Automating the process of taking orders in eCommerce can greatly streamline your business operations and improve efficiency. Here's a detailed guide on how to automate taking orders in eCommerce, along with examples and references where applicable:

1. Set up an eCommerce platform: Choose a robust eCommerce platform that provides order management features and integrates with other tools you might need. Popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce.

2. Implement an inventory management system: An inventory management system helps you keep track of stock levels, automatically update inventory after each order, and prevent overselling. It can integrate with your eCommerce platform to automate inventory updates. Examples of inventory management systems include TradeGecko, Skubana, and Zoho Inventory.

3. Integrate payment gateways: Payment gateways allow customers to securely make payments on your eCommerce website. Integrate popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Square into your eCommerce platform. This automation ensures that payments are processed smoothly and reduces manual intervention.

4. Enable real-time shipping calculations: Integrate shipping carriers' APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to provide accurate shipping rates based on factors like weight, destination, and shipping method. This automation saves time by automatically calculating shipping costs during the checkout process. Examples of shipping APIs include UPS, FedEx, and USPS.

5. Implement order confirmation and tracking emails: Set up automated email notifications to confirm orders and provide tracking information to customers. Most eCommerce platforms have built-in email automation features, or you can use third-party tools like Mailchimp or Klaviyo to design and send customized order confirmation and tracking emails.

6. Utilize chatbots for customer inquiries: Implement chatbots on your website or social media platforms to handle frequently asked questions about orders, shipping, or product details. Chatbots can provide instant responses and reduce the need for manual customer support. Examples of chatbot platforms include Chatfuel, ManyChat, and Tars.

7. Integrate with CRM and customer support tools: Connect your eCommerce platform with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and customer support tools to centralize customer data and streamline customer interactions. Examples of CRM systems include Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM.

8. Use order management software: Consider using order management software to automate and streamline the entire order fulfillment process. These tools consolidate orders from multiple sales channels, automate order routing, and provide visibility into order status. Examples include Orderhive, Skubana, and Brightpearl.

9. Implement analytics and reporting: Utilize analytics tools to gain insights into order patterns, customer behavior, and sales performance. This data can help you make data-driven decisions, optimize your eCommerce operations, and identify areas for improvement. Examples of analytics tools include Google Analytics, Kissmetrics, and Mixpanel.

10. Continuously optimize and refine: Regularly review your automated processes, analyze customer feedback, and make necessary adjustments. Automation should be an ongoing process to ensure it aligns with your business goals and adapts to changing customer needs.

References:
- Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/
- WooCommerce: https://woocommerce.com/
- Magento: https://magento.com/
- BigCommerce: https://www.bigcommerce.com/
- TradeGecko: https://www.tradegecko.com/
- Skubana: https://www.skubana.com/
- Zoho Inventory: https://www.zoho.com/inventory/
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/
- Stripe: https://stripe.com/
- Square: https://squareup.com/
- UPS Developer Kit: https://www.ups.com/upsdeveloperkit
- FedEx Developer Resource Center: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/developer.html
- USPS Web Tools API: https://www.usps.com/business/web-tools-apis/
- Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/
- Klaviyo: https://www.klaviyo.com/
- Chatfuel: https://chatfuel.com/
- ManyChat: https://manychat.com/
- Tars: https://hellotars.com/
- Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com/
- HubSpot: https://www.hubspot.com/
- Zoho CRM: https://www.zoho.com/crm/
- Orderhive: https://www.orderhive.com/
- Brightpearl: https://www.brightpearl.com/
- Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/
- Kissmetrics: https://www.kissmetrics.com/
- Mixpanel: https://mixpanel.com/