B2B Portal Glossary (A–Z)

A

Abandoned Cart

When a B2B buyer adds products to the shopping cart but doesn’t complete the purchase. In B2B, abandoned carts often happen due to quote-based pricing, complex approvals, or missing information. Automation tools in the portal can trigger reminders or follow-ups to recover these potential sales.

A

Advanced Filtering

(Synonym: Product Filtering)
The ability to refine product listings using parameters such as price range, brand, stock status, technical specs, or custom attributes. It’s essential for B2B catalogs that include thousands of SKUs or parts.

A

Advanced Search

(Synonym: Smart Search, Faceted Search)
A powerful search feature allowing users to find products by SKU, manufacturer, specifications, or custom tags. B2B buyers rely on this to locate complex or technical items fast.

A

Agent

A user with extended permissions to act on behalf of the Client. They can log in to the B2B Portal frontend as Agents, prepare orders and offers on behalf of the Clients, and act as a service or sales representative for the Client.

A

AI Document Recognition

Uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to automatically extract data (like PO numbers, product codes, or delivery addresses) from uploaded documents such as invoices or purchase orders, reducing manual entry and human error.

A

API Integration

(Synonym: System Integration)
The process of connecting software applications through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) so they can share and synchronize data automatically. Crucial for connecting your B2B Portal to ERP, CRM, PIM, or OMS systems.

A

API-First Design / Architecture

A development philosophy where APIs are built before the frontend interface, ensuring all features are integration-ready. Enables headless setups and composable commerce flexibility.

A

Audit Trail

(Synonym: Activity Log, Order Reporting)
A timestamped record of every user action, change, or approval in the system. Ensures transparency, traceability, and compliance, especially valuable for regulated industries.

A

Automated Order Validation

Automatically checks each order against defined business rules (pricing, stock, delivery terms) before approval. Reduces errors and speeds up processing.

B

B2B Automation

(Synonyms: Workflow Automation, Intelligent Automation)
Refers to automating recurring business tasks, like syncing orders, updating prices, or approving quotes, across systems. Enhances efficiency and reduces manual work.

B

B2B Contract Management

The process of managing negotiated customer terms like pricing, product availability, discounts, and validity, through digital contracts directly within the B2B Portal.

B

B2B eCommerce Platform

(Synonyms: B2B Online Store, B2B Ordering Platform, B2B Platform)
A digital platform that allows companies to sell to other businesses online, handling bulk orders, negotiated pricing, and personalized catalogs while integrating with backend systems like ERP or CRM.

B

B2B Integration

The process of connecting different business systems (ERP, CRM, OMS, PIM) to exchange and synchronize data automatically. Enables “single source of truth” architecture across the company’s tech stack.
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B

B2B Ordering System

A specialized system within the B2B Portal that manages order entry, validation, processing, and tracking. Designed for volume purchases, repeat orders, and approval hierarchies.

B

Business Intelligence (BI)

(Synonyms: Data Analytics, Performance Insights)
Refers to the process of collecting, analyzing, and visualizing business data to support better decision-making. In the context of a B2B Portal, BI tools transform data from ERP, CRM, and sales channels into actionable insights, helping teams track sales performance, identify buying patterns, monitor order trends, and optimize pricing or inventory strategies.

C

Client

The owner of a B2B portal that manages their B2B portal setup integrations, defines the access, roles, and configuration for their users and companies, and is a contractual or data owner. Each Client has its own Users (their team members and Agents acting on their behalf) and Companies (business entities with their Customers buying from them)

C

Cloud Deployment

(Synonyms: Cloud Hosting, SaaS Deployment)
Refers to hosting your B2B Portal on remote servers managed by a cloud provider. Offers scalability, automatic updates, faster setup, and reduced infrastructure costs. Ideal for businesses looking for flexibility and quick access from anywhere.

C

Company

A legal entity or business organization that is a customer organization of the Client. They are basically business entities buying from a Client. Each Company can contain multiple Customer users. Also, each Company has assigned roles, price lists, and permissions.

C

Composable Commerce

(Synonyms: Modular Commerce, Microservices Commerce)
A commerce architecture where independent, interchangeable components (like catalog, pricing, checkout) can be assembled to build a custom B2B experience.

C

Contract-Based Catalogs

(Synonyms: Customer-Specific Catalogs)
Catalogs visible only to specific clients or partners, showing negotiated prices and products based on their contracts. Perfect for distributors or wholesalers with tiered agreements.
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C

CRM Integration

Connecting Customer Relationship Management systems (like HubSpot, Zoho, Salesforce) to sync customer data, sales histories, and communication logs between teams.

C

Cross-Selling

(Related term: Upselling, Product Recommendations)
A sales strategy that promotes complementary or related products to customers based on their current selections or purchase history. In a B2B Portal, cross-selling can be automated through intelligent product recommendations, for example, suggesting compatible parts, accessories, or consumables during the ordering process. It helps increase average order value (AOV) and improves the customer experience by anticipating business needs.

C

Custom Workflows & Approvals

Allows organizations to define unique approval processes, for example, orders over €10,000 may require manager approval. Streamlines internal decision-making and compliance.

Customer
An end-user account that interacts with the B2B portal on behalf of a company. Each customer belongs to a Company, and they can log in, see products, and place orders.

C

Customer Portal

(Synonym: Self-Service Portal)
A secure online interface where business customers can manage orders, view invoices, download quotes, track shipments, or reorder products—24/7.

C

Customizable Design

Gives each client the flexibility to configure the B2B Portal according to their specific business processes. This includes defining custom attributes, adjusting workflows, and modifying the logic or approval paths to match their internal operations.

D

Data Format

(Related terms: Data Structure, File Format)
Defines how information is organized, encoded, and exchanged between systems, for example, JSON, XML, CSV, or EDI. In a B2B Portal, consistent data formats ensure smooth communication between connected systems such as ERP, PIM, or CRM.

D

Data Mapping

(Related term: Field Mapping, Attribute Mapping)
The process of defining how data fields from one system correspond to fields in another. For example, mapping “Product ID” in your ERP to “SKU” in your B2B Portal. Proper data mapping ensures accurate synchronization between systems like ERP, CRM, or PIM, preventing duplication or data loss during import/export operations.

D

Data Transformation

(Related term: Data Conversion, Data Normalization)
Refers to converting data from one structure or format into another to make it compatible across integrated systems. For example, transforming date formats, currencies, or product attributes when transferring data between ERP, PIM, and the B2B Portal. Data transformation is a core capability in integration workflows, ensuring consistency and usability across diverse platforms.

D

Digital Customer File (Live Data)

A centralized, always-updated view of customer profiles, transactions, preferences, and history, integrated directly with ERP systems. Helps sales teams access real-time information for decision-making.

D

Digital Signature

(Synonyms: eSignature, Electronic Signature)
A secure, legally recognized way to sign digital documents such as contracts, quotes, and purchase orders. Enables remote approvals, reduces paperwork, and accelerates order processing within the B2B Portal.

E

EDI Integration (Electronic Data Interchange)

A standardized method for exchanging structured business documents, such as purchase orders, invoices, or shipping notices, between different systems or organizations electronically. In B2B environments, EDI replaces manual data entry and paper-based communication, ensuring faster, more accurate transactions. The B2B Portal by SyncSpider supports EDI integration to automate data exchange between suppliers, distributors, and ERP systems.

E

Endpoint

(Related term: API Endpoint, Data Connector)
A specific URL or connection point where an application or system sends or receives data. Each endpoint represents a defined function or dataset, for example, /orders, /products, or /customers in an ERP API. In B2B Portals, endpoints are used to connect external systems like ERPs, CRMs, or marketplaces, enabling seamless data exchange between applications.

E

ERP Integration

(Synonyms: ERP Synchronization, ERP Connector)
Seamlessly connects your B2B Portal with ERP systems like SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Odoo, or proAlpha to synchronize pricing, inventory, orders, and customer data.
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H

Headless Architecture

Separates the frontend (what users see) from the backend (logic and data). Allows businesses to build unique frontends on top of SyncSpider’s integration and data infrastructure.

I

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)

Combines AI and automation to handle complex processes like order validation, matching, or anomaly detection, learning from each transaction over time.

i

iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service)

A cloud-based solution that connects different applications, systems, and data sources through automated workflows and prebuilt connectors. iPaaS platforms, like SyncSpider, allow businesses to synchronize data between ERPs, CRMs, eCommerce platforms, and logistics systems without custom development. They serve as a central hub for managing integrations, automations, and data transformations across the entire tech stack.

M

Middleware

(Related term: Integration Layer, Data Bridge)
Software that acts as a connector between different applications, systems, or databases, enabling them to communicate and share data. Middleware translates, routes, and synchronizes information between systems such as ERP, CRM, and the B2B Portal.

M

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

The smallest number of units a buyer must purchase in a single order to complete a transaction. Common in B2B and wholesale environments, MOQs help manufacturers and distributors optimize production, packaging, and logistics costs. Within the B2B Portal, MOQs can be set per product or per customer group, ensuring orders meet profitability and supply chain requirements before submission.

M

Multi-Client Support

(Synonyms: Multi-Tenant, Multi-Account Management)
Lets agencies or large enterprises manage multiple independent clients or divisions within one platform instance, with full data segregation.
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M

Multi-Currency Support

(Related term: Currency Conversion, Localization)
The capability of a B2B Portal to display, process, and manage transactions in multiple currencies based on user location, account settings, or contract terms. It ensures accurate pricing, invoicing, and reporting across international markets. Multi-currency support is essential for global B2B operations, allowing customers and partners to buy, sell, and pay in their preferred currency while keeping financial data consistent across connected systems such as ERP and accounting software.

M

Multilingual Capability

(Synonym: Localization)
Allows users to switch between languages and regional formats (currency, units, date formats) for seamless international operations.

N

Net Payment Terms

(Related term: Payment Terms, Invoice Due Date)
Defines the agreed period a buyer has to pay an invoice after it’s issued, typically expressed as Net 30, Net 45, or Net 60, meaning payment is due within 30, 45, or 60 days. In B2B commerce, net terms are part of negotiated contracts and can vary per customer or order type.

O

Offline Product Catalog Access

(Synonym: Offline Access)
Gives field sales reps and agents the ability to browse product catalogs, check pricing, and create orders even without an internet connection.

O

Omnichannel

(Related term: Multichannel, Unified Commerce)
A sales and communication strategy that provides customers with a seamless experience across all channels, online stores, B2B portals, marketplaces, mobile apps, and even offline sales. Unlike multichannel, which simply means being present on multiple platforms, omnichannel connects those channels so data, pricing, inventory, and customer history remain consistent everywhere.

O

On-Premise Deployment

(Synonyms: Local Hosting, Self-Hosted Installation)
Means hosting your B2B Portal on your own servers or internal infrastructure. Provides greater control over security, data storage, and compliance, often preferred by enterprises with strict IT or regulatory requirements.

O

Onsite Order Entry

A feature for sales reps to place orders directly during client visits. Data syncs automatically when the connection is restored.

O

Order History & Quick Reorder

Lets customers view past orders and reorder the same items quickly. Saves time and improves customer experience.

O

Order Management System (OMS)

Centralizes order intake, validation, fulfillment, and returns. Integrates with ERP and warehouse systems for end-to-end order visibility.

O

Order Tracking

(Related term: Shipment Tracking, Order Status Updates)
The ability to monitor the progress of an order from placement to delivery. In a B2B Portal, order tracking provides customers and internal teams with real-time visibility into order status, fulfillment stages, and shipping information. Integrated directly with ERP, logistics, or warehouse systems, it reduces support inquiries and enhances transparency.

P

Permission Management

(Synonym: Role-Based Access Control / RBAC)
Defines what users or roles can access, edit, or approve in the system. Critical for security and internal workflow governance.

P

PIM Integration

(Related term: Product Information Management, Product Data Synchronization)
The process of connecting a Product Information Management (PIM) system with the B2B Portal to centralize and synchronize product data, such as descriptions, attributes, specifications, and media files, across all sales and marketing channels. PIM integration ensures consistent, accurate product information for customers, partners, and internal teams.

P

Protocol

(Related term: Communication Protocol, Data Transfer Protocol)
A standardized set of rules that defines how data is transmitted and interpreted between systems. In integrations, protocols ensure different applications can exchange information reliably and securely. Common examples include HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SFTP, and SOAP.

Q

Quote Dispatch

(Synonyms: Digital Quote Sending, Electronic Quotation Delivery)
The ability to generate and send personalized price quotes directly through the B2B Portal. Often linked with digital signatures to let customers approve and convert quotes into confirmed orders with just one click.

R

REST API

A web-based communication protocol that allows data exchange between systems via standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE). The foundation for SyncSpider’s integration ecosystem.

S

Secure User Authentication

(Synonyms: Two-Factor Authentication, SSO, OAuth)
Verifies the identity of each user before granting access. Ensures that sensitive B2B data stays protected.

S

Self-Learning Order Matching

An AI-driven mechanism that identifies and “learns” from previous order patterns, automatically matching recurring purchase behavior or suggesting related items.

S

Self-Service Portal

(Synonym: Customer Portal)
Empowers business clients to place orders, check order status, access documents, or request quotes without sales rep intervention.

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S

Single Source of Truth (SSOT)

Ensures all connected systems (ERP, PIM, CRM) share one accurate, unified version of data. SyncSpider’s architecture revolves around this concept.

S

SyncSpider


SyncSpider is an Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) designed to connect and automate data between eCommerce, ERP, CRM, logistics, and marketing systems. It enables businesses to create custom workflows, synchronize product and customer data, and eliminate manual data entry across platforms.

T

Tiered Pricing

(Synonyms: Custom Pricing Tiers, Volume Pricing)
A pricing strategy offering different prices based on buyer type, purchase volume, or contract level. Enables flexible B2B sales models.

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U

Unified Product Data Management

Centralizes all product data from descriptions, attributes, images, to SKUs, into one source that syncs automatically with ERP, CRM, and sales channels.

U

Users

A team member belonging to a specific company that operates within the Client’s environment. Users can have various roles.

V

Visit Planning & Reporting

Helps field sales teams schedule client visits, log outcomes, and track sales performance, all synced with the central system.

W

White-Label

(Synonyms: Custom Branding, Private Label Portal)
Lets resellers, distributors, or agencies present the B2B Portal as their own solution with full rebranding options (logo, domain, theme).

W

Workflow Automation

(Synonyms: Process Automation, Rule-Based Automation)
Automates repetitive tasks like order routing, data updates, and invoice generation based on triggers or conditions set by the admin.