IBM iSeries AS400 ERP WooCommerce Integration

Question

We have a potential website build & integration for a client who uses AS 400 ERP. As their web agency, we are proposing a new website. We would build that in WordPress with WooCommerce, but 2 key requirements are:

• product catalog updated from the ERP
• inventory updated from the ERP

This is actually not a full-on e-commerce requirement (transactions, payment, etc). It's more about users browsing through the catalog of products, viewing whether a product is available in stock, then sending an inquiry.

My questions:

1. Is this an ERP you've worked with in the past? Can you provide the integration in this case?
2. What does your installation fee cover? Do you manage the set up of the integration to the ERP to the point it's working, and we take the site development from there?
3. Does your ongoing license fee include support if there are any questions concerning the integration in the months/years following set up?

Thanks, Isaac

Answer

I’m thinking you might be talking about IBM iSeries AS400 ERP.  Frankly, it doesn’t make too much of a difference because it sounds like what you need is a “one-way integration” between this AS400 ERP system and WooCommerce.  You can read more about this integration here:

• CSV/XML Updater, One-Way Integration

As you can see, this integration uses an “inventory report” from the AS400 ERP system.  This report can be uploaded to our website or via our FTP site.  You can even automate sending this report to our FTP site, but this is something you’d have to do.

Okay, to answer your questions:

1. No, we haven’t worked with IBM iSeries AS400 ERP in the past, but given your requirements, I think all you need is our Inventory Uploader.
2. Yes, we’ll get this integration set up for you, which in your case means we’ll write the code to parse the file you’re sending us so the appropriate fields in WooCommerce will be updated.  Correct, we’re only adding the products in WooCommerce for you, and you’re handling all website development.
3. That’s correct.

Here are a bunch more “technical” articles you may be interested in:

• WooCommerce Integrator Overview
• Difference Engine
• 100% Inventory Accuracy
• Connecting Disparate Systems

Here are some articles related to the project:

• Integration Project & Process (Onboarding)
• Ongoing Support & Upgrades
• Setup & Monthly Fee

Finally, you can buy this integration online when you’re ready (yeah, we’re trying to make it as easy as possible):

• Buy Inventory CSV/XML Uploader

Let me know if you have any more questions.  Thanks you.