Acumatica ERP Ecommerce Integration: A Practical Guide for Scalable Growth
3 min read ● Silk Team
Running an eCommerce business with no ERP integration is like running two companies at the same time. The first company is the actual company that you own and run. The second company is the manual process of creating a spreadsheet every month to reconcile the orders from the first company with the financial data of the first company. The end result is delayed shipments, delayed orders, and bottlenecks in operations.
An eCommerce platform integrated with Acumatica provides an automated, single-system environment where all aspects of your business including orders, inventory, customers, and financials are always synchronized. Properly done, the integration will significantly reduce the manual effort required to manage your business, improve the accuracy of your data, and provide a strong base for future growth.
Here’s how to do it properly.
Why is it important to integrate your eCommerce platform with your Acumatica ERP?
Disjointed systems will limit your ability to grow. For example, if you start to see an increase in orders per day, the manual process of managing your orders will quickly become unsustainable.
A seamless integration will enable you to:
- Sync your inventory levels in real time to eliminate over-selling
- Automatically send orders to your ERP for fulfillment
- Have access to all of your financial data and reports within your ERP
- Store all of your customer information across both systems to avoid duplicating data and reducing errors
- Eliminate the human errors associated with entering the same piece of data multiple times
The biggest advantage of integrating your eCommerce platform with your ERP is clarity in your operation. Once the integration has been completed, your ERP will be the “System of Record” and your eCommerce platform will only need to focus on providing a great customer experience and generating sales.
Step 1: Define Your Integration Objectives
Before you begin to connect systems, define what you want your integration to achieve.
Ask Yourself:
- What types of data should be synced? (Inventory, pricing, orders, customers, shipping status, etc.)
- Will updates occur in real time or based on a schedule?
- Which system should be considered the source of truth for each type of data?
Typically:
- Inventory → ERP (as the master)
- Financials → ERP (as the master)
- Product Content → eCommerce Platform (as the master)
By establishing which system is the “master” for each type of data before you begin, you will avoid issues with conflicting data and data discrepancies.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Integration Method
There are three basic methods for integrating Acumatica ERP with eCommerce.
Native Connectors
Acumatica has native connectors available for platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce. These connectors are best suited for standard eCommerce workflows and are typically quicker to deploy.
Ideal for: Small to Mid-Sized eCommerce Businesses Looking for Quick Implementation with Minimal Customization.
Middleware Solutions
Integration platforms serve as bridges between systems to support customized workflows and syncing of multiple channels.
Best for: Businesses Selling Across Multiple Channels Including Marketplaces, Retail Stores, and B2B Channels.
Custom API Integration
Utilizing Acumatica’s REST API enables customized workflows and automation rules.
Best for: Complex Pricing Models, Subscription Commerce, and/or Uniquely Defined Fulfillment Processes.
Step 3: Carefully Map and Validate Your Data
Data Mapping Determines the Success of Your Integration. Please Be Sure to Pay Close Attention to the Following:
- SKUs
- Tax Configurations
- Pricing Tiers
- Matching Customer Accounts
- Shipping and Fulfillment Rules
Prior to Going Live:
- Test Your Sandbox Environment
- Simulate Peak Order Volumes
- Validate Accounting Entries
- Verify That Inventory Adjustments Are Accurate
Proper Testing Will Help Avoid Costly Disruptions.
Step 4: Automate High-Impact Workflows
Maximizing Your Return on Investment Requires Focusing on Automation of Those Areas Which Directly Reduce Manual Effort:
- Order Creation and Approval
- Inventory Updates Across Warehouses
- Tracking Notifications for Shipments
- Processing Returns and Refunds
- Reconciling Financials
Reducing Fulfillment Cycles Improves Customer Satisfaction.
Step 5: Monitor and Optimize
Integration Is Not a One-Time Project. It is Essential to Establish Ongoing Monitoring for:
- Sync Failures
- Data Mismatches
- Delays in Performance
- Workflows Designed to Handle Exceptions
Regular Audits Ensure Your Systems Continue to Scale Along With Your Business.
Final Thoughts
While Seamlessly Integrating Your Acumatica ERP with Your eCommerce Platform Represents More Than a Technical Upgrade—It Also Represents a Strategic Move Toward Operational Maturity.
With Proper Planning, Testing, and Automation, You Can:
- Enhance Accuracy in Your Data
- Decrease Time Required for Fulfillment of Orders
- Decrease Costs Associated with Operations
- Provide Real-Time Visibility into Performance
- Create a Scalable Foundation for Growth
When Your eCommerce Platform and ERP System Function Together, Your Business Becomes Faster, Stronger, and Better Equipped to Compete.
