ERP Integration

An ERP integration connects the store to the enterprise resource planning system so that products, inventory, prices and orders sync automatically between the two.

In many retail businesses, the ERP system (e.g. SAP, weclapp, Xentral or JTL) is the source of truth for product master data, prices, inventory and order processing. An ERP integration ensures Shopify receives this data automatically while orders, customer data and fulfillment status flow back the other way.

The central architectural question is data ownership: which system owns which data? Typically the ERP owns master data, prices and inventory, while Shopify adds content, media and storefront-facing data such as metafields. Unclear ownership leads to sync conflicts and inconsistent data.

Technically, integrations run through off-the-shelf connectors, middleware platforms or custom builds against the Shopify Admin API. In migrations, the ERP connection is almost always the critical path: field mappings, SKU logic, tax rates and edge cases like bundles or B2B pricing should be specified early.

System integration

Frequently asked questions about ERP Integration

Which ERP systems can be connected to Shopify?

Practically all major ones: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, weclapp, Xentral, JTL, Odoo and many more, via off-the-shelf connectors, middleware or a custom API integration, depending on the system.

What is the most common mistake in ERP integrations?

Unclear data ownership: if it is not clearly defined which system owns which fields, systems overwrite each other's data. A field mapping with clear responsibilities belongs at the start of every integration project.

Related terms

PIM (Product Information Management)
A PIM system manages product information centrally in one place and distributes it to all channels: store, marketplaces, catalogs and feeds.
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Store Migration
A store migration is the move of an online store to a new platform, from Shopware, Magento or WooCommerce to Shopify, for example, including data, design and integrations.
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SKU
The SKU (stock keeping unit) is the unique article number of a product variant and the central key for inventory, ERP, fulfillment and reporting.
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B2B Commerce
B2B commerce is digital trade between businesses, with requirements such as customer-specific price lists, net pricing, volume tiers and payment on invoice.
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