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Importing initial stock levels from Shopify to Katana

How to import initial stock levels from Shopify to Katana

Dayvid Lorbiecke avatar
Written by Dayvid Lorbiecke
Updated today

Easily bring your product stock levels from Shopify into Katana during the initial integration setup.


Enabling stock import

When connecting Shopify to Katana (or reconfiguring), you can choose whether to import product stock levels.

Screenshot showing the import stock levels option when configuring the Shopify integration
  • Checked → All stock levels from Shopify are imported into Katana as a Stock adjustment (visible under the Stock screen > Stock adjustments tab). You can edit this adjustment anytime.

  • Unchecked → Stock levels are not imported.

You’ll also need to define the initial cost (default tax rate) for the imported stock in Katana.


How stock levels are calculated

Shopify and Katana handle stock differently:

  • Shopify decreases inventory immediately when a sales order (SO) is created.

  • Katana decreases inventory only when an SO is Packed or Delivered. Until then, quantities are tracked under Committed.

Because of this, Katana calculates imported stock as:

In stock (Katana) = Inventory quantity (Shopify) + Inventory on open SOs (Shopify)

Example

  • Shopify shows 7 pcs of Product A.

  • There’s an open order for 3 pcs.

  • After import, Katana shows:

    • In stock = 10 pcs

    • Committed = 3 pcs

If there are no open SOs, Shopify’s inventory matches Katana’s In stock value.


When to use stock import

  • Recommended during the initial connection if Shopify has the correct stock levels.

  • Do not switch ON during reconfiguration unless:

    • You’ve cleared all Katana data and want to start fresh, OR

    • You’ve deleted the original Stock adjustment created during the first connection.

Accidentally imported stock twice?
Go to Stock screen > Stock adjustments tab and delete the duplicate adjustment.

Screenshot highlighting the Stock adjustments tab of the Stock screen

Multiple Shopify stores

If you connect multiple Shopify stores with the same products, importing stock from each store will add to Katana’s stock multiple times. If this happens, delete the extra stock adjustment(s).


Multiple Shopify locations

Stock import respects location mapping:

  • Stock from each mapped Shopify location is imported into the corresponding Katana location.

  • If multiple Shopify POS locations are mapped to the same Katana location, their inventory is combined.

  • All unmapped Shopify locations are grouped and imported into the Katana location mapped to your Shopify Online Store.


By importing initial stock levels correctly, you’ll have accurate In stock and Committed values in Katana right from the start, ensuring smooth sales order fulfillment.


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