Every order placed in an online store triggers a series of steps: checking stock, preparing the parcel, generating the shipping label, dispatching it and tracking its progress. If these systems are not connected, errors and delays are more likely to occur.
That is precisely what logistics integration is all about: connecting your online store with the logistics operations behind it, so that the entire process runs automatically. In this article, we explore what logistics integration is, its benefits, the systems involved, how it fits into fulfilment, how GLS integrates with the leading ecommerce platforms and what to consider when choosing a logistics partner for your orders.
What does logistics integration mean for ecommerce distribution?
Integrating logistics into an ecommerce business means connecting the sales channel (the website or online store) with the warehouse, order fulfilment operations, transport and distribution, and after-sales service, so that all information flows automatically without anyone having to enter data manually.
This differs from traditional B2B logistics, which is designed to move large volumes of goods between manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. Ecommerce logistics, on the other hand, deals with individual orders that need to be delivered directly to the end customer.
In ecommerce, order volumes can also skyrocket overnight due to a marketing campaign, promotion or seasonal peak. Meanwhile, customers expect to know whether a product is available, track their orders and receive them on the promised delivery date.
That is why logistics is an integral part of the purchasing process: the sale does not end when the customer clicks "buy".
Benefits of integrating logistics into your online store
Fulfilment: real-time order and stock synchronisation
When a customer makes a purchase in your online store, the order automatically enters the logistics system and stock levels are updated instantly. This synchronisation is part of the fulfilment process, which encompasses all the operations involved in receiving, preparing and shipping each order efficiently.
Connected systems help prevent overselling, meaning selling products that are no longer in stock. This is particularly important if you manage a large product catalogue or sell across multiple channels, as without automatic synchronisation it is easy to lose track of the actual stock available in your warehouse.
Fewer manual errors and greater warehouse efficiency
When systems are not connected, someone has to copy data from one platform to another: addresses, product references and quantities. This is where errors occur: incorrectly entered addresses, duplicate shipments and orders that get stuck halfway through the process. Logistics integration eliminates much of this manual work and improves operational efficiency. Your team spends less time entering data and can focus on what really matters: your products and sales.
A better experience for the end customer
Shipment status is updated directly in the online store, allowing customers to know where their order is at all times without having to send an email asking, "Where is my order?". It may seem like a minor detail, but it is not: a poor delivery experience can significantly affect brand perception and whether customers decide to shop with you again. Ultimately, logistics is just as much a part of the shopping experience as the product itself.
Systems that connect: ERP, WMS, OMS and sales platforms
Logistics integration usually involves connecting your ecommerce platform (Shopify, PrestaShop, WooCommerce or Magento) with your carrier. However, automating all the operations of an ecommerce business with a more complex infrastructure may require several systems to communicate with one another:
- Ecommerce platform, such as Shopify, PrestaShop, WooCommerce or Magento, to receive orders.
- ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or Odoo, to centrally manage invoicing, stock and customer information.
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), also known as warehouse management software, to manage warehouse operations, stock and order preparation.
- OMS (Order Management System), to centrally manage orders across different sales channels.
- Logistics provider, to register shipments, generate shipping labels and provide tracking information.
The more systems you connect, the fewer manual tasks you need to perform.
GLS integration with Shopify, PrestaShop, WooCommerce and Magento
If you sell through Shopify, PrestaShop, WooCommerce or Magento, connecting your store with GLS is quick and easy. GLS offers full integration with all four ecommerce platforms, so whichever one you use, you benefit from the same level of automation. GLS has a dedicated team to integrate these shipping management modules directly into your website, helping resolve technical questions and potential issues.
Plug&Play module features
The Plug&Play modules are designed to let you manage your shipments without leaving your store's administration panel. Here is what you can do with them:
- Automatically register domestic and international shipments, without having to enter the data manually.
- Manage reverse logistics with the ShopReturnService , available nationwide.
- Generate, retrieve and download shipping labels in different formats.
- Track every order, with automatic updates in your CMS dashboard.
This allows your customers to check their shipment status without leaving your online store. This is particularly useful if you want to keep customers engaged with your platform and create more opportunities to build customer loyalty.
Registration process and personalised technical support
Integration can be requested through your GLS partner agency or your assigned sales representative. Once your registration has been processed, you will receive a step-by-step guide covering the installation, configuration and use of each module. GLS manages every project individually and provides support with technical questions and issues for any ecommerce business that needs it, accompanying you throughout the entire process.
I don't have an ecommerce platform: can I still automate my shipments?
If your online store does not use an ecommerce platform such as Shopify, PrestaShop, Magento or WooCommerce, GLS offers YourGLS, its own online portal that allows you to create shipments manually, use saved recipients or import files to upload large volumes of shipment data at once.
It is a ready-to-use solution that does not require integration, allowing you to start operating immediately after a short training session, without technical knowledge or complex technology implementations.
Frequently asked questions about logistics integration
What is the difference between a connector and an API integration?
A connector or plugin is a ready-made module that you install directly in your online store, with very little technical configuration required. An API integration, on the other hand, connects systems through a customised setup tailored to the specific needs of your business.
Can logistics be integrated if I also sell on marketplaces?
Yes. Many online stores combine their own ecommerce platform with marketplaces. In these cases, it is advisable to centralise orders through an OMS or ERP system. This prevents you from having to manage each sales channel separately and helps keep stock levels under control.
How are returns managed with GLS integration?
Domestic returns are managed through ShopReturn, which is available directly from the module installed in your online store. This makes managing ecommerce returns much easier, without requiring additional steps from the customer.
What technical support does GLS provide during integration?
GLS manages each project individually and provides assistance with technical issues and questions throughout the entire process. Once registration has been requested through a GLS agency or sales representative, you receive a step-by-step installation guide.