Data integration patterns

The ability to pull or push data as needed is one of Adobe Commerce’s real strengths. Four standard methods cover most integration scenarios.

Data is king — four integration patterns

  1. API (SOAP or REST) — Real-time or near-real-time data movement between two systems. Best for low-latency, transactional sync.
  2. Files (CSV or XML) — Either as a one-time data migration at project start, or as ongoing batch transfers. Best for high-volume, periodic sync.
  3. PaaS integration platform — Cloud-based connectors (Mulesoft, Boomi, etc.) with pre-built integrations for common systems. Best when you need ETL, transformation, and multiple endpoints.
  4. Manual updates — Admin portal supports import/export of products, customers, and other records. Best for low-volume, ad-hoc changes.

How to choose the pattern

The right pattern depends on three factors: volume (how many records), frequency (how often), and latency tolerance (how fresh does the data need to be).

  • High volume, low frequency, latency-tolerant — file-based batch.
  • Low volume, high frequency, latency-sensitive — API.
  • Mixed — PaaS integration platform handles the orchestration.
  • One-off corrections — manual admin updates.

Common integration targets

  • ERP — NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage.
  • OMS — IBM Sterling, NetSuite, Manhattan.
  • CRM — Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics 365.
  • Tax — Avalara, TaxJar, Vertex.
  • PIM — Akeneo, Pimcore, Salsify.
  • Marketing — Klaviyo, Mailchimp, dotDigital, Emarsys, Adobe Campaign.

Adapted from the Adobe Commerce Primer, slide 25. Last reviewed May 2026.