Integrating Shopify with Business Central: Key Elements of the Embedded Connector
Integrating Shopify with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides businesses with a seamless way to unify e-commerce and back-office operations.
The built-in Shopify Connector ensures real-time synchronisation of data, reducing manual tasks and improving operational efficiency.
A Brief History of the Shopify Connector in Business Central
Microsoft introduced the Shopify Connector as a native integration in 2021 as part of its commitment to enhancing e-commerce capabilities within Business Central.
The goal was to provide small and medium-sized businesses with a seamless way to manage sales, inventory, and customer data without relying on third-party solutions.
By embedding this connector directly into Business Central, Microsoft aimed to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and support businesses in scaling their online operations.
Related Article: Installing Shopify Connector in BC
Key Elements of the Embedded Shopify Integration with Business Central
1. Native, Pre-Built Connector
Unlike third-party integrations, the Shopify Connector is natively embedded within Business Central. This means:
- No additional apps or middleware are required.
- The setup is directly accessible in Business Central under the Shopify Connector page.
- Businesses can connect one or more Shopify stores to Business Central without extra licensing or costs beyond standard Business Central licensing.
2. Bi-Directional Product Synchronisation
- Item Management: Businesses can choose to manage products in Business Central and push updates to Shopify or vice versa.
- Product Images: Product images are automatically synchronised, ensuring brand consistency across platforms.
3. Real-Time Inventory Level Synchronisation
- Automatically updates inventory across both systems to prevent overselling.
- Helps businesses keep track of stock levels in real-time without manual adjustments.
4. Customer Data Synchronisation
- Automatically syncs customer data between Shopify and Business Central.
- Captures new customer accounts, guest checkouts, billing/shipping addresses, and updates them across both platforms.
5. Automated Order Processing
- Shopify orders flow directly into Business Central as sales orders.
- Fulfillment details, including shipment tracking numbers, sync back to Shopify to keep customers informed.
6. Price and Tax Synchronisation
- Businesses can set pricing in Business Central and sync it to Shopify.
- Choose whether Shopify or Business Central handles tax calculations based on business needs.
7. Multi-Store Support
- Businesses can connect multiple Shopify stores to a single Business Central instance, allowing them to manage all e-commerce operations from one platform.
8. Financial Integration
- Sales invoices are automatically generated in Business Central.
- Payment statuses sync between Shopify and Business Central, ensuring financial accuracy and streamlined reconciliation.
9. Refund Processing
- Supports bi-directional refund synchronisation for full or partial refunds.
- Keeps financial records updated without manual intervention.
10. Simple and Fast Setup
- Businesses can activate the Shopify Connector directly within Business Central, eliminating the need for external installations.
- Configuration involves entering the Shopify store URL, setting up synchronisation preferences, and enabling automation.
Final Thoughts
With the Shopify Connector natively embedded in Business Central, businesses gain a reliable, efficient, and automated solution for managing their e-commerce and ERP operations.
By reducing manual processes, improving data accuracy, and streamlining order fulfillment, this integration helps businesses scale effectively while maintaining a seamless customer experience.
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