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The SparkLayer Backend

Introduction

The SparkLayer Backend is essentially the mechanism whereby SparkLayer stores your B2B data. If you're using the SparkLayer API, you can connect your backend systems and automatically send SparkLayer your B2B data. Alternatively, you can use the manual import tools within the SparkLayer Dashboard to configure your B2B data.

Using the SparkLayer API

To give context, your eCommerce platform is likely already set up to receive many forms of data from your backend system (e.g. product information, customer information), for most scenarios, SparkLayer only needs to retrieve a limited range. This typically includes:
Data type
Description
Product Pricing
Product pricing data will be retrieved via price lists
Pack Sizes
This determines the increments products can be purchased in
Customer Data
This is required so that SparkLayer knows when a B2B customer signs in and what prices and rules to show them

Understanding the data flow

The flow of data to SparkLayer will vary based on the systems used. With your current website, it's likely that the data may actually come from multiple sources:
  • Your backend system (e.g. ERP, CRM, or iPaaS)
  • Your eCommerce platform (e.g. customer information such as addresses, tags, preferences)
Because of this, SparkLayer can be adapted to suit your unique flow. For example, If you need customer data to come from your eCommerce platform, this can be supported. Or if you'd prefer this came from your backend system, that can also be configured.
The diagram below illustrates how SparkLayer can fit into your data flow and during the Onboarding Process, you can configure how this works.
Click to zoom

Available integrations

SparkLayer integrates with a number of leading backend systems which make it rapid to connect your data to send to SparkLayer. Our available integrations include:
Integration
Details
Type
Linnworks
ERP
Brightpearl
ERP
Unleashed
ERP
Katana
ERP
DEAR Systems
ERP
Netsuite
Contact Us
ERP
Microsoft Dynamics
Contact Us
ERP
Patchworks
Middleware / iPaaS
VL OMNI
Middleware / iPaaS
Celigo
Contact Us
Middleware / iPaaS

Understanding how to integrate

For merchants using a backend system (e.g. an ERP or CRM), SparkLayer offers two options to connect to your data source of truth.
Direct Connection
Middleware connection
Using our REST API, you can build an integration to connect SparkLayer directly to your backend system. Implementation requires custom development (in-house or external)
Your existing middleware partner (e.g. an iPaaS) connects directly to SparkLayer to synchronise & map specific B2B data. Implementation is carried out by their technical team

Learn more

If you'd like to learn more about how SparkLayer interacts with different systems, you can read our guide here.