Knowledgebase.

API

An API (Application Programming Interface) is an agreed set of rules with which two software systems exchange data directly. Instead of emailing files or retyping, one system requests or sends data via the API, structured and in real time.

REST API

A REST API is the most common form of web API. Systems talk via HTTP requests (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and exchange data in JSON. REST is the preferred standard for modern connections between webshops, ERP systems and portals.

Webhook

A webhook is an automatic message a system sends the moment something happens, for example a new order or a payment. Instead of repeatedly asking whether there is anything new (polling), you are alerted directly. That makes connections faster and more efficient.

ETL

ETL stands for Extract, Transform, Load: pulling data from a source, converting it to the right format and loading it into a target system. It is the basis of data migrations and data warehouses, where data from several systems is brought together for reporting and analysis.

iPaaS

iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) is a cloud platform on which connections between systems run and are managed. It acts as an integration layer or middleware between your applications, with monitoring, error handling and retries built in.

Realtime synchronisatie

Real-time synchronisation keeps data in two or more systems continuously aligned, within seconds instead of with a daily batch. A stock change or order is therefore immediately visible everywhere. Webhooks and events make real time possible where systems support it.

Middleware

Middleware is software that sits as an intermediate layer between applications and governs their communication. It translates messages, monitors the flows and catches errors, so that systems work together without depending directly on each other.

Masterdata (MDM)

Master data are the core data that must be the same everywhere in an organisation: items, customers, suppliers and prices. Master Data Management keeps that data consistent from a single source, so that every connected system works with the same truth.

SOAP

SOAP is an older, strictly structured protocol for web APIs, with messages in XML. It is still widely used by existing ERP and government systems. Where SOAP is heavier, new connections usually opt for the lighter REST.

Datamigratie

Data migration is the one-off transfer of data from an old to a new system, for example during an ERP switch. Data is exported, cleaned, deduplicated and loaded in the right format, so that your history and open items are correct.

JSON

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a light, readable format for exchanging data between systems. It is the standard for modern APIs: compact, simple and processable by almost every programming language.

XML

XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a format for recording data in a structured way with tags. It is more extensive and stricter than JSON and the basis underneath standards such as UBL, SOAP and many EDI messages.

GraphQL

GraphQL is a query language for APIs with which a system requests exactly the data it needs, no more and no less. That makes connections efficient, especially with complex data. Magento, for example, offers a GraphQL API.

Message queue

A message queue is an intermediate station in which messages wait neatly in order until they can be processed. It makes connections reliable: during busy periods or an outage, nothing is lost, everything is still handled.

Batchverwerking

Batch processing is processing a collection of data all at once, for example all of a day's orders in one nightly run. It is efficient for large volumes, but less immediate than real-time connections via webhooks.

API-gateway

An API gateway is a central access point for your APIs. It handles authentication, limits the number of requests (rate limiting), logs traffic and routes requests to the right system. This keeps connections secure and manageable.

EDI

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the automated exchange of business documents such as orders, packing slips and invoices between companies, in a fixed message format. Systems process those messages without intervention, removing manual work and errors from the trade chain.

EDIFACT

EDIFACT (UN/EDIFACT) is the United Nations' international EDI standard for electronic trade messages. Message types such as ORDERS, DESADV (packing slip) and INVOIC define exactly how an order or invoice is built up, so parties worldwide understand each other's data.

PEPPOL

PEPPOL is an international network and framework for e-invoicing and e-procurement. Via a PEPPOL access point you send structured e-invoices to governments and companies across Europe. With the upcoming e-invoicing obligations, PEPPOL is becoming increasingly important.

GS1

GS1 is the organisation behind global standards for product identification and data sharing, known for the barcode. A GTIN uniquely identifies an item, a GLN a location or company. GS1 data pools supply product data, EAN codes and allergens to retail and food.

AS2

AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a protocol for sending EDI messages securely over the internet. Messages are encrypted, signed and confirmed with a receipt (MDN). Many retailers and suppliers exchange their EDI traffic via AS2.

OAuth

OAuth 2.0 is the standard with which an application gains secure access to another system without sharing passwords. Via tokens you give a connection exactly the rights it needs. Almost every modern API uses OAuth for authentication.

PunchOut (OCI)

PunchOut, often via the OCI standard, lets a buyer order from a supplier's webshop from within their own procurement system. The filled cart returns as a purchase requisition in the procurement system, with the correct prices and approvals. Widely used in B2B procurement.

SFTP

SFTP is a secure way to exchange files between systems, an encrypted variant of FTP. It is widely used for automatically delivering CSV, XML or EDI files, especially with systems that do not have a modern API.

ANSI X12

ANSI X12 is the North American EDI standard for electronic trade messages, the counterpart of European EDIFACT. Message types are indicated with numbers, such as 850 (order), 856 (packing slip) and 810 (invoice).

UBL

UBL (Universal Business Language) is an XML standard for business documents such as e-invoices and orders. It is the basis underneath much e-invoicing, including the PEPPOL network, and ensures invoices can be read in automatically.

E-facturatie

E-invoicing is the sending of invoices as a structured data message instead of a PDF or paper, so that the recipient reads them in and posts them automatically. With upcoming obligations in the EU, e-invoicing, often via PEPPOL, is becoming increasingly important.

SAML

SAML is a standard for Single Sign-On with which a user logs in to several applications via a central identity provider. The portal relies on that provider for the login, so that users do not need a separate account.

OFTP2

OFTP2 (Odette File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for securely exchanging EDI messages, widely used in the automotive industry. It encrypts and confirms messages and is suitable for large files such as technical drawings.

GTIN (EAN)

A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the globally unique number that identifies a product, the string of digits behind the EAN barcode. With a GTIN, supplier, retailer and webshop know for certain they are talking about the same item.

GLN

A GLN (Global Location Number) is a globally unique number for a location, warehouse, store or company, managed by GS1. In EDI and logistics you use GLNs to indicate precisely where something comes from or has to go.

SSCC

An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is a unique number for a logistics unit, such as a pallet or parcel. On the packing slip label it makes shipments traceable from sender to recipient, linked to the contents.

OpenID Connect

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is a modern standard for logging in, built on top of OAuth 2.0. It lets users log in securely to a portal with an existing account, for example from Microsoft or Google. It is the present-day successor to SAML for Single Sign-On.

JWT (JSON Web Token)

A JWT (JSON Web Token) is a compact, signed token that proves who a user is and what they may do. After logging in, an application is given such a token, so that it can verify the identity on every request without logging in again.

SCSN

SCSN (Smart Connected Supplier Network) is a Dutch standard for secure and standardised data sharing in the manufacturing industry. Suppliers and outsourcers exchange orders, order confirmations and invoices without building a separate connection per partner.

ERP

An ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a company's central administration: purchasing, stock, sales, finance and sometimes production in one package. It is usually the source of truth to which webshops, WMS systems and portals are connected. Examples: Exact, AFAS, SAP, Dynamics.

WMS

A WMS (Warehouse Management System) drives the processes in the warehouse: receiving, storage, picking, packing and shipping, down to location and batch level. It keeps stock up to date in real time. A WMS connection brings that stock and orders to webshops and customer portals.

TMS

A TMS (Transport Management System) plans and tracks transport: trips, shipments, carriers and track-and-trace. It ensures the right goods reach the right place on time. A TMS connection shares shipment statuses with customers and links it to ERP and WMS.

PIM

A PIM (Product Information Management) is the central system for product information: descriptions, specifications, images, prices and variants. From the PIM, rich, consistent product data flows to webshops, marketplaces and catalogues, managed in one place.

Boltrics

Boltrics supplies logistics software (WMS, TMS and forwarding) for logistics service providers, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It is the warehouse and transport system of many 3PL companies. Connections bring Boltrics stock and orders to portals, webshops and EDI.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Business Central is Microsoft's ERP package for SMEs, the successor to Dynamics NAV (Navision). It bundles finance, stock, sales and purchasing, and can be connected via OData and API pages. Logistics software such as Boltrics runs on it too.

SAP

SAP is one of the largest ERP vendors in the world, with packages such as S/4HANA, ECC and Business One. It is the system of record at many large organisations. Connections with SAP run via IDoc, BAPI, RFC or OData, within SAP's tight processes and authorisations.

Exact

Exact is a Dutch accounting and ERP package, known for Exact Online (cloud) and Exact Globe. It is popular with SMEs and wholesalers for administration, stock and invoicing. Webshops, point-of-sale systems and WMS systems are connected to Exact via the Exact API.

AFAS

AFAS is Dutch business software (AFAS Profit and SB+) for administration, HR, CRM and workflows in one package. Connections run via GetConnectors and UpdateConnectors, with which orders, contacts and case items flow into and out of AFAS automatically.

Shopify

Shopify is a popular cloud platform for webshops, from small D2C brands to large Shopify Plus environments. Via the Admin API and webhooks you connect Shopify to your ERP, so that orders, stock and fulfilment run in sync automatically.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is the webshop plugin for WordPress and runs on hundreds of thousands of sites. Via the REST API you connect WooCommerce to your ERP or WMS, so that orders, stock and prices flow through automatically, even with customisation and many plugins.

Magento (Adobe Commerce)

Magento, now Adobe Commerce, is a powerful e-commerce platform for complex catalogues and B2B. With customer groups, company accounts and large product counts, it is strong in business webshops. Connections run via the REST and GraphQL API.

Lightspeed

Lightspeed is point-of-sale and webshop software (Lightspeed Retail and eCom) for retail and hospitality. A connection brings receipts, webshop orders and stock per branch automatically into your accounting or ERP.

PrestaShop

PrestaShop is a popular open-source webshop platform in Europe. Via the Webservice API you connect PrestaShop to your ERP, so that orders, stock and prices run in sync, even with multistore and customisation.

SnelStart

SnelStart is Dutch accounting software, widely used by SMEs and freelancers. Via the SnelStart API you connect your webshop or point of sale, so that orders land as invoices, debtors are created and payments are reconciled automatically.

Unit4 Multivers

Unit4 Multivers is a Dutch accounting and ERP package for SMEs. Via the Multivers API you connect your webshop or point of sale, so that orders, invoices, debtors and entries flow through your administration automatically.

CRM

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is the system for customer relationships: contacts, leads, opportunities and communication. Connected to your ERP and portal, everyone works with the same, current customer data, without double entry.

Oracle NetSuite

Oracle NetSuite is a cloud ERP for fast-growing and medium-sized companies, part of Oracle. It bundles finance, stock, CRM and e-commerce. Connections run via the REST API and SuiteTalk, so that webshops and WMS systems talk to NetSuite.

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is Microsoft's business software family, including Business Central (ERP for SMEs), Finance & Operations (for larger organisations) and Sales (CRM). You connect the parts via OData, API pages and Dataverse.

Dynamics NAV (Navision)

Microsoft Dynamics NAV, formerly known as Navision, is the ERP package that is the predecessor of Business Central. Many SMEs still run on it. Connections run via web services; when switching to Business Central, the approach stays comparable.

Mollie

Mollie is a popular Dutch payment service provider (PSP) with which webshops accept payments such as iDEAL, credit card and Bancontact. A connection automatically reconciles Mollie payouts against the right invoice in your accounting.

Stripe

Stripe is an international payment service provider (PSP) for online payments, popular with webshops and SaaS. A connection reconciles Stripe transactions and fees down to order level in your administration.

Adyen

Adyen is a Dutch payment service provider (PSP) for both online and physical payments, used by large retailers. A connection automatically reconciles Adyen transactions and fees with the right orders and invoices in your accounting.

Power BI

Microsoft Power BI is a tool to visualise data in dashboards and reports. Fed from your ERP, WMS and other sources, often via a data warehouse, it makes figures insightful. Good connections and clean data are the basis underneath reliable reporting.

Klantportaal

A customer portal is a secure online environment where customers handle their own affairs: placing orders, tracking statuses, viewing documents and checking stock. Connected to your ERP or WMS, they show real-time information, which considerably reduces the number of standard questions to your team.

B2B-portaal

A B2B portal is an ordering and service environment for business customers or dealers, with customer-specific prices, tiers and conditions from the ERP. Unlike a consumer webshop, it is about repeat orders, account structures and agreements per relationship.

Multi-tenant

Multi-tenant means that one application serves several customers (tenants), with each customer's data kept strictly separate. In a portal, every customer or partner sees only their own orders, stock and documents, never those of another.

SSO (Single Sign-On)

Single Sign-On (SSO) lets users gain access to several systems or portals by logging in once. Via standards such as SAML or OpenID Connect, you connect the portal to an existing identity provider, so users do not need a separate password.

Self-service

Self-service means that customers or partners carry out tasks themselves via a portal, instead of calling or emailing. Think of placing orders, checking stock or downloading documents themselves. It reduces the workload on your office staff and helps customers around the clock.

Leveranciersportaal

A supplier portal is an environment where suppliers confirm orders, communicate delivery times and share documents themselves. Connected to your ERP, it takes the email exchange and retyping out of the purchasing process.

Dealerportaal

A dealer portal is a B2B ordering environment for your dealers or resellers, with their own prices, discounts and stock from your ERP. Dealers order themselves and see their conditions and order history, without involving your office staff.

Intranet

An intranet or employee portal is an internal environment where employees find information, documents and applications. Connected to your systems, it becomes a workplace where processes and data come together, behind a secure login.

Voorraadportaal

A stock portal is a customer portal focused on stock: customers or partners see 24/7 in real time what of their items is in stock, straight from your WMS or ERP. It takes the daily stock questions away from your team.

Inkoopportaal

A purchasing portal is an environment in which buyers place and follow up orders, often with approval steps and budgets. Connected to suppliers and your ERP, it streamlines the entire purchasing process, from request to invoice.

Serviceportaal

A service portal is an environment where customers report and track service requests, faults or returns (RMA) themselves. Connected to your systems, every request comes in with the right context and the customer keeps sight of the handling themselves.

White-label

White-label means that a portal or application is fully in your house style, without the name or brand of the builder. To your customers it feels like your own environment, with your logo, colours and domain name.

RBAC

RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) is a way to manage access based on roles. Not every user gets separate rights, but a role (such as buyer or administrator) determines what someone may see and do. That keeps access in a portal clear and secure.