# How to set up custom integration

## How to set up custom integration

Connect your custom e-commerce platform or unique business system with AB Tasty Recommendations & Merchandising using flexible integration options. Custom integration provides the versatility needed for specialized platforms, legacy systems, or unique business requirements.

## Prerequisites

Before setting up custom integration, ensure you have:

* Active AB Tasty Recommendations & Merchandising account
* Technical understanding of your e-commerce platform architecture
* Access to your system's API endpoints or data export capabilities
* Development resources for implementing custom integration logic

## Configure a custom integration

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Access custom integration options

Navigate to the integrations interface to explore custom connection possibilities.

1. Log into your AB Tasty Recommendations & Merchandising dashboard
2. Click **SETTINGS** in the left sidebar navigation
3. Select the **Integrations** tab from the settings options
4. Review the **CMS** section for custom integration options
5. Consider **Catalog feed** or **Salesforce Commerce Cloud** as starting points for custom implementations
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose integration method

Select the most appropriate integration approach based on your technical requirements and system capabilities.

#### API-based integration

Use AB Tasty's APIs for real-time data synchronization and dynamic recommendation delivery:

* Real-time product catalog updates
* Dynamic customer behavior tracking
* Live recommendation requests and responses
* Suitable for modern platforms with robust API capabilities

#### Data feed integration

Implement scheduled data transfers for batch processing and periodic updates:

* CSV, JSON, or XML file exports from your e-commerce system
* Scheduled uploads to AB Tasty's data processing pipeline
* Ideal for legacy systems or platforms with limited API access

#### Hybrid integration approach

Combine multiple methods to optimize different aspects of the integration:

* Use data feeds for product catalog synchronization
* Implement API calls for real-time user behavior tracking
* Balance performance, reliability, and development complexity
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure data mapping

Establish the connection between your custom platform data and AB Tasty's standardized format.

#### Map product attributes

Define how your platform's product data translates to AB Tasty requirements:

* **Product ID** - unique identifier for each item in your system
* **Product name** - display name for recommendations
* **Category** - hierarchical product categorization or taxonomy
* **Price** - current selling price with currency information
* **Image URL** - high-quality product images accessible via web URLs
* **Stock status** - availability information and inventory levels
* **Custom attributes** - additional fields specific to your business needs

#### Configure customer data integration

Set up customer behavior tracking and profile synchronization:

* User identification methods (email, customer ID, session tokens)
* Behavioral event tracking (page views, purchases, cart additions)
* Customer segmentation data for personalized recommendations
* Privacy compliance and data protection measures
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Implement technical integration

Develop the technical components needed to connect your system with AB Tasty.

#### Set up data export processes

1. Create automated processes to extract product and customer data from your platform
2. Format data according to AB Tasty's specification requirements
3. Implement error handling and data validation to ensure data quality
4. Schedule regular data synchronization to keep information current

#### Develop API integration

1. Implement API calls to AB Tasty's recommendation endpoints
2. Handle authentication and security protocols for API access
3. Build request/response processing logic for recommendation delivery
4. Create fallback mechanisms for when API calls fail or timeout

#### Configure tracking implementation

1. Add AB Tasty tracking codes to your website templates
2. Implement event tracking for user behavior and recommendation interactions
3. Set up conversion tracking for measuring recommendation effectiveness
4. Test tracking accuracy across different user scenarios and device types
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Test custom integration

Validate your integration implementation to ensure reliable operation and accurate data flow.

#### Verify data synchronization

1. Test product data import to confirm all attributes are mapped correctly
2. Validate that inventory updates reflect accurately in recommendation filters
3. Check that new products appear in AB Tasty within expected timeframes
4. Confirm that pricing and promotional information updates properly

#### Test recommendation delivery

1. Verify that recommendation API calls return relevant product suggestions
2. Test recommendation display across different pages and user contexts
3. Confirm that recommendation links direct users to correct product pages
4. Validate that recommendations respect your filtering rules and business logic

#### Validate tracking accuracy

1. Test user behavior tracking to ensure events are recorded correctly
2. Verify that recommendation clicks and conversions are attributed properly
3. Check that customer segmentation data is processed accurately
4. Confirm that privacy and consent preferences are respected
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}


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