If your business uses BigCommerce to power online sales and Salesforce to manage customer relationships, you’re already leveraging two of the most powerful platforms in their respective domains. However, without integration, these systems often operate in silos, leading to manual data entry, inconsistent customer information, and inefficient workflows that slow down growth.
The good news is that connecting these platforms is easier than you might think. Keep reading as we explore why BigCommerce Salesforce integration matters, the different ways to implement it, and how you can create a connected commerce experience that drives growth.
How to Integrate BigCommerce and Salesforce
Integrating BigCommerce and Salesforce can be done in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Determine your Integration Requirements
Before starting the integration process, it is essential to determine your integration requirements. Some of the common integration requirements include:
- Synchronization of customer data between BigCommerce and Salesforce
- Integration of sales and order data between BigCommerce and Salesforce
- Automatic creation of leads, contacts, and accounts in Salesforce from BigCommerce
- Real-time inventory management and tracking
- Integration of payment and shipping information between BigCommerce and Salesforce
Step 2: Choose the Right BigCommerce Salesforce Connector
There are different ways to integrate BigCommerce and Salesforce, including using built-in connectors, third-party integration tools, or building a custom integration. Choosing the right integration method depends on your business requirements and budget.
- Native integration: This is the easiest way to connect BigCommerce and Salesforce. You simply install a connector from Salesforce AppExchange, configure the connection, and map your data. Most connectors can automatically sync customers, products, orders, and inventory without requiring custom development. This is best for small to mid-sized businesses looking for a quick setup.
- Custom API integration: Both BigCommerce and Salesforce provide powerful APIs that allow developers to build a custom integration. This approach lets you decide exactly what data is synced, when it’s synced, and how it flows between the two platforms. Best for businesses that need complete control over the integration.
- Middleware integration: This integration method involves using middleware software such as DCKAP Integrator, MuleSoft, or Boomi to connect BigCommerce and Salesforce. Middleware integration is less technical, more cost-effective and hassle-free than API integration.
Step 3: Configure the Integration
Once you have chosen the integration method, you need to configure the integration by following these steps:
- Install and set up the integration tool: Depending on the integration method you choose, you may need to install and set up the integration tool. Follow the instructions provided by the tool to complete the setup process.
- Connect BigCommerce and Salesforce: Connect your BigCommerce store and Salesforce account to the integration tool by providing the required credentials.
- Map data fields: Map the data fields between BigCommerce and Salesforce to ensure that the data is transferred accurately between the two systems.
- Configure workflows: Configure workflows to automate your eCommerce and CRM processes, such as lead creation, order management, and customer support.
- Test the integration: Test the integration to ensure that the data is syncing accurately between BigCommerce and Salesforce.
Step 4: Monitor and Optimize the Integration
Once the integration is up and running, it is essential to monitor and optimize the integration to ensure its smooth functioning. Regularly check the integration logs and error reports to identify any issues and resolve them promptly. Also, optimize the integration workflows to ensure that they are meeting your business requirements and providing the desired outcomes.
Recommended reads: BigCommerce NetSuite Integration Explained
Best Practices For BigCommerce Salesforce Integration
Here are the best practices to smoothen the Salesforce BigCommerce integration process and make it seamless:
1. Conduct a System Audit Before Integration
Analyzing your existing BigCommerce and Salesforce configurations prevents conflicts during integration. Review how data is currently structured in both systems (e.g., customer records, order workflows, and new product attributes) to ensure compatibility. Standardize field names and formats across systems to avoid data mismatches.
2. Prioritize Critical Workflows
Not every integration point is equally important. Focusing on critical workflows avoids unnecessary complexity. Identify key touchpoints like order processing, customer profiles, and inventory updates. Create a data flow diagram to show how information moves between systems.
3. Leverage Middleware for Integration Management
Middleware simplifies integrations by acting as a bridge between Salesforce and your ecommerce store. Use tools like DCKAP Integrator or MuleSoft to manage data flows and implement custom logic without overloading either system. Middleware can handle complex tasks like format conversions and conditional syncing, reducing development time.
4. Establish Data Governance Policies
Integration involves merging data from two sources, which can lead to duplication and inconsistencies. Implement rules for data validation, deduplication, and conflict resolution before syncing data.
For example: Decide which system is the “master” for specific data points (e.g., Salesforce as the source of truth for customer details).
5. Test Integration in Sandbox Environments
Testing ensures you catch errors before they impact live operations. Use Salesforce Sandbox or staging environments for you to test integration workflows in isolation.
Checklist for Testing:
- Validate powerful data synchronization.
- Test API response times.
- Confirm system behavior under load.
6. Plan for Incremental Rollouts
Integrating everything at once increases the risk of failure. Start with high-priority workflows like order management, and expand to other areas in phases. This approach allows your team to adapt and troubleshoot issues early.
7. Monitor and Optimize Post-Integration
No integration is perfect on day one; ongoing monitoring is key to long-term success. Use Salesforce dashboards or third-party tools to monitor data sync status, API usage, and error logs. Set up automated alerts for failed syncs or performance drops to address issues proactively.
8. Train Teams on Integrated Workflows
If your team doesn’t know how to use the new system, the integration won’t deliver value. Conduct training sessions and provide clear documentation on how Salesforce CRM and your BigCommerce store interact post-integration.
9. Build Scalability into the Integration
The integration must support higher data volumes and additional features as your business grows. Design APIs and workflows to handle increased loads, and choose middleware or connectors that can scale with your business.
Recommended reads: Salesforce EDI Integration Explained [Methods + Steps + Benefits]
Use Cases of BigCommerce and Salesforce Integration
Now that we’ve discussed some of the benefits of integrating these two platforms, let’s take a closer look at some common use cases.
1. eCommerce automation
Automating eCommerce processes is one of the most powerful use cases of integrating BigCommerce and Salesforce (or even BigCommerce-HubSpot). For example, transferring new order data from BigCommerce to Salesforce automatically reduces manual effort, eliminates errors, and saves time. With a tool like DCKAP Integrator, you can even connect these platforms to your ERP for real-time data access across all systems.
2. Inventory management
Another use case is inventory management. By integrating these two platforms, businesses can keep their inventory levels up to date and ensure that they have enough stock to meet customer demand. This can help reduce the risk of stockouts and ensure that customers are able to purchase the products they want.
3. Order fulfillment
Integrating BigCommerce and Salesforce can also help businesses automate the process of order fulfillment. By automating tasks such as shipping and tracking, businesses can save time and reduce the risk of errors.
4. Customer service
By centralizing customer data sync in Salesforce, businesses can gain a better understanding of their customers and provide a more personalized experience. For example, businesses can use customer data to personalize their marketing campaigns or provide targeted support to customers.
5. Marketing and sales
Finally, integrating these two platforms can help businesses improve their marketing and sales efforts. By using data from both platforms, businesses can gain a better understanding of their customers and develop more effective marketing campaigns.
Similar Reading: NetSuite Salesforce Integration Explained
How Third-Party Integration Tools or Middleware Are Better Than Native Integration
1. Flexibility
- Third-party tools allow the integration of systems from different vendors, offering the flexibility to mix and match software.
- Unlike native integration, you’re not restricted to using solutions built by the same developer.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
- Organizations can reuse existing systems without needing expensive customizations.
- This approach avoids the costs of purchasing or upgrading systems for native compatibility.
3. Overcoming Design Limitations
- Native integrations work well for pre-designed compatible systems but struggle when integrating software that wasn’t built to work together.
- Middleware bridges this gap, enabling connections where native solutions fall short.
4. Enhanced Scalability
- Middleware solutions are adaptable and can support complex or growing business requirements, making them more future-proof.
- Native integrations often lack the customization options needed for scaling.
5. Mitigating System Dependencies
- Third-party tools reduce dependency on specific software ecosystems by enabling interoperability between diverse platforms.
- Native integrations tie organizations to a single vendor, potentially limiting options.
6. No Need for In-House Technical Expertise
- Native integration often requires technical experts, either within the team or through hiring external resources, which increases costs.
- Middleware providers, on the other hand, offer both the integration tool and the service as a complete package.
- This eliminates the need to search for technical resources separately, saving costs on salaries or consultancy fees.
Benefits of BigCommerce Salesforce Integration
1. Streamlining business processes
BigCommerce Salesforce integration ensures the automation of manual business processes, such as data entry, order processing, and inventory management. This automation streamlines business operations and reduces the likelihood of errors, thereby freeing up employees to focus on more strategic tasks.
2. Improved customer experience
Integrating BigCommerce and Salesforce allows businesses to provide a seamless customer experience. The integration enables businesses to view customer purchase history, buying habits, and preferences, allowing them to personalize their interactions with customers. This personalization leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Enhanced data accuracy
Integrating BigCommerce and Salesforce eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing the likelihood of errors. This integration ensures that customer data, inventory levels, and sales figures are consistent across both platforms, providing accurate insights into business performance.
4. Better insights into business performance
Integrating BigCommerce and Salesforce provides businesses with a holistic view of their operations. The integration allows businesses to analyze their sales data, inventory levels, and customer behavior, enabling them to make informed business decisions and improve their bottom line.
5. Increased efficiency and productivity
Integrating BigCommerce and Salesforce frees up employee time by automating several manual processes. This automation enables employees to focus on more strategic tasks, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency.
Recommended reads: Salesforce Data Integration Explained [Methods, Benefits & Challenges]
Top Integration Solution For Manufacturers And Distributors: DCKAP Integrator
For most B2B businesses, integrating BigCommerce with Salesforce alone isn’t enough. Your ERP stores critical business data such as inventory, pricing, orders, invoices, and customer-specific contracts. Without including the ERP in your integration strategy, data can become inconsistent across systems.
An ERP-first approach solves this challenge by making the ERP the central source of business data. DCKAP Integrator synchronizes information between your ERP, BigCommerce, and Salesforce, ensuring every system stays up to date without manual intervention. Some other key features include:
Low-Code Integration
DCKAP Integrator lets you map and transform data using a visual interface, reducing the need for custom development. You can easily sync standard and custom fields to match your business processes.
Real-Time Data Synchronization
Automatically synchronize customers, products, orders, pricing, inventory, and other business data between BigCommerce and Salesforce. This ensures both systems always have the latest information.
Transaction Monitoring
Track every data sync through a centralized dashboard. If a sync fails, detailed logs and alerts help you identify and resolve issues quickly.
Built for Growth
The platform is designed to handle large data volumes and high transaction rates. Built-in queuing prevents data loss during traffic spikes or API delays, ensuring reliable performance.
Connect More Than Just Salesforce
Beyond BigCommerce and Salesforce, DCKAP Integrator can also connect your ERP, PIM, and other business applications, creating a unified data flow across your entire commerce ecosystem.
Overall, DCKAP Integrator offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to integrate BigCommerce with their ERP or CRM systems. By providing reliable and efficient integrations, businesses can streamline their workflow and focus on what matters most – growing their business. So, if you’re looking for a seamless integration between BigCommerce and Salesforce, get in touch with us today!
FAQs
What is Salesforce BigCommerce Integration?
The integration of BigCommerce with Salesforce allows businesses to combine the features of eCommerce platforms with the robust capabilities of a CRM Platform. It ensures data transformation, directional data synchronization, and seamless automation of business processes across online storefronts.
What functions can users expect from the integration?
Users benefit from multiple functions, including:
- Product synchronization
- Seamless string operations for mapping data
- Lookup capabilities to locate target objects in Salesforce
- Automation of data update processes
- Interactive features for business process automation work
Why are SaaS-based integrations better than manual updates?
Manual updates often lead to CSS errors, data silos, and delayed operations, while automated synchronization minimizes errors and ensures real money savings. With the concept of service at its core, automation connects ecommerce unlimited data to your integrated CRM seamlessly.
How does this integration contribute to greater customer loyalty?
By aligning the concept of service with business process automation, the integration creates unique experiences for customers, enhances first purchase interactions, and fosters loyalty through values-driven automation of business processes.
Why Integration is Needed and What Kind of Data Flow is Involved
Integration between Salesforce and BigCommerce ensures synchronized data sources and streamlined operations. It facilitates handling source data, aligning source data relations, and making necessary data changes efficiently. Integration supports various data flow directions:
- One-way sync: Data moves in a single direction from the source to a one-way sync, ideal for simple operations like loading data.
- Bidirectional data sync: These enable seamless two-way sharing of data, ensuring systems stay aligned for real-time updates, like inventory levels or order status.
Integration also manages different structures between systems by standardizing formats and enabling smooth mapping. It accommodates mass update operations, such as bulk inventory updates or price adjustments, across connected systems without conflicts.
