Question 1

What is an "Integration Fabric," and how is it different from a standard iPaaS?

Accepted Answer

An iPaaS gives you a toolkit to build individual connections one by one. An Integration Fabric, like Shep's, is a complete, pre-architected network that uses a central 'blueprint' to connect your entire ecosystem. This results in faster, more resilient, and more manageable integrations than a traditional point-to-point approach.

Question 2

What is a Common Data Model (CDM), and why is it so important?

Accepted Answer

The Common Data Model (CDM) is our universal translator. It's a pre-built, standardized 'blueprint' for all your business data (like an 'Order' or 'Shipment'). Instead of building dozens of complex, custom maps between systems, you simply map each system to this single blueprint once, which dramatically accelerates a project and ensures data consistency.

Question 3

My current integration process seems to work. What specific problems does Shep's Integration Fabric solve?

Accepted Answer

Shep's Integration Fabric solves the hidden costs and complexities that traditional integration creates. This includes eliminating vendor "blame games" by providing a single platform, removing the slow and expensive process of onboarding new partners, and protecting your core ERP system from risky over-customization. We turn brittle, fragmented processes into a resilient, unified ecosystem.

Question 4

What types of companies are the best fit for Shep's Integration Fabric?

Accepted Answer

Our platform is ideal for growing B2B companies that manage a complex network of trading partners. We specialize in helping distributors, manufacturers, and consumer brands who rely on seamless order fulfillment across multiple channels, warehouses, and suppliers.

Question 5

What ERPs, e-commerce platforms, and other systems can Shep's Fabric connect to?

Accepted Answer

Our decoupled architecture allows us to connect to virtually any system that can exchange data, including modern APIs and traditional file formats like EDI, XML, and CSV. We have extensive experience connecting to leading platforms like NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Shopify, and major 3PL/WMS systems.

Question 6

How is your approach different from a platform that offers "pre-built connectors"?

Accepted Answer

A pre-built connector only solves half the problem—it just connects to an application's API. It does not solve the much harder challenge of translating the unique data formats and business rules for every single trading partner. Our fabric combines connectors with our Common Data Model to solve the entire problem, eliminating that hidden, repetitive work.

Question 7

How does the fabric help us avoid over-customizing our ERP?

Accepted Answer

We protect your ERP by handling all the complex integration logic—like data transformations, validation rules, and workflow orchestration—within the fabric itself. This "clean core" approach allows your ERP to do what it does best, making it more stable, secure, and easier to upgrade.

Question 8

How does Shep's Integration Fabric ensure the security of our data?

Accepted Answer

Security is foundational to our platform. We protect your data using industry best practices, including end-to-end encryption (in-transit and at-rest), secure communication protocols (AS2, SFTP, HTTPS), and granular, role-based access controls for all users.

Question 9

What does a typical implementation process look like, and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Our process is designed for speed. We typically begin by connecting your core ERP to the fabric and mapping your first critical business process. From there, we can begin onboarding trading partners in parallel. Most of our customers are live with their first end-to-end process in weeks, not quarters.

Question 10

How quickly can we onboard a new trading partner (e.g., a customer or 3PL) once the fabric is live?

Accepted Answer

This is where the power of our model shines. Since the core blueprint and ERP connection are already in place, onboarding a new partner is drastically faster than traditional methods. We simply map their unique data format to your existing model, a process that can often be completed in days.

Question 11

What level of technical expertise is required from our team to use and manage Shep's Integration Fabric?

Accepted Answer

Shep's Integration Fabric is designed to empower your business operations teams. While our team handles the initial technical setup, the platform provides visual tools for managing workflows and monitoring transactions, significantly reducing the day-to-day burden on your internal developers.

Question 12

Can the Fabric handle our company's unique or custom business processes?

Accepted Answer

Yes - the fabric's orchestration engine is highly configurable and designed to handle unique business logic. We work with you during implementation to model your specific validation rules, approval steps, and data routing requirements directly into the fabric.

Question 13

How is Shep's Integration Fabric priced?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing model is designed to be predictable and scale with your business. It consists of a platform subscription based on the Operations you activate, your transaction volume, and the number of active connections. For a detailed quote tailored to your needs, please contact our sales team via the 'Let's Talk' form.

Question 14

What kind of ongoing support and maintenance do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer comprehensive support packages to ensure your operations run smoothly, including monitoring and support for critical issues. As a single, unified platform, we manage the entire solution, so you have one point of contact and never have to deal with vendors pointing fingers at each other.

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