BigCommerce Salesforce Integration: Methods, Steps & Benefits

You’ve got a BigCommerce store and Salesforce CRM—two incredibly powerful platforms. But are they talking to each other? If not, you’re missing out on a whole new level of efficiency and growth potential. 

BigCommerce Salesforce Integration can enhance a business’s productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and drive sales growth. This blog will explore the benefits of integrating BigCommerce and Salesforce, the steps involved in the integration process, common challenges, and use cases for the integration.

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: BigCommerce offers a native integration with Salesforce, which means you can easily connect the two platforms without any third-party tools. However, this integration has limited features and functionalities.

• API integration: This integration method involves using the application programming interface (API) to connect BigCommerce and Salesforce. This integration method requires technical expertise and may involve additional costs.

• Middleware integration: This integration method involves using middleware software such as Zapier, MuleSoft, or Dell Boomi to connect BigCommerce and Salesforce. Middleware integration is less technical and more cost-effective 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

The DCKAP Integrator is a cloud-based integration as a service (IaaS) solution tailored for manufacturers and distributors and designed to address the unique demands of digital businesses. It stands out with its powerful mapping features and has an interactive design that simplifies the integration process. Even those with minimal technical expertise can manage and maintain integrations effortlessly, reducing dependency on technical resources. All of this comes at a much lower cost compared to traditional solutions. 

What sets DCKAP Integrator apart is its versatility. It doesn’t just facilitate integration between CRM and eCommerce platforms—it seamlessly connects every business system you rely on. Whether it’s your PIM, Inventory Management System, EDI, or an ERP, this tool acts as a comprehensive solution for sharing and synchronizing data. By serving as a single source of truth for sales, customer, and other essential business data, the Integrator ensures consistency and reliability. The entire business process automation works very smoothly with the tool.

Additionally, 

• DCKAP Integrator offers custom integrations tailored to a business’s unique needs. They provide hybrid connectivity, which means that the integrator can connect different types of systems with each other. This ensures that businesses can streamline their workflow and have the necessary data and information accessible in one place.

• The integration also supports multi-platform connectivity, enabling businesses to integrate BigCommerce with multiple ERP or CRM systems. DCKAP Integrator offers a scalable architecture, ensuring that businesses can grow and expand without limitations.

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.