Integration Patterns
Real-Time Integration
• Integration Patterns: Real-time vs. Batch
This section will talk about how the users can choose an appropriate integration pattern based on the business needs and system capabilities.Why is a Real-Time Integration needed? A Real-Time integration is needed as it allows to process and deliver the data as it gets created or processed. To understand why a real-time integration is necessary, let us highlight a few problems and their real-time solutions. → To Prevent Costly Overselling and Stockouts: Problem: If the store’s inventory is not updated instantly when a product is sold or when a new stock arrives at the warehouse, there is a risk of overselling the product (Selling an item that is not available at the store). Real-time Solution: Instant synchronisation of inventory across all channels (POS, WMS, e-commerce platforms etc.) to show accurate product availability to the customer. → To enable quick fulfillment: Problem: Manual data entry or batch processing causes delays in the order-to-fulfillment cycle. Real-time solution: Orders are pushed to fulfillment systems as soon as they are placed, thereby streamlining the supply chain.
Webhooks: Enabling Real-time Integration
Based on the problems and solutions highlighted above, here’s how the webhooks help in Real-time Integration: → Event-Driven Communication: Webhooks are user-defined HTTP callbacks, which are triggered by specific events. Instead of calling an API to check on updates, a system can configure a webhook to be notified immediately when an event takes place.Scenario 1
Scenario 1
When a product is sold (event), an e-commerce (POS) system can trigger a webhook. The webhook instantly sends data (Product ID, or inventory stock) to the inventory management system. The inventory system updates its stock at all channels. This process eliminates any delay that is associated with batch updates and reduces the risk of overselling.
Scenario 2
Scenario 2
When an order (event) is placed on an e-commerce platform, a webhook is fired. This webhook sends the order directly to the fulfillment system (WMS). This helps in beginning the fulfillment process quickly rather than waiting for a scheduled batch of orders.