Adapt-or-die: Why e-Commerce stores need No-Code

Quixy Editorial Team

August 11, 2023

This article (Adapt-or-die: Why e-Commerce stores need No-Code) was first published on Nasscom Community

The transition from a brick-and-mortar store to an e-commerce website is not easy and can be intimidating to retailers. However, this digital transformation cannot be delayed any further. 

For many major brands, the global pandemic has accelerated the pre-death stage of retail stores into a possible extinction moment. For a smooth transition into online selling, retailers need to keep up with the digital transformation and the only way to go is to adapt no-code to run their e-commerce store.

Why e-commerce stores need No-Code

No-code Low-code platforms allow business owners to build mobile applications for mobile-first audiences and to smoothly run their everyday business, without having the slightest notion of programming.

Gartner predicts that 65% of the app activity will result from no-code development by 2024. 

Here is why:

1. Consumers are switching brands at an unprecedented rate.   

McKinsey and Company states that consumers are switching brands at an unprecedented rate and the outcome is a shattering of brand loyalties. E-retailers are under high pressure to match their online store experience with the needs and expectations of customers. If they do not satisfy their requirements, customers will easily switch to another retailer with just one click. 

No-code platforms allow e-retailers to quickly adapt to the customer’s expectations and reinvent their experience from time to time.

2. Timing is everything.

E-commerce workflow automation equips brands to achieve positive results in record time. A majority of companies that have no-code stores agree that no-code has shaved months and even years off the time needed to deliver shoppers a genuinely useful app.

3. To survive in the highly competitive global market

Since the e-commerce platform is a global marketplace, retailers are competing with companies of different sizes and locations. To survive in such competition, accelerated digital transformation is the need of the hour. For an online store that is open to customers 24/7, every hour matters.

Additionally, e-commerce stores have to compete against e-retail giants such as Amazon and will have to work to drive value outside of Amazon — which currently drives approximately 50% of the e-commerce market.

4. To decrease workload

Employees waste a majority of their time doing repetitive tasks that can otherwise be automated. With automation, employees can use their precious time to focus on adding constructive value to the organization.

5. Supply chain functions 

Managing supply chain functions to cater to customers located at different locations is a complex task. Without any code, the supply chain is greatly facilitated by automating workflow through smooth, error-free inventory and vendor management for the fulfillment of orders.

No-code e-commerce platforms enable processes to sell, ship and manage products online. 95% of all purchases are projected to be made online by 2040.

Features of a no-code e-commerce platform

• Drag and Drop Builder: No-code platforms offer a dashboard that allows you to drag and drop options to add features according to your requirement.
• Predefined Templates: You can choose from a large range of templates to organize and smoothen out tasks.
• Document Generator: Be it Purchase Orders, Invoice Orders, or Waybills, a document generator can generate these with data from the system eliminating any possibility of manual errors.
• Real-time Updates: Changes made to the e-commerce platform are updated on the app in real-time. 

Also read: e-Commerce Workflow Automation to Streamline your Online Business

What e-commerce processes can you automate with no-code?

1. Vendor management

No-code e-commerce stores can manage relationships with their vendors without the use of emails and spreadsheets, which are susceptible to errors in the long run. Contractual forms, specifications and documents can be uploaded and exchanged with vendors through process databases. The contracts and documents can be signed by both – new and old vendors with just a few clicks, when necessary.

The automation of vendor management will help e-commerce stores get rid of communications blocks, inconsistencies, and errors.

2. Management of inventory

Management of inventory is what will make-or-break an e-retailer. Automation of inventory management processes on the basis of categories, credit ratings by vendors and value will remove all possible bottlenecks. Managers can check the status of the inventory and share this information with just one click. 

Based on this, decisions and approvals are made much faster which in turn, leads to an increase in efficiency and accuracy in purchases and ease in the purchase order tracking. 

Every time a purchase is made on the e-commerce website, a sales order will be created in your inventory management system and there will be an update in the item’s stock.

Explore: Quixy for e-Commerce

3. Addressing grievances and complaints

Addressing grievances and questions on a daily basis can be a tough task but it is important to do so to maintain the brand image and customer loyalty. No- code stores can make use of e-commerce workflow automation in processing orders to make sure that customer returns, grievances, or reviews are replied to in a timely and comprehensive manner.

4. Adding lists or catalogs automatically

Adding lists or catalogs involves some manpower and a long list of internal approvals before it can go live on a website. With e-commerce workflow automation, no-code stores can easily add new items or services on their websites. This saves both time and money.

5. Accounting 

With e-commerce workflow automation, every sale and purchase is taken into account. Accounting every sale and purchase can happen faster, automatically and without any errors on a no-code platform.

6. Refunds and return merchandise authorization

When requesting a refund or return, customers expect an immediate response and plan of action. If these requests are not catered to immediately, it will have a negative impact on the customer’s image and experience. 

Addressing each and every refund or return requires manual repetitive tasks which takes up a lot of time. An e-commerce workflow automation software can automate refund and RMA claims to avoid inaccuracies and delays. This leads to faster processing with action being taken at the earliest to prevent an unfavourable or lethargic image of the company.

7. Fulfillment of orders

The company’s reputation and image are dependent on its order fulfillment. The main goal of an e-commerce store is to fulfill its customer’s orders successfully. For this, it is essential to maintain the right amount of stock. Stock management and solutions for low or no stock are enabled by e-commerce workflow automation.

Conclusion

For any brick-and-mortar store to transition into an e-commerce website, adopting a no-code approach is a no brainer. Currently, companies understand how crucial the mobile-first approach is when it comes to serving and communicating with their audiences. With e-commerce workflow automation, streamlining processes helps with both efficiency and productivity. 

Quixy is a leading No-Code Process Automation Platform that makes use of e-commerce workflow automation ease and simplifies business with which repetitive operations can be automated and streamlined. We aim to support e-commerce businesses by helping them increase their productivity and strengthen their communications. You can take the next step in your digital transformation by using our no-code tools. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your processes. Take the first step and get started with Quixy today.