Scaling eCommerce with BigCommerce and Epicor Kinetic Integration
3 min read ● Silk Team
E-Commerce Scaling: Best Practices for Integrating Epicor BigCommerce and Epicor Kinetic
In today’s dynamic digital marketplace, effectively scaling an e-commerce business is about more than just increasing sales—it’s about streamlining operations, precise inventory management, and a seamless customer experience. For companies using Epicor BigCommerce as a front-end platform, integrating with Epicor Kinetic (formerly Epicor ERP) on the back end can fundamentally transform how they manage their e-commerce ecosystem. This integration bridges the critical gap between store operations and enterprise resource planning, enabling smarter growth and operational agility.
In this article, we discuss best practices for scaling an e-commerce business through a successful integration of Epicor BigCommerce and Epicor Kinetic. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your existing setup, this information will help you maximize the value of both platforms.
Why integrate Epicor BigCommerce with Epicor Kinetic?
Epicor BigCommerce is a robust, scalable e-commerce platform known for its flexibility, ease of use, and comprehensive selling tools. Epicor Kinetic, on the other hand, offers powerful ERP capabilities, including inventory management, order fulfillment, financials, and production planning. Integrating these two systems enables companies to:
- Streamline Operations: Automatically synchronize orders, inventory, and customer data between the online store and the ERP system.
- Reduce Errors: Minimize manual data entry and associated human errors.
- Faster Order Fulfillment: Real-time inventory updates prevent overselling and help fulfill orders faster.
- Improve Customer Understanding: Unified data enables personalized marketing and better customer service.
- Effective Scalability: Handle higher order volumes without overloading internal processes.
Best Practices for Integrating Epicor BigCommerce and Epicor Kinetic
1. Assess Your Business Processes First
Map your current workflows before you begin the integration. Learn how orders are transferred from Epicor BigCommerce to Epicor Kinetic, inventory is updated, and customer data is captured. Identify issues the integration should address, such as order processing delays or inventory discrepancies.
2. Choose the Right Integration Method
There are several approaches to connecting Epicor BigCommerce with Epicor Kinetic. Some companies opt for middleware solutions or custom API-based integrations, while others use pre-built connectors. Consider your company’s size, budget, and technical expertise. Middleware (e.g., Dell Boomi, Celigo) offers flexible data orchestration. Custom API integrations offer customized solutions but require development resources. Pre-built connectors accelerate the implementation of standard workflows.
3. Choose Data Accuracy and Reliability
Synchronization between Epicor BigCommerce and Epicor Kinetic is built on data quality. Set up automated validation rules to check incoming data, handle exceptions efficiently, and maintain audit logs to track changes. Regularly testing your data flows ensures seamless integration as your business grows.
4. Implement Real-Time or Near-Real-Time Synchronization
In e-commerce, time is of the essence. Use real-time data synchronization whenever possible to update inventory levels and ensure a continuous flow of orders. This reduces the risk of overselling and increases customer satisfaction.
5. Adapt the Integration to Your Business Model
Not all businesses have the same needs. Leverage the flexibility of Epicor Kinetic ERP modules and Epicor BigCommerce APIs to customize your workflows. For example, if you handle complex manufacturing processes, ensure that production schedules and raw material inventories reflect availability in your store.
6. Team Training and Performance Monitoring
No integration is complete without human adoption. Train your sales, inventory management, and customer service teams on how the integrated system works. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order fulfillment time, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction to monitor post-integration performance.
Summary
Scaling an e-commerce business requires not only expanding your customer base but also building robust and efficient systems. Integrating Epicor BigCommerce with Epicor Kinetic ERP is a strategic move that enables companies to automate workflows, improve accuracy, and deliver an exceptional shopping experience. By following these best practices, companies can fully leverage the potential of both platforms and prepare for successful scaling in the competitive e-commerce environment. Whether you’re optimizing current processes or preparing for rapid growth, a well-executed integration of Epicor BigCommerce and Epicor Kinetic lays the foundation for sustainable success.
Are you ready to scale your e-commerce business with Epicor BigCommerce and Epicor Kinetic? Start by assessing your needs and working with integration specialists who know both platforms inside and out. The future of commerce is integrated—and it’s time to harness its potential.