Is there an eCommerce package like zen cart or whatever (free most preferred) that can be made to use an existing database structure?
You see, i have already developed an inventory system for our store, using mysql database … i am about to build our ecommerce site from it, but was thinking it would save me soo much time and effort if i could just use an existing ecom frame work already… but i know these ecom scripts, as flexible as they are, have already predefined mysql table / column layouts … it’s not like i can just plug the script to my database …
I could use a separate database but that’s just a big hassle for me as it would require double entry for each item…
PS
i was thinking, these ecommerce scripts, they’re pretty much INVENTORY scripts already huh?
Yes, many of them do have inventory systems built in, so if you’re going to use them, you don’t need the one you already built.
If you do want to run both systems side-by-side, write a script that can populate the storefront database from yours. Then create a cron job to run it once a night, or something along those lines, to keep the storefront updated based on the inventory database.
well i definitely need control over my database layout since the point of me developing our invntory system is to have it fit our needs as exact as possible… so i cant go w/ a pre developped invntory system…
i’ll look into the possibilitites of croning to sync the databsaes… but im worried since these eCom packages are already very complex relational tables etc, plus my own system’s complexities… it may not be that easy… might as well create my own simple ecom / shopping interface w/c would really be that difficult unless i wana emulate these advance shopping cart systems or even amazon (that’s the best system i have ever used personally)
I suggest you customize your own ecommerce website. The thought of putting the effort of synchronizing the off-the-shelf solution with your customzied inventory, would be better off placed on designing your own site. You’re the best person to know the nuts and bolts to your inventory system, and it would be much easier to customize it according to your preferences.
accounting double-entry is one area you may want to synchronize also with your inventory system. look thru accountingdes site for some interesting GUI.