NetSuite Shopify Connector: A Streamlined Solution for eCommerce Integration

Effective integration between eCommerce platforms and ERP systems is key to managing a seamless operational flow. The NetSuite Connector offers a direct link between different eCommerce storefronts and NetSuite, reducing manual tasks, automating data transfer, and enhancing the accuracy of customer and order information in your ERP system.

Our Use Case: On Air

At On Air, we implemented the NetSuite Connector to link their Shopify environment to NetSuite. As a streaming service provider, On Air sells tickets directly to consumers via their Shopify store. With the use of the Connector, they now have an almost real-time sync between the order data from Shopify to NetSuite, allowing them to retrieve accurate reports and analysis in NetSuite. 

Key benefits

• Real-Time Order Management: The NetSuite Connector syncs order data from Shopify to NetSuite almost real time, enabling On Air to instantly access sales information. This integration allows On Air to perform detailed sales analysis based on events and other custom segments.

• Cost-Efficiency Without Middleware: The NetSuite Connector eliminates the need for third-party middleware, offering a direct integration solution between NetSuite and Shopify. By removing the cost of middleware, On Air saves both time and money. Since the connector is managed by NetSuite, On Air doesn't need to dedicate internal or external IT resources to maintaining the integration.

• Enhanced Financial Control: By integrating Shopify with NetSuite, all sales and refunds are automatically imported, keeping NetSuite as the single source of truth for their financial data. With the sales data in NetSuite, On Air can automate their bank reconciliation process on a weekly basis, based on their Shopify payouts, allowing them to gain detailed control over their financial operations.

Limitations and Challenges

• Limited Custom Mapping Capabilities: The connector is well-suited for standard transaction data but has limited flexibility for custom field mappings. This functionality is sufficient for On Air at this stage, but businesses needing advanced customization or additional data fields may find middleware solutions more effective.

• Data Alignment and Error handling: To avoid errors during operation, it is essential that items and custom segments are synchronized across systems. The connector supports item sync from NetSuite to Shopify, but not vice versa. This requires On Air to manually upload CSV files to keep items in sync—a step we would like to see changed in the future.

To conclude, the NetSuite Shopify Connector has proven to be an efficient tool for On Air, automating data sync and between their Shopify storefront and NetSuite, making it an invaluable asset for scaling businesses. While it may have limitations around custom mapping and data alignment, understanding these challenges can help businesses like On Air determine whether the connector is the right fit or if middleware is required for advanced needs. And if you want first hand experience, don’t bother to reach out.