Use Case: How to Connect the local Oracle database with cloud PIM to manage variable products

Objective

This integration aims to enable a company that manufactures and sells lighting products, such as LED lights, to overcome the limitations of its outdated ERP system by using a modern data management platform. It also aims to enhance product management capabilities, particularly the creation and maintenance of variable products, and to streamline management across multiple online marketplaces.

Overall, the objective is to enhance product management capabilities and stock management:

Creation and maintenance of products and variable products
Streamline management across multiple online marketplaces.

Challenges

The existing ERP system is outdated, unable to handle variable products
The existing ERP system does not integrate smoothly with various marketplaces.
The company faces difficulties updating product listings and managing inventory across platforms like eBay, Etsy, and other online marketplaces.
Inability to adapt to marketplace-specific requirements, leading to inefficient product visibility and sales potential.

Solution

Integrate the legacy Oracle ERP system with SpiderHub to manage complex data operations and synchronize the Legacy ERP system with other tools. Here is how we deployed this solution:

Data Integration

Connection Setup: Connected Oracle ERP to SpiderHub via SyncSpider local database connector and ODBC for real-time data synchronization.
Database Enhancement: Leveraging SpiderHub, we constructed a unified database that reflected the existing ERP’s data architecture and introduced enhanced features for managing variable products effectively.

Creation of Dynamic Data Tables

Table Development: Our team developed specialized tables within SpiderHub to capture a variety of product attributes such as prices, stock levels, attributes, images, translations, and more.
Data Aggregation: These tables were configured to pull data from multiple channels, allowing for integrated data manipulation and enrichment to support comprehensive data management.

Marketplace Specific Adaptations

Customization Features: We implemented advanced functionalities within SpiderHub to customize product information according to the specific needs of diverse marketplaces.
Interface Customization: Users could modify product names, descriptions, and prices for each marketplace via a streamlined, unified interface.

Synchronization and Automation

Workflow Automation: We configured automated workflows in SpiderHub to ensure consistent real-time data synchronization between the ERP and the online marketplaces.
Listing Updates: The platform automatically updated and published product listings across various platforms, maintaining accuracy and ensuring timely information availability.

User Interface and Experience

Interface Design: SpiderHub was equipped with a user-friendly interface designed to enable even non-technical staff to easily manage product listings, make necessary adjustments, and publish updates with minimal training.
Enhanced Usability Features: The interface included intuitive features such as drag-and-drop capabilities, straightforward navigation, and simple controls for handling complex data structures efficiently.

This comprehensive strategy ensured that every step from initial integration to daily operations was optimized for ease of use and efficiency, allowing the business to leverage SpiderHub’s full potential without the need for extensive technical expertise.

Benefits

Enhanced Flexibility: The integration allows the company to manage variable products efficiently, adapting to the nuances of different marketplaces without extensive manual intervention.
Increased Efficiency: Streamlined operations reduce the time and effort required to manage product listings across multiple sales channels.
Cost Savings: By enhancing the existing ERP system rather than replacing it, the company saves on substantial costs associated with system upgrades or replacements.
Improved Sales Potential: Better managed and tailored product listings can improve the company’s visibility and attractiveness on various online marketplaces, potentially increasing sales.

Implementation Steps

Our approach to implementing the integration solution with SpiderHub involved a series of structured and meticulous steps to ensure the seamless transition from the legacy ERP system to a modernized platform. Here’s a retrospective look at how we executed these steps:

1. Requirements Gathering

System Analysis: We thoroughly analyzed the existing ERP system to understand its structure, capabilities, and limitations.
Needs Assessment: Our team carefully assessed the specific needs related to marketplace integration, identifying key areas where enhancements were necessary to support variable product management and multi-marketplace synchronization.

2. System Design and Setup

Architecture Design: The system architecture, including data tables and integration workflows, was designed to be tailored specifically to the company’s operational needs.
Custom Configuration: We set up and configured SpiderHub to mirror the ERP’s data structure while enhancing it with additional functionalities for advanced data management.

3. Testing and Training

System Testing: We tested the integrated system thoroughly to ensure that all components worked seamlessly together. This included validating the data flows, user interface accuracy, and performance under various scenarios.
Staff Training: Training sessions were conducted to familiarize staff with the new system. These sessions focused on managing product listings, using customization features, and navigating the new platform efficiently.

4. Go-Live and Monitoring

Deployment: We fully deployed the SpiderHub solution, transitioning all operational data management activities to the new platform.
Performance Monitoring: Post-deployment, we continuously monitored the system’s performance, making adjustments as needed based on feedback and system analytics to optimize operations and ensure the platform delivered the expected benefits.

Result

Integrating a legacy Oracle ERP system with SpiderHub, a modern data management platform, provides a robust solution for companies looking to enhance their e-commerce capabilities. This approach preserves existing investments in ERP systems and empowers businesses with advanced tools to compete effectively in the digital marketplace. By leveraging modern data management technologies, companies can ensure that their product management processes are both scalable and adaptable to future market demands.

The integration provided robust management of variable products and streamlined data across marketplaces without replacing the existing ERP system. The solution enhanced operational efficiency and adaptability to marketplace dynamics.

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