Seamless integrations between different systems are important to achieve both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Integrating e-commerce with the business system (ERP) makes it possible to synchronize and automate data and improve processes. If you are looking for a new business system, it is good to look for an ERP with good support for e-commerce, APIs and data synchronization.
Create an integration strategy
Together with our customers, we map the integration needs between the various systems. Depending on the business, some routines may be manual in the beginning to be automated later. It is important to build an architecture that is flexible and that can grow with e-commerce. We identify key functions to be integrated between the e-commerce site and the business system. This can be information about the product catalogue, real-time inventory management, order management, customer data, shipping and tracking information, and financial transactions.
It is important to ensure that the data structure in both systems is compatible, we map the data fields between the e-commerce platform and the ERP system. The integration strategy also includes how data will flow between the systems to ensure that it is accurate and consistent. We perform extensive data validation to prevent errors during the integration process.
Choose integration method
There are a number of different integration methods to choose from – custom API development, third-party integration tools, or using built-in integration capabilities if the e-commerce platform offers it.
The choice between real-time integration and event-based integration depends on the specific needs and business processes of your business. Real-time integration is good for scenarios that require immediate data availability, while event-based integration suits those cases where you use resources in an efficient scalable way and asynchronous processes where you can accept some data delays. The advantage of event-based integration is that it is more resource efficient and scalable. We normally recommend an event-based approach for most data exchanges in an e-commerce scenario. You must carefully evaluate your needs, the technical possibilities and budget before deciding which architecture to choose for the integration.
If you choose a customized integration, we have extensive experience in integrating e-commerce solutions with various backend systems such as ERP, CRM, WMS and PSP. We help create APIs or connections to enable data exchange between the e-commerce site and the underlying systems.
Improved processes with less manual work
By being able to present correct and updated information, the entire solution becomes more efficient and manual work is reduced. It will also lead to happier customers who can rely more on stock balances and prices. The risk of overselling is reduced when inventory balances are updated, and the order is taken care of immediately. Financial data from the online transactions is synced so that invoices are created, and payments can be tracked.
With integrations to the business system, you can access and analyze customer data, order history and preferences in the business system in the same way as all other purchases within the company. This is valuable information that can be used to personalize both website visits, marketing and improve customer service.
We have extensive experience in building e-commerce integrations that work and are flexible for the business. In order to meet customer requirements, the integrations often become complex – get in touch if we can help find a good solution that enables your e-commerce to grow efficiently.