Magento DataFlow (automate shopping cart import of CSV / XML data & images)

We have installed and setup a Magento Shopping Cart and are in need of an automated solution to populating & maintaining the cart with product data and images. ## Project Overview The client works with a distributor who publishes a CSV file on their server with up to date product details and inventory stock numbers. The distributor also publishes images of most products via a private ftp login. The purpose of this project is to automate the entry of these product details into the catalog. **We are in need of a solution that does two primary tasks:** 1. Populates our client's catalog with the product details from the distributors CSV data file as well as the product images from the distributors FTP. This task will require a simple administration interface. 2. Auto-update the clients catalog with inventory stock numbers from the distributors CSV data file every hour. This task will be setup to run automatically via Cron. ## Deliverables ## Project Requirements and Specifications **The CSV Data File**: * The distributors CSV file contains over 10,000 items. A sample of this file is attached. The script must be built to download the latest CSV file that is located on the distrubutors website. (URL will be provided upon project approval) * The CSV file contains just 7 data fields. Magento requires 42 data fields to import products. The script will be required to "fill in the blanks" with default values before importing product into Magento. (See attached example Magento product export CSV) * The CSV file does not contain category information. Magento requires a numerical category id during the product import. We are looking for recommendations on how to best accommodate this. * For reference, here are some links we found discussing importing CSV data into Magento: [login to view URL] [login to view URL] **Image Importation:** * The product images are located on the distributors FTP. Unfortunately the CSV data file does not include information as to which pictures are linked to which products. Fortunately, the image fillenames follow a standardized format: "[login to view URL]". * For example one product has id# RD2280. (in the CSV) In the images directory on the ftp, there might be: [login to view URL], [login to view URL], [login to view URL], [login to view URL] * The script will be required to login to the ftp; do a wildcard search for images that match "productidxyz"; copy those images to the clients server; then a link the images to the appropriate product within Magento's catalog. * For reference, we've found a Magento extension which is "some-what" similar to what is required here. [login to view URL] **Magento "DataFlow":** * Magento e-Commerce software has a built-in 'data flow' function, which allows prices and quantity levels to be updated by importing CSV/XML files. This feature will streamline the developement of a solution. * Screencast of what Dataflow is: [login to view URL] * Magento's Dataflow forum: [login to view URL] **Inventory Quantity Updating:** * The product distributor updates the CSV file every hour so it's essential that our clients stock quantities are accurate. * The Cron script should run automatically, every hour, to download the CSV data file directly from the distributors http server; update the product inventory quantities within the Magento catalog; * This script must produce an email alert, to multiple email account, upon encountering an error. The email alert should specify the details of the problem encountered. **The Administrative CP:** * Task #2 will be automated but task #1 will require user-input so some form of Admin CP will be required. * All actions within the script should be recorded in a debug log, viewable within the Admin CP. **Programming Requirements:** * The script should make use of magento libraries/functions wherever possible (e.g. product import function exists already) * The script should integrate very well into magento, but be as independent as possible in terms of updates (e.g. magento updates shouldn't affect the script) ## Client Deliverables and Communications * A single point of contact will be provided to communicate with the chosen vendor. * We will turn around all approvals or feedback request within approximately 1 business day, up to a maximum of 3 business days. * We will supply all required website/ftp login information prior to commencement of the project. ## Platform and Language Requirements * UNIX Server, * PHP 5.2.0 ([login to view URL]) * MySQL 5.0.32 <!-- --> * Magento Shoping Cart 1.16 ([login to view URL]) ## Estimated Project Duration * We will select a vendor, no later than, November 6th, 2008. * The vendor must have a beta version of the script ready for testing by November 13th, 2008. * The final implementation is scheduled for November 20st, 2008. > > > > > > ## **Instructions and Basis for Award of Job** ** **Bids should include the name and contact information of persons to be contacted for clarification of the bid if needed. Proposals should include a summary of approach to the work with regards to process, methodology, and testing/quality assurance. Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria: * Team experience 40% * Quality of proposed process 20% * Price 20% * Experience and skill level of project managers 20% ## Compensation and Final Notes * We will use milestone-based payments as part of a phased project approach. * The requirements are simple, final and well-documented, so this should be a quick project. <!-- --> * The vendor must maintain ordinary business hours and be available for phone calls, emails or IM's with a one-day turnaround. * This solution may not be re-sold or distributed in any way by vendor. * * *This broadcast message was sent to all bidders on Thursday Nov 13, 2008 3:14:19 AM: Thank you very much for your bids. Unfortunately we didn't find anyone on rentacoder with the direct Magento experience we required to meet this projects deadline.