Ecommerce integration, the process of automatically and bi-directionally syncing two different business systems together without any manual input, is the best way to avoid the risks and drawbacks inherent in everyday manual data processing.
But which risks and drawbacks should your business be avoiding and why?
And how exactly does ecommerce integration remove them?
Are there any other benefits of ecommerce integration for not only businesses but for their customers as well?
If you’re curious to know the answers to these questions and to find out if an ecommerce integration is right for you and will work for your business, you’re in luck.
In the steps below..
We’ll highlight some of the key points to keep in mind before, during, and after setting up an ecommerce integration:
Step 1: Find Out If Ecommerce Integration Is for You
First of all, how do you know if ecommerce integration is right for your business?
Some of the points to examine are:
- Difficulty Scaling
- Order Backlog
- Inaccurate Inventory Records
- Incurring Marketplace Penalties
- Subpar Customer Experience
- And More
Step 2: Prepare Your Data for Integration
Step two of our Ecommerce Integration Guide goes over how to prepare your error-ridden data and data processes for integration.
Learn how to recognize the data you’re dealing with on a daily basis through your ecommerce platform so you can have a better idea of what needs integrating. Learn why you should choose a designated point person who is responsible for the data integration process.
Finally..
Learn data integration best practices and what to watch out for before beginning the integration process in order to make the transition run smoother and more efficiently.
Step 3: Ecommerce Data Integration
When it comes time to tackle your data entry problems, you’ve arrived at step three, where you determine which data touchpoints to integrate as well as the scope of your project.
Identify which data touchpoints you’d like to integrate, and be aware that all integrations don’t have to be completed at once. We’ll give you some suggestions, and you can always add more at a later date.
As for determining the scope of your project, we suggest you work through the following details:
- Your point-of-contact person
- The timeline for launch
- The budget and your ROI goal
Step 4: Choose an Ecommerce Integration Solution
Now it’s time to look at the many different options you have for completing an Ecommerce integration project. Can you pull it off yourself? Does your IT department have the knowledge, experience, and time to do it? Or, is it best to hire experts who can save you the most time and money in the long run?
If you do decide to go with the experts, there are still decisions to make regarding the specific integration software you use. Every option has different features, each helpful depending on a few factors specific to your business.
Based upon those needs, you’ll be given a few options for data management:
- Multichannel Management Platforms
- Point-to-Point Connectors
- Customized Ecommerce Integration Solutions
Step 5: Plan to Fail
Taking failure into account should be an integral part of your integration plan. Should you have tech issues, already being prepared for the worst will get you through the transition with minimal interruption. We’ve got you covered with four questions to ask yourself so you’ll know exactly what to do should you encounter technical difficulties.
Summary
Finally, our overview of ten Best Practices for Ecommerce Integration, also highlighting the benefits you can expect to follow, will get you off on the right foot to an ever-so-smooth transition from piecemeal processes to process perfection.
In a world where saving time, increasing accuracy, and developing long-lasting customer relationships matter, more and more online retailers are realizing the need for ecommerce tools and ERP systems to integrate and work together seamlessly.
For more information and detail regarding ecommerce integrations, please read DocInfusion’s Ecommerce Integration Guide.