Data supply for stores, websites and apps

18.02.2024 | Thomas Kern

Let's assume you have a PIM system and want to supply your own stores, websites or apps with data from it. There is probably no longer a big question as to how the connection is realized technologically, the REST API interface has become firmly established here and there are good reasons for this. In the past, connections were made using XML or database interfaces; this is hardly the case today, especially when it comes to connecting to your own systems. Today, even systems and portals of business partners are often connected directly via REST API interfaces.

Requirements of stores, websites and apps

The requirements relate to the technology on the one hand and the content on the other. The REST API technology can be assumed. In principle, it is then necessary to clarify how the content of the services is structured, whether a delta transfer is necessary and how security and authentication are guaranteed.

The content to be transferred can be derived from the agency's wireframes. On the one hand, the content relates to the information that is displayed or used for full-text searches, for example images, texts, features, product relationships and keywords. It should be noted that the content can be specific depending on the product area; not every product is described in the same way. And secondly, information on control, for example the language/country ("locales"), the product range, navigation using categories, the faceted search and possibly the prices.

Tip: It should be easy for the user to customize all of the above content in the PIM, whether for display or control purposes. This ensures that no intervention in the backend of the CMS is necessary, which can often only be carried out by the agency.

REST-API services - customized or standard?

"Customizable" services have the advantage that the services can be provided according to individual requirements, which also depend on the CMS or store system.

Standard services have the advantage that they are immediately available.

Tip: Configurable services are preferable if they are easy to configure and quickly available. It is important to ensure that the documentation is delivered with the service.

The operating phase

The implementation phase is all about an MVP. Things get exciting when the operating phase begins. Performance, security and stability of the interface are crucial here. Performance depends on both systems, the PIM and the CMS or store system. It can be helpful to only transfer the delta, i.e. to only transfer the changes from the last update. Although the PIM takes longer to determine the delta, the import and creation of indexes in the CMS or store system takes less time.

Tip: Plan the operating phase right from the start and consider the performance, security and stability of the interface. Question the technologies used, such as delta services, authentication techniques and secure data transfer.