What is ChannelEngine?
ChannelEngine is a connection between B2B systems and online stores, enabling products to be sold on multiple platforms. Examples include Bol.com and Amazon.
This requires a lot of variant data, which means it can typically only be done in connection with a PIM system. However, there might be exceptions where this could work without PIM, so it's always a good idea to ask support about other available options. But the chances are high that this won't be possible without PIM.
An XML product feed is generated and sent to ChannelEngine. This feed is used within ChannelEngine. You can then map this feed there. An affiliate account in ChannelEngine is required for this. The fields in the feed can be configured flexibly, but you can ask support to ask for specific requirements. This way, we can assist in determining what is possible. Examples include: price list, language, shipping costs, and images. Additionally, there may be differences between platforms in terms of which fields can be used. Fields like variant_id and SKU are not freely selectable. This is because orders coming from ChannelEngine will be returned to the B2B, and in order to link this data, it must match the data known in the B2B.
Orders in ChannelEngine can be found under: Orders. Once they are half an hour old, they will be exported to the B2B system. This is because they can still be canceled within the first half hour. After receiving the order, the B2B system sends a notification to ChannelEngine confirming that the order has been processed, which updates the status in ChannelEngine. The order then proceeds through the usual process from the B2B to the ERP.
Shipments can also be linked. When we receive a shipment via FD_Shipments that is linked to a ChannelEngine order in the B2B system, the shipment, including the tracking number and shipping method, will be sent to ChannelEngine. Shipments cannot be created in ChannelEngine without a link to a ChannelEngine order.
Return orders can also be sent from ChannelEngine to the B2B system, and return reasons from the B2B system can also be mapped to ChannelEngine.
The further setup is technical. Therefore is is needed to exchange data between the systems, and each party will need to perform certain steps to complete this process.