In the fast-paced world of retail, efficient management of stock and orders is crucial. This is where the new middleware from GOLLE IT comes into play, which acts as a powerful interface between the HIS systems of Ariston Informatik and Shopware 6. This innovative solution aims to automate processes and optimize data exchange between the systems to ensure seamless integration and maximum efficiency.
What is the HIS-Shopware6 middleware?
Developed by GOLLE IT, this is a specialized software solution that acts as an intermediary between the HIS merchandise management systems and Shopware 6 serves as an intermediary. Our middleware connects different systems and enables smooth data exchange. In this case, the interface ensures that article and order information is synchronized between HIS::WIN and Shopware 6, minimizing manual intervention and reducing errors.
Main functions
Automated article synchronization
One of the core functions of the software is the automated synchronization of product data. The middleware transfers item information, such as names, numbers, descriptions and images, from HIS::WIN to Shopware 6, enabling a consistent and up-to-date product presentation in the online store. Variants, such as sizes and colors, are also taken into account and correctly mapped in Shopware. This efficient interface significantly reduces manual effort, which saves time and money. From the end of 2024, the “HIS-ERP” (formerly BITS of the Brandt Retail Group) will also be supported seamlessly.
Order management
The middleware handles the automatic transfer of orders from Shopware to the HIS ERP system. Order details, including customer data, delivery and invoice addresses and item information, are synchronized at regular intervals. This ensures seamless order management and enables customer orders to be processed quickly. This ensures that all relevant information is processed promptly and correctly.
Status updates
Another important aspect of the middleware is the synchronization of status information. Order and delivery statuses are updated between HIS and Shopware so that customers are always informed about the current status of their orders. This also includes the management of returns and cancellations to ensure that all changes are promptly and correctly recorded in the system. These real-time updates increase customer satisfaction.
Technical details and advantages
API communication
Communication between Shopware 6 and the middleware takes place via the Shopware Admin API, while the connection to the HIS system is secured via SFTP. These robust communication protocols ensure secure and efficient data transfer. This is particularly important for data protection and the integrity of the transferred data.
Telemetry
The middleware is equipped with a telemetry function that enables real-time monitoring. Errors and failures are immediately reported to GOLLE IT so that problems can be resolved quickly. This ensures high availability and reliability of the solution. Continuous monitoring means that potential problems can be detected and rectified at an early stage.
Flexibility and adaptability
The HIS-Shopware6 middleware is highly flexible and can be adapted to specific customer requirements. Additional modules and functions can be easily integrated to meet the individual needs of users. This includes support for multilingualism and various sync intervals. In this way, the solution remains scalable and future-proof.
Performance and efficiency
Our product is designed to process large volumes of data efficiently. Our largest customer currently synchronizes around 10,000 items (equivalent to 80,000 SKUs) and up to several thousand orders per day. The solution can easily synchronize up to 30,000 items and approx. 100,000 orders per day.
Category mapping
Another highlight of the middleware is the category mapping. By default, a mixture of product group numbers and the iSHOP categories from the HIS is used to create a mapping to the Shopware categories via an Excel/CSV file. Categories must be created manually in Shopware in advance and the Shopware IDs stored in the mapping. Different logics for the category mapping can be implemented on request.
Core functions of the HIS-Shopware6 middleware
- Automated article synchronization
- Data transfer: Automatic synchronization of article information such as names, numbers, descriptions and images from HIS::WIN to Shopware 6.
- Variants: Support of sizes and colors as variants in Shopware, including variant article numbers and different prices.
- Multilingualism: Possibility to maintain multilingual article details, such as article name, descriptions and material designations.
- Item properties: Transfer of standard and additional item properties, such as color and material, from HIS to Shopware.
- Article stocks: Synchronization of article stocks at variant/size level in the store.
- Publication date: Automatic setting of the publication date.
- Cross-selling: Transfer of HIS information for cross-selling configurations, e.g. accessories and similar items.
- Article images: Import article images from FTP servers or HTTP into Shopware.
- Category mapping: Use of a mixture of product group numbers and iSHOP categories from HIS to create a mapping to the Shopware categories. Customizable mapping logic on request.
- Order management
- Automatic export: Orders from Shopware are automatically exported in HIS-XML format.
- Synchronization interval: Synchronization at an adjustable interval (minimum every 15 minutes) to an (S)FTP server.
- Order data: Export of order details including customer data (first name, last name, telephone, e-mail), delivery and billing addresses and order time.
- Order items: Detailed breakdown of order items including HIS article number and size index.
- Payment and shipping methods: Mapping of payment and shipping methods from Shopware to HIS IDs for correct display in HIS.
- Discount: Transfer of the accumulated discount amount to HIS.
- Expandability: Customizable export function according to customer requirements.
- Status updates
- Status XML files: Processing and updating of the associated orders in Shopware using the status XML files generated by HIS.
- Synchronization interval: Synchronization at an adjustable interval (minimum every 15 minutes) to an (S)FTP server.
- Order and shipping status: Adjustment of the order status in Shopware, e.g. “Fully delivered”, “Partially delivered” or “Out of stock”.
- Deliveries: Creation of a delivery in the Shopware backend when the goods are shipped, including tracking number, shipping costs and delivery date.
- Tracking number: Transfer of the tracking number from the HIS, which is then available on the order and can be sent to the customer via the SW Flowbuilder.
- Returns process: Adjustment of the order status and creation of a return in Shopware for returns via the HIS. Adjustment of the item status in Shopware for returns.
- Automatic refunds: Support for individual refund processes at the customer’s request, e.g. in the event of a return, cancellation or non-delivery.
Application examples
Practical applications in retail
Retailers who use HIS::WIN and Shopware 6 benefit enormously from our interface. By automatically synchronizing item and order data, they can operate their online stores more efficiently and offer their customers a seamless shopping experience. One example is a clothing retailer that can update its stock levels in real time using the interface and thus avoid overselling. Another example is a shoe retailer that was able to optimize its supply chain processes by integrating item data and order information.
Conclusion
The HIS-Shopware6 middleware from GOLLE IT offers an efficient and reliable solution for the integration of HIS merchandise management systems and Shopware 6. With its extensive functions, secure API communication and high level of adaptability, it ensures that retailers can optimize their e-commerce processes and offer their customers an outstanding shopping experience. For more information and a personal consultation, please contact GOLLE IT. By using this innovative interface, companies can increase their competitiveness and optimally adapt to the requirements of modern retail.