If you’re juggling demand planning and inventory data between Avercast and your ERP, you already know how messy things can get. This guide is for IT managers, operations folks, and supply chain pros who are tired of wrestling with clunky exports, endless spreadsheets, and “manual syncs.” Let’s walk through how to actually connect Avercast with your ERP system so your data flows smoothly (or, at least, less painfully).
Forget the buzzwords. This is about what works, what doesn’t, and where to start.
Why Bother Integrating Avercast and Your ERP?
You probably already know the “why,” but here’s the real story: If your demand forecasts, inventory levels, and sales orders aren’t talking to each other, you’ll miss signals, over-order, or run out of stock. Integration means:
- No more redundant data entry (and the mistakes that come with it)
- Faster, more accurate planning and reporting
- Actual end-to-end visibility, not just charts for show
But don’t kid yourself—this isn’t a “flip the switch” situation. Every ERP is different, and Avercast’s flexibility is a double-edged sword: powerful but a bit… open-ended. So, let’s get practical.
Step 1: Get Clear on What Needs to Sync
Before you start fiddling with APIs or calling consultants, map out what you really need to move between Avercast and your ERP. Don’t just sync everything “because you can.” Focus on what matters.
Typical data to integrate:
- From ERP to Avercast: Sales history, inventory levels, open purchase orders, product master data, locations
- From Avercast to ERP: Forecasts, suggested purchase/production orders, exception alerts
Pro tip:
Don’t sync fields you never use. If you’re not using certain data in planning, leave it out. Less to break.
Step 2: Check What Integration Options You Actually Have
Avercast supports multiple integration methods, but not all are created equal. Your ERP might have its own quirks, too.
Common integration methods:
- Flat-file imports/exports (CSV, XLSX): Old-school, but reliable. Most ERPs can schedule exports. Avercast has import/export tools.
- Direct database connections: Only if you have on-premise access and your IT team is comfortable with SQL. Riskier, but fast.
- APIs (usually REST or SOAP): Cleanest, but requires technical chops. Avercast’s API is decent, but documentation can be sparse.
- Prebuilt connectors: Some ERPs (like NetSuite, Dynamics, SAP) have third-party middleware or connectors. Quality varies—a lot.
What actually works?
For most companies, scheduled flat-file drops (with automated SFTP transfers) are the least painful starting point. APIs are great if you have developers or a decent integration partner. Out-of-the-box connectors sometimes work, but always test with your real data, not demo sets.
Step 3: Prep Your Data—Don’t Skip This
Garbage in, garbage out. If your ERP data is full of typos, missing SKUs, or mismatched units of measure, integration will just amplify the mess.
- Clean your product master data. Unique SKUs, clear descriptions, and consistent units.
- Standardize locations and suppliers. Make sure codes/names match across systems.
- Audit sales history. Watch out for old, inactive products, or weird one-off transactions that could skew forecasts.
Ignore the urge to “just sync and fix later.”
It’ll bite you. Spend a week cleaning now, save months later.
Step 4: Decide How Data Should Flow (Direction, Frequency, and Triggers)
It’s tempting to set everything to “real-time,” but that’s usually overkill and a pain to troubleshoot. Think in terms of business needs, not technical possibilities.
- Sales history: Daily or weekly syncs are fine for most.
- Inventory levels: Daily is enough unless you have super-fast-moving items.
- Forecasts/suggested orders: Sync after each planning cycle (weekly or monthly).
- Exceptions/alerts: Maybe more frequent, but only if you’ll actually use them.
Pro tip:
Batch jobs (e.g., nightly updates) are easier to monitor and recover than real-time syncs, especially if you’re new to integrating these systems.
Step 5: Build and Test the Integration
Now it’s nuts-and-bolts time. Here’s how most teams get this done:
A. Start Small
- Pick one data flow (e.g., sales history from ERP to Avercast)
- Set it up end-to-end
- Test with a month or two of real data
B. Use Staging/Test Environments
- Don’t test live. Use sandbox copies of both systems if possible.
- Make sure data formats (dates, decimals, field lengths) match up.
C. Automate, but Log Everything
- If you’re using flat files, automate exports/imports with scripts or ERP schedulers.
- Set up email or dashboard alerts for failed jobs.
- Keep logs—don’t rely on “it just works.”
D. Validate Results
- Check totals: Does the inventory in Avercast match your ERP?
- Spot-check SKUs: Are descriptions, units, and locations right?
- Verify forecasts: Do Avercast outputs make sense back in your ERP?
What to ignore:
Don’t worry about making everything “bi-directional” at first. Get one-way flows rock solid, then expand.
Step 6: Document Everything (No, Seriously)
This isn’t busywork. Write down:
- What’s syncing, how often, and by what method (file, API, etc.)
- Contact info for who owns each system/integration
- Where logs and error reports live
- Any “gotchas” (e.g., field mappings, timezone issues, file naming patterns)
You’ll thank yourself when something breaks—or when your company changes ERPs (it happens).
Step 7: Monitor and Tune
No integration is “set and forget.” Keep an eye on:
- Failed syncs or transfer errors
- Data mismatches (especially after ERP or Avercast upgrades)
- Changes in business process (new products, locations, etc.)
Set a calendar reminder to review integration health every month—just do it. Systems drift over time.
Honest Takes: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Flat files: Boring but dependable. Good for most companies, especially during initial rollout.
- APIs: Great if you have real developers and need speed, but be ready to debug and handle edge cases (timeouts, weird responses).
- “Plug-and-play” connectors: Sometimes helpful, but expect to spend time mapping fields and fixing surprises. Never trust a demo.
- Consultants: Useful if you’re short on staff or deep expertise, but grill them on past projects and insist on clear documentation.
- Real-time everything: Usually overrated. Batch jobs are less stressful.
A Few Common Pitfalls (and How to Dodge Them)
- Syncing too much data: Start with what you need, add later.
- Ignoring error handling: Always log failures and alert someone.
- Assuming field names mean the same thing: Double-check units, currencies, date formats, and codes.
- Letting integration sprawl: Keep a diagram and regular reviews.
Keep It Simple, Start Small, Iterate
You don’t need a “seamless digital transformation.” You need sales, inventory, and forecasts to line up in both systems—without surprises. Start with batch files or simple APIs. Get your basics right, then improve.
Don’t get talked into expensive middleware or real-time dashboards unless you really need them. Integration is about making life easier, not just adding another moving part. Take the first step, keep things tidy, and build from there.