IBM Sterling Order Management

What is IBM Sterling Order Management?

The IBM Sterling Order Management System (often called IBM Sterling OMS or IBM OMS) delivers a unified platform for managing orders, inventory, and warehouse operations across complex supply chains.

What happened to IBM Sterling WMS?

In 2021, GXO Logistics acquired IBM Sterling WMS as part of IBM's divestiture of its Managed Infrastructure Services segment.

While IBM no longer manages the platform, GXO provides ongoing support, updates, and enhancements to users.

Key features of IBM Sterling Order Management

• Order orchestration and routing: Automate order capture, sourcing, and fulfillment rules to deliver accurate, on-time shipments.
• Intelligent promising: Calculate available-to-promise and capable-to-promise across all channels and locations in real time.
• Inventory visibility: View stock levels at DCs, stores, and supplier locations to minimize stockouts and overstocks.
• Store engagement: Enable BOPIS, ship-from-store, in-store returns, and mobile inventory tasks for associates.
• B2B and B2C support: Manage complex B2B orders with multiple participants and deliver seamless omnichannel experiences for retail and e-commerce.
• Integration and extensibility: Connect with ERP, CRM, transportation, and trading-partner networks via open APIs and Sterling Data Exchange or VAN.

Deployment options

IBM Sterling OMS supports flexible deployment to match your IT strategy:

• SaaS on IBM Cloud for rapid time-to-value and automatic updates.
• On-premises or in private cloud using certified containers on Red Hat OpenShift for full control.
• Hybrid configurations to blend cloud agility with on-site operations.

IBM use cases across supply chain operations

• Streamline B2B order fulfillment: Automate complex, multi-enterprise workflows and reduce manual touches across trading partners.
• Accelerate omnichannel delivery: Synchronize inventory in real time, ensuring consistent order fulfillment,  whether direct to consumer or wholesale.
• Optimize warehouse efficiency: Use embedded WMS tools to plan, execute, and monitor warehouse tasks, from pick-pack-ship to returns processing.
• Enhance customer service: Give call-center agents a unified view of orders, inventory, and shipment status, cutting call times and error rates.
   

Industry Applications

• Retail & eCommmerce:  Manage seasonal peaks, curbside pickup, and online marketplaces.
• Healthcare & life sciences: Ensure traceability of medical supplies, temperature-controlled products, and regulated materials.
• Manufacturing & distribution: Coordinate multi-site production, cross-dock, and drop-ship processes.

Software features

• Cross Docking
• Forecasting
• Inventory Management
• Kitting
• Order Management
• Part Tracking
• Picking & Packing
• Product Rotation/Shelf Life
• Real-Time Data
• Receiving & Putaway
• Reporting & Analytics
• Shipping Management
• Third Party Plugins
• Workforce/load Management
• Yard Management

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