The current article provides integration-specific details for this procedure.
1. Create a CatalogRack account
To work with CatalogRack by DCi, you must first register an account.
Create your account using the following link:
https://www.catalograck.com/Signup/CatalogRackFree
Important: Creating a CatalogRack account and downloading catalog data manually in ACES and PIES formats is available at no cost. However, to take advantage of automated data delivery, such as scheduled file retrieval via FTP or access through the API, a paid subscription from DCi is required. Automated data updates ensure your product information, availability, and fitment data are always up to date without manual hurdles. Subscription options and access methods are managed directly by DCi, so merchants planning to automate catalog updates should confirm the available services and terms with DCi before proceeding.
After completing the registration, log in to your CatalogRack dashboard.
2. Select brands to sell
Once logged in, you need to choose the brands whose products you plan to sell in your store.
Brand selection is performed using the DATA DOWNLOAD > Brand Selection page:
https://www.catalograck.com/Setup/PIESBrandSelection
Submit your brand selections for approval.
3. Obtain brand authorization and access data files
After the selected brands approve your requests, you will gain access to download ACES & PIES data files.
Manual downloads are available at DATA DOWNLOAD > Data Download:
https://www.catalograck.com/Tools/PIESProductDataDownload
At this stage, files can be downloaded manually if needed.
4. Set up automatic data delivery
For optimal operation of the integration, automatic delivery of ACES & PIES files is required. Files must be uploaded to the following directory on your X-Cart server: var/data/catalog_rack
To set this up:
Contact X-Cart technical support to request FTP access credentials for CatalogRack file uploads.
Share these credentials with the CatalogRack / DCi team and request automatic delivery of data files.
CatalogRack / DCi will configure scheduled uploads of ACES & PIES files to your X-Cart server via FTP.
5. Submit your API key (X-Cart 5.5.1.x only)
CatalogRack / DCi provides an API that allows your X-Cart store to access catalog data (specifically, to import categories from CatalogRack / DCi for the Category Mapping feature). To be able to use this API, your store will need an API key. The API key is supplied by CatalogRack / DCi and needs to be entered into the API key field in the integration settings.
