Exact Online WMS integration connects your ERP system directly with warehouse management software through API-based data synchronization. This integration eliminates manual data entry between systems, providing real-time inventory visibility and streamlined order processing. The connection allows automatic transfer of sales orders, purchase orders, and stock movements between platforms for improved operational efficiency.
What is Exact Online WMS integration and why do businesses need it?
Exact Online WMS integration creates a direct connection between your ERP system and warehouse management software, enabling automatic data synchronization across both platforms. This integration ensures that inventory levels, order information, and customer data remain consistent between systems without manual intervention.
The integration works by establishing API connections that enable real-time communication between Exact Online and your chosen WMS platform. When you receive a sales order in Exact Online, it is automatically transferred to your warehouse system for picking and packing. Similarly, when goods are received or shipped, inventory levels are updated simultaneously in both systems.
Businesses need this integration to eliminate data entry errors that occur when information is manually transferred between systems. You will achieve better inventory accuracy, faster order processing, and improved customer service through real-time stock visibility. The integration also reduces administrative workload by automating routine data transfers between platforms.
The Exact Online WMS extension functionality provides additional features such as advanced reporting, custom field mapping, and enhanced workflow automation. This extension capability allows you to tailor the integration to match your specific business processes and reporting requirements.
How does the technical integration process work between Exact Online and warehouse systems?
The technical integration relies on REST API connections that enable real-time data exchange between Exact Online and your WMS platform. These APIs handle authentication, data formatting, and error handling to ensure reliable communication between systems.
Data synchronization occurs through predefined mapping rules that determine which information is transferred between systems and how it is formatted. Common synchronized data includes item master data, customer information, sales orders, purchase orders, stock movements, and shipping confirmations. The integration typically processes these updates in near real time or through scheduled batch transfers.
Middleware solutions often facilitate the connection by translating data formats and managing communication protocols between different systems. This middleware acts as a bridge, handling data transformation requirements and ensuring compatibility between Exact Online’s data structure and your WMS platform’s requirements.
The integration architecture includes error-handling mechanisms that log failed transfers and provide notifications when data synchronization issues occur. You can configure retry logic and exception handling to maintain data integrity when temporary connection issues arise. Most integrations include monitoring dashboards that display connection status and data transfer statistics.
What challenges do companies face when integrating Exact Online with existing warehouse systems?
Data mapping complexities represent the most common integration challenge, as different systems often use varying data structures and field formats. You will need to carefully map each data element between Exact Online and your WMS to ensure accurate information transfer.
System compatibility issues can arise when your existing WMS lacks modern API capabilities or uses outdated integration methods. Legacy warehouse systems may require custom development work or middleware solutions to establish reliable connections with Exact Online’s API framework.
Timing and synchronization challenges occur when systems process data at different speeds or during different time windows. You will need to coordinate update schedules and handle scenarios where one system is temporarily unavailable for maintenance or updates.
User training requirements become significant as staff must understand how integrated processes differ from previous manual workflows. Your team needs to learn new procedures for handling exceptions, monitoring integration status, and troubleshooting common data transfer issues.
To overcome these challenges, work with experienced implementation partners who understand both Exact Online and warehouse management systems. Plan thorough testing phases that include various business scenarios and exception handling. Establish clear data governance policies that define how conflicts between systems are resolved.
Which warehouse management systems work best with Exact Online integration?
Cloud-based WMS platforms typically offer the strongest integration capabilities with Exact Online, as they are designed with modern API frameworks and real-time data synchronization features. These systems provide flexible integration options and regular updates that maintain compatibility.
When evaluating WMS platforms for Exact Online integration, look for systems that offer prebuilt connectors or certified integration partnerships. These established connections reduce implementation time and provide proven data mapping templates for common business processes.
Key integration capabilities to prioritize include real-time API support, comprehensive data mapping options, error-handling mechanisms, and monitoring tools. Your chosen WMS should handle standard Exact Online data formats without extensive custom development work.
Consider whether cloud-based or on-premise solutions better match your infrastructure requirements and IT capabilities. Cloud-based systems often provide easier integration maintenance and automatic updates, while on-premise solutions offer greater control over data security and customization options.
Professional WMS implementation and consultancy services can help you evaluate integration requirements and select the most suitable warehouse management system for your Exact Online environment. These services include process analysis, system selection guidance, and full implementation support to ensure successful integration deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to implement Exact Online WMS integration?
Implementation timelines vary based on system complexity and customization requirements, but most integrations take 4-8 weeks to complete. Simple integrations with prebuilt connectors can be deployed in 2-4 weeks, while complex implementations requiring custom data mapping and middleware solutions may take 8-12 weeks. The timeline includes system analysis, configuration, testing, and user training phases.
What happens to my data if the integration connection fails temporarily?
Modern integration solutions include built-in error handling and retry mechanisms that queue failed transactions for automatic reprocessing once connectivity is restored. Most systems maintain local data logs and provide notification alerts when connection issues occur. You can configure backup procedures and manual override options to ensure critical operations continue during temporary outages.
Can I customize which data fields are synchronized between Exact Online and my WMS?
Yes, most integration solutions offer flexible field mapping capabilities that allow you to select specific data elements for synchronization. You can configure custom field mappings, set up conditional data transfers based on business rules, and exclude sensitive information from automatic synchronization. Advanced integrations also support custom field creation and transformation rules to match your specific business requirements.