An online shop without ERP connection is a data island. Orders must be transferred manually, stock levels don't match, prices deviate. The result: Errors, effort, unhappy customers. A professional ERP integration eliminates these problems - when implemented correctly.
Why ERP Integration Is Essential
The ERP system is the central source of truth for your company: Customer data, prices, inventory, orders - everything comes together here. When the online shop isn't connected, data silos emerge with all consequences:
- Stock deviations: Products sold that aren't in stock
- Price errors: Shop prices don't match ERP
- Double data maintenance: Products must be maintained in both systems
- Manual order transfer: Time-consuming and error-prone
- No real-time data: Delivery times and availability outdated
What Data Is Synchronized?
A complete ERP integration encompasses all relevant business data in both directions:
| Data Type | ERP → Shop | Shop → ERP |
|---|---|---|
| Products | Master data, prices, texts | — |
| Inventory | Stock quantities, availability | — |
| Prices | List, customer, tiered prices | — |
| Customers | Addresses, conditions | New registrations |
| Orders | Order status | New orders |
| Invoices | PDF documents | — |
SAP Business One Integration
SAP Business One is the leading ERP system in the German mid-market. Integration with Shopware or other shop systems requires solid know-how of both worlds.
SAP offers various APIs: DI-API for direct database access, Service Layer for REST-based communication, and B1if for complex integration scenarios.
Typical challenges with SAP integrations: Complex data models, strict validation rules, performance with large data volumes. Without experience with the SAP ecosystem, projects are doomed to fail.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Integration
Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers modern APIs and good integration options. The cloud-based architecture enables flexible connections but brings its own challenges:
- API limits and throttling to consider
- Webhook-based synchronization for real-time
- Azure Logic Apps for complex workflows
- Power Automate for simpler scenarios
Microsoft Dynamics NAV (now Business Central) can also be seamlessly connected with modern shop systems. Migration from on-premise to cloud requires adjustments to existing integrations.
The Architecture of a Robust Integration
A professional ERP integration is more than a simple data export/import. It must be robust, scalable, and maintainable:
Error Handling
Automatic retry, logging, alerting on problems
Performance
Batch processing, queue-based, async where possible
Monitoring
Dashboard for synchronization status and errors
Middleware: Yes or No?
For complex integration scenarios, a middleware solution can make sense. It decouples systems and enables more flexible adjustments.
For simple 1:1 integrations, a direct connection is often more efficient. Middleware pays off with multiple systems or very complex business logic.
Common Mistakes in ERP Integrations
From hundreds of integration projects, we know the typical pitfalls:
- Underestimated complexity: Data model mapping is more elaborate than thought
- Missing error handling: What happens when synchronization fails?
- No monitoring: Problems detected too late
- Performance ignored: Mass imports bring systems to a halt
- Unclear responsibilities: Who maintains what in which system?
The Project Flow of an Integration
A professional ERP integration follows a structured process:
- Requirements analysis: Which data, which direction, which frequency?
- Data model mapping: Assign fields between systems
- Architecture design: Conceive technical solution
- Development: Implement interface
- Testing: Intensive tests with real data
- Go-live: Gradual introduction
- Monitoring: Continuous surveillance
ERP integrations are business-critical. Errors lead to wrong stock levels, lost orders, and unhappy customers. This is not the place to cut corners.
Simple integrations are realized in 4-8 weeks. Complex scenarios with multiple systems and extensive business logic can take 3-6 months.
In most cases, not significantly. Shopware and other modern systems offer good APIs. Adjustments are more often needed on the ERP side.
Yes, modern integrations work event-based. Orders are immediately transmitted to ERP, inventory updated in seconds.
That depends heavily on complexity. A realistic budget for mid-sized shops is in the five-figure range. Contact us for an estimate.
Plan ERP Integration
We analyze your system landscape and develop a robust integration solution - for end-to-end processes without media breaks.
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