How Business Central–BigCommerce Integration Powers Scalable B2B eCommerce
3 min read ● Silk Team
As B2B purchasing continues to shift toward the digital-first model, buyers will continue to look for the same ease-of-use that they have experienced in consumer eCommerce (i.e., online ordering, real time product availability, transparency in pricing, and rapid fulfillment). However, delivering this experience to manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors requires more than simply providing an online storefront – it requires the use of a connected technology architecture that links eCommerce platforms to the company’s core business systems.
By linking Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to BigCommerce, companies will be able to create a scalable B2B eCommerce infrastructure, allowing orders, inventory, pricing, and financial data to flow between systems seamlessly.
This link will enable organizations to update their sales processes while retaining operational control over their ERP environment.
Understanding the Role of ERP in B2B E-commerce
Transactions in B2B environments tend to be more complex than those encountered in eCommerce. In addition to managing product catalogs, B2B organizations must also manage customer-specific pricing; bulk orders; contract pricing agreements; multi-warehouse inventory; and complex fulfillment processes. These activities are generally performed within an ERP system, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
While ERP systems perform well in regards to handling back-end operational tasks, they do not have the capability to provide the customer-facing online purchasing experience that today’s buyers expect.
That is where BigCommerce comes into play. BigCommerce provides a flexible eCommerce storefront, which is supported by Business Central’s operational capabilities.
What Business Central–BigCommerce Integration Offers
Business Central–BigCommerce integration enables the two systems to communicate with one another via a connection that synchronizes critical business data.
Key Data Synchronization Includes:
- Product catalogs and SKUs
- Inventory availability
- Customer accounts
- Pricing structures
- Sales orders
- Shipping and fulfillment updates
With integration in place, both systems will continue to operate in unison and ensure operational consistency throughout the commerce ecosystem.
Components of a Scalable B2B E-commerce Architecture
In order to support operational complexity and growth, B2B businesses will require a scalable eCommerce architecture that incorporates eCommerce functionality with core operational systems.
Business Central–BigCommerce integration serves as a basis for creating this type of architecture.
1. Real-time Inventory Synchronization
Inventory visibility is critical in B2B commerce due to the fact that buyers often purchase products in large quantities and rely upon accurate availability data.
Integration enables inventory that resides in Business Central to automatically populate the BigCommerce storefront.
This process allows for:
- Accurate product availability for customers
- Prevents overselling
- Improves inventory planning
- Multi-warehouse stock visibility
Customers are able to make informed purchasing decisions based upon reliable inventory data.
2. Automated Order Processing
Once a buyer has placed an order on BigCommerce, the integration will send the order to Business Central.
Business Central will then manage the operational workflow of the order, including:
- Creating a sales order
- Updating inventory levels
- Initiating warehouse fulfillment
- Generating invoices
- Updating shipment status
Automated order processing significantly decreases the amount of manual order entry required and greatly expedites the order processing timeline.
3. Customer-Specific Pricing Management
Many B2B organizations require various flexible pricing models, including:
- Contract pricing
- Tiered pricing
- Volume discounts
- Group pricing for customers
Business Central will manage pricing structures (including the ones mentioned above) within the ERP system and synchronize them with BigCommerce.
This will ensure that customers are viewing the proper pricing when logging into their purchasing account.
4. Product Catalog Synchronization
Manufacturers and distributors commonly manage extensive product catalogs with numerous product variants.
Integration allows product data stored in Business Central to automatically sync with BigCommerce, including:
- Product descriptions
- Product SKUs and variants
- Product categories
- Price updates
Synchronizing product data enables centralization of product management and minimizes inconsistencies and catalog maintenance.
5. Financial Data Integration
Sales transactions created through BigCommerce will be captured in Business Central’s financial system.
This will provide finance teams with real-time insight into:
- Revenue performance
- Accounts Receivable
- Tax calculations
- Financial reporting
Capturing financial transactions automatically will improve financial accuracy and decrease reconciliation efforts.
Benefits of Integrating Business Central and BigCommerce
There are many strategic benefits for B2B organizations resulting from integrating Business Central and BigCommerce.
Operational Efficiency
Automation removes manual data entry and streamlines workflows for sales, finance, and warehouse functions.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Buyers will be able to utilize a self-service purchasing portal with up-to-date product information, pricing, and order tracking.
A Scalable Commerce Infrastructure
Integrated systems will be able to grow with increasing volume of orders without requiring substantial operational adjustments.
This scalability is necessary for companies growing into new markets or expanding into additional online channels.
Common Data Source Across Departments
Both departments will be operating from the same source of truth with the ability to collaborate and make better-informed decisions.
Methods of Creating Integration
There are several methods to integrate Business Central with BigCommerce.
Native Connectors
Native connector solutions are available to facilitate integration and provide pre-built connectors for ERP-eCommerce synchronization.
Middleware Integration Platforms
Middleware platforms serve as a middleman between systems, enabling API communication, data mapping, and workflow automation.
API Custom Development
Organizations with highly customized workflows may opt to develop custom integrations utilizing APIs to offer greater flexibility.
Conclusion
As more and more B2B buyers begin to look for digital purchasing options, B2B organizations will need to evolve their commerce infrastructure.
By combining a robust ERP system with a flexible eCommerce platform via the Business Central-BigCommerce integration, B2B organizations will be able to create a scalable architecture that automates order processing, accurately manages inventory, and centrally controls pricing.
For manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors seeking digital transformation, Business Central-BigCommerce integration offers the technological foundation needed to deliver modern B2B eCommerce operations and long-term growth.