The Shopware Interface Guide
What are Shopware 6 interfaces and what can they be used for? In this article, we would like to give you an overview of the Shopware 6 interfaces. Here you can find out which systems Shopware interfaces can be used for and which interfaces already exist. This gives you the opportunity to improve your business processes, expand your sales channels and generally extend the functions of your e-commerce business.
Reading time 10 min
- What is Shopware and what are Shopware interfaces?
- Shopware interface vs. Shopware plugins
- Our conclusion
- FAQ
What is Shopware and what are Shopware interfaces?
Shopware 6 is the latest version of the Shopware platform and has been designed to be highly customizable and extensible, with a new modular approach that makes it easier for developers to create custom solutions.
In addition, Shopware 6 has been optimized to support complex workflows effortlessly, allowing merchants to quickly set up their online store and start selling products. The software also offers a range of development tools and extension options that allow developers to create customized solutions for their stores. There are also numerous interfaces that can be used to connect existing programs to Shopware and integrate them into your Shopware store, such as marketplaces, accounting software or merchandise management systems.
An interface can be used to connect two software systems with each other. This allows data to be exchanged between the software systems. The interface is therefore usually data-oriented in order to exchange information. In other cases, the interface can also be functional. This is usually referred to as a plug-in. We explain the differences between data-oriented and functional interfaces in the following section.
Shopware interfaces vs. Shopware plugins
There are both plugins and suitable interfaces for the Shopware store system to extend the functionality of your online store. But what is the difference? The interfaces used in Shopware are data-oriented interfaces that are used for communication between Shopware and another system. As a rule, they are not functional. The plugins are also interfaces, but they are functional interfaces, i.e. they can also execute functions themselves. However, there are also plugins that "only" function as an interface to an existing system. They then offer the functions in Shopware itself, but access the existing system in the background. The plugins cannot simply function on their own and require the Shopware store system, as in this case. If you still have questions about Shopware , we at EXWE will of course be happy to help and advise you.
You can use these interfaces with Shopware
Interfaces for Shopware and other systems can be easily developed by developers themselves. For this reason, there are now countless interfaces and agencies that offer interfaces for online retailers. The use of interfaces and plugins is essential for a holistic IT landscape. This allows you to link all business processes with each other and automate them as much as possible. You can also synchronize article data such as receipts fully automatically between two systems. If you want to know more about Shopware plugins, we recommend our article "The best Shopware 5 and 6 plugins for your online store".
Examples of Shopware interfaces
If you want to link your online store with other systems that are already in use, interfaces to Shopware can help you do this. Interfaces can be created individually for your merchandise management system, your ERP system, for marketplaces, various web services, price search engines and more. For some systems, there are already existing interfaces that you can simply use to create a link. For example, you can already connect these systems without having to program a new interface (they are available either as a pure interface to the system or as a plugin):
- DHL Paket, myparcel.com and Droppery are already available for shipping your products
- Email marketing is possible with the interfaces to Mailchimp or Newsletter2Go
- You can clarify legal details directly with the Händlerbund and Avale
- HubSpot, a CRM system, can also be easily connected; you can find more information on this in our HubSpot article "Our HubSpot plugin: Hand in hand with Shopware"
- Payment providers such as Paypal, Amazon Pay and Klarna
- and many more
Other pure interfaces must first be programmed by a Shopware agency to meet your needs. The custom-fit development of a data-oriented interface is important so that all relevant data can be reliably transferred between the Shopware store system and the other system.
ERP systems: The structure of ERP systems can be very complex. This is why the creation of a functional Shopware interface is difficult. This is because ERP systems can bundle and collect a lot of data and enable the management and initiation of numerous business processes. To ensure that the master data from Shopware reaches the right place in the ERP system, the interface must be programmed extensively and with all the details.
Inventory management: An inventory management system is essential for most online shop owners in order to manage stock and sales without errors. It therefore makes sense to have a data exchange between the Shopware store and merchandise management system. Although the interface must also be able to deliver a lot of data to the right place, this is generally not as complex as an interface for an ERP system
marketplaces or price search engines to expand the sales channels: You have the option of also offering the products from your online store on another marketplace so that you don't just offer your products on one sales channel. There are suitable interfaces that automatically transfer the data so that you don't have to maintain all your products and product details. Marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay or price search engines such as Idealo are ideal for this. For eBay, for example, there is the "eBay order import", a plugin that serves as an interface to eBay.
Other web services that are important for your online store: Interfaces can also be useful for other web services. Depending on the service, you may want to connect to a payment service provider, a newsletter tool, etc.
What a Shopware interface must be able to do
Four different aspects are important for interfaces between an ERP system and Shopware, for example. If these aspects are present, nothing stands in the way of a successful connection. The Shopware interface should fulfill the following aspects:
Functionality: It is essential for the success of the interface that all this data can be transferred flawlessly between Shopware and the system to be connected. Relevant data can vary depending on the purpose of the system. As a rule, it is all article and customer data.
Security: Of course, all data must be transferred securely. It must not be visible to third parties. To ensure this, the interface should be able to adapt regularly to emerging updates.
Adaptability: In order for the interface to meet all your requirements and serve your chosen purpose, the interface must be able to adapt to your store and the system.
Automation : The connection of a system usually has the background of automating certain processes. You no longer have to manually transfer important data such as price lists, receipts, item data and order status or initiate certain workflows yourself. This should be taken over and imported fully automatically by the interface.
Our conclusion
Overall, interfaces are a very good way to make your day-to-day work much easier. They are an essential step towards automating your online store and help you to transfer all data correctly to other systems without having to do a lot of work every time. We can only recommend that you use interfaces to create a seamless IT environment for your online store.
As an experienced Shopware agency, we offer our customers the best in customized online store integrations and layouts. Our expertise extends to the fulfillment of all individual wishes that are required for an optimal web presence. This includes extending functionality through APIs that can streamline various processes. We develop individual interfaces that complete the functionality of your online store. For more information, please get in touch with our experts.
Find out more about our AS400 Shopware 6 interface now and optimize your e-commerce processes!
FAQ: Questions and answers about Shopware interfaces
Last but not least, we'll answer a few questions about Shopware 6 that will help you get an overview of the store system. If your questions about Shopware have not yet been answered, or if you have any general questions, we at EXWE are always available to help and advise you.
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Which technologies does Shopware use?
The following technologies are used for Shopware 6: Symfony 5.4, Twig, Bootstrap 4 and Vue.js. They ensure very good performance and are easy to update and maintain. The Shopware store system is also based on PHP. PHP is a programming language that is ideal for web applications and websites.
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What kind of system is Shopware?
Shopware is a powerful and versatile modular online store system that was published in 2004 by Shopware AG as open source software. Its users are provided with a wealth of functions that enable them to design their own online store with maximum flexibility and creativity. Since then, the platform has been continuously developed thanks to the support of a large community that provides an incredible range of modules and themes - from e-commerce solutions to marketing tools. Shopware also offers various payment methods and even personalized customer service. Thanks to its intuitive design and advanced architecture, merchants can quickly create an interactive shopping experience for customers that can be accessed from any device. In addition, Shopware's comprehensive reporting tools provide the necessary insights into customer behavior and product performance, helping merchants make informed decisions to maximize their profit and efficiency.
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What is an API?
An API is a programming interface. It allows data to be exchanged from one software system to another target system. API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is an important tool for companies that have several systems in use that need to interact with each other or are dependent on each other. In principle, programming interfaces are useful for many different areas and usually bring great benefits and time savings. For example, if you use Shopware and Datev, you can use the API to exchange information about orders or invoices and import the data into the system. However, APIs can also be used for other systems, for example to transfer product information or orders from the online store to another system.
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What is middleware?
Middleware is used when there are several software and cloud solutions that need to communicate with each other and automatically exchange and synchronize data records via interfaces. Middleware can be used so that this does not lead to confusion. The middleware is either cloud-based or on-premises software. It is essentially the central interface for all requests from the systems used. It receives the requests and forwards them to the application required for this request. This ensures that all required data is transmitted correctly.
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How can you use Pickware with Shopware and what is Pickware anyway?
Pickware is an extension for the Shopware e-commerce system that was specially developed for use in warehousing and shipping. It offers a range of functions and modules that simplify the process of order processing, warehouse management and shipping optimization in Shopware.
To use Pickware with Shopware, you must first install the Pickware extension in your Shopware store. This can be done via the Shopware Community Store or directly via the Pickware webshop. Once the extension is installed, you can configure and use the various Pickware modules in your Shopware backend.
Here are some of the main features of Pickware:
Stock management: Pickware allows you to manage your stock centrally. You can manage your products, storage locations, stocks and suppliers and monitor stock levels in real time.
Order processing: Pickware simplifies the order process by allowing you to enter orders directly in your Shopware backend. You can process orders, create invoices, print shipping labels and track shipping status.
Mobile warehouse app: With the Pickware mobile app, you can manage stock levels, orders and deliveries directly on your smartphone or tablet. You can update stock, pick orders, track deliveries and carry out inventories.
Shipping optimization: Pickware offers shipping optimization functions, e.g. automatically generating shipping labels for various shipping service providers such as DHL, UPS or DPD. You can also define shipping rules to automate the shipping process and save costs.
Returns management: With Pickware, you can easily manage returns and handle the refund process efficiently. You can also process returns, create refunds and monitor the returns status.
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Is programming knowledge required to use interfaces in Shopware?
Yes, programming knowledge is usually required to use interfaces in Shopware. If you want to use interfaces in Shopware, the system offers various options for integration that may require programming knowledge.
One option is to use the REST API. External applications can communicate with Shopware via this API and access various system functions and data. To use the API, you should have knowledge of programming RESTful web services.
Another option is plugin development. Shopware allows you to create your own plugins to implement additional functions or integrations. By developing your own plugin, you can create custom interfaces and communicate with external systems. Plugin development requires knowledge of PHP, the programming language used to develop Shopware plugins.
Shopware also offers integrated import and export functions that allow you to import or export data in various formats. This enables integration with other systems such as ERP or merchandise management systems. However, for complex data structures or specific requirements, it may be necessary to create custom import or export scripts, for which programming skills are required.
The complexity of the interface integration depends on your specific requirements and the approach you choose. For basic integrations, you may be able to use pre-built solutions or plugins that do not require extensive programming knowledge. However, for more specific or sophisticated integrations, programming is usually required.
It is recommended to consult the official Shopware documentation, tutorials or the Shopware developer forum for more detailed information and instructions on how to integrate interfaces into Shopware.
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Hello, my name is Meike. I take care of the EXWE back office and am responsible for our social media channels. All of our articles are meant to make your life easier and help you make decisions. Nevertheless, it can happen that something remains unclear, so: If you have questions about this article you can easily reach me at +49 231 93149827.
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