Patchworks has released updates to its iPaaS Connector Builder, Connector Marketplace and pre-built process flows which supports eCommerce brands to customise integrations. The Patchworks iPaaS is a comprehensive, easy-to-use platform connecting key eCommerce systems, including shop front, ERP, CRM and warehouse management. The solution allows businesses to simplify the integration of their technology stack.
Connector Marketplace is Patchworks’ library of pre-built connectors. Patchworks say teams with minimal tech expertise can integrate best-of-breed applications quickly and easily with the click of a button. Connector Builder enables brands or agencies to automate, streamline, and grow their operation by building bespoke connectors for systems and process flows. This allows merchants to connect their systems together through drag and drop process workflows by connecting ‘shapes’ in sequence.
This platform release builds upon the foundations released last year which allows customers to take more control over their integrations. The new Connector Builder tool allows brands to connect any system, even if it’s not currently available in Connector Marketplace.
The company says its easy-to-use interface guides teams through the connector setup process. After defining basic details, authentication methods and endpoints, it generates a bespoke connector that works with any standard Patchworks connectors. In addition to the technology, merchants have access to various levels of support and Patchworks’ reliable data security features.
Connector Builder connects merchants to any system with an API and these systems are then choreographed through Patchworks new feature.
Process Flows
Process Flows are designed to automate and streamline system integrations. This allows teams to add and manage all process flows from one central location. Easily accessed through Patchworks’ Connector Marketplace, it provides a centralised hub for managing and optimising a brand’s business processes, where users can.
These are created and edited on an easily accessible canvas. User can drag and drop predefined, automated “shapes” to build process flows in a visual way. These shapes represent various processes, such as triggers, mapping, filters and connectors, allowing ultimate flow control. Patchworks will be constantly creating new Process Flow shapes over the following months to provide users with new functionality.
Jim Herbert, CEO of Patchworks, said: “We know that merchants are under pressure to do more with less. They need more flexibility and agility. This is why we are empowering users with the skills to connect and integrate through our no-code / low-code platform. If a system is not in our marketplace, a merchant’s tech team can use connector builder to create a new connector in minutes.
“They can use process flows to orchestrate the data process through Patchworks through our best-in-class user experience. With ease-of-use, open connectivity, and the ability to scale from non-technical staff through to developers with our custom scripting shapes. Patchworks should be a merchant’s first choice for integrating systems.”
Conor Barr, Chief Product Officer at Patchworks said, “The release of Patchworks Connector Builder and Process Flows is the perfect blend of outstanding user experience. It makes it as easy as possible to integrate systems, and the completion of our MACH alliance certified architecture. Building on micro-services means our merchants will benefit from a constant release of new features.
“In addition to the reliability, security and automatic scaling of our cloud partners Amazon Web Services. Our product team has delivered a platform supporting simple no-code integrations, and low-code with our “custom scripting” feature for developers.” The tech company’s new tools expand Patchworks’ portfolio of eCommerce solutions, which now includes 2023-launched Patchworks BI and Stockr.
Enterprise Times: What this means for business
Ecommerce continues to expand and takes a larger proportion of consumer spend and brands. As a results, retailers and brands rushed to upgrade their systems, IT infrastructures which became increasingly complex. With enterprises now relying on dozens of different applications, things started to slip through the cracks. This led to data silos, fulfilment issues, and critical outages at the worst possible moment. Hence the emergence of ‘middleware’ solutions integrating different applications and components and ensuring stakeholders have access to data.
As a recent member of the MACH Alliance, Patchworks says it is driving business agility through composable commerce architectures. Its solution allows merchants to quickly combine and customise various best-of-breed components into a single solution tailored to any specific business needs.
Looking at the most successful eCommerce companies in recent years, there’s one thing in common. They all adopted a marketplace model. Drawn by the convenience, value, and selection marketplaces offer, business buyers and retail consumers alike are turning to marketplaces to buy what they need anytime, anywhere. So, it makes perfect sense for Patchwork to make its solution available in the Connector Marketplace.
Patchworks’ combined $8.8m investment from Gresham House Ventures since 2021 has enabled the business to build a portfolio of dedicated tech for B2C, B2B and D2C offerings. The company says that it is designing the future in the retail space.
