Shopware + JTL WaWi - Is Pickware the better alternative?
JTL vs. Pickware - Which system should I choose for sustainable success?
JTL and Pickware are popular ERP and merchandise management systems that can map and automate important business processes when used in conjunction with Shopware. Even if both systems appear to perform similar tasks at first glance, choosing the right solution in terms of requirements is extremely important. In this blog article, as an experienced ERP and Pickware agency, we have therefore summarized the technical and functional differences between JTL and Pickware in a comparison. In the conclusion you can read clearly whether it is advisable to connect Shopware with JTL WaWi or whether Pickware offers the better alternative.
The similarities between JTL and Pickware
The JTL and Pickware systems are strongly geared towards online retail, i.e. sales via own online stores or platforms such as Amazon and eBay. All affected business areas of a company's value chain, such as purchasing, sales, warehousing and shipping, are mapped via the software, with many processes interlocking automatically and relieving users of a lot of manual and error-prone work.
Both systems are connected to or integrated with Shopware and complement the processes "from order receipt".The differences
Technical
The biggest differences between JTL and Pickware lie in the technical structure of the systems.
JTL works as an independent Windows application "on-premises" with its own database locally on the workstations in the company. The connection to Shopware is made via a "Connector" plugin, which automatically or manually synchronizes the required data between the systems. The JTL mobile app is based on Google Android.
Pickware, on the other hand, is fully integrated into the Shopware instance "in the cloud" and uses the same technology and database. Local program installations in the company, additional hardware and software for database servers and a "connector" are therefore not required. Desktop computers only require a modern web browser and the operating system can be chosen as required. The Pickware mobile apps are based on Apple iOS.
In addition to the technical structure, there are also differences in the expandability of the systems. Pickware is open source, which means that you can view and, if necessary, edit the entire program code (with the exception of the mobile apps). The system can also be extended using existing or custom plugins. These two facts ensure that almost all requirements can be seamlessly mapped via individual programming.
JTL, on the other hand, does not offer the option of extending the system with plugins. The program code is also "closed", i.e. cannot be viewed. When selecting a system, you should therefore carefully consider that the required requirements can be mapped using the existing functions.
Functional
Both JTL and Pickware support all processes for online retail. JTL also has integrated functionalities to connect other marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. With Pickware, a marketplace connection can be made via third-party providers. For stationary retail, Pickware offers a fully integrated POS solution, e.g. for stores or trade fairs. Third-party solutions are available for JTL.
Support
You can significantly increase productivity by using business software. This makes it all the more disastrous when something doesn't work. It is not uncommon for a service partner or the manufacturer's support team to have to help quickly.
JTL offers staggered, fee-based support options with different levels of service. With the free version, you have no manufacturer support. If you use Pickware (and the corresponding extensions), manufacturer support is included.
What hardware and software do I need for the application?
Due to the different architectures, both systems have different requirements in terms of corporate IT. JTL generally requires more hardware and software due to its local structure and requires Microsoft Windows operating systems for servers and clients, and Google Android for mobile devices.
Pickware, as a fully integrated cloud solution, has significantly fewer requirements: Only a modern browser is required on the workstations, while the mobile devices must be Apple iOS-based. In general, a Pickware system requires significantly less infrastructure than a JTL system, so initial and ongoing costs and expenses for hardware and software, setup and maintenance are lower.
Example configuration for a company:
What problems are known when using the systems with Shopware?
When combining several systems, problems can occur both during setup and during operation. Particularly in the case of special requirements in the online store or the use of plugins, it must be checked carefully when using JTL whether compatibility is given or whether the processes started in the store can be continued at all in the merchandise management system. Compatibility must also be checked again for updates and waited for if necessary.
As a fully integrated, open solution, Pickware offers significantly more flexible options here. As part of the "Shopware Advanced Features", permanently compatible updates are also provided.
Our experience from various projects with Shopware in conjunction with JTL has shown that even small changes to the store system (which almost always occur) can have fatal consequences for the implementation of the entire process chain. Due to the low flexibility of JTL, negative effects in the area of online marketing can also be seen on a regular basis: The sometimes more complex processes generate higher costs, while profits can be lower due to technical limitations, for example.
Conclusion - JTL vs Pickware in use with Shopware
Before using a system, you should first consider whether the desired requirements can be met properly and in the long term in conjunction with Shopware. In addition to the initial software costs for the basic system, it is also important to consider the additional costs for infrastructure, maintenance and operation. When making a decision, it is also advisable to ask the companies involved, such as the online marketing agency in charge, about their requirements and experience.
You need help with the decision?
Still unsure whether you want to use Pickware or JTL? Please contact us for an initial and non-binding assessment of the requirements of your online store project!
Shopware and JTL WaWi or better Pickware?
We are certified Pickware partners and are also experienced in connecting the JTL WaWi and know the advantages and disadvantages in technical operation through to the effects in online marketing. Every project is individual and there is no general answer as to whether you should use JTL or Pickware. Based on our experience, however, we clearly tend to recommend Pickware, as this system is better suited to most requirements.
