Importing Customers with Web Services
Web service imports enable a tight integration with other applications by enabling data to be sent directly from one system to another. Customers can be imported individually, if desired, providing real-time integration.
Should you need to integrate large numbers of customers at scheduled times, take a look at the data file example of importing.
Importing data leverages the very same business logic as the Enterprise Management UI (User Interface) to provide consistent validation and referential integrity across input methods. This common logic also provides default data. For example, when populating the “Customer Category” in a customer record, the customer’s language, currency, and country are automatically assigned, if not provided.
Data is imported via templates which specify the fields exposed for importing, as well as the data file type, the field and record separators, and the record types used for the source data.
Web Service Import Example
The template used to manage the import of basic customer data, addresses, contacts, and bank information is “BPC” (Business Partner - Customer). You’ll find the template and demonstration data in Enterprise Management’s “SEED” folder.
Take a look at the customer template
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You need a SOAP connection pool, named IMPORT-EXPORT, in Enterprise Management to use the provided Postman collection. If you need to create one, refer to SOAP Connection Pools.
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You also need OAuth2 authentication configured for Enterprise Management. If it is not, follow the instructions in the SOAP Web Services Guide.
Download the Postman collection for customer web services
After importing the collection into your Postman, follow these steps to import customers:
- Select the Import Customers request.
- Update the URL field to point to your Enterprise Management solution.
- Under the Authorization tab, click Get New Access Token.
- Complete the GET NEW ACCESS TOKEN dialog box using the values from your OAuth2 service, then click Request Token.
- Refer to Using Google OAuth2 to Make a Web Service Call, for help.
- Click Use Token in the MANAGE ACCESS TOKENS dialog box.
- Click Send.