What Kind of Technology or Software Do I Need to Integrate My Store with My Logistics Provider?
- Feb 5, 2026
When it comes to order fulfillment, ecommerce sellers face a crucial choice when they hit a certain sales volume: whether to continue managing operations in-house or partner with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Each approach has its advantages, but for growing businesses, the efficiency and automation offered by a 3PL with robust shipping EDI integration technology often makes outsourcing the clear choice. The right integration technology acts as the digital bridge between your storefront and your logistics provider, automatically syncing orders, inventory levels, and shipping updates so customers receive accurate purchases in a timely manner.
In-House Vs. Outsourced Logistics
Most merchant businesses start out with in-house order fulfillment for practical reasons: they simply don’t have the order volume to justify outsourcing. The advantage is maintaining full control over packing and shipping, but it also requires significant investment in infrastructure, staff, and technology as the business grows.
As order volume increases, merchants often hit a point where they decide to outsource fulfillment to a 3PL provider to reduce warehousing and staffing expenses, improve scalability, and gain access to advanced logistics systems that may be too expensive for a small business.
What Kind of Technology or Software Do I Need to Integrate My Store with My Logistics Provider?
Merchants looking to integrate their sales system with a 3PL need technology that can transmit orders reliably and in real time. Choose a 3PL with technology that uses either EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and/or API (Application Programming Interface) to create a seamless link between your storefront and their fulfillment systems. This way, orders are sent instantly so the fulfillment process is triggered without any manual data entry. Fully automated integration saves time and reduces errors by enabling real-time data exchange and streamlining fulfillment, including order processing, label generation, and carrier selection.
Key technologies for integration:
API/EDI. These are the core technologies that allow different software systems to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. A 3PL will use one of these technologies to connect your store's system directly to their logistics EDI software.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System. If your business uses an ERP, which integrates various functions like inventory, orders, and finance, you will need to make sure that it can connect to your chosen logistics provider's software. Many ERPs can be connected via APIs.
Warehouse Management System (WMS). If your logistics provider manages your inventory, you will benefit from integrating with their WMS. You gain access to real-time visibility of your stock levels and can streamline order fulfillment from your store to the warehouse.
Transportation Management System (TMS). Many 3PLs use a TMS in conjunction with their WMS. This software optimizes transportation operations, helping you manage routes, choose carriers, and handle freight. Integration with a 3PLs TMS allows you to automatically send shipping orders and receive tracking information.
How a Fully-Integrated Logistics System Operates
A fully integrated logistics system connects your online store directly with your fulfillment provider’s technology to create a seamless flow of information that keeps orders moving efficiently. By automating communication between your ecommerce platform or ERP and the logistics provider’s TMS/WMS, businesses can focus on growth rather than manual processes.
How a Fully-Integrated Logistics System Operates
- Order placement. A customer places an order in your store.
- Data transmission. The order details are automatically sent from your ecommerce platform or ERP to the logistics provider's TMS or WMS via the API/EDI.
- Fulfillment. The logistics provider uses the information to fulfill the order (picking, packing, and shipping).
- Tracking updates. Tracking numbers and shipment status are sent back to your system, which can then be shared with your customer.
In summary, an integrated order fulfillment process removes the need for manual data entry, minimizes errors, and offers real-time visibility across your entire supply chain EDI or API. In addition, customers stay informed at every stage of the order process, while you gain the support you need to scale your business with confidence.
Optimize Your Supply Chain with G10’s ChannelPoint™ Technology
Maximize efficiency with ChannelPoint™, G10's proprietary technology. Our customizable integrations and seamless connectivity to major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, and Target ensure Walmart Amazon integration and faster, more reliable order processing for all sales platforms. ChannelPoint™ streamlines order transmission, updates tracking instantly, and eliminates manual data entry, optimizing your operations for peak performance. Benefit from over 100 seamless integrations, providing unmatched connectivity to elevate your business.
ChannelPoint™ establishes seamless connections using either EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) or API (Application Program Interface). This ensures that your orders are instantly transmitted to G10, kickstarting our efficient fulfillment process. Our full EDI capabilities in automated warehouse systems, eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving you valuable time and effort.
ChannelPoint™ offers your business the power to manage inventory scalability on your terms. With our state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS) and flexible solutions, expanding your operations is seamless. Contact us today to request a quote.
