Amazon provides a diverse range of sales channels to help businesses scale and optimize their e-commerce operations. Whether you’re a third-party seller using Seller Central or a vendor working through Vendor Central, understanding the different fulfillment methods like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) is crucial for success. Furthermore, integrating these sales channels with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can streamline operations and enhance efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore the different Amazon sales channels and how to connect them to Business Central.
Understanding Amazon’s Sales Channels and Their Integration Methods
Amazon Seller Central
Amazon Seller Central is the platform for third-party sellers to list and sell products directly to customers. Sellers can choose between two fulfillment options:
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon stores, packs, and ships products on behalf of sellers, handling customer service and returns.
- Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): Sellers manage storage, packing, and shipping themselves, maintaining greater control over logistics.
Integrating Seller Central with Business Central
- Amazon Connector Apps: Several third-party connectors, such as SuiteEngine and Celigo, help with order and inventory synchronization, automated invoicing, shipment tracking, and financial reporting.
- Custom API Integration: Businesses can use Microsoft Power Automate or Azure Logic Apps to create a custom connection between Amazon’s APIs and Business Central for order processing and inventory management. Note: Amazon’s legacy API is being discontinued and sellers must integrate to Amazon’s Solution Provider API by August 31, 2025.
Amazon Vendor Central
Vendor Central is for businesses that sell products in bulk directly to Amazon, which then resells them under its own brand. This is an invite-only platform that operates on a wholesale model. Amazon vendors sell products to Amazon and invoice them just as they would invoice another major retailer such as Walmart or Target. Amazon handles pricing, fulfillment, and customer service.
Integrating Vendor Central with Business Central
- Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): The preferred method for Vendor Central, EDI automates the exchange of purchase orders, invoices, and shipment notices between Amazon and Business Central. Both SPS Commerce and TrueCommerce are popular EDI tools for Business Central and have offerings on Appsource.
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)
Amazon MCF allows businesses to use Amazon’s fulfillment network for orders placed on other sales channels (e.g., Shopify, eBay, or a company’s own website). This extends the benefits of FBA beyond Amazon’s platform. MCF uses the same API as Seller Central.
Integrating MCF with Business Central
- Amazon Connector Apps: Many of the same third-party apps used for Seller Central can also be leveraged for MCF to synchronize multi-channel orders and fulfillment data.
- Custom API Integration: Businesses with complex fulfillment needs may opt for a direct API connection to ensure accurate inventory and order tracking across multiple platforms.
Manual Data Import
While not the most efficient option, businesses can manually export sales data from Amazon and import it into Business Central using CSV files. This method may be feasible for small businesses with lower order volumes.
Key Benefits of Integrating Amazon with Business Central
- Automated Order Processing: Reduce manual entry errors and improve order fulfillment speed.
- Real-Time Inventory Management: Prevent stockouts and overstocking by syncing inventory levels.
- Enhanced Financial Reporting: Consolidate Amazon sales data for accurate profit and loss tracking.
- Improved Customer Experience: Streamline order fulfillment to meet delivery expectations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Amazon sales channel and fulfillment method is crucial for scaling your e-commerce business. Whether you choose to fulfill orders in your own warehouse, or have Amazon take care of them, a solid integration with Business Central will automate your processes and provide superior financial reporting.
At PrenticeWorx, we offer expertise in delivering these types of solutions and are eager to discuss the pros and cons of different approaches. Please contact us to learn more!
