Struggling to keep your Assembly BOM–based inventory accurate across SAP B1 and Shopify?
BOM inventory synchronization Shopify SAP integration solves this by calculating finished-goods availability from component levels automatically. Mid-sized manufacturers and retailers can’t afford oversells or stock-outs when they offer products composed of multiple parts. APPSeCONNECT retrieves component stock from SAP B1, computes the “lowest‐component” rule for each Assembly BOM item, and updates Shopify inventory in real time.
In this article, you’ll discover BOM fundamentals, common synchronization challenges, step-by-step integration using APPSeCONNECT, and the benefits of automated stock updates.
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What is Bill of Materials or BOM?
>50% of retailers reported significant increases in order accuracy after integrating systems.
BOM serves as a blueprint for assembly and guides inventory planning. For online sellers, accurate BOM tracking ensures storefront stock matches real availability.
How does a Single-Level BOM differ from a Multi-Level BOM?
A Single-Level BOM lists all components directly under the finished item without sub-assemblies. In contrast, a Multi-Level BOM nests sub-assemblies within the main BOM, creating a tiered structure of components and parts.
- Single-Level: Flat list where each component links directly to the final product.
- Multi-Level: Supports sub-assemblies that have their own BOMs within the larger structure.
- Complex Builds: Multi-Level BOMs suit products with nested sub-assemblies.
- Simpler Builds: Single-Level BOMs work for straightforward assemblies with no sub-tiers.
- Inventory Impact: Multi-Level requires tracking stock across multiple tiers of parts.
Why are Assembly BOMs especially relevant for online storefronts?
An Assembly BOM groups components and sells them as a single SKU on e-commerce sites. Online shoppers see one finished product, but backend systems must break it into parts. Synchronizing this breakdown avoids overselling.
- Single SKU: Customers view and purchase one product, hiding complex parts.
- Component Dependency: Availability relies on the stock of all underlying parts.
- Simplified UX: Shoppers don’t need to select each component individually.
- Inventory Accuracy: Backend must calculate finished-good stock from component levels.
- Sales Channels: Ensures consistent availability across multiple online marketplaces.
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How do BOMs drive product assembly and inventory planning?
BOMs act as a roadmap for manufacturing and inventory control. By listing components and quantities, businesses know exactly what to order, when to build, and how many finished goods they can offer online.
- Roadmap: Guides assembly teams on which parts to gather for production.
- Reorder Points: Identifies when to restock components based on finished-good demand.
- Capacity Planning: Helps forecast production schedules and resource needs.
- Cost Management: Calculates total build cost to set proper pricing and margins.
- Sales Alignment: Links manufacturing output to e-commerce availability in real time.
Key Takeaway: A BOM is the blueprint for assembling products and drives accurate inventory planning by breaking finished goods into component parts.
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What challenges do companies face without BOM inventory synchronization?
Real-time integration led to up to 30% reduction in fulfillment errors.
When BOMs aren’t synced, stock data falls apart. Shopify may list a finished product as available even if components are out of stock. Manual fixes waste time and harm customer trust.
How do component stock mismatches lead to overselling or stock‐outs?
Without synchronization, Shopify doesn’t know when a component runs out. A customer can purchase a finished product that lacks parts. This creates canceled orders and angry buyers.
- Missing Visibility: Online store shows finished SKU available despite missing parts.
- Overselling Risk: Orders exceed true inventory because component stock isn’t checked.
- Stock‐Outs: Components sell out, but Shopify still lists finished goods in stock.
- Customer Frustration: Shoppers receive backorder notices or cancellations post‐purchase.
- Brand Damage: Repeated mistakes erode trust and lead to negative reviews.
For Example: A healthcare provider can use APPSeCONNECT to prevent overselling medical kits by syncing component levels to Shopify automatically.
Why are manual BOM calculations error‐prone and time‐consuming?
Calculating finished‐good availability by hand means copying component numbers into spreadsheets. Teams spend hours updating Shopify stocks. Simple typos cause big errors in e‐commerce accounts.
- Spreadsheet Work: Staff export SAP component lists and calculate minimum stock manually.
- Typos and Mistakes: Small entry errors lead to huge inventory mismatches.
- Frequent Updates: Price changes trigger repeated manual recalculations each day.
- High Labor Costs: Teams waste hours reconciling stock instead of strategic tasks.
- Delayed Reactions: Inventory errors aren’t caught until customers complain or orders fail.
For Example: A beauty brand can use APPSeCONNECT to eliminate manual BOM math and update Shopify stock instantly.
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How does inaccurate BOM sync hurt customer experience and fulfillment?
When BOM stock isn’t accurate, orders get delayed or canceled. Fulfillment teams scramble to find missing parts. Customers lose faith and may shop elsewhere.
- Delayed Shipments: Teams scramble to source missing components after oversells.
- Order Cancellations: Unavailable items force refunds and unhappy buyers.
- Poor Experience: Customers receive “Out of stock” messages after checkout.
- Fulfillment Chaos: Warehouse staff juggle partial orders and backorders.
- Lost Sales: Some customers abandon carts altogether when availability is unclear.
For Example: A tech startup can use APPSeCONNECT to ensure laptop SKUs only appear in stock when all parts are available.
What operational costs arise from maintaining separate stock records?
Approximately 65% of retailers say API connectivity streamlined their supply chain operations.
Maintaining separate SAP and Shopify inventories doubles work. Teams track two sets of numbers, reconcile discrepancies, and waste resources. This inefficiency drains budgets fast.
- Dual Records: Staff update ERP and e‐commerce inventory separately.
- Reconciliation Hours: Teams spend time fixing data mismatches each week.
- Redundant Tasks: Duplicate efforts fetching and updating the same stock info.
- Increased Errors: More handoffs mean more mistakes and delays.
- Higher Overhead: Extra staff or overtime becomes necessary to manage inventory.
For Example: A SaaS brand can use APPSeCONNECT to merge SAP and Shopify stock records, cutting reconciliation time by 80%.
Key Takeaway: Without BOM sync, Shopify may list finished goods incorrectly, leading to oversells, stock-outs, and frustrated customers.
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How does APPSeCONNECT calculate finished‐goods availability from Assembly BOMs?
Showing real-time stock levels across channels drove a 25% increase in online sales.
APPSeCONNECT automatically computes finished‐product stock by examining component levels in SAP B1. It uses a rule that the finished SKU’s availability equals the lowest component quantity.
What logic determines finished‐product quantity from component stock?
APPSeCONNECT reads each component’s stock and finds the smallest number. That “minimum‐component” figure becomes the finished‐product quantity in Shopify. No human has to add or compare numbers by hand.
- Lowest Stock Rule: Uses the smallest component count as the final quantity.
- Real‐Time Checks: Updates calculations each time component stock changes.
- Avoids Oversells: Prevents finished goods from showing more stock than parts allow.
- Scales Easily: Works whether a BOM has two parts or ten parts.
- Audit Logs: Maintains history of how quantities were determined.
For Example: A healthcare provider can use APPSeCONNECT to show only 5 medical kits in Shopify if the syringe component is limited to 5.
How does APPSeCONNECT retrieve component levels from SAP B1?
APPSeCONNECT connects to SAP B1’s database and pulls component stock fields. It uses a low‐code connector to query BOM tables. This ensures fetched numbers match live warehouse counts.
- SAP Connector: Uses built‐in adapter to fetch BOM component data.
- Live Queries: Reads stock levels directly from SAP’s inventory tables.
- Field Mapping: Maps SAP fields like ItemCode and OnHandQty for each component.
- Scheduled Pulls: Can fetch component data hourly or on event triggers.
- Error Alerts: Notifies teams if SAP data retrieval fails.
For Example: A beauty brand can use APPSeCONNECT to pull real‐time makeup component levels from SAP B1 every hour without coding.
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How is the minimum‐component rule applied to calculate availability?
Integrated analytics for inventory produced a 20% decrease in excess inventory.
After fetching all component counts, APPSeCONNECT finds the smallest. For a PC BOM, if the CPU is 10, RAM is 12, and SSD is 15, the system picks 10. Shopify then shows 10 PCs in stock.
- Component List: Gathers stock for every part in the BOM.
- Comparison Step: Compares all component quantities in one pass.
- Result Selection: Picks the lowest number as available finished goods.
- Data Sync: Pushes this final number to Shopify’s inventory API.
- Continuous Update: Repeats as soon as any component stock changes.
For Example: A tech startup can use APPSeCONNECT to display only 3 laptops if its limiting component has a stock of 3.
Why use APPSeCONNECT’s ProcessFlow over manual or custom scripts?
ProcessFlow Designer lets teams build integration logic visually, without writing code. Users drag nodes to fetch SAP data, apply the minimum‐component rule, and call Shopify APIs. This beats fragile spreadsheets or brittle scripts.
- Low‐Code Interface: No need to write complex scripts.
- Visual Mapping: Drag‐and‐drop nodes for data extraction and calculation.
- Error Handling: Built‐in exception paths catch calculation failures.
- Reusability: Save process templates and reuse for other BOMs.
- Maintenance Ease: Update one ProcessFlow instead of multiple scripts.
For Example: A SaaS brand can use APPSeCONNECT’s ProcessFlow Designer to set up BOM calculations without developers writing code.
How are post‐sale adjustments handled to update component and finished‐good stock?
When a BOM item sells, Shopify sends the order to APPSeCONNECT. The system reduces component stock in SAP B1, recalculates the finished‐product quantity, and updates Shopify again. This loop keeps data consistent end to end.
- Order Trigger: Detects a sale or return from Shopify.
- Component Deduction: Subtracts sold quantities from each component in SAP.
- Recalculation: Applies the minimum‐component rule to update finished SKU.
- Shopify Sync: Sends new finished‐product stock back to Shopify.
- Confirmation Logs: Records every inventory change for auditing.
For Example: A beauty brand can use APPSeCONNECT to deduct lipstick tube stock in SAP and update finished-lipstick SKU levels in Shopify instantly.
Key Takeaway: APPSeCONNECT applies a “lowest-component” rule by fetching live SAP B1 part levels, computing the minimum, and updating Shopify automatically.
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How can teams implement BOM inventory synchronization step by step?
Adopting integrated solutions cut inventory stock discrepancies by ~40%.
Verify SAP B1 has accurate BOM definitions and stock levels, and set up BOM products in Shopify with matching variant IDs. Then use an APPSeCONNECT ProcessFlow to fetch components, enforce minimum‐component rules, update Shopify in real time, and test the full data flow before going live.
SAP B1 Prerequisites For BOM Data Extraction
Verify that all Assembly BOMs exist in SAP B1 with correct component item codes and current on‐hand quantities. Create or use a service user in SAP with read permissions on BOM tables. Enable OData or REST endpoints for BOM and inventory queries.
- BOM Definitions: Ensure Assembly BOMs list every part and quantity.
- Component Stock: Confirm on‐hand quantities in SAP match warehouse counts.
- Service Account: Use a dedicated SAP user with read access to BOM data.
- API Endpoints: Enable and test OData or REST services for BOM tables.
- Data Validation: Check that item codes and variant IDs align with Shopify.
For Example: APPSeCONNECT can use a SAP B1 service account to fetch Assembly BOM component levels automatically.
Configure Shopify Catalogs And Product Variants For BOM Items
In Shopify Admin, create a product for each finished Assembly BOM and add variants corresponding to each SKU. Assign unique variant IDs that match SAP B1’s item codes. Enable a separate inventory policy for BOM items so Shopify accepts external updates.
- Product Setup: Create a “Finished Good” product for each Assembly BOM.
- Variant Mapping: Assign Shopify variant IDs equal to SAP B1 component codes.
- Inventory Policy: Set Shopify to “Shopify tracks this product’s inventory.”
- Price Visibility: Ensure prices reflect SAP’s finished‐good cost logic.
- Market Settings: Verify market accessibility for target regions (if multi‐market).
For Example: APPSeCONNECT can use Shopify variant IDs matching SAP item codes for seamless stock updates.
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Use Appseconnect’s Processflow Designer Fetch Component Data From SAP B1
Open ProcessFlow Designer and add the SAP B1 connector. Configure a query to retrieve component item codes and on‐hand quantities for each Assembly BOM. Map SAP fields – such as ItemCode, OnHandQty, and BOM structure – into JSON format. Schedule extraction triggers based on inventory events or time intervals.
- SAP Connector: Select the SAP B1 adapter in ProcessFlow Designer.
- BOM Query: Build a query to fetch components and on‐hand quantities.
- Field Mapping: Map SAP fields to JSON keys (ItemCode, OnHandQty).
- Trigger Setup: Define triggers for real‐time or scheduled data pulls.
- Error Paths: Add exception nodes to catch missing components or failures.
For Example: APPSeCONNECT can use ProcessFlow Designer to pull component stock every 15 minutes from SAP B1.
Calculate And Update Finished‐goods Stock In Shopify
Use a calculation node to apply the minimum‐component rule: determine the smallest on‐hand quantity among components. Build a JSON payload with the finished‐good variant ID and calculated stock. Configure an HTTP node to call Shopify’s Inventory Level API to set the new available quantity for the finished item.
- Calculation Node: Compare all component on-hand values and select the smallest.
- JSON Payload: Create a payload containing variant ID and updated stock level.
- HTTP Call: Configure Shopify’s Inventory Level API endpoint with correct headers.
- Batch Updates: Loop through all Assembly BOMs to update multiple products at once.
- Confirmation Check: Validate API responses to ensure updates succeeded.
For Example: APPSeCONNECT can use this calculation to update finished‐product stock in Shopify whenever a component changes.
Tests Validate BOM‐based Quantities Appear Correctly On Shopify
Run a sandbox sync in APPSeCONNECT’s test environment. Create a test Assembly BOM in SAP with known component stocks. Check Shopify’s storefront and Admin to confirm the correct finished‐good quantity. Review ProcessFlow logs for errors and verify API response codes.
- Sandbox Mode: Enable test environment to avoid live data changes.
- Test BOM: Create a BOM with components at defined stock levels for validation.
- Storefront Check: Visit Shopify storefront to see updated product availability.
- Admin Verification: Confirm the Inventory Level API reflects the calculated quantity.
- Log Review: Inspect ProcessFlow logs for any failed queries or API errors.
For Example: APPSeCONNECT can use sandbox runs to verify that a test PC shows exactly 10 units when components are set to 10, 12, and 15.
Key Takeaway: Configure SAP BOM data, align Shopify product variants, build a low-code ProcessFlow to fetch, calculate, and push stock, then validate in a sandbox.
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What benefits do businesses gain from BOM-based inventory synchronization?
About 30% of companies achieved cost savings by integrating their supply chain systems.
Automating BOM inventory sync means Shopify always shows accurate finished-product stock. No more guesswork or manual updates. Components and finished goods stay aligned across SAP B1 and e-commerce.
Teams gain confidence in stock data and can focus on growth.
How does automation eliminate manual BOM stock calculations?
APPSeCONNECT uses the minimum-component rule to compute finished-product quantities automatically. No more spreadsheets or error-prone manual math. Teams avoid late nights updating Shopify and SAP.
- Error Elimination: Removes typos from manual calculations.
- Time Savings: Cuts hours spent reconciling BOM stock each week.
- Consistent Data: All stock numbers update without human intervention.
- Reduced Workload: Staff free to handle customer needs, not spreadsheets.
- Quick Deploy: Automation runs on schedule without manual triggers.
For Example: A beauty brand can use APPSeCONNECT to stop manual BOM math and update Shopify stock within seconds.
In what ways does accurate BOM sync improve fulfillment speed?
When component levels match Shopify stock, orders process without delay. Warehouses know exactly which parts to pick and pack. Fulfillment teams work faster because data is always correct.
- Instant Updates: Stock changes in SAP reflect immediately in Shopify.
- Faster Picking: Warehouse staff see true finished-product availability.
- Reduced Backorders: Less need to refund or backorder sold-out items.
- Streamlined Workflow: Automated sync cuts fulfillment planning time.
- Fewer Delays: Orders ship on schedule without surprise stock freezes.
For Example: A tech startup can use APPSeCONNECT to speed up laptop fulfillment by syncing BOM stock in real time.
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How does real-time component tracking enhance customer trust?
67% of businesses noted improved data accuracy after implementing seamless integrations.
Customers see true product availability when BOM stock is accurate. No more buying “in-stock” items that turn out sold out. Shoppers gain confidence and are more likely to return.
- Transparent Stock: Frontend shows real availability, not hopeful numbers.
- Trust Building: Shoppers know products won’t be canceled post-purchase.
- Positive Reviews: Fewer stock errors lead to higher satisfaction scores.
- Repeat Business: Happy customers return when stock info is reliable.
- Brand Reputation: Consistency strengthens trust across all channels.
For Example: A healthcare provider can use APPSeCONNECT to show true medical kit availability, reducing customer complaints.
Why does a unified SAP-Shopify BOM workflow boost operational efficiency?
A single workflow means one source of truth for all BOM stock. No need to manage parallel inventories. Teams spend less time double-checking numbers and more time on strategic tasks.
- Single Source: SAP drives all inventory data for finished goods.
- Simplified Ops: One workflow replaces multiple manual processes.
- Fewer Touchpoints: Reduces handoffs between departments handling stock.
- Improved Coordination: Sales, warehouse, and finance work off the same data.
- Maintenance Ease: Updates to BOM rules happen in one system.
For Example: A SaaS brand can use APPSeCONNECT to unify BOM workflows and eliminate duplicate inventory tasks.
How does centralized BOM control support scalability and growth?
With BOM sync automated, adding new products or markets requires minimal effort. APPSeCONNECT scales to any number of BOMs or store locations. Businesses can expand without worrying about stock errors.
- Effortless Expansion: New BOM items auto-calculate and sync without extra setup.
- Market Agility: Servers handle BOM logic consistently across multiple stores.
- Low Maintenance: No need to rewrite scripts as catalogs grow.
- Future-Proof: Supports additional channels or warehouses as needed.
- Resource Optimization: Teams focus on innovation, not inventory fixes.
For Example: A beauty brand can use APPSeCONNECT to launch five new BOM kits at once without increasing manual work.
Key Takeaway: Automated BOM sync eliminates manual calculations, speeds fulfillment, and maintains accurate storefront stock.
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Which best practices ensure accurate BOM inventory sync?
Accurate BOM inventory sync requires regular audits, error-handling processes, and well-trained teams. Establish clear procedures for data validation and monitor performance to catch issues before they impact sales.
How often should teams audit BOM component and finished‐good levels?
Schedule weekly spot checks of critical BOM items to catch mismatches early. Compare a sample of Assembly BOM finished‐goods in Shopify against SAP’s component levels. Regular audits prevent drift and ensure reliable availability.
- Weekly Spot-Checks: Review 10–20 high-priority BOM items each week.
- Monthly Full Audits: Reconcile all active BOM products across SAP and Shopify.
- Threshold Alerts: Configure APPSeCONNECT to flag significant discrepancies automatically.
- Audit Reports: Generate detailed reports for stakeholders to review.
- Continuous Improvement: Refine processes based on audit outcomes and trends.
For Example: A tech startup can use APPSeCONNECT audits to catch component mismatches in BOM items before they reach customers.
What processes handle sync errors or mismatched component data?
Define clear workflows for any failed BOM updates or data conflicts. When APPSeCONNECT logs an error, assign a team member to investigate, correct data, and reprocess the sync within 24 hours to prevent backlogs.
- Error Logging: Monitor APPSeCONNECT’s dashboard for failed BOM syncs.
- Immediate Alerts: Send notifications to IT or inventory teams upon failure.
- Resolution Steps: Document how to correct component discrepancies and retry.
- Escalation Path: Escalate unresolved sync errors to senior staff after SLA.
- Post-Mortem Analysis: Analyze root causes after major sync failures to prevent recurrence.
For Example: A beauty brand can use APPSeCONNECT’s error alerts to resolve BOM sync issues within hours, avoiding stock inaccuracies.
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How do you monitor integration performance and troubleshoot latency?
Use APPSeCONNECT’s real-time monitoring to track sync success rates and response times. Set thresholds for acceptable latency and failure counts. Proactively investigate performance dips to maintain seamless operations.
- Dashboard Metrics: Monitor success rate, average sync time, and error counts.
- Alert Thresholds: Configure notifications for more than five failed updates daily.
- Log Reviews: Inspect detailed request/response logs to identify bottlenecks.
- Health Checks: Schedule automated weekly health reports to validate system stability.
- Sandbox Testing: Validate changes in a test environment before pushing to production.
For Example: A SaaS company can use APPSeCONNECT’s monitoring to detect high-latency BOM syncs and resolve them before they affect orders.
Why is staff training crucial for maintaining BOM workflows?
Well-trained staff understand how BOM logic operates and why accurate component data matters. Training reduces reliance on a few experts and equips teams to handle errors and updates correctly as volumes grow.
- Onboarding Sessions: Conduct workshops teaching new employees BPM concepts and APPSeCONNECT use.
- Process Documentation: Provide clear, step-by-step guides and quick-reference sheets.
- Refresher Courses: Host quarterly sessions to cover updates and best practices.
- Support Channels: Maintain a dedicated Slack channel or helpdesk for BOM questions.
- Feedback Loop: Encourage staff to report issues and suggest process improvements.
For Example: A healthcare provider can use APPSeCONNECT’s training materials to onboard inventory teams, reducing BOM-related errors by 70%.
Key Takeaway: Regular audits, clear error-handling workflows, performance monitoring, and staff training keep BOM sync reliable.
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APPSeCONNECT Delivers Exceptional Results
With APPSeCONNECT’s BOM inventory synchronization, Shopify always reflects true finished‐product stock based on SAP B1 components. Teams stop chasing spreadsheets and focus on strategic growth. Customers see accurate availability, boosting trust.
- Accurate Finished-Good Stock: 100% of Assembly BOM products in Shopify match SAP component levels.
- Time Savings: Manual BOM calculations drop by 90%, freeing staff for higher-value tasks.
- Faster Order Processing: Fulfillment time improves by 40% as stock data is always correct.
- Reduced Order Cancellations: Stock-outs fall to near zero, improving customer satisfaction.
- Unified Data Flow: Single BOM workflow between SAP B1 and Shopify eliminates dual record-keeping.
- Scalability: Supports hundreds of BOM SKUs without extra configuration.
- Audit-Ready Logs: Comprehensive history of BOM calculations and stock changes for compliance.
Key Takeaway: BOM sync boosts accuracy, cuts manual work by 90%, accelerates fulfillment 40%, and virtually eliminates cancellations.
Conclusion
BOM inventory synchronization Shopify SAP integration ensures your finished-product stock always reflects real component availability. APPSeCONNECT calculates BOM levels in SAP B1, applies the minimum-component logic, and updates Shopify automatically. No more spreadsheets or stock errors. Merchants gain accurate storefront inventory, faster fulfillment, and happier customers. By following best practices like regular audits and error handling, teams maintain seamless sync as catalogs grow.
Implementing APPSeCONNECT not only saves time but also strengthens trust and drives sales. Embrace BOM sync automation today and watch your operations run smoothly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Define each sub‐assembly as a BOM in SAP. APPSeCONNECT fetches nested components, applies minimum‐component logic per assembly, then automatically updates final product stock in Shopify.
Yes. APPSeCONNECT monitors component stock levels in SAP B1 and can trigger production order creation through defined workflows when any part falls below set thresholds.
APPSeCONNECT secures BOM data with AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS1.2 for data in transit. Role-based API credentials and firewall rules strictly restrict unauthorized access.
For most mid-sized companies, BOM inventory synchronization using APPSeCONNECT can be set up in five to seven business days, including configuration, testing, and go-live validation.
Yes. APPSeCONNECT’s low-code ProcessFlow Designer allows customization of BOM logic, enabling rules like component grouping or alternate part usage before final quantity calculations for Shopify.
