Final answer:
The first step in the order-to-cash process is sales order processing, where the customer's order is received and entered into the system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the order-to-cash process typically includes sales order processing. This step involves the receipt and entry of the customer order into the company's order management system. It is crucial as it sets the rest of the order-to-cash process in motion, which includes tasks such as order fulfillment, pick and pack, shipping, invoicing, and payment collection.