For some types of MIS, a basic integration with MarketDirect StoreFront is possible. This type of integration (with the exception of PrintSmith™ Vision before version 3.4) offers a one-way flow of order information from MarketDirect StoreFront to the MIS. The MIS uses this information to create and process jobs. No information is sent back from the MIS to MarketDirect StoreFront.
Note: PrintSmith Vision v 3.4 or higher offers a full integration with MarketDirect StoreFront. (For complete details, see the PrintSmith Vision MarketDirect StoreFront Integration Guide.)
Two communication methods are available in a basic integration:
● URL (web service) or network location. In the case of a URL, MarketDirect StoreFront delivers the order to the web service when the order is placed; in the case of a network location, MarketDirect StoreFront stores orders in this location for the MIS to use. In both cases the orders are in the form of XML files.
● Requests by the MIS for orders to be sent from MarketDirect StoreFront when orders are placed. This applies only to PrintSmith Vision prior to version 3.4.
Note: The task described here is performed in MarketDirect StoreFront, and is only part of what you must do to integrate MarketDirect StoreFront with an MIS. For complete details of what you must do in both MarketDirect StoreFront and the MIS for a successful integration, see the implementation/integration guide for the MIS you are integrating with MarketDirect StoreFront.
1. On the Administration tab in MarketDirect StoreFront, click MIS Systems.
2. In the MIS Type field, select the kind of MIS you are integrating with MarketDirect StoreFront.
3. Select the Basic Integration check box. (This check box is available only for those MIS that support a basic integration; if you selected an MIS Type that requires a full integration, click here for instructions on completing the MIS Systems page.)
4. Enter a Name for this integration.
5. Depending on the communication method your MIS uses, complete either step 6 or step 7.
6. For all MIS using a basic integration except for PrintSmith Vision (pre-version 3.4), do the following:
a. In the URL or Network Location field, enter either a URL (for a Web service) or a path to a network folder. In the case of a URL, MarketDirect StoreFront delivers the order XML files to the web service when the order is placed; in the case of a network location, MarketDirect StoreFront stores the order XML files in this location for the MIS to use.
b. Click Save.
c. Click Test to make sure MarketDirect StoreFront can get to the web service or location specified in the URL or Network Location field. If necessary, correct the URL or network location until the test is successful.
7. For PrintSmith Vision (pre-version 3.4 only), do the following:
a. Select the Enable Order Requests check box.
b. Click Save.
The fields under Request Order Connectivity Info are now completed. Some of this information is needed by PrintSmith Vision to identify itself when requesting orders from MarketDirect StoreFront.
Note: When MarketDirect StoreFront receives a request for orders from PrintSmith Vision (pre-version 3.4), MarketDirect StoreFront sends the order XML files to PrintSmith and marks the orders as delivered. This is a one-time delivery. If an order fails to reach PrintSmith Vision (for example, due to network issues), you can go to the Order View in MarketDirect StoreFront, locate the order, and select the MIS Requested Order check box. The next time PrintSmith Vision requests orders, the order will be re-transmitted. (You cannot resubmit an order if it reached PrintSmith Vision.)
After you configure the integration on the MIS Systems page, you must associate the MIS with a Print Shop in MarketDirect StoreFront.
In addition, if you plan to offer digital downloads of products or direct mail products on your site, you must configure some default shipping methods for the Print Shop. When buyers order a digital download or direct mail product, no shipping information is required in the cart. When the order is sent to the MIS, however, a delivery method is required (even if it does not apply to the type of product being ordered). To support this, you must map three default shipping methods to delivery methods that are available for this purpose in MarketDirect StoreFront.
1. On the Administration tab in MarketDirect StoreFront, click Print Shops.
2. Double-click the Print Shop you want to associate with the MIS (or add a new Print Shop).
3. Scroll down to the MIS System section and select the MIS to associate with the Print Shop.
4. If you plan to offer digital downloads or direct mail products on the site:
a. Select the delivery methods to be used for digital downloads or direct mail orders by clicking Assign/Update Delivery Methods and then selecting Digital Delivery, USPS First Class, and USPS Standard Mail.
b. For Default Shipping Method for Digital Download, select Digital Delivery.
c. For Default Shipping Method for Direct Mail (Standard), select USPS Standard Mail.
d. For Default Shipping Method for Direct Mail (First Class), select USPS First Class.
Note: These three default shipping methods will never be available as selections in the cart; they are used “behind the scenes” to support the MIS order workflow for digital downloads and direct mail.
5. Click Save to save the Print Shop settings.