One of the most prominent trends in commerce to be observed this century has been the demise of the high-street. The phenomenon has been hastened by the growth of online retail, where ecommerce has attracted those keen to run a business without the overheads associated with a traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ store. While individual ecommerce systems, marketplaces and central ERP systems have traditionally been disparate, there are now great opportunities to cut administrative tasks and drive operational efficiency through integration of the systems.
Ecommerce integrations
There are three functions that online retailers commonly use when integrating ERP and ecommerce systems:
1. Product Information
This function allows a business to store and maintain all of its product master data in the ERP solution, but to automatically synchronise that data with the web store. Data includes images, text, product dimensions and pricing. Live stock levels can also be synchronised with the web store, allowing for a streamlined customer experience.
2. Customer Information
A useful function of an ecommerce platform, particularly in a business-to-business environment, is the ability for returning customers to make purchases against their business account. Similarly, with an integrated ecommerce and ERP system, new customers can set up their own customer data within the ecommerce platform and this information is automatically transferred into the ERP.
3. Orders and Payments
This feature allows companies to automatically sync order data, create purchase orders, and manage cash flow using the accounting functionality within the ERP. It also handles fulfilment, inventory, licensing, and post-transaction support.
Marketplace Integrations
Selling via online third-party marketplaces, such as Amazonn, eBay and Gumtree, can be integrated too. This allows sellers to offer their products via other outlets, but without the need for extra development of their IT or ERP software. Information on products, customers and orders is all integrated into the ERP, allowing the retailer to sell via these channels just as they would through their own web store.
How can the Springboard Integration Platform help?
Springboard Hub is a comprehensive integration platform, with three suites of integrations; Carrier Management, Marketplaces and Retailers.
The Marketplace Integration Suite seamlessly connects an ERP solution with the third-party web-stores and marketplaces, streamlining operations and reducing administrative tasks and errors.
With pre-built marketplace integrations to Amazon and eBay, and ecommerce integrations to Magento, Netalogue, Brandwise, Mertex, and Trisoft among others, Springboard Hub provides everything an online business needs to connect with its current SAP Business One or NetSuite solution.
For more information on how Springboard Hub can help with growing your online business, please call us on 020 8819 9071 or get in touch for a quote.