Consejos útiles para integrar el ERP en el comercio electrónico

¿Cuáles son los primeros pasos que hay que dar para planificar con éxito una estrategia de integración?

Comprenda los requisitos de su empresa:

• Identify the specific goals and objectives of integrating ERP and e-commerce systems.
• Definir las funcionalidades clave y los datos que deben sincronizarse entre los sistemas.

Elige sistemas compatibles:

• Select an ERP system that supports integration with e-commerce platforms, such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Oracle, etc.
• Ensure the e-commerce platform has APIs or connectors available for ERP integration.

Planificar el proceso de integración:

• Defina una hoja de ruta de integración clara, que incluya plazos e hitos.
• Determinar los recursos y conocimientos necesarios para una integración satisfactoria. Esto puede hacerse con talento interno o con un socio de integración externo, como una agencia digital.

Elija una estrategia de integración:

Antes de iniciar el camino de la integración, una agencia u otro recurso externo puede asesorarle sobre qué tipo de estrategia de integración se adapta mejor a su proyecto. Existen tres estrategias de integración comúnmente conocidas:

a. Point-to-point integration that establishes direct connections between the ERP and e-commerce platforms using APIs or connectors. This type of integration strategy is suitable for smaller-scale integrations but can become complex to maintain as systems grow.

b. Middleware integration with an iPaaS that acts as a central hub, simplifying the integration and empowering the scalability of your IT ecosystem.

c. Hybrid integration that combines point-to-point and middleware approaches for different integration requirements, generally using point-to-point integration for specific data flows and middleware for complex or high-volume integrations.

¿Cuál es la estrategia de integración más popular entre las empresas?

The most commonly used among the three is a middleware integration done via an iPaaS.

An iPaaS is a cloud-based integration platform that enables companies to connect any two or more systems, SaaS solutions, cloud applications, or data sources from one central hub.

As such, if you are looking to scale your integrations and build an IT ecosystem made up of different systems, an iPaaS is the best fit, and the most future-proof option. Some businesses opt for point-to-point integrations done via manual code, but aren’t aware of the inherent obstacles:

• Lleva mucho tiempo: La integración de código personalizado puede ser un proceso largo, ya que los desarrolladores deben escribir código desde cero y it a fondo para asegurarse de it funciona correctamente.
• Mantenimiento: Las integraciones de código personalizado requieren un mantenimiento y una asistencia continuos, lo que puede resultar extremadamente costoso y llevar mucho tiempo.
• Deterioro de la escalabilidad: Las integraciones de código personalizado pueden ser difíciles de escalar. A menudo requieren importantes recursos de desarrollo para añadir nuevas características o funcionalidades, especialmente en el panorama digital actual, que evoluciona a un ritmo vertiginoso.

¿Le interesa simplemente construir una integración de A a B o crear un ecosistema preparado para el futuro?

More than likely, your primary goal is to integrate software A (ERP) to software B (e-commerce). As this is your business question, your integration will likely be based on an integration built with custom code or using a so-called plugin.

This type of approach works best when you have no more than two applications to integrate. If you are confident in your team’s technical knowledge, this could work for you. However, we always recommend that you agree on the code and have robust discussions regarding how the integration will function.  
Reasons not to use custom code or a plugin when integrating your ERP but an iPaaS solution are:  

• When you want to re-use the data from your ERP to connect to other software, custom code would not be the way to go.
• Custom code integrations often take more time to build than using middleware iPaaS tooling.
• Para las integraciones de misión crítica, necesitaría protocolos de supervisión personalizados, que pueden resultar caros. La gestión de errores y el registro suelen ser mínimos y básicos, lo que impide recuperar los datos sin reconstruir manualmente la integración.
• Adding new or changing existing software in your IT landscape requires a big project and a significant process.
• You’ll need extra data routes at some point to integrate new technologies like marketing automation software, AI, and machine learning tooling. And relying on custom code to sustain those integrations is unsustainable for your IT landscape.

¿Qué estrategia de integración elegir?

The choice between custom code and iPaaS integration relies on various factors, including the complexity of the integration undertaking, the level of customization required, and the overall costs in the long run.

Custom code integration can provide the desired level of customization for smaller projects, but it can be time-consuming, expensive, and challenging to scale and modify. Consequently, what initially seemed like a straightforward project often ends up being more intricate and costly than anticipated.

On the other hand, an iPaaS solution like Alumio offers advantages such as speed, scalability, security, user-friendliness, and exceptional flexibility. However, it may not fully meet the specific requirements of your business and can be costly in the long term for smaller-scale integration projects. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on your business priorities, objectives, and budget.

Want to discover all the advantages and disadvantages of an iPaaS vs Custom Code? Read our comparative study and learn all there is to know about both approaches!

Are you ready to embark on your integration journey? Get in touch with one of our specialists and successfully integrate your ERP to your E-commerce system.

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