We offer a number of addtional modules that can be enabled within your instance to futher enahnce the base offering by providing a more omni-channel feature set to your customers.

Terminologies

Ship From Store (SFS)

Generally, Ship From Store is a fulfilment strategy that allows retailers to utilise their physical stores as additional distribution centres for fulfilling online orders. Instead of shipping products from centralised warehouses or distribution centres, retailers can leverage their store inventory to fulfil online orders and ship them directly to customers.

Web Stores and Web Inventory

When we make a request to the StockChanged endpoint (Retail API), Apparel21 returns to us a list of what they call "stores". However, this "store" isn't necessarily a physical store (or warehouse). You can configure in the Apparel21 backend which stock locations and pools contribute to a particular "store" which is how the Web Stores work.

Please note that these are "stores" over the Retail API, but they're actually groupings of various warehouse and/or store locations in the backend, to form the stock counts which go to the website.

The Web Inventory refers to the total amount of available inventory for sale on a website. Typically, this includes the inventory stored in your warehouse. However, with the Ship From Store feature, you can also include the available stock from your physical stores. For instance, you can have a designated "store" such as Web Sales, Online Store, or Web Store, where the stock number is calculated by adding up the inventory from your warehouse and all the stores that are enabled for SFS.

SFS with Shopify and DotApparel

DotApparel only integrates the Web Inventory with a Shopify location to facilitate the SFS feature. All other processes will be managed by the ERP. This means that DotApparel will continue to send online orders as normal, and Apparel21 will decide if an order will be shipped from a physical store based on the configured logic or rules.

Are any changes required in DotApparel?

In essence, there will be no changes unless the Web Store is modified. As previously stated, your ERP representatives will need to set up your Web Stores and Web Inventory in the ERP backend. This will guarantee that the inventory counts from the WEB Store already include the store inventory. For example, if the inventory number of Product A was 3 in the warehouse and 2 in Retail A, without SFS, the total inventory number from your WEB store would be 3. However, with SFS, it will be 5.

Are any changes required in Shopify?

No. Since the Web Inventory has been configured in the ERP, the Shopify inventory also includes the floor stock available in your physical stores. Let's say that Product B is out of stock at the warehouse but there are 2 units available at Retail B. With SFS, in Shopify, there are 2 units available for purchase on the website. When customers purchase them, the orders will be sent to the ERP by DotApparel and then they will be processed by the ERP according to the SFS configuration.

What is the process to get started?

1. Contact your ERP representatives and discuss your requirements to enable SFS.

2. Agree on the locations(stores) that will be included in the inventory pool (Web Inventory).

3. Let us know when you plan to launch SFS and also if the existing Web Store will be used or new Store ID provided.

4. Schedule your configuration change with the ERP and confirm that date and time with us.

AusPost Returns offers a streamlined returns process, allowing customers to generate labels and track returns easily. Integrating DotApparel Core with your ERP automates return management, reduces manual errors, and updates stock levels in real-time. This improves efficiency, enhances customer experience, and provides better inventory visibility for merchants.

Pre-requisite to enable AusPost Returns

Responsibility: Merchant

To enable return creation in AP21, we need to configure a webhook URL in Loop Returns' admin.

1. Install and configure the Australia Post Shopify app

   • Ensure the app is installed on the relevant Shopify store and basic setup is complete.

2. Contact Australia Post support

   • Request that they enable webhook subscriptions for your account (required for DotApparel to receive return events).

3. Notify the DotApparel team

   • Once webhook access is granted, let our team know so we can proceed with configuration.

4. Provide ERP Return Reasons

   • Please share your ERP’s standard list of return reasons. These will be mapped into the Core app.

Example:

Configuration: Performed by DotApparel once prerequisites are met

1. Enter Australia Post API credentials into the Core app

   • Our team will retrieve these details from the AusPost app in your Shopify admin:

     • Company ID

     • API Domain URL

DotApparel collaborates with Loop Returns and AusPost to automatically generate return authorisations in your ERP when customers initiate returns through the returns portal online.

For Loop Returns, DotApparel Core enables merchants to preserve revenue in ERP through instant exchange orders and transfers refunded store credit to the ERP gift voucher seamlessly. AusPost does not currently have the capability to do instant exchanges or refund into a store credit.

Choosing between Loop and AusPost

Merchants can choose between AusPost Returns and Loop Returns, both of which integrate seamlessly with DotApparel Core. Here’s how they differ:

Set up return reason mappings

DotApparel offers a flexible option to map return reasons between Loop Returns and the ERP, enabling enhanced return reason reporting in the ERP.

To configure the return reason mappings, follow these steps in your DotApparel admin:

1. Navigate to Returns > Mappings.

2. Under the Return Reasons section on the right-hand side, click "Add new return reason".

3. From the "ERP return reason type" dropdown, select a reason from the provided list.

4. In the "Source return reason pattern

The merchant perspective

Once the integration is fully set up and operational, it will function automatically. However, merchants may still wish to monitor the process and address any potential issues. To do so, they can access the Returns section in the DotApparel app.

This section serves as a comprehensive list of all returns known to DotApparel, including any return requests that existed before the implementation of DotApparel. This feature ensures smooth tracking of all returns, without any critical ones being overlooked.

The Returns section has four tabs:

Returns sections in the app

• All returns: Each line item represents an individual Return order received from the Loop webhook. By clicking on each line item, merchants can access detailed information about the return order.

• Return suspended: This tab displays a list view of all Return orders that were not created in the ERP due to API errors.

• Need review: This tab provides a list view of all Return orders that require issuing a gift voucher to the customer, but the voucher order has not yet been posted to the ERP. This might occur if the return was requested before the implementation of DotApparel. Merchants need to review the voucher information, including person ID, email, and amount, before manually triggering the voucher to the ERP. Merchants may also need to verify if the gift card refund has already been processed during the integration migration.

Return order statuses

As return orders progress or change status, DotApparel will attach different tags to each order, indicating its current state. The following tags may be associated with a return order:

1. Return posted: This tag is applied immediately after a customer submits a return request to Loop, confirming that DotApparel has successfully created a return in the ERP. Applies to Loop, AusPost

2. Return suspended: This tag indicates that DotApparel encountered an issue and could not create a return in the ERP, often due to API errors or other reasons. Applies to Loop, AusPost

3. Return received: This tag indicates that the return might have been processed before the implementation of DotApparel, resulting in DotApparel logging the record without taking any further action. Applies to Loop, AusPost

FAQ

How can I resolve a return order when it’s labelled as “Return suspended“?

The "Return Suspended" status mainly occurs when DotApparel encounters issues while attempting to create a return in Apparel21 due to API errors. This situation is rare, and it can generally be easily resolved by retrying the task. However, if you come across this issue, please don't hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

What errors could lead to a return order showing “Need review“?

Several factors may result in a return order being marked as "Need Review":

1. The return order was processed before the implementation of DotApparel21 or was handled by a legacy integration during pre-migration.

2. Progress encountered an API error during the return process.

3. The order was previously or partially refunded to a gift voucher, and another gift card refund may be issued from other resources. In this case, DotApparel suspends the progress to avoid the risk of issuing a gift card twice to the customer.

What happens if the customer selects the option to refund to the original payment method where a gift card was used? Will they receive a new gift voucher? Applies to Loop only.

Yes, when a customer chooses the "refund to original payment method" option in Loop, but a gift card was used for the original payment, the customer will receive a new gift voucher from ERP. This is necessary since the previously used gift card is no longer available for the refund process.

Markets in Shopify

Shopify helps merchants expand their business to a global audience, sell to multiple countries, and scale internationally. With Shopify Markets, you can configure multiple languages, international pricing, market-specific domains and subfolders, and more. By creating localized shopping experiences, merchants can better expand their business internationally.

Reference: https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/markets

Multi-currency in ERP

ERP allows merchants to configure additional price schemes in various currencies, in addition to the primary currency of the business. For example, a business based in Australia (AUD) can set up a new price scheme in US Dollars (USD) within ERP.

By setting up these additional price schemes, merchants can manage product prices in different currencies in the ERP and expose the price data through the Retail API.

How it works in DotApparel

DotApparel provides seamless integration between Shopify Markets and ERP, allowing merchants to connect multiple ERP APIs to their respective Shopify Markets. This feature enables the synchronization of product pricing between ERP and Shopify, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is available to customers across different markets.

• Markets Synchronization

  • DotApparel retrieves the latest configurations from Shopify Markets, ensuring that the data is up-to-date.

  • This synchronization process guarantees that the Markets information and settings in DotApparel align with the Shopify Markets' requirements and changes.

The integration of Shopify Local Pickup and DotApparel enables merchants to offer Click & Collect as a delivery option while seamlessly syncing the orders with their ERP backend.

With the integration in place, merchants can easily set up multiple pickup locations in Shopify and offer pickup as an option during checkout.

Behind the scenes, DotApparel integrates with Shopify to feed in-store stock into Shopify locations using the location mappings set up in the app. DotApparel also sends the PickupStoreId for each mapped location so that the ERP can process the orders as Click and Collect.

Step By Step Guide (High-Level)

ERP Stock Formula

There are 2 types of configurations:

• Combined: The ERP config for "Online Store" combines total available stock from all locations. It includes warehouse and in-store stock.

• Separate: The ERP config keep inventory levels for warehouse and in-store stock separate.

Choosing Your ERP Stock Formula: Combined vs. Separate

The merchant holds the decision to choose the most suitable approach. Upon reaching a decision, ERP will configure the rerouting logic and stock calculation for each specific location in the ERP. Before deciding, it is important to consider the limitations.

• Limitations of the Combined Approach:

  • Challenges in Offering Same Day Delivery, International Shipping, and Local Pickup Simultaneously

    • Reduced Control Over Product/Order Locations

If you are not offering Same Day Delivery, International Shipping, and Local Pickup simultaneously then it is fine to proceed with the Combined approach.

Do you need to update your ERP stock formula from "combined" to "separate"?

ERP support will need to action this. Here's a canned template we prepared earlier:

Hi ERP Team,

We're requesting an update to our stock formula so that the "Online Store" no longer combines the total stock for warehouse and store locations. This update will support our move towards Native Locations in Shopify.

To clarify, please update the stock formula for "Online Store" so that it only includes warehouse stock.

To ensure smooth implementation, let's coordinate the action on an agreed-upon day and time in collaboration with the DotApparel team. Can you confirm your availability for this task?

Once confirmed, we'll schedule the adjustment, ensuring all parties are ready for the necessary changes.

Regards,

Merchant Name

Do you need to update your ERP stock formula for "combined" location?

ERP support will need to action this. A common scenario is when a merchant needs to add or remove a physical store from the "combined" stock pool. Here's a canned template we prepared earlier:

Hi ERP Team,

We would like to request an update to our stock formula to remove the Chadstone store from the "Online Store" pool, as this location is no longer in operation.

To clarify, please adjust the formula so that it includes the warehouse and all other retail stores except the Chadstone store.

Kindly let us know once this has been actioned.

Regards,

Merchant Name

Configuring Locations & Local Pickup in Shopify

Here Are The Steps If Your AP21 Inventory Is "Separate"

Go to Shopify and enter all the shipping origins. It should include the warehouse and the stores that are available for local pick-up.

For each location that can fulfil online orders, make sure to tick this checkbox.

Ensure that this checkbox is ticked for only the individual store(s) that allow for Click & Collect.

Double-check the local pickup settings in Shopify.

Here Are The Steps If Your ERP Inventory Is "Combined"

We recommend using the "Locations that fulfill pickup orders only" option for local pickup orders in Shopify. This option ensures that the inventory at a location is only available for pickup orders, and prevents delivery orders from being allocated to this location. Always check that location is enabled for fulfil online orders from this location.

Configuring Locations & Local Pickup in DotApparel

Setting up location mappings to upload in-store inventory to Shopify locations

Location mappings allow DotApparel to link ERP Stores to the corresponding locations in Shopify. This enables DotApparel to sync inventory levels from AP21 to Shopify locations.

1. Refresh locations to download all locations from Shopify and all stores from the ERP.
2. Add the ERP store to a Shopify location.

Once Shopify is set up, the next step is up for the DotApparel team to setup the locations in the DotApparel Core app (this involves configuring store mappings one-by-one).

Configuring Pickup Store mappings to send Click and Collect orders to ERP

Pickup Store ID mappings enable DotApparel to pass a PickupStoreID to the ERP for Local Pickup orders. We can easily map a Pickup Store ID to a Shopify location like the shipping option patterns for shipping.

1. Click Add new shipping method button in the Settings > Shipping Methods section
2. Enter the required fields in the form Delivery method type: Select "Local Pickup" from the dropdown list. Pickup Store ID: Can be found from Retail API /Stores endpoint. Shopify title pattern: This should be the location name in Shopify. The preview name can be found in Shopify Settings > Shipping and Delivery> Local Pickup section.

What is Brauz?

Brauz is a tech platform that specialises in various delivery method solutions, ensuring a top-tier omnichannel retail experience. Within its suite, Brauz offers several products. Merchants have the option to leverage Brauz instead of the Find In-Store and Click & Collect modules within DotApparel Core.

How does it work?

Brauz requires the latest inventory data. There are 2 ways to achieve this:

• Approach 1: Shopify Inventory API

  • Ideal For: Stores with multiple locations set up in Shopify.

  • Why? Choose this option if each location in your Shopify store is configured individually. If this setup is not already in place, we strongly recommend configuring each location separately. This allows Brauz to function natively without the need for additional API calls via DotApparel.

Brauz strongly prefers using the Shopify Inventory API for the latest inventory data because its integration is designed around Shopify's APIs. However, for merchants with only one Shopify location, the best approach is to utilise DotApparel Core.

Approach 1: Inventory data via Shopify API

Do we need to set up Local Delivery and Local Pickup natively in Shopify?

No, the Brauz solution does not rely on Shopify's native local pickup feature. Instead, it is built on top of the regular shipping checkout. Therefore, you can leave the Local Delivery and Local Pickup sections blank.

Will any fulfilment types change from Apparel21?

If the fulfilment is enabled in DotApparel, the order status will always be synced from Apparel21 to Shopify.

Approach 1: Step by step onboarding guide

Approach 2: Inventory data via DotApparel API

Within DotApparel Core, we offer inventory endpoint that allow Brauz to obtain accurate inventory data from your Apparel21 instance.

Although the Shopify admin has only one location, DotApparel Core supplies up-to-date stock information from multiple retail and warehouse locations within Apparel21. DotApparel Core ensures that Brauz references accurate inventory, despite there being only one Shopify location.

Which Brauz solutions utilise the inventory API within DotApparel Core?

Brauz has 6 solutions but only 4 of them utilise DotApparel Core.

Brauz solutions utilising the inventory endpoint within DotApparel Core

Merchants can access all of Brauz's solutions with one integration. With DotApparel Core, we can sync the latest inventory data to provide customers with the most convenient delivery method. Here's more info about a few Brauz solutions.

Approach 2: Step by step onboarding guide

Shopify checkout extension for Brauz

Brauz offers a Shopify Checkout Extension exclusively for Shopify Plus merchants who have upgraded to checkout extensibility. This extension simplifies front-end implementation and automatically presents all available delivery options at checkout based on your Brauz configuration.

DotApparel has introduced a new feature that enables online refunds that were paid via Shopify Payments and other native payment gateways supported by Shopify. With this feature, merchants can easily sync Apparel21 refunds back to the original orders in Shopify.

This guide will walk you through the steps to initiate transaction refunds within DotApparel.

The benefit of the feature

The main advantage of this feature is the streamlined refund process for payment refunds, here's how it primarily benefits merchants:

For merchants offering in-store returns for online orders, DotApparel supports automatic refunds through Apparel21 POS. This process ensures refunds are correctly mapped and processed in Shopify without manual intervention.

What is The Wishlist?

The Wishlist is a tool that enhances the customer experience by enabling users to create and manage wishlists on your e-commerce store. It provides an easy way for retailers to capture shopper details and preferences, both in-store and online, and automatically generates personalised marketing campaigns that build engagement and drive sales.

Pre-requisites

• A Shopify store with DotApparel Core installed (includes Apparel21 API credentials)

• A Firebase project upgraded to the Blaze plan

• Shopify store access with permission to install a private app on the Shopify store

Steps for the setup

What is needed to setup The Wishlist?

• DotApparel API:

  • The Wishlist has access to all DotApparel API endpoints .

  • The Wishlist primarily uses POST and GET endpoints for customer and order data.

Sync Frequency for CSV files

Data sync frequency can vary from daily to every 15 minutes for more real-time updates. This needs to be predetermined and set up by an Apparel21 specialist.

Costs

• Subscription Fees: The use of DotApparel API incurs a fixed monthly charge of A$300, automatically billed to the merchant via Stripe.

• Additional Charges: Our Apparel21 Consultant my charge additional for any changes relating to the Apparel21 CSV exports.

How the integration works

DotApaprel utilises Loop's webhooks to create a return in ERP whenever a customer initiates a return through the customer portal, allowing the customer to receive store credit upon processing the return request. The store credit is then seamlessly converted into a gift voucher, which ERP directly sends to the customer.

Basically, the flow looks like this:

1. The customer starts the return process in Loop.