The Challenge
The client wanted to run an e-commerce store without building up its own warehouse capacity. Several wholesalers deliver product data through different interfaces, CSV files and REST APIs, some with daily and some with hourly updates. The challenge: bring all data sources together, add up stock levels correctly and build a smooth ordering process with direct shipping.
Previous manual approaches led to outdated stock levels in the store, overselling and frustrated customers.
Our Solution
We built a system in which JTL-Wawi acts as the central data hub between the wholesalers and the WooCommerce store:
Multi-Supplier Product Import
Automated data transfer from various sources:
- CSV import: Scheduled processing of product catalogs via SFTP
- REST API integration: Real-time reconciliation with API-enabled wholesalers
- Data mapping: Cross-manufacturer normalization of product data
- Image import: Automatic download and optimization of product images
Smart Inventory Management
Combined stock levels from several sources:
- Identical items from different wholesalers are detected and merged
- The total stock in the store equals the sum of all supplier stock levels
- Prioritization by purchase price and delivery time when forwarding orders
- Automatic deactivation of items when stock is zero across all sources
WooCommerce Synchronization
Seamless connection to the online store:
- Products, variants and categories are synchronized automatically
- Price calculation with configurable markup rules
- SEO-optimized product descriptions generated from supplier data
- Real-time stock updates in the store when changes occur in JTL
Automatic Order Forwarding
From customer to wholesaler without manual intervention:
- Orders from WooCommerce flow automatically into JTL-Wawi
- Smart routing selects the best wholesaler (price, availability, delivery time)
- The order is automatically transmitted to the selected wholesaler
- Tracking numbers from the wholesaler are passed on to the end customer
The Result
- 26,200+ items from three wholesalers available in the store
- Zero inventory, the store operator does not stock any goods
- 95% automation, from product import to order forwarding
- Overselling rate below 0.5% through real-time stock reconciliation