So, this is a basic question, but also a complex one. I am an accountant by education and profession, but recenly have become an ecommerce start-up CEO.
My question is around master data, and in a multi-platform environment, which application should be the owner, or system of record for master data elements, like ITEM, INVENTORY COUNT, INVENTORY VALUATION, CUSTOMER, SALES, BILLING, RECEIPTS, etc.
We have spent that last 6 months preparing for real business in Q1 2018. For the first time, I started with applications and platforms that focus on the customer, sales, inventory and fulfillment, and will work on accounting last. In my universe, the center is the Order Management and Inventory system, which is one provider. Then, I have sales channels, like various Websites on Shopify and WooCommerce, and marketplaces like eBay, et. al. Next, I have supplier channels, both traditional vendors, and also drop-ship vendors, where we own no inventory, but manage the sales process, and the drop-shipper fulfills the order and we pay them for the cost of the item and shipping, etc.
Now, enter QB. As we think of integrating, I know some use QB as their sales platform and inventory, but really, sales and inventory management for me are outside of QB, but probably (need) to synch-up.
Next, we have various payment mechanisms outside of QB, like our own cc processor, and PayPal, but might be inclined to use QB for payment (as well).
I am curious what others have done to define systems of record and how that plays with QB.
