5 Epicor P21 BigCommerce Integration Mistakes to Avoid
3 min read ● Silk Team
In today’s competitive Ecommerce market, seamless integration between your ERP and online store is essential. For businesses using Epicor P21 as their ERP and BigCommerce as their Ecommerce platform, connecting the two systems can significantly improve efficiency. However, this process is not without its challenges. Many businesses make common mistakes that can negate the benefits of connecting Epicor P21 to BigCommerce. In this article, we’ll discuss five common integration mistakes and provide clear strategies to avoid them, so you can achieve a smooth and streamlined workflow.
1. Incomplete Data Mapping
One of the most common integration mistakes is incomplete or incorrect data mapping. Epicor P21 stores crucial business data—inventory levels, customer information, pricing, and order details—that must be synced accurately with BigCommerce. Incorrect field mapping can lead to discrepancies such as incorrect product pricing, inaccurate inventory counts, or missing customer data.
How to prevent it: Start with a comprehensive data audit and define accurate mapping schedules. Use integration middleware or tools that allow you to customize field mapping. We can help you test all key data points thoroughly in a test environment to ensure flawless synchronization before going live.
2. Ignoring the Frequency and Timing of Data Synchronization
Data synchronization isn’t a one-time event; it requires ongoing updates. Many businesses underestimate the importance of setting the correct sync intervals between Epicor P21 and BigCommerce. Incorrect timing can cause delays in inventory updates, potentially leading to overselling or underselling.
How to prevent it: Create sync schedules that meet your operational needs. Fast-moving items may require more frequent syncs, while slower-moving items may require less frequent updates. We can help you consider near-real-time synchronization if your budget and resources allow.
3. Ignoring Error Handling and Logging
Errors can occur during data transfer between Epicor P21 and BigCommerce, ranging from network outages to incorrect data formats. A common mistake is to ignore robust error handling and logging, which complicates troubleshooting, increases downtime, or results in data inconsistencies.
How to avoid this:
- Implement comprehensive error detection, alerting, and logging in your integration solution.
- This allows your team to quickly identify issues, pinpoint their root cause, and implement fixes before they escalate.
4. Using Generic Integration Solutions
Every business has unique workflows and requirements. Using generic or off-the-shelf integration connectors without customization can lead to operational inconsistencies. For example, if your business uses custom fields in Epicor P21 or unique order fulfillment processes, an out-of-the-box integration might not meet those requirements.
How to Avoid This:
- Select integration platforms or partners that specialize in this connection with flexible customizations.
- Custom solutions will better align with your business processes and provide scalability as your business grows.
5. Neglecting Security and Compliance
Data transferred between ERP and Ecommerce systems often contains sensitive customer information and business-critical data. Security vulnerabilities during the integration put businesses at risk of data breaches or regulatory compliance issues, resulting in loss of customer trust and potential fines.
How to Avoid This:
- Ensure your integration strategy includes strong data encryption, secure API connections, and compliance with data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA.
- Additionally, regularly update your Epicor P21 and BigCommerce platforms to benefit from the latest security updates.
Conclusion
Successfully integrating Epicor P21 with BigCommerce is a strategic move that can improve your operational efficiency and customer experience. By avoiding common pitfalls like improper data mapping, late synchronization, inadequate error handling, reliance on off-the-shelf solutions, and neglecting security, you can maximize the benefits of the integration.
A thoughtful and tailored approach ensures reliable data flow, accurate inventory management, and improved order fulfillment. Ultimately, this will enable your business to grow and compete effectively in the dynamic Ecommerce marketplace.
If you are planning an integration project, partner with experienced experts who understand the complexities of Epicor P21 and BigCommerce, or invest in specialized integration tools designed to address these challenges. Your path to a seamless integration starts with the right preparation and knowledge.