ERP Integrations2 min read
ERP API Integration Explained: REST, Webhooks, Auth and Idempotency
A plain-English explanation of ERP API integration: REST APIs, webhooks, authentication methods, idempotency, pagination, rate limits and error handling.
Integration · Commerce
Shipping carrier integration: labels and tracking from the ERP
Copying addresses into a carrier website and pasting tracking numbers back is one of the most common manual tasks in a warehouse. Carrier integrations let the ERP get rates, print labels and record tracking at the packing station.
Overview
What this integration is for
Odoo provides connectors for several major carriers, and Odoo 20 adds a ShipStation connector. Where no connector exists, we integrate directly with the carrier's API or through a multi-carrier platform.
01Data
What data syncs, and in which direction
| Entity | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rates | App → ERP | Live rates on quotations and at checkout, by service level. |
| Shipments & labels | ERP → App | Packages, weights and addresses sent to the carrier; labels returned for printing. |
| Tracking | App → ERP | Tracking numbers and delivery status recorded on the delivery order. |
02Use cases
Common use cases
01
Faster packing
Print labels from the packing screen in one step.
02
Accurate shipping charges
Charge customers real carrier rates.
03
Customer updates
Tracking numbers sent automatically.
03 — Architecture
API architecture
Labels are requested synchronously at packing time with short timeouts and a clear fallback. Tracking updates are polled or received by webhook in the background and attached to delivery orders.
04Reliability
Authentication, errors and retries
01
Authentication
Carrier account API keys or OAuth credentials, stored securely per warehouse or company.
02
Error handling
Address validation errors are shown to the packer immediately with the carrier's message; failed label requests can be retried or switched to another service.
03
Retry strategy
Background tracking updates retry with backoff; label requests are retried manually by the user.
05 — Data mapping
Field mapping essentials
| Shipping Carriers | ERP |
|---|---|
| Delivery order | Shipment |
| Package type | Carrier packaging code |
| Carrier tracking | Delivery tracking reference |
06 — Automation
Automation opportunities
- Carrier chosen by rules: weight, destination, service level
- Tracking emails sent when the label is created
- Exceptions flagged when deliveries are late
07 — Security
Security considerations
Carrier credentials stored encrypted; addresses sent only to the chosen carrier.
Related
Where this integration fits
Industries
Other integrations
Often connected together
ShopifyOrders, customers, products, stock and fulfilment synchronised between Shopify and your ERP.AmazonAmazon Seller Central and FBA orders, inventory, fees and settlements connected via SP-API.WooCommerceWooCommerce orders, products, stock and customers connected to your ERP via REST and webhooks.Custom APIConnect any system with an API, database, file feed or EDI — built with production-grade reliability.
Insights
Related reading
ERP Integrations2 min read
ERP Integration Guide: Patterns, Data Ownership and Reliability
How to integrate an ERP with eCommerce, CRM, payments and other systems: data ownership, integration patterns, middleware, error handling, monitoring and common failure modes.
ERP Integrations2 min read
RFID Integration with Odoo: A Practical Architecture
How to integrate RFID readers with Odoo inventory: middleware design, mapping EPCs to products and serials, receiving and counting flows, performance and what to build vs buy.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which carriers can you connect?
Major international carriers through existing connectors, and regional carriers or multi-carrier platforms through their APIs.
Can we print labels on thermal printers?
Yes. Labels are requested in the format your printer needs, such as ZPL or PDF.
Next step
Connecting your carriers to your ERP?
Tell us your volumes, channels and data rules. We will outline the architecture and the risks before anything is built.