What is eCommerce integration?
eCommerce integration is the synchronisation of a company’s eCommerce website with its back-end systems, such as an ERP or CRM system.
By connecting an eCommerce application to an ERP, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers can create bidirectional information flows between the two systems, requiring them to only enter data into one system.
An ERP, for example, might be used to maintain track of inventory levels for each of a company’s items. That company has started selling products online utilising a new eCommerce platform after embracing a direct-to-consumer business model. To maintain accurate product numbers, they must modify the inventory count within their back-end ERP system when they sell an item online.
That company would have to manually update the inventory count in both their ERP system and their eCommerce application if they didn’t have eCommerce connection.
That is where the value of a well-implemented eCommerce integration lies. This approach avoids the need to enter the same data into multiple systems.
Through automatic, real-time inventory updates in disparate systems, effective eCommerce integration generates accurate sales data.
How do you integrate to an eCommerce website or marketplace?
Companies can connect their backend systems to their front-end sales channels via integration platforms like Comestri.
Product data is filtered in from all back-end systems such as ERP, WMS, CRM, EDM, and 3PL; where it is centrally managed by Comestri acting as a data orchestration engine. This data can then be enriched and customised per sales channel and distributed to wherever customers touch your brand including; eCommerce sites, sales channels, and marketplaces.
From there, order information can be received back into the integration platform ready for processing and fulfilment from your chosen distribution centre or bricks and mortar store.
This ultimately results in your customers having a smooth and consistent brand experience no matter where they touch your brand.
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Why is eCommerce integration important?
There are a number of benefits to ecommerce integration. As companies have embraced online, the importance of ecommerce integration have become paramount to a retailers success in the online market. Some of the key benefits to ecommerce integration include:
1. Manual data entry elimination
By using an eCommerce integration platform, retailers can connect with front-end platforms like Magento, Shopify, Amazon, and other eCommerce platforms; with their own ERP systems to avoid manual and repeated data entry while also increasing data exchange speed. Manual data entry is inefficient and time-consuming. This process improves customer service efficiency and satisfaction.
2. Data Accuracy
The accuracy of data is never left to chance with eCommerce integration. Manual data entry implies that there will always be a chance for error, no matter how minor. Inventory synchronisation, real-time track updates, and pricing all improve the accuracy of data.
3. Clear and automatic communication with customers
Automatic notifications for customers become simple when your eCommerce application and back-end applications are in sync. Customers are notified when an order has been shipped and can track the progress of their order.
4. Easy and fast expansion/go to market
eCommerce integration allows your company to expand into more online marketplaces while maintaining operational efficiency. New clients become available with each additional sales channel. Diversified income sources, improved customer experience, and increased operating margins are all icing on the cake when it comes to the ability to expand your brand through eCommerce integration.
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