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What is a Tech Stack?

  • Dan Cook
  • Nov 23
  • 3 min read
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When you hear the term “tech stack,” it might sound like something reserved for Silicon Valley startups or Fortune 500 companies. In reality, every business—whether you’re running a small warehouse or managing a multi-location operation—has a tech stack. Simply put, a tech stack is the collection of software tools and technologies your business uses to operate and communicate efficiently.


Think of it as the backbone of your business processes: from inventory management to accounting, customer communication, and analytics. A well-designed tech stack can save time, reduce errors, scale with your growth and evolve as technology changes.


Why Does Your Tech Stack Matter?

Your tech stack determines:

  • Efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks and reducing manual work.

  • Visibility: Real-time data for better decision-making.

  • Scalability: Adding new tools without breaking existing workflows.

  • Customer Experience: Faster response times and better service.


Communication Between Tools:

A tech stack isn’t just a list of software—it’s a connected ecosystem. If your tools don’t communicate, you’ll end up with data silos, duplicate work, and frustrated employees. Integration matters:

  • Data Flow: Inventory updates in your WMS should sync with your e-commerce platform and accounting system.

  • Customer Visibility: CRM and order management systems should share data so customers get accurate shipping updates.

  • Automation: APIs, FTPs and middleware allow systems to “talk” without manual intervention.


Customer Interaction with Your Tech Stack

Your customers experience your tech stack indirectly:

  • Order Accuracy: A well-integrated WMS ensures correct inventory levels and faster fulfillment.

  • Tracking & Transparency: Shipping software integrated with your WMS provides real-time tracking.

  • Communication: CRM and email tools keep customers informed about order status and promotions.

A disconnected stack can lead to missed updates, delayed shipments, and poor customer satisfaction.


Fundamental Software

These tools form the foundation of a strong tech stack:

1. Warehouse & Inventory Management

  • Warehouse Management System (WMS): Tracks inventory, manages picking/packing, and optimizes space.

  • Integration Capabilities: Your WMS should connect with:

    • E-commerce platforms like Shopify

    • Shipping integrators 

    • Accounting systems This ensures seamless order flow from purchase to delivery.

2. Accounting & Finance

  • Accounting Software: Handles invoicing, payroll, and tax compliance.

  • Payment Processing: Stripe or PayPal for easy transactions.

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

  • CRM Platform: Keeps track of leads, customers, and communication history.

4. Communication & Collaboration

  • Email & Productivity Suite: Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.

  • Team Messaging: Slack or Microsoft Teams for internal communication.

5. Cybersecurity

  • Basic Security Tools


Good Add-ons to the Fundamentals

Once you have the fundamentals, these tools can elevate your operations:

  • Business Intelligence (BI) (both internal and customer facing)

  • Project Management

  • Shipping & Freight Auditing

  • HR

  • Workforce and Workload Management


Enterprise-Level Additions

For businesses scaling beyond SMB:

  • ERP Systems: SAP or Oracle NetSuite for integrated operations.

  • Advanced Automation: Robotics and AI-driven forecasting.

  • Custom API Integrations: To connect multiple systems seamlessly.


Planning for Growth: Can Your Tech Stack Evolve?

When choosing software today, think about tomorrow:

  • Scalability: Can the software handle more users, more orders, and more complexity?

  • Integration: Does it offer APIs or connectors for future tools?

  • Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise: Cloud solutions often scale more easily.

  • Vendor Support: Will the provider support upgrades and integrations as you grow?

A short-term solution that doesn’t scale can become a costly bottleneck later.


Final Thoughts

Your tech stack isn’t static—it evolves as your business grows. Start with the essentials, then layer on tools that improve efficiency and visibility. The right combination of warehouse and business software can transform your operations from reactive to proactive. We cannot stress enough that starting on the right foot in the beginning will prevent costly ecosystem changes in the future. Everyone has heard the horror stories about companies being crippled by software changes. Also, it's import to understand software costs not only for today but anticipating future costs (it will come faster than you think...many software providers are counting on that).

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