Stock Data is Read-Only
Can I edit available stock directly in Synplex?
No. Synplex cannot edit stock quantities directly. All available stock data comes from your Shopify store.
Why Stock Data is Read-Only
Synplex is a READ-ONLY inventory planning tool:
├─ Reads stock from Shopify (source of truth)
├─ Reads sales from Shopify
├─ Calculates recommendations (reorder qty, timing, etc.)
├─ Does NOT write back to inventory levels
└─ Does NOT modify stock quantities
This is intentional design:
- Single source of truth (Shopify is your inventory system)
- Prevents data conflicts
- Ensures accurate sync
- Protects your inventory data
How Stock Data Works
Data Flow
Your Shopify Store
↓
(Stock quantities live here)
↓
Synplex Syncs Data
↓
(Synplex displays current stock)
↓
Synplex Makes Recommendations
↓
(You decide to order based on suggestions)
↓
You Place Orders
↓
Stock Decreases in Shopify
↓
Synplex Reflects Changes
Three Sync Layers (All Read-Only)
Layer 1: Webhooks (Real-time)
├─ You change stock in Shopify
├─ Webhook notifies Synplex
├─ Synplex updates display within seconds
└─ Read-only: Synplex can't change Shopify
Layer 2: Daily Auto-Sync (Every 3 days)
├─ Synplex fetches all data from Shopify
├─ Backup for webhook failures
├─ Comprehensive refresh
└─ Read-only: Synplex can't change Shopify
Layer 3: Manual Sync (You trigger)
├─ You click "Sync Now"
├─ Synplex refreshes all data
├─ Useful when you need immediate update
└─ Read-only: Synplex can't change Shopify
All 3 layers are unidirectional: Shopify → Synplex only
How to Update Your Stock
To change available stock quantities:
Step 1: Go to Shopify Admin
- Log in to your Shopify store
- Navigate to Products > Inventory
Step 2: Find Your Product
- Search for the product you want to update
- Click to open the product
Step 3: Edit the Quantity
- Find the "On hand" or "Available" quantity
- Click the field
- Enter the new quantity
- Save changes
Step 4: Synplex Updates Automatically
- Webhook syncs within seconds (see it immediately)
- Or wait for next auto-sync (every 3 days)
- Or trigger manual sync for instant update
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Physical Stock Count
You do a physical inventory count in warehouse
├─ Count shows 45 units in stock
├─ Shopify shows 50 units
├─ Discrepancy of 5 units
Action:
├─ Go to Shopify
├─ Update quantity to 45
├─ Synplex automatically reflects new number
└─ Reorder recommendations recalculate
Scenario 2: Damaged Stock
You find 10 units are damaged/unusable
├─ Shopify shows 100 units available
├─ Actually only have 90 usable units
Action:
├─ Go to Shopify
├─ Update quantity to 90
├─ Synplex automatically reflects new number
└─ Reorder calculations based on 90 units
Scenario 3: Stock Received
You receive 200 units from supplier
├─ Shopify currently shows 50 units
├─ You physically receive and put away 200 units
├─ New total should be 250 units
Action:
├─ Go to Shopify
├─ Update quantity to 250
├─ Synplex automatically reflects new number
└─ Reorder recommendations update
Scenario 4: Returns Processing
Customer returns 5 units
├─ Shopify shows 50 units
├─ You receive and inspect returned units
├─ Units are good, add back to stock
Action:
├─ Go to Shopify
├─ Update quantity to 55
├─ Synplex automatically reflects new number
└─ Stock is now current
Why Synplex is Read-Only (Benefits)
✅ Data Integrity
- One source of truth (Shopify)
- No conflicting updates
- No accidental overwrites
✅ Accuracy
- Stock numbers match reality
- No desyncs between systems
- Easier to troubleshoot issues
✅ Compliance
- Audit trail in Shopify (who changed what, when)
- Complete history of stock movements
- Better for regulatory requirements
✅ Simplicity
- Only need to learn one system (Shopify)
- Don't need to update two places
- Less chance of human error
What Synplex DOES Do
Even though stock is read-only, Synplex:
✅ Reads current stock from Shopify
✅ Calculates reorder quantities
✅ Recommends when to order
✅ Shows days to stockout
✅ Identifies at-risk products
✅ Tracks sales velocity
✅ Forecasts demand
✅ Grades product health
└─ All based on current Shopify data
What If You Need to Edit Stock?
You must use Shopify, not Synplex
To edit stock:
├─ Shopify Admin (CORRECT - do this)
│ └─ Products > Inventory > Edit
│
└─ Synplex (INCORRECT - can't do this)
└─ Stock fields are not editable
After You Update Shopify
Data Appears in Synplex
Timeline:
├─ Update Shopify: 0 seconds
├─ Webhook triggers: +1-2 seconds
├─ Synplex updates: +3-5 seconds
└─ You see new number: +5-10 seconds total
If not instant:
├─ Manual sync: Click "Sync Now"
├─ Or wait: Auto-sync runs every 3 days
├─ Or refresh: Reload page to see latest
FAQ
Q: "Why can't I edit stock directly in Synplex?"
A: Synplex is a planning tool that reads from Shopify. Shopify is your inventory system. We keep this separation to ensure data accuracy and prevent conflicts.
Q: "Will my Shopify changes automatically appear in Synplex?"
A: Yes, within 1-10 seconds via webhook. If not immediate, you can trigger manual sync or wait for auto-sync.
Q: "What if Synplex stock doesn't match Shopify?"
A:
- Check the timestamp (data might be stale)
- Try manual sync
- If still different, check Connection & Data Status guide
- Or contact support
Q: "Can I bulk update stock in Synplex?"
A: No, you must update in Shopify. Shopify supports bulk editing in CSV format:
- Products > Inventory > Edit in bulk
- Download CSV, make changes, upload
Q: "What about automated stock updates from my supplier?"
A: If your supplier system updates Shopify automatically, Synplex will read those changes via webhook. The flow is:
- Supplier system → Shopify → Synplex
Related Resources
- Connection & Data Status — When is data fresh?
- Manual Data Sync — How to manually refresh
- Common Problems — Troubleshoot data issues
- Shopify Inventory Management — Shopify's inventory guide
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I edit stock in Synplex? | No, it's read-only |
| Where do I edit stock? | Shopify Admin |
| How long until change appears in Synplex? | 1-10 seconds (via webhook) |
| Why is it read-only? | Data integrity, single source of truth |
| What can Synplex do with stock data? | Read it, analyze it, make recommendations |
Remember: Edit in Shopify, view in Synplex. Keep it simple.