How to integrate ERP with ecommerce store

You need the best for your business, right? Progress is achieved through the smooth running of multiple business operations. Innovative ways and modern technologies let you handle matters smartly. Specifically, when it comes to e-commerce, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) integration becomes a key tool to your online business success. Here we intend the best e-commerce integration software that links all your business procedures proficiently via an ERP system. Data from various business departments such as finance, supply chain, sales, manufacturing, inventory, etc. is gathered and integrated by ERP into a single system.

Table of Contents

ERP integration, what’s special about it?

Overlapping information from various platforms gives way to mismanaged data thus affecting the efficiency of order fulfilment. Moreover, manual input can bring inaccuracy and increase the scope of errors. All these issues can be sorted with the best software for integration which let you connect business data from multiple podiums over a single platform through an ERP system. Your business operations are streamlined by omitting manual efforts.

ERP integration updates inventory automatically which makes it easy for merchants to keep a check on inventory status. On the other hand, updated inventory information lets the customer see when the product is in stock and out-of-stock while shopping online. It also increases business efficiency and spares employees for more productive tasks. Your whole management system such as inventory, order, logistics, product management, etc. can be handled through a single system.

How it is done?

Many of you must be enthralled to know where to begin after recognizing the worth of ERP integration into an e-commerce business. Prepare yourself through the following steps:

Start your search to find the best e-commerce integration software, see what they offer then jolt down your business requirements and goals.
Define the type of data you want to monitor, exchange and distribute across various platforms.
Ensure the compatibility of your data storage format with all other systems in your business. This will avert probable errors while syncing data.
Connect to a team of professionals providing the best software for integration. They handle matters proficiently speeding up the integration procedures and eliminating expected drawbacks.
Carefully observe your new system as it brings about drastic changes to your business setup. Train the employees so they fit into that system and assess the system regularly to see whether it is fulfilling your requirements or not.

One shouldn’t forget the challenges an e-commerce business might face while ERP integration into the system. These could be due to human error, integration software, or other software associated with your business procedures. Some of these challenges include:

Budgeting

Budget for an integration procedure may exceed your defined limits but the way out adheres to effective planning. Only a good plan can eradicate potential issues so plan first to ensure the smooth running of your integration process.

Old software

Old software can be a challenge in the process of integration as it is outdated and not compatible with the modern ERP system. Hence, opting for a cloud-based system can make a huge difference and make your integration a quick and effortless process.

Customized features

Few businesses mold the features to meet their requirements which makes ERP integration a tough task. This is because the process isn’t simple anymore, special settings have to be made to support customized features.

Multiple types of data to integrate

Various data types give rise to a complex system. Sort out your data initially so the integration becomes easy.

All such challenges can be avoided by observing simple solutions such as:

Choosing the best e-commerce integration software providers that are a team of experienced and reliable IT professionals. They override challenges encountered in the integration process and ensure the smooth running of a system in the future.
Keep your stakeholders and employees updated with what’s happening and how the integration system could be productive for the business. Active communication matters.
Go for an ERP integration system that warrants the security of your data. Cloud-based systems prove more secure than others.

Gains of ERP integration

As mentioned before data integration is a substantial procedure for any e-commerce business it should be implemented to get the following benefits:

It reduces cost as a system is automated and manual work is lowered so is the number of employees dedicated to data entry work.
The probability of human error is eliminated and computerized data reports are obtained which are more reliable and accurate.
Merchants can have quick access to the up to date, real-time information. This speeds up business operations.
The instant data-driven decision proves fruitful for the business. Obstacles are cleared as they arise along the supply chain process.
Real-time data synchronization ensures the availability of information to all team members.
The best e-commerce omnichannel for integration unifies data from a physical and online store to a single platform so merchants can evaluate it easily.
ERP integration eases data scalability.
Up-to-date data warrants improved functionality making online purchasing an easy process for customers. This enhances customer satisfaction increasing sales and generating good business revenue.
It also helps gain customer loyalty by keeping track of essential customer data. This is how merchants can take care of the needs of a customer making them happy through their services.
Financial reporting is transparent and reliable, merchants can keep an eye on profit and loss.
Customers and merchants can keep a track of the shipment in real time which help provide a good customer experience. Moreover, customers can see inventory status and are automatically notified about in-stock and out-of-stock products.

Conclusion

Automate your systems with the best e-commerce integration software such as Ginkgo retail, Microsoft Dynamics, Netsuite, Epicor, Acumatica, etc. All these provide data management through modern methods which is a need of every e-commerce business today. It speeds up business operations and is an effective way to interact with customers in real time. Merchants can have a hold over every business procedure with ERP integration into their setup.