NetSuite vs. Ordoro

We found the NetSuite dashboard to be a little difficult to use and dated, especially compared to some of the other providers we’ve reviewed. While NetSuite is a browser app, the interface resembles legacy software, with a menu bar across the top and a lot of widgets and on-page links. It’s not terrible. But it’s not fantastic either.

We are using an older version of the e-commerce platform and it is not particularly user friendly.

Nothing is user-friendly, despite their claims. Even simple changes require vast coding knowledge.

The system offers a good basic ERP structure for small businesses.

Overall, we liked the Ordoro dashboard. It’s straightforward and easy-to-use, with a clean interface. Dedicated areas for shipping, product management, purchase orders (POs), and analytics are accessed from a central toolbar across the top of the page.

Ordoro is a browser-based app, so there’s no need to download any desktop software.

“The software linked perfectly to my couriers and made shipping simple.”

“It's unbelievably functional for the price.”

“Easy to navigate and user friendly interface.”

(Note: The focus in this review is on the inventory management features in NetSuite, not on its capabilities as an ERP.)

When it comes to features, NetSuite has everything you would expect from a typical inventory management solution. And the integrations library - easily one of the most extensive we’ve come across - makes up for any shortcomings in native functionality. Users can also take advantage of a mobile app (available on both Android and Apple), although it is somewhat limited.

First and foremost, the Netsuite feature-set includes comprehensive inventory, reorder, and delivery management tools. Its “Manufacturing Execution System” also makes it easy for manufacturers to manage parts deliveries, production lines, bills of materials, and complex supply chains. Retailers have access to a POS (point of sale system), barcode scanning assistant, automation settings, team permissions, and more. Users can also leverage an in-depth analytics dashboard. In short, it has everything you need to manage your warehouses and orders.

Finally, Oracle employs stringent security data safeguarding practices, including regular audits, managed access to servers, and protected premises. NetSuite has met numerous security standards like SOC 1, SOC 2, and PCI-DSS, making it an ideal choice for retailers that need to ensure security compliance.

We were very impressed with Ordoro’s feature-set. The platform shines in more or less every area, especially in regards to shipping functionality, integrations with third-party marketplaces, and minor features like bundling, custom workflows, and support for dropshipping.

Let’s kick off with the small handful of negatives. Ordoro doesn’t currently offer a mobile app, although you can access the dashboard through your mobile browser. We were also a bit dismayed by the lack of a Zapier integration. What’s more, some features, like warehouse integration, aren’t included in the core package, and will incur extra costs. It’s also worth noting that Ordoro doesn’t offer any manufacturing capabilities. Retailers that need software to manage deliveries of raw materials and production lines should look elsewhere.

On all other fronts, however, Ordoro excels expectations. All the usual features that retailers would expect, including multi-feature inventory management tools, integrations, fulfillment and reorder automation, barcode scanning, POS (point of sale), warehouse management, and more, are included.

The shipping toolkit is among the best in the industry. Retailers have access to an array of discounted prices from leading carriers, insurance, printer integration, and more.

Finally, users can take advantage of an assortment of reports and segmentation options through the analytics dashboard. These cover sales performance, shipping costs, and inventory metrics.

NetSuite integrations work slightly differently compared to most other inventory management providers. Rather than offer a library of connectors built by its own development team, users have access to integrations in the App Suite, all of which have been created by third-party services. NetSuite has been around for a long time, and the integrations library is very extensive. But just remember that additional functionality comes with a price-tag.

Retailers that want to link up with third-party marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, and so on, can take advantage of the FarApp integration. NetSuite doesn’t offer any in-house functionality for multi-channel sales in this regard, so you’ll need the app.

ShipJunction, ShipStation, Pacejet, and Descartes Shipping are the most popular shipping apps and extend the order management functionality offered by NetSuite. In terms of ecommerce connectors, virtually all major platforms are provided for, including Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and others. Most of these add-ons have been created by Celigo.

Notably, NetSuite also offers an array of apps for catering to international audiences, enabling users to manage multiple currencies, languages, international shipping locations, and so on. If you’ve struggled to find an inventory management solution that allows you to serve a global market effectively, then you will definitely like what’s on offer.

Ordoro has a large library of integrations. It’s not the most comprehensive we’ve seen, but retailers will find everything they need. Interestingly, Ordoro also provides a number of direct integrations with third-party marketplaces, making it a viable option for multichannel sellers. The SPS Commerce integration extends marketplace options even further.

There is also a strong focus on shipping and dropshipping functionality, and few competitors match Ordoro in this regard.

The only downside is that we would have liked to see a Zapier integration, which would allow users to connect apps which aren’t directly supported. But all in all, we couldn’t find much to complain about.

Ordoro excels when it comes to supported ecommerce platforms. Many inventory management apps that we’ve reviewed are compatible only with big brands like Shopify and Magento. Ordoro, on the other hand, syncs up with WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Volusion, 3dCart, Ecwid, and others. In terms of third-party marketplaces, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, and Jet are all supported, along with some other smaller names like Reverb and Zoey.

Shipping connectors include USPS, FedEx, UPS, Canada Post, DHL, and Amazon SFP.

Users can also take advantage of Xero and Quickbooks integrations. Point-of-sale functionality is available through Shopify POS and Square.

NetSuite doesn’t publish pricing, so it’s difficult to evaluate “value for money” thoroughly. It’s likely that the base licence for the core financials and inventory management software is around $1000 per month with an additional $100 per user per month.

Optional modules, which provide functionality across ecommerce, analytics, customer management, and so on, will increase the monthly total. For a company looking for a custom ERP, and not just an inventory management solution, this may be a cost-effective prospect.

It’s also important to note that integrations come with an additional monthly fee. So make sure to include the price of any that you’ll need in the final estimate.

Ordoro is a slightly mixed bag when it comes to costs. It’s an unusual solution in the sense that it’s suitable for retailers of all sizes, from independent store-owners to international brands.

Generally speaking, the complete inventory management and shipping solution, starting at $499/month, is suitable only for medium-sized and large retailers. There are more inexpensive apps on the market for smaller companies. The shipping-only solution, however, which gives users access to discounted rates and fulfilment features, is only $59/month, so may prove viable for smaller sellers.

Custom-priced plans, which include a dedicated account manager, are available for large enterprises.

Overall, the level and quality of support offered by NetSuite are good, even if the system is a little convoluted.

Users can choose between “Basic” and “Premium” customer service. Both packages include 24/7 support for “severity one” issues. The “Premium” plan” also provides business hours help with “severity three” and “severity four” issues. The support team is reached via the phone and support tickets/email. Users also have the option to join the community support forum and access the technical troubleshooting portal.

The training materials are of high quality, with an online area dedicated to educational resources. It’s also possible to work with an “Education Advisor” to streamline onboarding.

Ordoro support is very good on the whole. Users can access customer service via email and phone, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM CST.

Ordoro also provides extensive documentation and video guides along with a forum for developers.

Onboarding support is available on all plans but does incur an extra cost. Retailers on the enterprise-level plan, which works on a custom pricing model, will also have access to a dedicated account manager.

It would have been nice to see a live chat option, and receiving support quickly might be tricky for people outside the US, but all in all we were very impressed.

NetSuite is unlike many other inventory management solutions in that it forms part of a broader enterprise resource planning app. Keep in mind that ecommerce and inventory tools are offered in conjunction with Netsuite’s accounting and financial features. If you already have a financial management system, then you should probably consider an alternative solution.

If, on the other hand, you’re in the market for a highly customizable, cost-effective, and comprehensive app that transcends the boundaries of typical inventory management software, then it’s an option that’s well worth considering. The integrations library is also one of the biggest we’ve ever seen.

It’s suitable for companies of all sizes, and the free trial is an excellent starting point for retailers that are drawn to it.

Ordoro is one of the best solutions we’ve reviewed. It has an excellent set of features, an extensive integrations library with support for a large number of ecommerce platforms, and is priced competitively. While the costs of the two main plans make it more geared toward medium-sized retailers, smaller retailers with multiple team-members may also find it fits within their budget.

Ordoro offers the best shipping management capabilities of any solution on the market in our opinion, with support for most major carriers in the US and heavily discounted rates. Smaller retailers can also opt for an inexpensive shipping-only package.

The only caveat is that store-owners outside of the US and Canada may struggle with the integrations and US-based support.