Introduction

Flxpoint is designed to manage product data across suppliers, internal systems, and sales channels through a structured lifecycle. At the core of this system is the concept of “Flow”, which defines how product data moves within the platform.

There are three key stages of product management:

• Source Inventory – Raw product data from suppliers or warehouses
• Product Catalog – Centralized, merged, and enriched product data
• Channel Listings – Sales-channel-specific product listings

The way data moves between these stages defines your Flxpoint Flow.

Understanding Flxpoint Flows

Flxpoint supports two primary workflows:

Left to Right Flow

Source Inventory → Product Catalog → Channel Listings

Right to Left Flow

Channel Listings → Product Catalog → Source Inventory

These flows represent different business approaches depending on whether your operations are supplier-driven or channel-driven.

Left to Right Flow (Supplier → Channel)

Overview

The Left to Right Flow begins with supplier data and builds toward sales channels. It is the most structured and scalable approach.

• Import inventory from suppliers
• Merge and enrich data in Product Catalog
• Publish or sync listings to sales channels 

Product Lifecycle

1. Import data into Source Inventory
2. Merge and enhance in Product Catalog
3. Create and publish Channel Listings 

Example

A product like a “Best Dad coffee mug” may exist in multiple supplier sources:

• Each supplier version = Source Inventory
• Merged into one product = Product Catalog
• Published to multiple platforms (Shopify, Magento, etc.) = Channel Listings 

Step-by-Step Process (10 Steps)

1. Integrate sources and sales channels
2. Import inventory data
3. Validate source inventory
4. Select inventory for catalog
5. Build product catalog
6. Customize and validate product data
7. Create listings per channel
8. Customize listings per channel
9. Publish or link listings
10. Sync pricing, quantity, and updates 

Recommended Use Cases

Choose Left to Right if:

• You are a new business without an established channel
• You are migrating to a new platform
• You want to rely on supplier data as the source of truth
• You want to standardize product data first
• Your supplier data includes identifiers (UPC, MPN, GTIN) 

Right to Left Flow (Channel → Supplier)

Overview

The Right to Left Flow starts from your sales channel and works backward to suppliers.

• Import listings from sales channels
• Merge into Product Catalog
• Assign suppliers for fulfillment 

Product Lifecycle

1. Import products from Channel Listings
2. Merge into Product Catalog
3. Assign products to Source Inventory (Suppliers) 

Key Concepts

• Channel Listings = Sales-channel-specific product versions
• Product Catalog = Central merged product data
• Source Inventory = Fulfillment sources (suppliers/warehouses)

Recommended Use Cases

Choose Right to Left if:

• You already have an existing sales channel
• You use custom or enriched product data
• You want a quick onboarding and faster testing
• Product data management is not a priority initially
• You are migrating from another inventory system 

Key Differences Between Flows

Choosing the Right Flow

Choose Left to Right if:

• You want clean, standardized product data
• You are building your catalog from scratch
• You prioritize data quality and scalability

Choose Right to Left if:

• You already have live listings
• You want speed over structure initially
• You plan to optimize data later

Best Practices

• Start with a clear data ownership strategy (supplier vs channel)
• Ensure consistent identifiers (UPC, SKU, etc.)
• Test with a small product set first
• Use automation for syncing and updates
• Gradually scale once the workflow is validated

Conclusion

Flxpoint’s flexibility lies in its ability to support both supplier-first and channel-first workflows.

• Left to Right Flow ensures structured, scalable operations
• Right to Left Flow enables rapid onboarding and quick go-live

Choosing the correct flow depends on your business maturity, data readiness, and operational priorities.