Shopware is one of the most popular open-source eCommerce platforms in Europe, developed by the German company Shopware AG. The company creates omnichannel solutions used by European leaders in B2B and B2C commerce. This software is used by over 100,000 stores, also from the Enterprise segment.

Shopware eCommerce platform is software that consistently follows the API-First approach. Compared to other systems, Shopware 6 has the advantage to control all store functions via API.

Shopware API interfaces enable integration with different systems such as ERP, CRM, and PIM, for integration with marketplaces, shipping and payment providers, it also enables safe sharing of the store platform to connect devices with customers and for sales in various sales channels.

Shopware API

With Shopware 6, you get a powerful API for integrating third-party systems into your eCommerce processes. However, establishing proper communication requires external applications to authenticate through individual security keys. By default, Shopware 6 lets you create those individual keys right within the system. Consequently, you get the ability to track changes associated with external apps.

Shopware 6 offers two HTTP-based REST APIs, each with its own individual use: Store API and Admin API.

Frontend-facing interactions – Store API

Frontend-facing interactions - Store API

The Store API provides endpoints for all customer interactions like:

  • Searching products
  • Creating carts
  • Placing and viewing orders
  • Making payments
  • Managing wishlists

It is protected using an access key that can be shared with end-clients and a context key that must only be shared with one client.

Applications using the Store API:

  • Shopware-pwa – a storefront PWA framework for Shopware 6 using Vue.js and Nuxt.js based on the Vue Storefront project (good solution e.g. for Shopware for fashion eCommerce)

Documentation: Shopware Store API

Backend-facing interactions – Admin API

The Admin API should be the one used to create integrations with third-party systems. It may be used for:

  • Synchronization
  • Automation
  • Integration

It is protected using backend credentials that cannot be shared with end-clients.

Applications using the Admin API:

  • Shopware Admin Panel

Documentation: Shopware Admin API

How to integrate Shopware with external platforms (external software)

This ready-for-integration platform lets you seamlessly connect applications using API access.

With Shopware 6 API you are able to connect applications to Shopware. To create API access, you should be logged in to your Shopware account and go to Settings > System > Integrations, then click on Create integration.
The next steps involve:

  1. Assigning a name to the integration
  2. Setting the permissions (whether the integration should have the permissions of the administrator)
  3. Setting the role (if there is any created)
  4. Receiving Access key ID and Secret access key

The security key should be saved in a safe place.

To manage the integration, you may click on the name of integration and then you can edit it. The integration may be also deleted. Remember, that after changing the integration details, you should regenerate both the Security key and the Access ID by clicking on the „Regenerate API access key.”

Differences between applications and plugins

Apps and plugins are collectively known as extensions in the Shopware ecosystem, but they differ from each other.

Apps

Apps permit you to register an external URL endpoint with a Shopware system to exchange API credentials and register webhooks that Shopware calls when something happens in a Shopware system.

Apps permit you to build an independent system within Shopware that will interact with the whole eCommerce ecosystem. Which is worth noting though apps will not allow PHP code execution relevant to a Shopware system. For that, you may need to use Shopware plugins.

How to create an app

To create Shopware integration like apps, read official Shopware documentation.

Plugins

The main way to extend your Shopware 6 instance programmatically is by creating a plugin.

Plugins in Shopware are essentially an extension of Symfony bundles. Those plugins and bundles may provide their own resources e.g. controllers, assets, services or tests.  

A plugin is the main way to extend your Shopware 6 instance programmatically.

You can integrate plugins into Shopware and perform almost everything with them. 

How to create a plugin

To create Shopware integrations like plugins, read official Shopware documentation.

Read more about Shopware apps and plugins >>

Shopware integrations with different systems : Types of software

Shopware is an eCommerce platform that offers many possibilities of integration with many systems. You can connect the platform with tools such as:

  • Payment systems (e.g. Adyen, PayPal)
  • Shipping providers (e.g. DHL, UPS, DPD)
  • Plugins for creating and managing loyalty programs
  • Marketing automation tools
  • CRM systems
  • PIM systems
  • ERP systems
  • E-mail marketing tools (e.g. MailChimp)
  • Progressive Web Apps (Shopware PWA)
  • and a lot more.

The official integrations are available on the Shopware store/websites: https://www.shopware.com/en/integrations/ and https://store.shopware.com/en/.

Thanks to the API-first approach, Shopware 6 gives greater flexibility and provides technology that meets the needs of a constantly changing market. At the same time, Shopware 6 significantly improves the work of managing various sales channels and servicing multiple devices. The flexible core of the platform perfectly adapts to the requirements, needs, and expectations of customers.

By using the API, various components such as front-end, administration panel, and integration with external systems (ERP, PIM, content management, etc.) can be interconnected and form the foundation of completely new business models. As a result, both small companies and large enterprises have the same opportunities to quickly and flexibly respond to market changes, creating unique multi-channel purchasing experiences.

External integrations – Documentation examples

Shopware PWA

Shopware PWA framework was developed using Vue Storefront and for this reason, it is a proven and efficient technology. This tool allows you to build an innovative and flexible frontend (landing pages, product pages, etc.) and implement a creative project without focusing on the backend. Shopware PWA will provide your customers with a positive experience, and you will have a simplified store operation.

  • Shopware PWA improves loading times thanks to EDGE caching
  • The powerful UI library allows for unlimited creativity
  • Based on proven Vue Storefront technology
  • Quick integration for a great mobile experience

Want to explore the best eCommerce technologies and deep dive into Shopware? Check out our free e-book – A comprehensive guide to choosing the best technologies for eCommerce

PIM system

Product Information Management (PIM) is a process used to manage product data throughout the product lifecycle. This system helps ensure that product information is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date across all channels and platforms. PIM can help streamline product data collection and management, allowing companies to quickly and effectively launch new products and services. Additionally, PIM can help to improve customer experience by providing a more accurate description of products and services.

Ergonode

Ergonode is software for managing product information. It helps the product content team create, edit, manage, and distribute product content across all online sales channels. By using Ergonode, you can take your eCommerce to the next level. This PIM system allows you to translate content into any language, which means that you can reach people all over the world.

Ergonode PIM Integration is an integration that is available to Shopware users for free. Thanks to this plugin, the platform gains extensive functionalities in the field of product information management. API technology allows for a smooth, automated exchange of data between systems. There is also built-in the function of automatic translation into different languages and generation of content and product templates thanks to artificial intelligence.

The key features of Ergonode PIM Integration:
  • Mapping Ergonode attributes with properties and with Shopware custom fields
  • Manual synchronization of product data
  • Scheduled synchronization of product data
  • Assignment of product segments to selected sales channels.
  • Insight into the history of changes (e.g. to identify potential errors).
Benefits
  • Possibility to use the functionalities offered by Ergonode and Shopware 6.
  • No discrepancies between product data in Ergonode and Shopware 6.

ERP system

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a software type that helps businesses better manage their operations and resources. ERP systems provide a single, integrated system for managing various aspects of a business, including finance, inventory, supply chain, customer relationship management (CRM), and HR. ERP systems allow for improved visibility and control over the entire business process, from production to distribution, enabling companies to make better decisions and drive growth.

Pickware

Pickware is an ERP solution designed for Shopware users, providing seamless integration into the Shopware backend. As such, you don’t need to have separate systems with separate data storage, your own user interface, and error-prone synchronization processes. All data is stored in one place.

In Shopware 6, all central ERP functions regarding warehouses, inventory planning, purchasing, etc. are available directly in the admin panel.

The key features of Pickware
  • Management of several warehouses
  • Automatic stock reduction when sending an order
  • Automatic inventory entry when an order is returned
  • Notification of all products that have reached the reorder point.
  • Stock overview of all products with the ability to filter and export
  • Supplier management
  • Stock Overview

CRM system

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It is managing a company’s interactions with current and potential customers. The goal of CRM is to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by better understanding their needs and to provide them with personalized service and support. CRM systems use data analysis to help companies better understand their customers and their preferences, as well as detect patterns in customer behavior.

SALESmanago

SALESmanago is a marketing automation system that streamlines the work of salespeople. It has a wide range of tools that are used for traffic analytics and marketing activities based on activities performed by current and potential customers.

SALESmanago maximizes revenue growth by combining advanced analytics and AI hyper-personalization to deliver highly customizable, personalized experiences across a wide range of natively built and integrated marketing execution channels.

The key features of SALESmanago
  • Customer Data Platform
  • Data Exchange
  • Machine Learning & AI recommendations
  • Website Automation
  • Lead Generation
  • Hyper Segmentation Center
  • Deep Behavioural Profiling

Edrone CRM

Edrone is a powerful marketing automation platform that helps businesses streamline their marketing processes. It may automate time-consuming tasks like sending emails, text messages, and advertising on social media and you can gain unprecedented insights into your customer’s activity on your website and track sales performance. In addition, this platform uses the Voice Commerce function which makes it easier for customers to find the products they’re looking for using voice search.

The key features of Edrone CRM
  • Identification and analysis of the behavior of people visiting the store
  • Automation of marketing activities
  • Ready sales promotion templates
  • Easy to integrate
  • Availability of marketing strategies to support sales
Everything you need to know before you start Shopware development

Summary

Modern solutions and technology provided by Shopware allow you to build efficient and fast eCommerce platforms that may be connected with almost unlimited types of third-party software. You are able to integrate Shopware with intelligent software that streamlines and optimizes business operations in real-time.

If you are looking for a development partner to create Shopware integration(s) or even a full project, let us know – our trained team is able to digitalize your vision to the best Shopware standards at a lower risk and costs. Contact us for more information.