Understanding the Data Flow Between Shopify and Unleashed
Running an online store without syncing Shopify and your Unleashed Software subscription is like juggling flaming swords—blindfolded. The short answer? Data flow between Shopify and Unleashed occurs to sync products, stock, and orders in real-time. Want fewer mistakes, faster fulfilment, and happier customers? Keep reading to master this powerful integration.
Introduction: The Synchronized Ecosystem
Imagine trying to manage your online store’s inventory with sticky notes and guesswork. Not ideal, right? That’s why connecting Shopify with Unleashed is a no-brainer—and with TIDE in the mix, you take it a step further.
TIDE acts like a universal adapter for your data. It sits between systems like Shopify and Unleashed, ensuring information flows smoothly and consistently. The result? No more double-entry, no more human error, just a beautifully streamlined backend.
Ready to see how it all works? Book a demo with TIDE and start transforming your e-commerce ops today.
Why Understanding Data Flow is Crucial
Understanding how data travels between Shopify, Unleashed, and platforms like TIDE equips you to solve problems quickly. Whether it’s an inventory discrepancy or a missing order, knowing the flow means you can fix the break before it hits your customers.
The Role of Unleashed as the Central Hub
Unleashed is your inventory command centre. It tracks what you have, what you need, and what you’re selling. Shopify, on the other hand, is your storefront. Together, with TIDE as the translator between them, you create a seamless retail ecosystem.
Key Data Points and Their Movement
Product Data Flow
From Unleashed to Shopify: Product Details (SKU, Name, Description, Price, Stock)
Unleashed sends all product essentials—SKU, names, descriptions, prices, and stock levels—directly to Shopify. This ensures your product listings are always accurate.
From Shopify to Unleashed: New Product Creation
Although it’s uncommon, you can create new products in Shopify and push them to Unleashed via TIDE, as long as the data mapping is configured.
How TIDE Synchronizes Changes
Change a price in Unleashed? TIDE helps update Shopify automatically. The sync ensures edits flow both ways when configured properly.
Inventory Data Flow
From Unleashed to Shopify: Real-Time Stock Levels
Shopify mirrors live stock levels from Unleashed. TIDE ensures these updates happen without delay, preventing overselling.
How Unleashed Manages Stock Decreases
Unleashed deducts stock whenever a sale is made or a stock adjustment is entered. These changes are passed along to Shopify via TIDE.
How Unleashed Manages Stock Increases
New purchase orders or returned stock increase inventory in Unleashed. TIDE ensures those updates get pushed to Shopify promptly.
Order Data Flow
From Shopify to Unleashed: New Sales Orders
When a customer places an order, it flows into Unleashed with all relevant details: items, quantities, customer info, and shipping. TIDE ensures everything is captured correctly.
From Unleashed to Shopify: Order Status Updates
As orders are fulfilled in Unleashed, statuses are pushed back to Shopify. Customers stay informed, and service quality stays high.
Tracking Number Sync
Shipping details, including tracking numbers from Unleashed, are automatically sent to Shopify, creating a consistent experience for your buyers.
Customer Data Flow (If Configured)
New Customers from Shopify to Unleashed
New customers can be pushed into Unleashed from Shopify. TIDE manages this sync to avoid duplicates or missing data.
Customer Updates
If a customer updates their address or contact info, TIDE can ensure both systems reflect the change.
Financial Data Flow (If Integrated with Accounting)
Sales Invoices and Payments
With accounting systems like Xero connected to Unleashed, sales and payments from Shopify can flow through Unleashed to your financial records. TIDE ensures these records are consistent.
The Synchronization Mechanisms
API-Based Communication
How APIs Facilitate Data Exchange
TIDE uses APIs to let Shopify and Unleashed exchange data in real-time. Think of it as a live conversation between two friends who never forget anything.
Real-Time vs. Scheduled Sync
When Each Method is Appropriate
TIDE can be set to sync data in real time or at scheduled intervals, depending on the task. Real-time for inventory, scheduled for bulk product updates.
Error Handling and Logging
How Unleashed Manages Failed Syncs
Unleashed and TIDE both log errors clearly. If something fails to sync—say, a missing SKU—you’ll see it in the dashboard with actionable suggestions.
Best Practices for Data Integrity
Maintaining Consistent SKUs
One golden rule: always use the same SKU across platforms. It’s the glue that holds your systems together.
Regular Data Audits
Run monthly checks using TIDE’ reports to spot and fix discrepancies before they snowball.
Understanding Sync Directions
Know which system controls what. Typically, Unleashed handles inventory; Shopify handles the front-end.
Pre-Migration Data Cleansing
Before integrating, clean your data—duplicate products, odd characters, outdated info. TIDE works best with clean input.
Troubleshooting Data Flow Issues
Identifying Bottlenecks
If things aren’t syncing right, check the logs. TIDE shows you exactly where and why a sync stalled.
Interpreting Error Messages
A message like “SKU Not Found” usually means an item exists in one system but not the other. TIDE helps pinpoint the mismatch.
Unleashed’s Integration Dashboard
Use the dashboard to view current syncs, retry failed ones, and get a full picture of what’s happening behind the scenes.
Conclusion
The Foundation of a Seamless E-commerce Operation
Together, Shopify, Unleashed, and TIDE create a powerhouse trio for e-commerce success. Accurate inventory, faster orders, and fewer headaches.
Mastering Your Data Flow for Success
The more you understand your systems and how they connect, the more control you gain. Let TIDE help you orchestrate that harmony.
Ready to future-proof your operations? Explore TIDE and take the first step to a smarter, smoother business.