Reasons to Consider eCommerce EDI Integration
Undoubtedly, the internet has transformed how we shop, but it has also created challenges for vendors. However, eCommerce EDI Integration offers solutions. Online stores have provided an effective and inexpensive means for even a relatively small or niche business to extend its reach locally and internationally. In turn, the move to electronic trading has created the need for services to facilitate and secure online sales transactions.
Shopify and WooCommerce are among the most widely used options. The former is a subscription-based website builder that provides a user-friendly interface to simplify the process of accepting and managing online payments, but only in strict accordance with the service provider’s terms. WooCommerce is a free eCommerce plugin for WordPress sites and offers the advantage of extensive built-in analytics. However, by contrast, its open-source status allows more experienced vendors to create customised setups to meet their unique requirements.
Nevertheless, although each of these popular eCommerce products has the potential to streamline the online selling process, they do have one shortfall. They are not designed to manage the vendor’s accounting and business management requirements. Instead, details of each transaction must first either be captured manually or, with the aid of electronic data integration software , this can be achieved automatically.
The eCommerce EDI Integration Process – a Brief Explanation
Both products collect and store details of each online transaction. However, in each case, and even though WooCommerce enables extensive manipulation of the collected data, the accumulated information is accessible but remains stored in the cloud or on the host server. For accounting purposes, retrieving sales data and entering it manually into Sage , Quickbooks, or Xero would be time-consuming, with a significant risk of human error.
An electronic link capable of transferring data between the eCommerce platform and accounting or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is necessary to save time and eliminate mistakes. The good news is that the required link can now be achieved using FenyaEDI, a seamless plugin designed to bridge the gap between Shopify or WooCommerce and these essential business management applications.
The Specific Benefits of eCommerce EDI Integration
That electronic data interchange saves time and eliminates errors is a given. But, more specifically, what practical benefits does it offer an online sales business? Using the FenyaEDI plugin enables a user to sync several key business functions automatically and generally improve various aspects of customer service:
- Inventory Management : Continuous electronic data updating helps to keep a close watch on changing stock levels. These could even trigger automatic re-ordering when levels reach a pre-set figure, eliminating the risk of overstocking, stock shortages, back orders, and possible cancellations by frustrated buyers.
- Faster Fulfilment: The real-time exchange of sales data enables the quick and efficient order processing essential to ensure meeting promised delivery dates.
- Improved Customer Relations: Having crucial sales data at one’s fingertips helps improve communications. Order confirmations, shipping details and updated information about deliveries can be generated and delivered timeously, helping to promote consumer confidence.
Assistance with eCommerce EDI Integration
FenySoft is a Johannesburg-based software development company specialising in automating business processes and electronic data interchange integration. We invite you to contact us to learn more about how we can help you improve and grow your eCommerce business through EDI integration.
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