External Systems

Overview

TwikBot is designed to operate as part of a broader technology ecosystem. Rather than functioning as a standalone tool, it connects to the external systems that manufacturers already rely on — ERP, CRM, eCommerce platforms, and production systems — ensuring that configuration data flows seamlessly across the entire business process, from initial product exploration through to order fulfilment and manufacturing.

Integration with external systems is one of the most critical and variable aspects of a TwikBot implementation. Every client will have a different technology stack, and it is the responsibility of the implementing partner or agency to map TwikBot's output to the requirements of those systems.

Integration Architecture

TwikBot connects to external systems via its REST API and webhook system. All configuration data, pricing output, quotes, orders, and manufacturing files generated by TwikBot are accessible programmatically, allowing them to be passed to any downstream system regardless of vendor or technology.

TwikBot Platform
        │
        ├── REST API  →  Pull-based integrations (ERP, CRM, custom)
        │
        └── Webhooks  →  Push-based event-driven integrations

REST API — Allows external systems to query and interact with TwikBot data on demand. Suitable for integrations where the external system initiates the data exchange, such as retrieving a completed order or querying available product configurations.

Webhooks — Allow TwikBot to push event notifications to external systems when specific actions occur, such as a configuration being saved, a quote being generated, or an order being submitted. Suitable for event-driven workflows where downstream systems need to react in real time.

Common Integration Patterns

ERP Integration

Enterprise Resource Planning systems are a common integration target in TwikBot implementations, particularly in manufacturing contexts. The primary use case is passing structured order and BOM data from a completed configuration into the ERP for production planning, inventory management, and order processing.

Typical data flows:

• Configuration → BOM export → ERP production order

• TwikBot pricing output → ERP order valuation

• ERP product catalogue → TwikBot parameter and pricing updates

Common ERP platforms: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, and other industry-specific ERP systems depending on the client's vertical.

CRM Integration

CRM integration connects TwikBot's commerce output — quotes, configurations, and orders — to the client's sales management workflow. This ensures that sales representatives have full visibility of configuration activity within their existing CRM environment, and that leads and opportunities can be progressed without manual data re-entry.

Typical data flows:

• Completed configuration → CRM opportunity update

• Generated quote → CRM quote record

• Submitted order → CRM deal closure trigger

Common CRM platforms: Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

eCommerce Integration

For clients selling configurable products directly through an eCommerce channel, TwikBot can be integrated with the storefront to pass configuration output directly into the cart and checkout flow. This enables a fully connected D2C experience where the configured product, pricing, and relevant attributes are handed off to the eCommerce platform without manual intervention.

Typical data flows:

• Completed configuration → eCommerce cart line item

• TwikBot pricing → eCommerce product pricing

• eCommerce order confirmation → TwikBot order record

Common eCommerce platforms: Shopify, Magento / Adobe Commerce, and headless commerce platforms.

Production Systems

TwikBot's manufacturing file output can be connected directly to downstream production systems, eliminating manual data re-entry between the sales and manufacturing process. The output format is technology-agnostic and can be adapted to the requirements of any production environment.

Typical data flows:

• Submitted order → Production file generation → Manufacturing system ingestion

• BOM output → CNC, laser cutting, or other digital production system

• Submitted order → Production file generated via REST API → file deposited to agreed server location with unique order identifier → manufacturing system retrieval

The last pattern is common in manufacturing environments where direct system-to-system integration is not feasible. TwikBot generates the file via the REST API and places it at an agreed location — such as an SFTP server or cloud storage bucket — tagged with a unique order identifier. The downstream system picks it up on its own schedule.

Implementation Considerations

When scoping external system integrations for a client project, the following questions should inform your approach:

What systems does the client currently use? Identify all relevant ERP, CRM, eCommerce, and production systems early in the discovery phase.

Who owns the integration on the client side? Enterprise system integrations typically require involvement from the client's internal IT or systems team, or a dedicated systems integrator.

What data needs to flow in each direction? Map the data fields that TwikBot needs to send and receive for each system, and validate these against the client's existing data model.

What are the authentication and security requirements? Enterprise systems often have strict requirements around API authentication, data handling, and network access that need to be addressed before integration work begins.

Is the integration real-time or batch? Some workflows require immediate data exchange (e.g. real-time pricing from ERP), while others can operate on a scheduled batch basis (e.g. daily BOM exports).

Developer Resources

For integration support or questions, contact the Twikit development team via support.twikit.com.