B2B webshop for Business Central – how to integrate effectively

An effective, well-functioning B2B webshop is essential for companies that want to optimise their online sales and customer experience. But how do you ensure a frictionless integration between the webshop and the company’s ERP system, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

That is exactly what we will dive into here.

We will guide you through everything you should know about integrating a B2B webshop with Business Central, including:

• The benefits of integrating your B2B webshop with Business Central
• Popular e-commerce platforms and their suitability for B2B
• Important data that should be synchronised between the systems
• Connectify as a solution if you already have an existing webshop

Whether you are in the process of establishing a new B2B webshop or want to improve the integration of your existing webshop, we have the answers to your questions. So read along and learn more about how you can create an effective and user-friendly B2B e-commerce solution that works perfectly with your ERP system.

Choosing an e-commerce platform

When it comes to choosing an e-commerce platform for your B2B webshop that has to be integrated with Business Central, there are several options to consider. Let us take a closer look at some of the popular platforms and their benefits:

Shopify Plus:

• A plug’n’play solution with a focus on B2C, but also very much a well-functioning platform for B2B
• Many extension options through apps and add-ons
• Can be integrated with Business Central via third-party solutions
• Ideal for companies that want a fast and user-friendly webshop

More about Shopify integration

Magento – Adobe Commerce:

• Well suited to larger, bespoke web projects
• Can handle both B2C and B2B sales
• Requires more technical expertise and development than plug’n’play solutions
• Can be integrated with Business Central through customisation

More about Magento integration

WooCommerce for WordPress:

• A module-based e-commerce solution
• Often used in B2C projects, but can also be used for B2B
• Can be adapted and extended as needed
• Integration with Business Central requires customisation and development

More about Woocommerce integration

The important thing is to choose a platform that fits your specific needs, budget and the technical expertise you have available.
Whichever platform you choose, it is decisive to ensure a frictionless integration with Business Central in order to achieve the best results.

So let us dive a little deeper into what such an integration can involve.

Integration with Business Central

One of the biggest benefits of integrating a B2B webshop with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is centralised data handling.

As mentioned earlier, this eliminates the need to synchronise data between different systems, which ensures that data is always up to date and consistent across the webshop and the ERP system.

In addition, the integration makes it possible to automate processes. When a customer puts an item in the basket in the webshop, the order is automatically registered in the ERP system, which saves time and reduces the risk of human error from manual order entry.

Typical data that is integrated

But which data should be integrated between the systems as a minimum?

When you integrate your B2B webshop with Business Central, there are several important data types that should typically be synchronised between the two systems.

This data is crucial to ensuring frictionless and efficient operation of your webshop. Here are the most common data types:

Item data and variants:

• Items with master data from the item card are transferred to the webshop platform (including variants of the item).

Customer account data and contacts:

• data about customer accounts, associated contacts and delivery addresses.

Price logic:

• Prices from sales tables, customer price groups, quantity prices and so on.

Stock and inventory:

• Item inventory from, for example, the item card or from a service.
• The inventory can be tied to one or more locations, depending on the logic used.

Order data:

• Orders placed in the B2B platform going to the ERP system.

Transport or shipping data:

• Transport and shipping data that has to be shown in the B2B platform.
• Information can be displayed about when the product was received, processed and dispatched.
• Details such as the number of pallets, parcels and other relevant data can also be included.
• Customers can track their shipment themselves and see all the data associated with it.

By making use of these integration options, companies can achieve a more efficient and coherent B2B e-commerce solution that is closely connected to their ERP system.

But what if you already have a working webshop?

This is where Connectify can be the solution for you.

Connectify as a solution option for existing webshops

If you already have a well-functioning B2B webshop but want to reap the benefits of integration with Business Central, Connectify is the ideal solution. Whichever e-commerce platform you use, Connectify can help establish a frictionless integration so that you can focus on running your business.

Easy connection and effective integration

• Connectify makes it simple to connect your existing B2B webshop with Business Central.
• The solution supports efficient workflows and ensures that your webshop and Business Central work together smoothly.
• With Connectify you do not have to worry about complex integration processes.

Bridge building and a combined solution

• Connectify acts as a bridge between your ERP system (Business Central) and your e-commerce platform, ensuring automated data transfer between the systems with no need for manual entry.
• The solution integrates not only your webshop with Business Central, but also with other systems such as CRM, which gives you the opportunity to offer your customers a frictionless and efficient B2B purchasing process.

Here we are talking about an integration platform: what is iPaaS – everything you should know.

Connectify is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a way to connect your existing B2B webshop with Business Central.

With our focus on easy integration, efficient workflows and an optimised e-commerce experience, Connectify can help you take your online B2B business to the next level.

Conclusion

Integrating your B2B webshop with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a strategic decision that can transform your online business.

You gain a number of benefits, such as:

• Centralised data handling
• Real-time updates of stock status, prices and product information
• Automation of processes
• Improved efficiency and reduced costs
• A superior customer experience

Whether you choose a plug’n’play solution like Shopify, a bespoke platform like Magento or a module-based solution like WooCommerce, it is decisive to ensure a successful integration with Business Central.

And if you already have an existing B2B webshop, Connectify can be the ideal solution for establishing a frictionless integration with Business Central, so that you can focus on running your business and delivering an optimal customer experience.

By following best practices and choosing the right e-commerce platform and integration solution, you can create an effective and user-friendly B2B e-commerce solution that not only meets your customers’ needs, but also strengthens your own efficiency.

Read more about Dynamics 365 Business Central if you do not know what it is: