Shopify and 3PL: how the integration works in practice
How does a Shopify order reach the warehouse automatically? A walkthrough of the integration, what's kept in sync, and what you need to get started.
One of the most common questions we get from Shopify merchants is: how exactly are orders, inventory, and tracking numbers kept in sync? The answer is that it happens automatically — but it requires the integration to be set up correctly from the start.
The flow, step by step
An order is placed in Shopify. The customer checks out. The order appears in Shopify as “unfulfilled”.
The order is sent to the warehouse. Via an integration — either directly through the API or via an intermediary system such as Ongoing WMS — order data is sent to the warehouse within seconds. Warehouse staff see the order in their pick list.
The order is picked and packed. Correct product, correct quantity, correct packaging. The parcel is scanned and ready for collection.
Tracking number is sent back. Once the parcel is scanned and ready, the tracking number is automatically sent back to Shopify. The order is marked as “fulfilled” and the customer receives their shipping notification.
The entire flow is automated. You as a store owner don’t need to do anything manually.
What’s synchronised in real time?
Three things are kept continuously in sync: stock levels, order status, and tracking information.
Stock levels are updated in Shopify every time a product is picked or a new delivery is received. This means you can’t oversell products that aren’t on the shelf — provided the balance is correct in the system.
What’s required to get started?
You need access to your Shopify store’s API (which you always have as the store owner). We set up the integration and test the flow with a test order before going live. That typically takes one to three days.
Other platforms
Shopify is the most common platform but not the only one. The same principle applies to WooCommerce, Wix, and custom-built solutions with order management via API. Contact us if you’re unsure whether your platform is supported.
Onboarding at Flow 3PL includes the integration setup. You don’t need to hire an external developer to connect Shopify to the warehouse.
Want to discuss your 3PL setup?
Book a short walkthrough. We look at your volume, channels and what setup fits.