Faced with growing market competition, integrating your ERP and an e-commerce solution is one of the keys necessary to improve the competitiveness of your business. With the continuous development of business models, a wide variety of information technology is emerging. The current development characterized by electronic commerce is accelerating the globalization of the economy.
Today, a large part of ERP systems operate independently of external e-commerce systems. However, integration is one of the most important questions for the development of the company. This article first analyzes the relationship between ERP and electronic commerce, then analyzes the need and the feasibility of integration. A good way to present the many advantages of our 100% integrated e-Business solution .
The relationship between ERP and e-Commerce
ERP is the company's internal resource management system . In many cases, it includes:
- customer relationship management (CRM),
- billing,
- control and follow-up of orders,
- supply of raw materials,
- supply chain and inventory management,
- accounting management,
- and other modules.
The ecommerce manages external resources of the company. Its performance is linked to its business partners, online sales, brand development and other business issues. It involves CRM and supply chain management.
In this context, it is clear that the decision-making capacity provided by the availability of information in real time is strategic. Consequently, and in the interest of this automatic and constant update, the integration between ERP and eCommerce means that any modification made to one or the other of the two applications is immediately reflected in the two systems, so that everyone can function accordingly.
Why integrate your e-commerce with your ERP
The integration of ERP Accounting Software solutions in Dubai and e-commerce platforms will optimize the management of accounting, treasury and, of course, the commercial part, throughout the term, namely inventory control, supplier management, sales, warehouse optimization, logistics, etc.
The integration of the two systems will increase the efficiency of the processes for various reasons such as:
It prevents the loss of information.
It automates different functions in a single application, minimizing duplication of tasks and information, reducing the margin of error and shortening the time spent on low value tasks.
It allows the free flow of information . For the virtual store to work, it is important to allow the flow of information in both directions, ie from ERP to electronic commerce and vice versa. In order to streamline all processes and facilitate decision-making, the two systems must be able to exchange data smoothly on stock availability, promotions, prices, delivery terms, etc.
It will facilitate automation . Automation saves time for other valuable tasks, on the one hand, and avoids mistakes, on the other. The use of a spreadsheet in which you regularly enter data manually is undoubtedly a source of errors in the short, medium and long term. Automation therefore generates a higher level of confidence in the data.
It allows better management of customer relations . Even in online stores, the customer remains the first. That's why when we talk about ERP and e-commerce integration, we immediately think of the benefits of customer service. In this sense, if the organization has controlled all aspects related to supplier management, for example, will be able to offer better prices, promotions and delivery conditions to the customer. Why ? Quite simply because if you control your costs, you will be able to sell with greater discounts or increase your margins.
The feasibility of integrating ERP and electronic commerce
The transparent interaction between ERP and e-commerce leads to the reorganization of business processes, but also requires that the ERP and e-commerce application software be designed for integration. The integration of ERP and electronic commerce is presented as a new competition in the market, so that integrated management has an impact on the competitiveness of the company.
Perhaps your company uses two complex systems which are generally developed by different suppliers and therefore are not necessarily compatible.
In this case it will be necessary to use technologies which will allow them to communicate for
facilitate message routing, decoupling systems and perhaps the most complex, orchestration or coordination of multiple services.
With an integrated system from its conception, you benefit from an optimization of your resources and costs while reducing the risks inherent in communication systems.
The e-Business solution implemented by Integral is the ultimate example of total integration between your ERP and your online store.
What does ERP and ecommerce integration involve
For better integration, the following strategies should be considered.
Organic integration of software modules
In the case of ERP, priority should be given to the customer, sales, production, marketing, inventory and financial modules, which are linked to logistics and capital flows.
In the case of e-commerce, priorities must be set in modules that manage the website, sales, purchases and online payments.
Integration of orders and invoices
Due to the recording of this information, orders and invoices generated in electronic commerce must be integrated into the ERP
Product integration
It is common that the information we view on a product comes from different data sources and is enriched for electronic commerce. The integration, upload and publication process needs to be very refined and as automated as possible.
Usually, this integration is asynchronous and unidirectional: data travels periodically from ERP to e-commerce, with integration, they are enriched.
Integration of prices and promotions
Information on prices and the calculation of promotions can be done in the context of electronic commerce or reside in the ERP system or other. Depending on the case and the amount of information you use, different integration techniques will have to be applied.
In the case of complex pricing models, as in a B2B model, the pricing logic resides in the ERP and electronic commerce consults this information synchronously, whereas in a B2C model it is normal for this integration to be asynchronous.
Stock integration
A fundamental aspect is the synchronization of inventory or stock between the two platforms. It is advisable to do this naturally in the ERP, while electronic commerce reads it from time to time, depending on the volume of information and the order.
Organizational innovation, optimization and reorganization of services
The integration of ERP and electronic commerce requires the coordination of operations throughout the organization. The company must continue to improve existing business models, adjust its structures and change its traditional mode of operation. Any change in the economic model has an impact on the architecture of electronic commerce, which leads to a continuous adjustment of the structure.
Conclusion
The integration between ERP and electronic commerce platforms serves, expressed in a very simple way, to increase sales and reduce costs. This is made possible by reducing the error rate by automating tasks, unique data and two-way exchange of information and, in general, optimizing the processes associated with the activity of the online store. Herself.
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The integration between ERP and electronic commerce platforms serves, expressed in a very simple way, to increase sales and reduce costs. This is made possible by reducing the error rate by automating tasks, unique data and two-way exchange of information and, in general, optimizing the processes associated with the activity of the online store. Herself.
Related Post: 4 simple steps to choose your accounting software
