NetSuite ERP to eCommerce Integration: The Complete Guide for Manufacturers and Distributors
3 min read ● Silk Team
Digital commerce is rapidly changing the way manufacturers and distributors’ customers find, compare, and buy products. Customers are expecting the same digital convenience and ease of use in B2B commerce as they do in B2C commerce. As a result, they expect easy access to accurate product information; up-to-date, real-time inventory availability; competitive, consistent pricing; and rapid, convenient order fulfillment when making purchases online.
For most organizations, creating this level of digital efficiency will take more than just opening an online storefront. Organizations will have to connect the storefront to their operational systems (i.e., product management, pricing management, customer management, and order management). The connection of these two systems will be achieved using a NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration.
Once connected, both the eCommerce storefront and NetSuite ERP will function as one system where data will flow automatically between them. The NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration will eliminate manual data entry and improve data accuracy, enabling organizations to scale their digital commerce operations confidently.
This white paper provides detailed information about how NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration works, the importance of NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration for manufacturers and distributors, and how to effectively implement a NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration strategy.
What Is NetSuite ERP to eCommerce Integration?
NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration is the process of connecting an organization’s eCommerce storefront to its NetSuite ERP system so that the two systems will automatically share data.
When the two systems are properly connected, the eCommerce storefront and NetSuite ERP will display the same current operational data at the same time. Any changes made in either system will be reflected in the other system, so that both systems will always reflect the most current and consistent data possible.
NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration connects many of the key operational systems involved in digital commerce operations.
Types of Data Synchronized Between NetSuite and eCommerce Platforms
The typical NetSuite eCommerce integration synchronizes the following types of data:
- Product catalog(s) and product specifications
- Inventory quantities available across warehouse locations
- Customer-specific pricing (e.g., contract pricing, price groupings, etc.)
- Customer accounts and account hierarchies (e.g., dealer networks)
- Order processing and fulfillment updates
- Shipping status and shipping tracking information
- Financial reporting and revenue data
Connecting these data points creates a single commerce environment where operational systems and digital sales channels can work together seamlessly.
Why Is NetSuite ERP Integration Important for Manufacturers and Distributors?
Manufacturers and distributors typically operate complex business models that include inventory spread across multiple locations, complex pricing models (contract pricing, etc.), dealer networks, and/or customized order processing workflows. Managing these operational complexities becomes even more complicated when there are no connections between an organization’s eCommerce storefront and NetSuite ERP system.
Without integration, organizations typically rely on manual processes to transfer information from their ERP systems to their eCommerce storefronts. These manual processes are prone to errors, can slow down order fulfillment, and create inefficient processes within organizations that can negatively affect both internal teams and customers.
Common Issues Created by Separate Systems
Separate systems, without integration, commonly cause problems for organizations such as:
- Manually entering orders between systems
- Inventory discrepancies between warehouse locations and the eCommerce storefront
- Non-uniform pricing across different sales channels
- Slowdowns in order processing and fulfillment
- Limited ability to see operational performance metrics
These issues can create inefficiencies internally, but can also negatively affect the customer experience. If customers find that inventory levels are wrong, prices are inconsistent, or orders are being delayed, they can lose faith in the brand.
NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration will address these operational disconnects by automatically sharing information between the systems.
Benefits of NetSuite ERP to eCommerce Integration
Real-Time Inventory Information
Accurate inventory is a requirement for successful B2B and B2C commerce operations. The integration will allow inventory levels stored in NetSuite to be synchronized with the eCommerce storefront in real time or nearly real time.
This ensures that customers will always see the most accurate inventory availability when searching or purchasing products online.
Automated Order Processing
Once the integration has been completed, orders submitted via the eCommerce storefront will be automatically sent to NetSuite. Manual entry of orders will be eliminated and the likelihood of errors occurring during order processing will be reduced.
Automating order processing will enable organizations to focus on fulfilling orders and servicing customers instead of manually processing orders.
Standardized Pricing and Customer Data
Manufacturers and distributors typically utilize complex pricing structures, including contract pricing, pricing based on customer classification, and tiered pricing.
By integrating the NetSuite ERP with the eCommerce platform, these pricing structures can be synchronized across both systems, ensuring that customers will always receive the correct pricing when submitting orders online.
Timely and Accurate Financial Reporting
Because orders and revenue data automatically enter into NetSuite, finance teams will have more accurate and timely insights regarding organizational performance. Forecasts will be more accurate, financial reports will be more accurate, and the organization will be able to make better financial decisions.
Scaling Digital Commerce Operations
As organizations add more digital commerce channels, the NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration will ensure that the operational systems can handle larger volumes of orders without the added manual processes associated with adding digital commerce channels.
Creating a Unified Digital Commerce Environment
The NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration is foundational to the creation of a unified digital commerce environment. The integration of operational systems and digital storefronts will enable organizations to develop a single, unified digital commerce architecture that will support the organization’s internal operational needs and the customer experience.
For manufacturers and distributors transitioning to digital commerce, the integration of NetSuite ERP and the eCommerce platform will increase operational efficiency, improve the accuracy of data, and provide the scalability necessary to support continued growth in digital commerce operations.
Are You Ready to Link Your eCommerce Storefront to NetSuite?
Implementing a NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration involves planning and designing the architecture of the integration, including determining how data will be shared between systems, defining the order workflows between systems, and defining the pricing structure synchronization between systems.
An experienced integration partner can assist organizations in developing scalable NetSuite eCommerce integrations that connect operational systems to modern digital commerce platforms.
Silk Commerce assists manufacturers and distributors in designing and implementing scalable NetSuite eCommerce integrations that connect operational systems to modern digital commerce platforms.
Steps for Implementing a NetSuite ERP to eCommerce Integration
- Map Out Data Flow and Operational Workflows
The first step toward a seamless NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration is to map out how data will flow between systems and define the workflows required for order processing, inventory updates, and pricing synchronization.
A well-planned integration architecture minimizes the cost of adjusting workflows after implementation.
- Establish Data Ownership Rules
Establish clear data ownership rules for each system.
Examples include:
- NetSuite may own the inventory, pricing, and financial data
- The eCommerce platform may own the storefront content and customer interactions
Defining data ownership avoids potential data synchronization conflicts.
- Prioritize Real-Time Data Synchronization Where Necessary
Data does not need to be synchronized in real time for all data fields. However, in cases such as inventory availability and pricing, data accuracy and timeliness are mission critical and should be synchronized in real time or near real time.
- Design for Future Growth
Design your integration to accommodate future growth in product catalogs, order volume, and digital sales channels.
Organizations that plan for scalability will avoid costly system redesigns as their digital commerce operations expand.
- Identify NetSuite Integration Scenarios Relevant to Your Business Model
NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration can support a wide range of digital commerce models utilized by manufacturers and distributors.
Examples include:
- Manufacturers launching direct-to-consumer eCommerce channels
- Distributors building B2B self-service portals that provide customers with real-time pricing and inventory availability
- Multi-channel commerce operations that utilize NetSuite ERP to manage orders and inventory across all channels
- Creating a unified digital commerce architecture
A NetSuite ERP to eCommerce integration is a foundation of a modern digital commerce environment and enables manufacturers and distributors to efficiently and accurately operate their business, support the customer experience, and scale their digital commerce operations over time.