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 · Accounting
Xero and ERP working together — or a clean move off Xero
Xero is a strong small-business accounting platform. As operations grow more complex — inventory, manufacturing, multiple warehouses — many businesses add an ERP for operations while keeping Xero for a period, or move accounting fully into the ERP.
Overview
What this integration is for
We build Xero integrations that respect its API limits and data model, and we migrate Xero data cleanly when the time comes.
01Data
What data syncs, and in which direction
| Entity | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | ERP → App | Customers and suppliers created in Xero. |
| Invoices | ERP → App | Sales invoices with mapped accounts and tax rates. |
| Bills | ERP → App | Supplier bills for payables. |
| Payments | ⇄ Both | Based on where bank reconciliation is done. |
| Manual journals | ERP → App | Inventory valuation and COGS summaries. |
02Use cases
Common use cases
01
Operations ERP + Xero accounting
Keep accountants in Xero while operations run on ERP.
02
Multi-entity groups
Entities on Xero with ERP operations.
03
Migration
Move to ERP accounting at a period end.
03 — Architecture
API architecture
The Xero Accounting API enforces per-tenant rate limits, so the integration batches documents and schedules syncs. Webhooks can notify of contact and invoice changes in Xero.
Tracking categories in Xero map to ERP analytic dimensions where needed.
04Reliability
Authentication, errors and retries
01
Authentication
OAuth 2.0 with refresh tokens that must be used before expiry; the integration refreshes automatically and alerts if the connection lapses.
02
Error handling
Errors such as locked periods or invalid account codes logged per document and surfaced in an exception list.
03
Retry strategy
Rate-limit responses handled with backoff respecting retry-after headers; idempotent posting via stored Xero IDs.
05 — Data mapping
Field mapping essentials
| Xero | ERP |
|---|---|
| ERP partner | Contact |
| ERP account | Account code |
| ERP tax | Tax rate |
| ERP analytic | Tracking category |
| ERP invoice | Invoice (ACCREC) |
06 — Automation
Automation opportunities
- Sync confirmed invoices and bills automatically
- Daily stock valuation journal
- Connection health alerts
- Monthly reconciliation report
07 — Security
Security considerations
Encrypted token storage, minimal scopes and a named authorising admin.
Related
Where this integration fits
Other integrations
Often connected together
QuickBooksQuickBooks Online integration for transitions, subsidiaries or migration of accounting data.StripeStripe payments, subscriptions, refunds, fees and payouts reconciled in your ERP.PayPalPayPal payments, refunds, fees and settlements reconciled with ERP orders and invoices.Power BIManagement reporting on ERP data in Power BI with a clean model, refresh and row-level security.
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
Can we keep Xero long-term?
It's possible, but two systems mean reconciliation. Many clients migrate once operations stabilise.
Do you handle Xero tracking categories?
Yes, mapped to ERP analytic dimensions.
Can you migrate from Xero?
Yes, master data, open items and balances at a period end.
Next step
Connecting Xero to your ERP?
Describe the data that needs to move and who owns it. We will propose a design with error handling and monitoring included.