In the implementation of e-commerce, a major challenge and even a determinant in choosing a partner are integrations between existing systems. For operational efficiency, product information, pricing data, and inventory details should be obtained from the ERP system to the online store and, conversely, order information should flow the other way. Rich product information is available from the Product Information Management (PIM) system, and customer data should end up in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

Shopify can be integrated with other systems in multiple ways. Ready-made applications from the Shopify App Store allow for packaged solutions to transfer data. Integration platforms like Zapier, Make.com, or the Finnish Flashnode offer easily configurable interfaces between Shopify and many other systems. For more demanding setups, Shopify provides comprehensive API interfaces.

1. Ready-made applications (Shopify App Store)

Ready-made applications, or add-ons downloadable from the Shopify App Store, are often the first and easiest way to approach the implementation of connections. Countless ready-made apps are available for numerous systems and services widely used in Finland — Microsoft Business Central ERP, Netvisor, Akeneo PIM, Bynder, Konefutur — to name a few.

Benefits:

• Quick and easy: Implementation does not require weeks or months of development work

• Cost-effective: Costs are determined on an add-on basis.

• Maintenance: The developer of the application is responsible for maintenance and updates.

Considerations:

• Limited customisation: The functionality of add-ons is based on what the app developer has decided. Customisations are often not possible.

• Quality: It is wise to pay attention to the developer of the application - a native application of the background system (such as the Shopify & Business Central add-on developed by Microsoft) can be more enduring and reliable than a third-party developed add-on.

2. Integration services / platforms

Integration platforms like Zapier.com or Make.com are ready mediators for moving data between two or more systems according to predefined criteria, often for a monthly fee. The Finnish Flashnode falls partly into this category, offering pre-packaged and lightly deployable ready integrations between Shopify and other systems.

• Benefits:

  • Often more flexible than a ready-made application: You can combine many different services and customise logic more freely.

  • Deployment: Does not require traditional programming.

  • Extensive support: Supports hundreds, even thousands of different applications.
    
    
    

• Considerations:

  • Costs: The price is usually based on the number of records transferred or the number of operations performed, which can become expensive at high volumes.

  • Limited customisation: Although building complex workflows may be possible on ready-made platforms, their implementation and maintenance can quickly become time-consuming.

3. Direct integration with Shopify's API interfaces

This is the most efficient and flexible way, allowing for the building of fully customised integrations. Shopify offers highly comprehensive API interfaces for this purpose, which can be used to transfer data in a manner and between the systems as needed.

• Benefits:

  • Complete flexibility: Only the sky (and the budget & available data) is the limit for how, what, and where data is moved.

  • Full control: Ownership and management of the integration remain with you, and changes in operation and logic can be implemented as required by the business.

• Considerations:

  • Costs and time: Developing a customised integration is a significant initial investment, and the integration must be maintained and updated when Shopify or another system updates its interfaces.

  • API restrictions: Shopify's interfaces have usage limits (rate limits) to prevent abuse, which must be considered in the design.

Models for Shopify Integrations:

Approach your Shopify integration needs as follows:

1. First, check the Shopify App Store. Is there a widely used, well-rated and reliable application available for the need?

2. If there is no ready-made application or it is too limited, explore integration platforms such as Make.com and Zapier. Can you build the required workflow with their help?

3. If the previous options are insufficient, you will need a customised integration (e.g., complex product information management, customer-specific pricing). In this case, it is time to design your own API integration and/or contact a developer or Shopify partner such as Crasman.