Introduction: When Backorders Happen—Be Ready
Backorders and partial shipments are a reality in building materials. Whether due to vendor delays or phased jobsite needs, how you handle them can either frustrate your customers—or prove your reliability. A smart ERP system can manage expectations, streamline processes, and automate communication.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about backorder management and partial shipments—with ERP-backed answers.
❓ 1. What Causes Backorders in Building Material Distribution?
✅ Answer:
Vendor supply delays
Poor demand forecasting
Inventory sync issues across yards
Seasonal spikes without safety stock
📊 ERP Fix: Enable vendor lead time tracking, demand forecasting, and safety stock buffers for fast movers.
❓ 2. Should I Ship Part of the Order or Wait for It to Be Complete?
✅ Answer: It depends on your customer’s timeline, the project phase, and freight efficiency.
📦 ERP Fix: Allow client-specific rules—some prefer partials; others want one complete shipment. Use ERP to set per-customer or per-order shipment preferences.
❓ 3. How Do I Communicate Backorders and ETAs to Customers?
✅ Answer:
Send instant alerts with expected ship dates
Provide self-serve portals for order visibility
Offer substitute SKUs when possible
📲 ERP Fix: Automate status notifications, include live ETA tracking, and suggest in-stock alternatives during order entry.
❓ 4. Can I Reserve Inventory for the Backordered Portion?
✅ Answer: Yes—especially for custom or limited items.
🔐 ERP Fix: Use inventory reservation modules to lock in available stock tied to the backorder line, so you don’t oversell.
❓ 5. How Do I Avoid Rebilling or Confusion From Partial Shipments?
✅ Answer:
Break out each shipment with its own packing slip
Reference the original PO and backorder line clearly
Track fulfillment status per line item
📋 ERP Fix: Auto-generate shipment-level documentation with linkage to the original order and backorder resolution.
Conclusion: Backorders Don’t Have to Break Trust
With real-time communication, phased fulfillment logic, and ERP-driven processes, you can handle backorders like a pro—and turn partials into customer wins.
Need help managing backorders more efficiently? Contact us today and we’ll streamline your partial shipment workflows. 📦⏳
