How to Reduce Manual Order Processing in Your Supply Chain

Manual order processing is one of the biggest hidden costs in supply chain operations. It drains time, increases the chance of human error, and slows down fulfillment. For growing businesses, this manual workload becomes unsustainable fast.

If you're looking to reduce manual order processing, you're not alone. More companies are turning to automation to streamline operations, improve accuracy, and save time. In this article, we'll explore how manual processes impact your business and how to reduce manual order processing using the right tools.

What Is Manual Order Processing?

Manual order processing is when staff handle tasks like receiving, entering, and updating orders by hand, usually across disconnected systems like spreadsheets, emails, PDFs, or outdated portals.

This creates several bottlenecks:

• Data entry errors

• Delays in communication with suppliers or 3PLs

• Lack of real-time visibility

• Repetitive, time-consuming admin work

  
  

Over time, this impacts everything from delivery speed to customer experience.

Why Reducing Manual Order Processing Matters 

Reducing manual order processing improves:

• Speed: Orders move faster from placement to fulfillment.

• Accuracy: Automating order data reduces errors from mistyped SKUs or quantities.

• Efficiency: Your team focuses on higher-value work instead of repetitive tasks.

• Scalability: You can handle more volume without hiring more people.

• Visibility: Automated data sharing improves oversight and coordination.

How to Reduce Manual Order Processing

1. Integrate your systems Connect your ERP, WMS, and TMS platforms so order data flows automatically between them.

2. Use middleware or integration platforms Platforms like Switchboard act as the connector between systems, enabling seamless automation without needing custom code or one-off builds.

3. Support multiple data formats Your partners may use EDI, API, PDFs, or CSVs. Make sure your automation tool supports all of them so orders can be received and processed without manual rework.

4. Automate data validation and mapping Use tools that check for errors, clean data, and map it to the right format before it reaches your system.

5. Enable real-time syncing This ensures everyone is working off the same data—reducing confusion and manual reconciliation.

Switchboard: A Faster Way to Reduce Manual Order Processing 

Switchboard is built specifically to help businesses reduce manual order processing. Our platform integrates with any system or partner method (EDI, API, PDF, etc.), automating the entire order flow without requiring your IT team to get involved.

Whether you're sending POs to a supplier, receiving SOs from a retailer, or syncing with a 3PL, Switchboard automates it all. No manual downloads, reuploads, or spreadsheets.

Real Results: What You Can Expect 

Businesses using Switchboard have seen:

• Up to 80% reduction in manual data handling

• Faster partner onboarding

• More accurate order data

• Fewer delays due to miscommunication or entry errors

  
  

Manual order processing slows down your supply chain, increases errors, and limits your ability to scale. By automating order workflows and connecting your systems and partners, you unlock faster, more efficient operations.

Switchboard gives you a way to reduce manual order processing without the cost and complexity of traditional integration projects.

Want to see how it works in your business? Book a demo here