See how Affiliated Parts improved operational efficiency through automated batch-based syncing.
About Affiliated Parts
Based in Elmhurst, Illinois, Affiliated Parts has earned an impeccable reputation as a trusted provider of OEM replacement parts for commercial HVAC systems. Serving HVAC contractors and building engineers, the company is known for its extensive inventory, prompt service, and deep commitment to customer satisfaction.
The company’s success is driven by a passionate team and a philosophy centred on fairness, transparency, and long-term relationships. In addition to its flagship eCommerce store, Affiliated Parts also oversees operations for Base Solutions and Reznor Parts, functioning under their parent entity, Windy City Ventures.
Why Integration Was A Natural Next Step
Affiliated Parts had previously operated with Fishbowl as their ERP system, which was directly integrated with their website. As part of a strategic decision to scale operations and improve system capabilities, they transitioned to Epicor Prophet 21 (P21). However, this ERP migration created a gap. Unlike their former setup, the new system lacked integration with their Magento-based eCommerce platform.
Recognizing the importance of a centralized, streamlined system, the team began exploring options that would bridge this gap. The goal was pretty clear, to maintain real-time data consistency between platforms and reduce manual intervention, without compromising on operational speed or accuracy.
How DCKAP Integrator Was Chosen
Affiliated Parts first came across DCKAP Integrator through the Prophet 21 Worldwide User Group. DCKAP’s reputation within the P21 ecosystem, combined with the platform’s ability to simplify complex workflows made it a strong fit for their needs.
DCKAP Integrator was brought in to establish robust, automated connections between Magento and Prophet 21, allowing orders, inventory, and customer data to move seamlessly across systems. This was especially crucial as the business managed multiple web properties and operated across divisions, including the soon-to-be-consolidated Reznor Parts website and the independently managed Base Solutions entity.
Integration Pipelines
Given the scale of data and the structured operations at Affiliated Parts, batch processing offered the right balance of control and performance. It allowed the business to sync high volumes of data at scheduled intervals, ensuring reliability without putting unnecessary load on the systems.
Here’s a breakdown of each integration point and why it was critical:
- Product Sync (P21 → Magento): Product data was pushed in batches from Prophet 21 to Magento. This included product names, SKUs, pricing, and other relevant catalog information. Keeping the eCommerce site aligned with P21’s product master ensured that customers always viewed up-to-date and accurate information online. This was particularly important for Affiliated Parts, which handles thousands of SKUs, many of which are specific to HVAC models and systems.With this sync in place, Affiliated Parts could launch or update products without logging into Magento, freeing up the team to focus on service and sales rather than data entry.
- Inventory Sync (P21 → Magento): Inventory quantities were synced in scheduled batches from P21 to Magento. Since HVAC parts availability can be time-sensitive, real-time inventory accuracy was a priority. This sync allowed Magento to reflect actual stock levels based on warehouse data from P21, helping prevent overselling and ensuring customer orders were only placed for items in stock.
- Customer Sync (Magento → P21): When customers registered or placed orders on the Magento storefront, their details such as name, company, contact information, and address, were synced back to Prophet 21. This kept the ERP system updated with the latest customer records and ensured order histories and account data were consolidated under a single source of truth.
- Sales Order Sync (Magento → P21): Each time a customer placed an order on the Magento store, it was automatically pushed in batch format into Prophet 21. This eliminated the need for manual order entry, significantly reducing the time spent on administration and the risk of human error.
- Order Processing Sync (P21 → Magento): As order statuses progressed whether an order was picked, shipped, or completed, those updates were pushed back to Magento. This kept the customer informed through the website, reducing support inquiries and improving the post-purchase experience.
The Solution
Working closely with Affiliated Parts, the DCKAP team implemented a Magento P21 integration that enabled:
- Real-time order syncing between Magento and P21
- Consistent product and inventory data across platforms
- Centralized ERP control to reduce duplication and manual processes
- Support for multi-channel commerce, including eBay and Amazon (via Magento extensions)
The setup was designed to be intuitive and maintainable for internal teams, with transparency and troubleshooting capabilities built into the process.
The Impact
Since implementing DCKAP Integrator, Affiliated Parts has benefited from a more unified system landscape. They have reported a significant increase in the efficiency of day-to-day operations. The team no longer has to manually reconcile data between systems or worry about order syncing delays. Processes now run smoother, freeing up time to focus on growth and customer service.
Minor issues are easily identifiable and often resolvable in-house, thanks to the ease of use of the platform. For anything more complex, DCKAP’s responsive support team has ensured continued stability and prompt resolutions.
If you’re also managing disconnected systems or experiencing an ERP migration, DCKAP Integrator can help you solve your platforms and simplify your process. We’re here to support your integration goals, on your terms.
