How does Middleware work with Shopware 6 Akeneo Connector?

In this blog, you will get to know about how with the help of middleware you can connect your Akeneo with Shopware 6.

The middleware allows the abstraction of functionality between the two systems.

It uses GraphQL for translation on Shopware 6 end and performs data export using the REST Admin API for Products and as well as Collections.

Learn how Middleware works with the Shopware 6 Akeneo Connector in this document. You can use this connector to connect your Shopware 6 store to the Akeneo PIM platform.

 

Growth Edition:

Growth Edtion is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) PIM. Fast Deployment, Automatic Upgrades, Scalable, and Adaptable PIM Results are all included in the Growth Edition.

Further, we use Middleware software to set up the Shopware 6 Akeneo Connector. Therefore we use Akeneo API for the integration.

Enterprise Serenity Mode:

Enterprise Serenity is also a SaaS-ground like Growth. Furthermore, EE has some advanced features like Asset Manager, Reference Realities, and Advance Rights Management.

So, now Shopware 6 Akeneo Connector is compatible with the Akeneo EE Serenity with Middleware software ( Developed by Webkul)SaaS- Ground Akeneo.

Key Features

• Using this connector to install or operate the connector no coding skills are required.
• Schedule custom imports to Shopware 6 by using Advanced filtering options.
• Akeneo to Shopware 6 in a completely automated way with options to connect to multiple Shopware 6 sites from the same connector.
• Export of image assets at product level into Shopware 6.
• Export of image assets at product model level into Shopware 6.
• Assets can import per Site into Shopware 6.

Basic Details for the Connector Configuration

These details are mandatory for the Middleware Akeneo PIM Connector configuration.

1) Admin Akeneo Details(With the Connection Permission)

• Admin URL
• User Name
• Password

OR

2) Provide the following details after creating the Akeneo API Connection.

• Admin URL
• Client ID
• Secret Key
• User Name
• Password

The admin can easily generate API keys from the Admin backend.

For this, the admin will navigate to Setting > System > Integration as per the below image.

After that click on Add Integration to create new API keys.

Then after clicking on Add Integration you have to fill in the API key name.

Copy the API Key then click to Save Integration.

Firstly, go to Shopware 6 Connector > Akeneo API connection detail and add the API credentials.

Akeneo API Connection Detail

Please Note – We require API to link the Akeneo and Shopware 6 to the middleware.

Further, you need to add all the below details in the section mentioned below.

• Akeneo URL
• Client ID
• Secret
• Username
• Password

Next, click the button Validate Credentials to import all of your Akeneo product data into MiddleWare.

Setup Credentials

Here, provide the Shopware 6 store details for the data you wish to export.

Now, to add the Shopware 6 credentials click the button Create Credentials.

Your Shopware 6 store URL, Access Key ID, Secret access key and Shopware Version must all be entered on the Credentials page.

For configuration purposes, you can add several Shopware 6 stores.

Further, pick the default local in which you want to export the data by clicking on edit credentials.

After setting up the Shopware6 API keys in Akeneo, Therefor you need to map the product fields between Shopware6 and Akeneo as per the below image.

Fields in Akeneo – In this admin can map the value of the product and product model.

Variants fields in Akeneo – In this admin can map the value of product variants.

Map More Standard Attribute:

If your products have lots of information, you can enter Shopware6 attribute code ID and then click Add Field. The Shopware6 Akeneo Connector module supports various attributes of Shopware6 products.

Note- Please make sure to use the same attribute code of Shopware6 in Akeneo.

As well as can also add a Shopware Custom attribute code enter the Shopware attribute code ID then click Add Field.

Other Mapping:

Attributes to be used as Cover Images – The selected Akeneo image attributes will be used as the cover image of the product.

Attributes to be used as Images – The selected Akeneo image attributes will be visible as Shopware6 product gallery images.

Family and Attribute to be used as Tags-All Akeneo attributes and family will be exported to Shopware6 from Akeneo.

Attributes to be used as Images(For variants) – The selected Akeneo image attributes will be used as the variant image of the product.

Attribute To be used as Properties Values(For Export) – The select type, multi-select and metric type attribute of Akeneo properties value(colour, material, brand, etc) will be exported to Shopware6 from Akeneo.

Display in listing attributes – All select type attributes are will be exported to Shopware6 from Akeneo.

You must select a rule mapping in the rule section.

The tier price requires rule mapping, which should be a simple select type.

Set Family For Import Products – In this admin can select a family in which all the products from Shopware will be imported in Akeneo.

Other Setting

Mapping for boolean Tags

In this, you have to select

• Yes/NO
• True/False

Export Metric Unit:

In this, you can select yes or no to export matric tags unit with metric value or not.

Media Folder ID:

In this, you need to enter the folder id in which media will be exported in Shopware 6. For that, you have to copy the folder Id from Shopware Store in which the media will be exported.

Creating Export Job

You must now establish an export job profile in order to export your product data. To begin, navigate to Exports > Create Export Profile.

 Different types of export jobs can be created. 

Then, choose Shopware 6 Export Job and input a unique code and label.

After that click on the Save button.

Filter The Data:

You can export the filtered data. Therefore, navigate to the Content section as per the below image.

You can filter the data as per-

• Channel – This selects the relevant channel of products to export.
• Locales – As per your choice you may select multiple locals. 
• Currency – Select the default currency which you want to export.
• Attributes – select the product attributes that you want to export. You can either select all attributes else click the edit button to select the attributes.

After that click the  Save button.

Note -: Before exporting products from Akeneo to Shopware you need to export attribute, attribute option, and category.

Export Now:

After creating the export profile, click on the Export Now button as per the below image.

Execution Process:

After the execution of the export process, you can check the process summary and errors if present.

You can check the number of products and product models exported from Akeneo to Shopware 6, as well as the status as completed after the execution process is complete.

Support

So, that was much about the How does Middleware work with Shopware 6 Akeneo Connector?

Further, for any queries or doubts reach out to us at [email protected]. You can also raise a ticket at our HelpDesk system webkul.uvdesk.com

Please explore our Akeneo Development Services and Quality Akeneo Extensions.