How SparkLayer Works
Think of SparkLayer as a B2B widget that enhances your existing eCommerce website. There's no lengthy implementation or customisation process beyond a one-off setup of connecting SparkLayer to your B2B data; once you're connected, it's ready to go and your B2B customers can start placing orders!
To better understand how SparkLayer fits into your current system architecture, there are three key elements to understand.
In its' most simple form, SparkLayer is a headless eCommerce solution that does the following:
- 1.Firstly, it connects to your existing eCommerce platform (e.g. Shopify) to synchronise product and customer data
- 2.Secondly, it connects to your backend data to retrieve data such as price lists and customer ordering rules. This can either be done automatically by connecting SparkLayer to your backend system (e.g. ERP or CRM), or via manual import tools.
- 3.Thirdly, it enables a frontend experience for your customers so they can place orders quickly and easily
We call these three elements the SparkLayer Connector, the SparkLayer Backend, and the SparkLayer Frontend.
Element | Key Function |
The SparkLayer Connector is the gateway between SparkLayer and your eCommerce platform and allows data (such as products and customers) to synchronise between all systems. | |
The SparkLayer Backend comprises of an API (the SparkLayer API) that connects to your backend systems (e.g. ERP, CRM, or iPaaS) to retrieve wholesale data such as price lists, pack sizes, and to send back completed orders | |
The SparkLayer Frontend comprises a 'widget' (the SparkLayer Frontend) that renders an ordering interface on your website. This includes a product purchasing interface, a quick ordering cart, and a my account area |
If we look at your current system architecture, it's likely that your eCommerce platform will be doing the following:
- Talking directly to your backend systems (e.g. ERP, CRM, or iPaaS) to synchronise key data such as product information, customer data, order details
- Providing the interface (i.e. a storefront) for retail customers to browse and place orders from
SparkLayer sits to the side of this, with the SparkLayer Backend connecting to wholesale-specific data, the SparkLayer Connector connecting to your eCommerce platform, and the SparkLayer Frontend rendering wholesale-specific frontend features.
Our systems diagram below illustrates how this looks.
Now let's get started and walk through how you can integrate SparkLayer on your website!
Last modified 1yr ago