Connecting a website to Tower Systems: advice for web developers

This page is for web developers building a website for a retailer who uses Tower Systems POS software. It explains how our software connects to a website, which platforms we support, and what to check before you quote.

Please read the whole page before reaching out to us.

If you're a retailer looking for a web developer, see our guide: How to choose the right web developer for your small retail business.

How the connection works

Tower Retailer does not connect directly to a website. It connects through our Tower Web Connect (TWC) platform, which sits between the shop's POS software and the website.

• Retailer sends product data, stock levels, prices and images to Tower Web Connect.
• Tower Web Connect transfers that information to the website.
• Sales made on the website download back into Retailer, updating stock automatically.

The Tower Weblink Service runs on the retailer's server computer. It manages the transfer of data between Retailer and Tower Web Connect.

Retailer stays the home of product and stock data. The website receives that data from Retailer, and web orders flow back.

How often data syncs

• Retailer checks for webstore updates about every 5 minutes.
• A full stock file is generated every 24 hours to keep everything aligned.

This timing matters when you set expectations with the retailer. Stock on the website is close to real time, not instant.

Supported platforms

Tower Web Connect integrates with these ecommerce platforms:

• Shopify
• WooCommerce
• BigCommerce
• Magento

If the website is built on one of these, the integration can keep stock synchronised automatically.

Our recommendation: Shopify

We strongly recommend Shopify for Tower customers. In our experience, it offers retailers the lowest total cost of ownership. That matters to a small business that has to pay for hosting, security, support and updates long after launch.

Custom-built websites

If the site is completely custom, the key requirement is that it can connect through Tower Web Connect, the same integration used for webstore syncing. Retailer will not send data directly to a custom site.

We have a generic link connector that may suit some custom builds. Please talk to us before you commit to a custom approach, so you know what's involved before you quote.

Before you quote: a checklist for developers

• Confirm the platform early. A supported platform is usually the faster, lower-risk path for the retailer.
• Talk to us before you scope a custom build. We can tell you whether the generic connector suits your plan.
• Treat Retailer as the source of truth. Product details, stock levels and prices are managed in Retailer and sent to the website.
• Allow for the sync timing. Updates run about every 5 minutes, with a full stock file every 24 hours.
• Plan for the server computer The Tower Weblink Service runs on the retailer's server computer, so factor that into your testing.
• Set clear expectations with the retailer. Explain how stock and orders move between the shop and the website, and how often.

How to contact us

Please contact Tower Systems through our shared customer. The retailer is the business we have the commercial relationship with, so questions about which Retailer plan is needed, Tower Web Connect costs or connecting a specific website should come through them. We're happy to answer your questions with the retailer involved.

Please note: Tower Systems may charge web developers for advice and support.

Tower Systems also offers web development services, connecting websites to our POS software.

Sales: 1300 662 957 (Australia) | 0800 444 367 (New Zealand) | sales@towersystems.com.au