that generate alerts if an online form isn’t responded to promptly, these tips will help you get the most out of your online order forms.

1. Automatically Route Orders Based on Key Inputs

Manufacturing companies that are transitioning to online order forms can implement a system that automatically routes orders based on key inputs. This helps streamline the process and allows customers to have an easier ordering experience. Automating order routing also helps companies increase efficiency, reduce time and labor costs, and easily scale as they grow.

How to Implement Automated Order Routing

• Create rules for routing orders using specific criteria such as product, customer location, or shipping method
• Allow customers to track their orders in real-time to ensure delivery is on time and to the correct destination
• Automatically route orders to the most efficient fulfillment centers to reduce lead times
• Implement an alert system notifying staff when orders need additional attention or require special handling

By implementing automated order routing, manufacturing companies can ensure that customers receive their orders quickly and efficiently. Additionally, it helps reduce time and labor costs associated with manual order processing, allowing companies to scale with ease. Automation also gives staff more time to focus on other tasks and helps ensure that customer service is up to the highest standard.

2. Generate Alerts If an Online Form Isn’t Responded to or Processed Promptly

Manufacturing companies that rely on online order forms to process customer orders can benefit from implementing a system to alert them if an online form isn’t responded to or processed promptly.

Companies can ensure that customers get their orders promptly by:

• Setting up automated notifications for when orders aren’t responded to or processed promptly
• Creating alerts for specific order types that need attention or may require extra processing time
• Monitoring order completion rates and identifying areas requiring attention; will require a system for tracking and responding to customer inquiries quickly

Setting up automated notifications can help build customer loyalty and boost profits over time, as it can reduce the time it takes to process orders and provide better customer service.

3. Add Custom Fields to Forms

When transitioning to online order forms or rethinking your current approach, adding certain fields to forms can expedite shipments by reducing back-and-forth communication. Adding fields with options to upgrade is a great way to inform customers of available features and benefits to add to their transactions. 

Reduce Back-and-Forth Communication

By adding fields to forms that automate the process, manufacturers can reduce back and forth between departments—such as billing and shipping—and shorten lead times for orders. Streamlining this process not only ensures that things are run more smoothly and efficiently but also creates an environment of accountability and transparency, which will ultimately lead to better results for customers.

Inform Customers About Additional Features

Adding fields for optional add-ons (such as expedited shipping, gift wrapping, and delivery insurance) to online order forms can help inform customers about features and services that they may not have been aware of. Offering upgrade options can raise revenue by increasing average dollars per sale.

Automate Repetitive Tasks

Automation helps free up time that can be spent focusing on important matters such as developing new products and services or improving customer service. For instance, the platform could autofill certain information like billing address, shipping address, phone numbers, and email addresses from customer records already on file. Not only does this make it easier for customers to place orders, but it also ensures accuracy—which, in turn, saves businesses valuable time and effort.

4. Use a System That Captures All Customer Data in One Place

Having a system that not only captures customer data but keeps it all in one place can be extremely beneficial. Orders are made and processed quickly and accurately by retaining billing and shipping addresses, and by collecting and analyzing data, you can study customer behavior and predict future trends.

By studying these trends, businesses can identify any changes that may improve the customer experience. Having all the customer data in one place allows for more efficient marketing campaigns. Data duplication can also be eliminated if customer data is kept in one place that is accessible by all departments. Similar to retaining addresses, having one centralized database reduces the possibility of human error and the need for departments to request data from other departments. This also ensures that all departments have the most up-to-date information possible.

5. Review and Update Your Process Regularly

For manufacturing companies that are transitioning to online order forms or want to rethink their current approach, it’s important to review and update processes regularly. A well-maintained process will help your team stay organized and efficient as you transition to or manage online order forms.

One way to do this is by using a digital platform like GoCanvas that provides an intuitive, user-friendly workflow system to capture all customer data in one place. This way, your team can create, store, and share documents quickly and accurately. 

By reviewing and updating your process regularly, you can keep your team focused on providing quality customer service. And with a comprehensive workflow system in place, you can rest assured that your online order form is running smoothly and efficiently.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas is the leading mobile forms platform that helps businesses of all sizes simplify their digital transformation. Our platform is designed to help you streamline operations and eliminate tedious paperwork by turning paper forms into easy-to-use mobile apps. With GoCanvas, you can capture data, generate automated reports, and access your data in real time. Schedule time with a product expert today!