How We Juggled Split Orders Between Two Shopify Stores

Introduction

Managing inventory and fulfilling orders efficiently is like trying to keep a dozen plates spinning in the air. This case study dives into how one brave business managed to split orders between two Shopify stores when one store just didn't have enough stock to fulfill an order completely. Spoiler alert: no plates were broken in the process!

Background

Our client runs two Shopify stores to handle inventory across different regions. Sounds easy, right? Well, not so much. They often hit a snag when one store didn't have enough stock to fulfil an entire order. The mission, should we choose to accept it (and we did), was to keep customers happy by fulfilling orders on time, even if it meant pulling inventory from both stores.

The Challenge

The challenge was like playing Tetris with inventory. We needed a solution that would automatically:

1. Detect when one store was running low on stock.

2. Split the order so that part of it could be fulfilled by the second store.

3. Ensure the whole process is smoother than a well-oiled machine.

The Solution

To tackle this, we rolled up our sleeves and dove into a mix of custom automation and third-party apps, using our trusty tech stack: React, Node.js, Shopify's native tools, and Polaris. Here’s how we pulled it off:

1. Inventory Management Integration:

- Technology: Shopify APIs and third-party inventory management systems.

- Implementation: We developed custom integrations using Node.js to sync inventory levels across both stores in real-time. This allowed us to keep tabs on stock levels and make smart decisions about order fulfilment.

2. Custom Automation with Shopify Flow:

- Technology: Shopify Flow, the automation wizard.

- Implementation: We set up Shopify Flow to create custom workflows that triggered when an order was placed. The workflow checked the inventory levels of the primary store. If stock was low, the order was flagged faster than you can say "out of stock."

3. Order Splitting Logic:

- Technology: A custom app built with Node.js, React, and Polaris.

- Implementation: We whipped up a custom app using Node.js for the backend and React with Polaris for the front end. This app was the unsung hero, handling the order splitting by:

- Calculating available stock in the primary store.

- Figuring out how much needed to be sourced from the secondary store.

- Splitting the order into two fulfilment tasks.

4. Seamless Order Processing:

- Technology: Shopify API, Node.js.

- Implementation: Our custom app used Shopify API to split the order into two fulfilment tasks. Each task was assigned to the respective store, ensuring both parts of the order were processed and shipped at the same time, like synchronized swimmers.

5. Customer Communication:

- Technology: Custom notification system built with Node.js.

- Implementation: To keep customers in the loop, we set up automated notifications. Customers received updates on their split orders, including tracking info for each shipment. No more guessing games!

Results

Implementing this solution was like finding the Holy Grail of order fulfilment:

- Increased Efficiency: Orders were processed more efficiently, reducing delays and stockouts.

- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Customers got their orders on time, even when split across two shipments.

- Better Inventory Management: Our client had better control and visibility over their inventory across both stores.

Technologies and Tools Used

- React: For building the custom app's snazzy frontend interface.

- Node.js: For the backend magic and handling API integrations.

- Shopify API: For interacting with Shopify stores and managing inventory and orders.

- Shopify Flow: This is for creating custom workflows that make us look like automation wizards.

- Polaris: For designing a user-friendly and cohesive interface.

- Third-Party Inventory Management Systems: For real-time inventory synchronisation that was smoother than a jazz sax solo.

Conclusion

This case study proves that with the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can manage split orders across multiple Shopify stores like a pro. By leveraging inventory management systems, custom apps, and Shopify Flow, businesses can ensure timely and accurate order fulfilment, leading to happier customers and a more efficient operation.