> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.solutioo.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.solutioo.de/shopware/shopware6_en_us/frequently-asked-questions-faq/faq-download-and-matching.md). # FAQ – Download & Matching The Shopware 6 API Connector does not only transfer data from Business Central to Shopware; it can also **retrieve data from Shopware** and **assign existing objects automatically (matching)**. The following questions explain in detail how this works and what you should pay attention to. ### What does "matching" mean in the Shopware 6 API Connector? **Matching** refers to the automatic assignment between an object in Business Central (for example an item or a customer) and the corresponding object in Shopware. Instead of creating a new object with every transfer, the connector first checks whether a matching object already exists in Shopware. If it does, its identifier – the **Web ID** – is stored in Business Central and both objects are considered **linked** from then on. This mechanism is the basis for later changes being transferred as an **update (PATCH)** rather than as a new record. As a result, your data remains consistent in both systems and no duplicate records are created. ### How does the connector assign existing Shopware products to the BC items? During the product upload, the connector first checks whether the item already has a **Web ID**. If no Web ID exists, it searches via the Shopware Admin API (endpoint `search/product`) for a product whose **`productNumber` exactly matches the item number** in Business Central. If exactly one such product is found, the connector adopts its **Shopware product ID as the Web ID** and thereby links the BC item to the existing Shopware product. Only if no matching product is found does the connector create a new product. You will find a detailed description with a flow diagram under [Product Matching by SKU & Web ID](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/product-matching-by-sku-and-web-id.md). ### How do I avoid duplicate products in Shopware? Duplicates typically occur when an item is uploaded without a Web ID even though the product already exists in Shopware. The connector prevents this in two ways: first, through the **SKU matching** described above, which recognizes and links existing products instead of creating new ones. Second, through the consistent use of the Web ID: as soon as it is set, every further transfer is executed as a **PATCH**. Therefore make sure that the **item number in BC** and the **SKU/productNumber in Shopware** match – then the reconciliation works reliably. ### What happens if the BC item number does not match the Shopware SKU? In this case, the connector cannot recognize the existing Shopware product automatically and would create a new, additional product during the upload. To avoid this, you should make sure before the first upload that the item numbers are consistent, or deliberately adopt the existing products and set the Web ID. Extensive import options – including pictures, attributes, categories, and variants – are described on the page [Item Matching & Data Import from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/master-data-management/item-matching-and-data-import-from-shopware.md). ### How do I retrieve orders from Shopware into Business Central? Orders are loaded via the **incremental download**. The connector remembers the last order that was loaded based on the consecutive Shopware number (**auto-increment**) and, on each run, only fetches the new orders from that point onward. This means that orders that have already been processed are not loaded again. You can start the download manually or automate it via the Job Queue. For details, see [Auto-Increment & Incremental Download](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/order-processing/auto-increment-and-incremental-download.md). ### Are unknown items created automatically during the order import? Yes, provided that the corresponding option is enabled. If **Create Unknown Item** is switched on, the connector **automatically creates** items that are contained in a Shopware order but do not yet exist in Business Central when the order is downloaded. The assignment is made via the item number. Please note that items created in this way may have incomplete master data (for example, missing posting groups) and should be completed afterwards. For more on this, see [Automatic Creation During Order Import](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/automatic-creation-during-order-import.md). ### How are customers assigned during the order import? The connector first searches for the matching customer via the **Web ID**, then via the **email address**. If no matching customer is found, the configured rules for automatic customer creation or for default and guest customers apply. This allows you to control whether a separate customer is created for every order or whether it is posted to a collective customer. For details, see [Order Intake from Shopware into BC](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/order-processing/order-intake-from-shopware-into-bc.md). ### Can I download categories, tags, and group items from Shopware? Yes. Dedicated download functions are available for this master data so that you can link existing Shopware structures instead of creating them twice: [Download Categories from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/download-categories-from-shopware.md), [Download Tags from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/download-tags-from-shopware.md), and [Download Group Items from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/download-group-items-from-shopware.md). In each case the Shopware ID is loaded as well, so that the objects are linked correctly. ### Which master data does "Load Initial Data" download? The **Load Shopware Initial Data** function fills the mapping tables with the existing Shopware values. These include, among others, payment methods, shipping methods, taxes and tax rules, currencies, sales channels, customer groups, salutations, countries, languages, as well as the status management and its transitions. This data forms the basis for almost all further processes and should therefore be loaded immediately after the connection has been established. For details, see [Load Shopware Initial Data](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/configuration/load-shopware-initial-data.md). ### How do I reset the Web ID link? If you want to release the link between BC and Shopware – for example when moving to a new Shopware instance – use the graduated **reset functions**. They allow you to reset the Web IDs of individual object types or the entire integration. Be sure to back up your configuration beforehand. You will find instructions under [Clean Restart via Reset](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/onboarding-and-best-practices/clean-restart-via-reset.md). ### Can I import pictures and attributes from Shopware? Yes. In addition to pure product matching, **pictures, property groups (attributes), and their options** can also be imported from Shopware and assigned to the BC items. The cover image is set as the default picture in BC in the process. These advanced import functions are available depending on the edition/expansion level and are described under [Item Matching & Data Import from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/master-data-management/item-matching-and-data-import-from-shopware.md). {% hint style="success" %} The [Data from Shopware (Download & Matching)](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching.md) section provides a complete overview of all download and reconciliation functions. {% endhint %} ### How do I assign Shopware variants to the correct Business Central items? During variant reconciliation, the parent item and the child items are assigned via the properties (for example Option 1/2/3 for color and size). The connector sets the Web ID for each variant. A consistent configuration of the color and size properties is important. For details, see [Match Variants (Color & Size)](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/match-variants-color-and-size.md). ### What happens if an SKU differs between Shopware and Business Central? Matching is primarily performed via the SKU (productNumber). If the SKU differs, the connector does not find an automatic match and you have to assign the Web ID manually or align the SKU. For details, see [Product Matching by SKU & Web ID](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/product-matching-by-sku-and-web-id.md). ### How do I import attributes from existing Shopware products? The **Match Attributes** action links Shopware property groups with Business Central item attributes by name matching and sets the Web ID as well as the option values. No new attributes are created – the spelling must match exactly. For details, see [Match Attributes & Properties (Property Groups)](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/match-attributes-and-properties-property-groups.md). ### How do I avoid duplicate Web IDs after matching? If duplicate Web IDs occur due to incorrect operation, the **Fix Duplicated Web IDs** function is available to clean up duplicate assignments. In principle, SKU-based matching prevents duplicates provided that the items are maintained properly. For details, see [Item Matching & Data Import from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/master-data-management/item-matching-and-data-import-from-shopware.md). ### Can I import categories and tags from Shopware? Yes. Categories and tags can be downloaded from Shopware and assigned to the Business Central objects by matching, so that you can continue to use existing structures. For details, see [Download Categories from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/download-categories-from-shopware.md) and [Download Tags from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching/download-tags-from-shopware.md). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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