Implementation Overview
This article outlines the high-level implementation process of launching your custom program with VU Custom
The setup involves the following steps:
Platform Setup and Store Connection
VU supports connections with many E-Commerce platforms such as Shopify, Salesforce, Big Commerce and many more. The first step in establish a platform connection with VU is linking your desired E-Commerce platform to VU, using either a VU connector or directly entering relevant credentials from your E-Commerce platform.
SKU Setup and Product Linking
Brands must provide access to their E-Commerce storefront and link the desired SKUs to the corresponding product templates. This step is what powers the configuration within the customizer to display on your E-commerce site. SKUs must be created with the E-commerce platform and identified to VU Custom.
Embedding the Customizer
Deploy the VU Custom Customizer .JS snippet on a PDP (Product Detail Page) or any page which you wish to access the customizer. This allows for your E-Commerce platform to let the VU Custom application which product is currently being interacted with, in return the VU Custom application will provide the corresponding product configuration to be displayed in the customizer. VU Custom will provide the necessary .JS snippet and offer guidance on best practices.
Styling the Customizer
The Customizer by default is a free-form layout and look and feel, meaning Brands have full autonomy of the desired experience they would like to create. Brands must apply any web-styling over the customizer code to achieve the desired layout and look-and-feel. VU Custom will provide brands with an initial HTML template to get started.
Manage ATC and Upcharges
VU Custom will help facilitate the ATC function as part of the implementation process. To receive order information, VU requires that the product is paid for prior to it being imported into VU. Therefore, for orders to appear in the VU OMS, they must go through the checkout process and paid for from a customer’s perspective.
Brands will manage the SKUs, pricing, and upcharges directly via their E-Commerce platform, with VU managing the relevant items being sent to the cart for purchase.
Shipping Setup/Routing
VU has established connections with many 3PL providers such as ShipHero, ShipStation, and many others. Brands optionally have the ability for VU to forwards orders and system generated artwork to a 3PL provider for fulfillment.
Managing Transactional Emails
VU offers event-driven order status notifications that are communicated to your E-Commerce platform. Should Brands want to trigger any transactional emails based on order status updates, this should be handled through the E-Commerce platform directly
Accessing Travelers, Production Fies
VU Custom provides Travelers (Order Spec Sheets) and Production Files (Formatted and production-ready artwork) to factories as part of the implementation process. The format of these files will be determined during the discovery process.
Factories have the ability to access both files directly via the VU Platform Web Portal, VU Platform APIs, or via an SFTP server.
Integrations with ERPs or Other External Platforms
Integrations to external platforms or software are available via VU Custom's platform APIs. Brands can leverage these APIs to establish any connections or flow of data between the VU Platform and their platform/system of choice.
Setup Process Snapshot
The goal here is to briefly go through each module on a high level to get your customizer setup and you start receiving orders. Here are the steps :
Log into the VU Custom Admin Panel using your provided credentials
Familiarize yourself with the interface and available options
Navigate to the Store Connection section
Follow the prompts to link your E-Commerce platform (e.g., Shopify, Magento)
Provide necessary API credentials and permissions
Create a new template for your custom product
Add and configure all necessary elements (e.g., color selectors, text input fields)
Setup pricing rules and any applicable upcharges
Define production-ready output specifications
Copy the provided .JS snippet
Embed the snippet on your product page or within a modal
Customize the appearance to match your brand guidelines (optional)
Verify that the customizer renders correctly on your site
Test the full user flow: a. Customize a product b. Add to cart c. Complete checkout
Ensure that order data is correctly passed to the VU OMS
Log into the VU OMS
View incoming orders and their details
Update order statuses as they move through production
Access production files via the SFTP server
Coordinate with your production team to fulfill orders
By following this guide, you'll be able to set up and manage your custom product program effectively, ensuring a smooth integration between your E-Commerce platform and VU Custom's services.
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