How to Choose a Sage 100 Online Store Connector

Many businesses choose to connect their online store to Sage 100 to eliminate repetitive data entry, improve order processing, and keep important business information synchronized between their ERP and eCommerce platform.

Not every Sage 100 online store connector works the same way or provides the exact same functionality. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right Sage 100 eCommerce connector for your business.

Some connectors provide basic data transfers, while others support bidirectional synchronization, real-time updates, and customized workflows. The best connector for your business is the one that fits your needs and is poised to grow with you.

Here’s what to consider when evaluating a Sage 100 online store connector.

Contact us today to build a customized integration that fits your workflows and needs.

Key Takeaways

• A Sage 100 online store connector automatically connects your ERP with your eCommerce platform and synchronizes important business data.
• The right connector should support the data your business needs to exchange, including products, inventory, pricing, customers, orders, payments, and shipping information.
• Bidirectional synchronization allows data to move between Sage 100 and your online store, reducing duplicate data entry and keeping information consistent.
• When comparing connectors, look at eCommerce platform compatibility, synchronization capabilities, customization, scalability, and error handling.
• A connector should support your existing business processes rather than require you to change how you manage orders, inventory, pricing, and fulfillment.
• Choosing a Sage 100 online store connector that can adapt to changing business and eCommerce requirements can help you avoid replacing your integration as your business grows.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Sage 100 Online Store Connector?
2. How Does a Sage 100 Online Store Connector Work?
3. What Data Can a Sage 100 Online Store Connector Sync?
4. Which eCommerce Platforms Work With Sage 100?
5. What Features Should You Look for in a Sage 100 Online Store Connector?
6. How to Choose the Right Sage 100 Online Store Connector
7. Contact Us
8. Sage 100 Online Store Connector FAQs

What Is a Sage 100 Online Store Connector?

A Sage 100 online store connector connects Sage 100 and an eCommerce platform, allowing information to move between the two systems automatically without the need for manual input. Critical business data, including pricing, products, inventory, and more, remains synchronized and consistent between core business platforms.

This creates a connected workflow between your ERP and online store.

How Does a Sage 100 Online Store Connector Work?

A Sage 100 online store connector typically uses middleware and APIs to connect your ERP and eCommerce platform. Information moves between these platforms based on pre-existing rules established by your business.

For example, some of our clients need their Sage 100 eCommerce connector to synchronize payment data, while others don’t. Only the customers that need it will receive this functionality, meaning our clients aren’t stuck paying for functionality they don’t use. With E-Link, when a customer places an order online, the order automatically syncs into Sage 100 for processing. Inventory stored in Sage will automatically update and synchronize back into the online store, ensuring inventory remains consistent and accurate. Shipping and tracking information will be visible in the online storefront.

What Data Can a Sage 100 Online Store Connector Sync?

While many Sage 100 online store connectors provide broadly similar functionality, they don’t all operate the same way. It’s important to make sure that your Sage connector offers the functionality and data connection points you need.

Some of the most common Sage 100 eCommerce integration data connection points include:

• Product information
• Inventory
• Pricing
• Customer information
• Orders and order history
• Payments and transactions
• Shipping and tracking information

The specific data connection points you need depend on how your business operates.  A distributor with customer-specific pricing and multiple inventory locations has very different requirements than a small retailer selling a limited product catalog.

Before choosing a connector, identify which information needs to sync between Sage 100 and your online store. This helps ensure that your Sage 100 and eCommerce connector provides the functionality necessary to help your business grow.

Which eCommerce Platforms Work With Sage 100?

As we previously mentioned, many Sage 100 online store connectors provide slightly different functionality. That includes which eCommerce platforms they connect with.

CertiPro’s E-Link Sage 100 eCommerce integration connects with some of the most popular eCommerce platforms around the world, including Shopify, Shopify Plus, Magento Open Source, Adobe Commerce, and WooCommerce. In some cases, it may be necessary to migrate to a new eCommerce platform to get the functionality you need.

What Features Should You Look for in a Sage 100 Online Store Connector?

When comparing different synchronization tools, consider how well each connector can handle your unique data and workflows.

Bidirectional Data Synchronization

The most versatile Sage 100 online store connectors provide bi-directional, or two-way, syncing functionality. It’s the best way to ensure that data remains consistent across your core business platforms.

Automated Order Processing

A connector automatically transfers orders from your online store into the ERP, reducing manual data entry. This accelerates order fulfillment and provides a better customer experience.

Inventory and Pricing Synchronization

Accurate inventory and pricing are critical for online sales, particularly for B2B companies with complex pricing rules. A Sage 100 connector should synchronize inventory and pricing information between Sage 100 and your eCommerce platform according to your business rules.

This is particularly important for businesses that manage large product catalogs, multiple inventory sources, or customer-specific pricing.

Customization for Your Business Processes

It’s important to go with a connector that’s flexible enough to accommodate your specific needs, potentially including customized data mapping or workflows. A connector that can be configured or customized around your business processes gives you more flexibility than one that only supports predefined data exchanges.

Scalability and Ongoing Support

Go with a solution that supports your needs today and tomorrow. An integration should provide increased scalability, fueling growth without adding to the administrative burden. Consider whether the connector can handle increasing order volumes, larger product catalogs, and changing business requirements.

How to Choose the Right Sage 100 Online Store Connector

Here are some of the top considerations you should keep in mind while choosing a Sage 100 online store connector. Following these Sage 100 connector best practices will help ensure you get the solution your business needs.

Define Your Integration Requirements

Start by defining your integration requirements, including what’s currently working, what isn’t, and what data and processes you need to connect between Sage 100 and your online store.

Consider Your Existing Platform

Evaluate the capabilities of your existing Sage 100 application and eCommerce store, including their integration capabilities. You might need to update your existing systems or even migrate to a completely new eCommerce platform to get the functionality you need.

Consider Long-Term Support

Your integration needs may change as your business grows. Go with an integration partner who provides ongoing customization and support, and a solution that can support higher order volumes and new business requirements.

Contact CertiPro to discuss your Sage 100 and eCommerce integration requirements and see what our highly customizable and flexible E-Link integration tool can do for your business.

Contact Us

Sage 100 Online Store Connector FAQs

What eCommerce platforms can connect to Sage 100?

Sage 100 can connect with eCommerce platforms including Shopify, Shopify Plus, Magento Open Source, Adobe Commerce, and WooCommerce. The specific functionality available depends on the connector being used.

Can a Sage 100 online store connector sync inventory?

A Sage 100 online store connector synchronizes inventory information between Sage 100 and an eCommerce platform, keeping online inventory information current as products are sold and inventory changes.

Can Sage 100 and an online store share customer-specific pricing?

Some connectors support customer-specific pricing and other customized pricing structures. If your business uses different prices for different customers or customer groups, verify that the connector supports those pricing rules before choosing a solution.

Does a Sage 100 online store connector support two-way synchronization?

Some connectors provide bidirectional synchronization, allowing information to move between Sage 100 and the online store. This can be useful when Sage 100 manages information such as inventory and pricing while the eCommerce platform captures online orders and customer information.

How do I choose a Sage 100 online store connector?

Consider your eCommerce platform, required data connection points, synchronization requirements, business rules, customization needs, expected growth, and the provider’s Sage 100 and eCommerce experience. The best connector is one that supports the way your business actually operates.