PortfolioIntroduction
Shopify and NextEngine come with built-in integration features. When an order comes in, it's automatically reflected in NextEngine, and when shipping is processed, customers receive notifications. Normally, this standard integration works perfectly fine.
However, when you add multiple locations (warehouses) to Shopify, this standard integration stops working.
Whether you want to ship from multiple locations or manage inventory separately by warehouse—when you implement multi-location for such business requirements, the automatic integration breaks.
This project built a custom integration app that works in multi-location environments, restoring the lost automation.
Why Does Standard Integration Stop Working?
Shopify's standard NextEngine integration is designed with a single location (warehouse) in mind.
1 warehouse only
Auto-sync OK
Warehouse A + Warehouse B
Integration breaks
When multiple locations are added, the following features stop working:
- Automatic order data transfer to NextEngine
- Automatic shipping notifications to customers
- Inventory synchronization
What This Project Achieved
We built a custom app to replace the standard integration, achieving the following automation even in multi-location environments.
1. Automatic Order Data Transfer
When an order is placed on Shopify, it receives the Webhook and automatically sends data to NextEngine. Regardless of which warehouse ships the order, order information reliably reaches NextEngine.
2. Automatic Shipping Notifications
When shipping is completed in NextEngine, shipping information is automatically registered to Shopify. Customers receive shipping notification emails with tracking numbers.
3. Multi-Store Support
Even when operating multiple Shopify stores, integration is possible with independent settings per store. The same system handles additional stores.
4. Spreadsheet Integration
Bidirectional integration with Google Sheets enables automatic sales data export and bulk inventory updates, streamlining daily aggregation work.
5. Reliability and Error Handling
Automatic token renewal, duplicate prevention, detailed logging—mechanisms for stable operation are implemented.
Overall Architecture
Orders and shipments from Warehouse A / Warehouse B
Order conversion · Shipping sync · Duplicate check · Error handling
Order Management
Bidirectional Data Sync
Comparison with Standard Integration
| Item | Standard Integration | This Project |
|---|---|---|
| Single Location | ○ Works | ○ Works |
| Multi-Location | × Doesn't work | ○ Works |
| Multi-Store Support | △ Limited | ○ Flexible |
| Spreadsheet Integration | × None | ○ Bidirectional |
| Customization | × Fixed specs | ○ Adjustable to requirements |
Tech Stack
| Category | Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Data Storage | Vercel KV (Redis-compatible) | Tokens, settings, state |
| Scheduler | QStash | Periodic job management |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | Secure credential storage |
| External Integration | NextEngine API | Order system integration |
| Spreadsheet | Google Sheets API | Read/write spreadsheets |
| Authentication | HMAC-SHA256 | Webhook signature verification |
Feature Details
Each feature's technical details are explained in depth.
- Order Integration - Order data transfer from Webhook to NextEngine
- Shipping Notification - Automatic notification flow on shipment completion
- Multi-Store Management - Per-store settings and credential management
- Spreadsheet Integration - Automatic data export and inventory sync
- Reliability Design - Automatic token renewal and error handling
Summary
Shopify's multi-location feature is convenient for managing inventory and shipping from multiple locations. However, it has the constraint that NextEngine's standard integration stops working.
This project resolved this constraint by building a custom integration app, achieving automation equal to or better than before even in multi-location environments.