Shopify and Netsuite integration - how best to do?

Technical Q&A
1

Hello - we are considering shopify as a replacement e-commerce platform - and currently have netsuite as our ERP. We seem to have a few options (e.g., use middleware, use connector like Celigo, other). Wanted to talk with someone who has done something similar around how they thought about this, and what the fastest and / most scalable solution makes sense.

Would appreciate if anyone who has experience would be willing to take a short call with me on this.

Thanks,

Alex

2

Hello @xpiano1978

It sounds like you’re in the midst of an important decision regarding your e-commerce infrastructure.

1. Middleware Solutions (e.g., Celigo, Dell Boomi, MuleSoft)

Pros:

  • Can handle complex workflows beyond basic syncs.

  • Good for businesses planning to scale operations.

  • Allows for detailed mapping and transformation of data.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront and ongoing costs.

  • Requires expertise to set up and manage.

If you have complex business processes, custom workflows, or need to integrate multiple systems beyond Shopify and NetSuite.

2. Direct Connectors (e.g., Celigo, FarApp, SFA, etc.)

Pros:

  • Quick setup compared to building custom integrations.

  • Often comes with common use-case scenarios handled out-of-the-box.

Cons:

  • May not support all custom requirements without extra development.

  • You’re dependent on the connector’s updates and support.

Ideal if your integration needs are standard (orders, inventory, customer data) and you want a faster, less technical solution.

3. Custom API Integration

Pros:

  • Complete control over what data is transferred and how.

  • It can be optimized for speed and efficiency.

Cons:

  • Requires skilled developers and ongoing maintenance.

  • More complex to build compared to using middleware or connectors.

Best if you have very specific integration requirements that off-the-shelf solutions can’t meet or if you have a strong in-house development team.

3

I’ve been using FarApp (NetSuite Connector) for NetSuite–Shopify integration, and while it mostly works, it’s not very flexible and rather limited.

Support is handled through NetSuite and has been pretty slow, if you don’t have a support plan—basically, you’re on your own. Each time there’s an issue, we’re quoted 2-3 hours against our ACS time for investigation, even when it’s functional and not something caused by us.
For the price, options like Celigo or NetSuite Integration ‑ TM seem to offer more flexibility and likely have better/quicker support.

4

I’d be happy to jump on a quick call if you haven’t made your selection as of now. I’ve utilized FarApp, MuleSoft, Celigo, Boomi, and the NetSuite Connector. While most Brands run to Celigo, there are benefits with Boomi that might interest you, if you have an internal tech team.

5

Integrating Shopify with NetSuite can be a bit of a hassle if you’re doing everything manually or relying on basic exports. A good approach is to use a connector that can handle real-time sync and map fields properly. We’ve used a platform like Skyvia to automate this without heavy dev work, and it’s saved a ton of time.

6

As a director connector we use Entriwise and it has been great for us.