An online store may look modern, load quickly, and have a good product range, but still operate inefficiently. The reason is usually not the design or the platform. The problem is a lack of integrations. When orders are processed manually, payments are checked “by eye,” and customers have to wait for a response from a manager, the business loses time and money. That is why integrations for online stores are not an additional feature, but the basis for stable e-commerce operations in 2026.
Why does an online store need integration?
Integrations connect the website with external services and relieve the team of routine tasks. They allow you to automatically accept payments, create invoices, record orders in CRM, transfer data to analytics, and quickly communicate with customers. The more orders a store processes, the faster it becomes apparent that without automation, an online store begins to “slow down” its development.
Payment systems: the basic minimum for the Ukrainian market
Connecting payment systems is the first step in setting up an online store. For Ukrainian businesses, WayForPay, Fondy, or LiqPay are the standard options. They allow you to accept card payments without any extra steps on the part of the customer.
It is also worth connecting Apple Pay and Google Pay, as a significant portion of purchases are made via smartphones. Cash on delivery also remains important — for many product categories, it increases trust and conversion rates. Practice shows that the easier the payment process is, the more orders are completed.
Integration with delivery services
For an online store that sells physical goods, integration with delivery services is not an option but a necessity. The most commonly used services are Nova Poshta, Ukrposhta, and local courier services. Integration with Nova Poshta allows you to automatically generate waybills, calculate delivery costs, and track shipment statuses.
If delivery is not integrated, managers are forced to manually transfer data between systems. This slows down work and increases the number of errors, especially during peak loads.
CRM systems: customer and sales management
CRM for online stores becomes relevant when the number of orders exceeds the level of “manual control.” Systems such as Bitrix24 or SalesDrive allow you to see all requests in one place, track repeat purchases, and analyze the work of managers.
If you are planning to scale up or engage in active marketing, CRM integration greatly simplifies sales management and customer communication.
Accounting and bookkeeping
Integration with accounting systems is another important element of automation. 1C or BAS allow you to synchronize stock balances, while services such as Checkbox or M.E.Doc simplify fiscalization and document flow.
Without this integration, store owners often encounter situations where a product is available on the website but not in stock, or vice versa.
Analytics and marketing
Analytics is the answer to the question “why does the website sell or not sell?” Google Analytics 4 shows user behavior, Facebook Pixel helps customize advertising, and Hotjar allows you to see exactly where customers “get lost” on the website.
Without analytics, any changes to the website become guesswork rather than manageable decisions.
Messengers, chatbots, and communication
Messenger integration provides customers with a quick way to communicate. Telegram, Viber, or Facebook Messenger often work more effectively than traditional forms of feedback. Chatbots help answer typical questions and reduce the load on customer service.
Email and SMS mailings
Mailings are used not only for advertising, but also for service messages: order confirmation, delivery status, shopping cart reminders. SendPulse or UniSender allow you to automate these processes and bring customers back without additional advertising costs.
Integration with marketplaces
If a business sells on Rozetka or Prom, integration allows it to synchronize products, prices, and stock levels. This is especially important for stores with a large assortment, where manual data updates quickly become a problem.
How to determine which integrations are right for you
For a new online store, payment, delivery, and analytics are the top priorities. For an existing business, CRM, accounting, and marketing tools are key. Proper automation always starts with process analysis, not with connecting all services at once.
Cost and return on investment of integrations
Basic integrations are usually included in the standard development of an online store. Complex API integrations are more expensive, but they quickly pay for themselves by saving the team time and increasing sales. In most cases, automation is cheaper than maintaining additional staff.
Integrations for online stores are the foundation of effective e-commerce. They allow businesses to operate smoothly, scale up, and focus on development rather than routine tasks. If you are unsure which services your project needs, it is advisable to start with a consultation and assessment of your business processes before implementation.