Looking for a simpler way to run your Shopify store? Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can connect directly to Shopify, making it easier to handle sales, inventory, and finances in one place. Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Automatic Syncing: Keep customer details, orders, and stock levels up to date without manual input.
- Real-Time Insights: Check stock levels, pricing, and order statuses instantly.
- Simplified Finances: Sync payments and reduce errors in your accounting.
Who Should Use This?
This integration is perfect for Australian businesses, especially:
- Multi-Store Retailers: Manage multiple Shopify stores from one system.
- Growing E-Commerce Brands: Scale up operations while staying organised.
- Customer-Focused Stores: Improve service with better order tracking and inventory syncing.
What You Need to Get Started
- Business Central SaaS (cloud version only).
- Active Shopify Store ready to go live.
- Free Connector App from the Shopify App Store.
Key Setup Steps
- Prepare your product data (descriptions, prices, inventory).
- Update customer records (emails, phone numbers, GST details).
- Install the Business Central connector in Shopify.
- Link your accounts and configure sync settings.
With over 150 integration points, this setup saves time, reduces errors, and streamlines operations across your Shopify stores.
Shopify Connector for Dynamics 365 Business Central …
Setup Requirements
Make sure you have the right permissions and tools in place for a hassle-free integration process.
Required Access Levels
To link Business Central with Shopify, you’ll need these permissions:
| Platform | Required Permission | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Store Owner | Full access to manage integration settings |
| Business Central | SHPFY – ADMIN | Admin rights to handle the connector setup |
These permissions cover everything needed for setup and ongoing management.
Software Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS: Note that on-premises versions are not supported.
- Active Shopify Store: Your Shopify store must be live and operational.
- Business Central Connector App: Download the free connector from the Shopify App Store.
Data Preparation Steps
Get your data ready by following these steps:
- Product Information Setup
Ensure your product catalogue includes:- Detailed descriptions
- Accurate AUD pricing
- Updated inventory levels
- Variant specifics
- High-quality images
- Customer Data Organisation
Review and update customer records with:- Valid email addresses
- Current phone numbers
- Australian state/territory details
- GST settings for different customer groups
- Inventory Management
Activate inventory tracking in Shopify for all products you plan to sync. This ensures stock levels stay consistent across platforms.
Your data should match Business Central’s requirements to ensure smooth synchronisation. Once everything is prepared, you can move on to configuring Business Central for the integration.
Integration Setup Guide
Setting up the connection between Business Central and Shopify requires a step-by-step approach across both platforms. Here’s how you can get started.
Business Central Setup
Before installing the connector, make sure your Business Central is ready:
- Check Permissions
Ensure the SHPFY – ADMIN permission is active in your Business Central dashboard. - Verify Environment
Confirm you’re using the SaaS version of Business Central. The integration does not support on-premises versions.
Once these steps are complete, proceed to install the connector through Shopify’s App Store.
Connector Installation
In your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Settings > Apps and sales channels. Open the Shopify App Store, search for “Dynamics 365 Business Central”, and click Install. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
“Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a seamless integration with Shopify. The Business Central Shopify connector is free and readily available through the Shopify app store to help merchants reduce their data integration efforts and streamline their business processes.” – Encore Business Solutions
Account Connection
Here’s how to link your Business Central account with your Shopify store:
- Start the Setup
In Business Central, go to the Shopify menu, select Shops, and click New to begin the connection process. - Configure Your Shop
Enter your Shopify store’s URL in this format:
https://{yourshopname}.myshopify.com/ - Activate the Integration
Enable the connection by:- Switching on the Enabled toggle
- Reviewing and agreeing to the terms and conditions
- Testing the connection through Action > Access > Request Access
If you manage multiple Shopify stores, repeat these steps for each one you want to connect. Once the setup is complete, your Business Central and Shopify accounts will share data seamlessly, keeping your operations in sync.
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Integration Settings
Data Field Setup
Set up your data fields to ensure accurate mapping between Business Central and Shopify. Here’s a quick guide:
| Business Central Field | Shopify Field | Sync Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Title | Updates with language translations when configured |
| Unit Price | Price | Calculates the final price, including discounts |
| Gross Weight | Weight | Syncs one-way to Shopify |
| Item References (barcode) | Barcode | Bi-directional sync |
| Vendor Name | Vendor | Maps by name during sync |
Once your fields are mapped, configure synchronisation settings to maintain real-time data accuracy.
Sync Settings
Inventory Tracking Setup
- Enable ‘Inventory Tracked’ on your Shopify Shop page.
- Set ‘Default Inventory Policy’ to ‘Deny’ to avoid negative stock levels.
- Choose your stock calculation method: Projected Available Balance or Free Inventory (Not reserved).
Price Synchronisation
- Business Central uses a ‘lowest price’ logic for pricing.
- The connector creates a temporary sales quote (quantity of 1) and updates Shopify whenever prices change.
If you encounter any issues, use these troubleshooting tips.
Common Problems and Fixes
Inventory Discrepancies
- If Shopify shows incorrect stock levels, check your Shopify Shop Location settings in Business Central.
Example: In March 2024, a retailer fixed discrepancies where items showed zero stock in Business Central but appeared with quantities of 55 and 22 in Shopify by properly configuring their Default Product Location.
Currency Management
- Set the ‘Currency Code’ in Shopify Shop settings. If left blank, the system defaults to the local currency.
- For international sales, ensure currencies are mapped correctly between platforms.
Variant Display Issues
- Review SKU Mapping settings.
- Verify variant descriptions in Business Central.
- Check connector data field mapping for accuracy.
Also, regularly review Shopify Log Entries for sync errors, especially those tagged with “mutation inventorySetOnHandQuantities”. Addressing these common issues will help keep your integration running smoothly.
Usage Tips
Data Management
Keep your inventory accurate with detailed tracking. Automate inventory updates by following these steps:
- Set Up Location Tracking
Use the “Get Shopify Locations” feature in Business Central to import your Shopify locations. This helps track inventory across warehouses and fulfilment centres. For any new locations, create inventory records manually. - Fine-Tune Stock Calculations
Select a stock calculation method that suits your business:- Projected Available Balance: Great for managing pre-orders.
- Free Inventory (Not Reserved): Perfect for businesses focused on immediate stock availability.
Once set up, use Business Central’s reporting tools to monitor key metrics.
Reports and Analytics
Business Central provides real-time reports to help you improve your Shopify store’s performance. Here’s what you can track:
| Report Type | Tracking Period | Key Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Performance | Daily/Weekly/Monthly | Order value, conversion rates |
| Inventory Status | Real-time | Stock levels, reorder points |
| Financial Summary | Monthly/Quarterly | Revenue, margins, tax |
These reports provide actionable insights to guide your business decisions.
Growth Planning
With efficient data and reporting in place, Business Central supports your growing Shopify operations. It can handle multiple Shopify stores within a single instance, making management easier.
- Automated Workflows
Set up automatic synchronisation for pricing, product details, and customer data to save time and reduce errors. - Advanced Analytics
Use Power BI integration for deeper insights into growth opportunities and inventory trends. - Multi-Store Management
Manage pricing, inventory, and financial reports for all your Shopify stores from one centralised platform.
Regularly review and adjust your synchronisation settings to align with your business growth. This ensures your system remains efficient and continues to meet your operational needs.
Summary
Key Advantages Overview
The connection between Business Central and Shopify offers practical improvements for Australian eCommerce businesses, enhancing operational efficiency. Here’s how it makes a difference:
| Area of Improvement | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Inventory Management | Syncs stock levels in real time across all sales channels |
| Order Processing | Automates order capture and tracks fulfilment |
| Financial Management | Combines billing, payments, and tax handling in one place |
| Customer Service | Provides a complete view of customer interactions and history |
| Time Efficiency | Cuts down manual data entry and minimises errors |
With over 150 integration touchpoints, these enhancements streamline processes and deliver noticeable efficiency improvements. Ready to get started? Here’s how.
Getting Started
Follow these steps to link your Business Central system to Shopify:
- System Preparation: Ensure you’re using the April 2022 release of Business Central to access the built-in Shopify connector.
- Integration Setup: Adjust the connector settings to manage:
- Orders
- Product catalogue syncing
- Inventory updates
- Payment processing
- Data Configuration: Automate workflows for:
- Updating stock levels
- Adjusting prices
- Syncing customer data
The built-in connector allows multiple Shopify stores to connect within a single Business Central account. This unified approach ensures accurate data and smoother operations across all sales channels. Regularly review and adjust settings to keep everything running smoothly as your business grows.
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