Avalara AvaTax–Cetec ERP Middleware Integration Primer
Discover how EFS DevOps built a cloud-hosted middleware integration between Avalara AvaTax and Cetec ERP, automating tax calculation, exemption management, and compliance while enabling Avalara certification.
Introduction: Automating Sales Tax for Cetec ERP Users
Businesses using Cetec ERP face manual, error-prone sales tax workflows. Avalara AvaTax provides real-time tax calculation and compliance, but connecting it securely and efficiently requires middleware.
EFS DevOps developed a cloud-hosted middleware SaaS that acts as a secure broker between Cetec ERP and Avalara AvaTax. This solution delivers automated tax calculation, exemption management, and compliance, with centralized support and a smooth onboarding experience.
Challenges of Avalara–Cetec Integration
Before middleware implementation, businesses struggled with:
Complex onboarding: Manual configuration of credentials and mapping in Cetec ERP
Decentralized logging: Difficulty auditing Avalara API calls and troubleshooting errors
Compliance risk: Manual exemption management and document lifecycle tracking.
Scalability and security: Secure credential handling and multi-tenant readiness.
EFS DevOps Approach: Cloud-Hosted Middleware Architecture
We built a multi-layered integration solution tailored to Avalara certification requirements:
1
Secure Middleware Hub
Acts as a SaaS broker connecting Cetec ERP and Avalara APIs.
Multi-tenant ready: Each customer’s credentials and data securely isolated.
Deployed on AWS/Azure/GCP for high availability.
2
Onboarding Wizard & UI
Step-by-step configuration of Cetec and Avalara credentials.
Company code lookup, toggle options, and test connections.
Verification of required custom fields in Cetec.
Direct access to a comprehensive user guide.
3
Automated Tax Calculation & Exemption Handling
Real-time tax determination for invoices/orders.
Synchronizes exemption statuses, entity use codes, and certificates.
Manages discounts, freight/shipping lines, refunds, and credit memos.
4
Document Lifecycle Sync & Logging
Ensures posted/voided invoices in Cetec are committed/voided in Avalara.
Centralized logs accessible through the UI for audit/troubleshooting.
5
Field Mapping Engine & Integration Logic
Auto-maps Cetec customers, items, invoices, and line items to Avalara data structures.
Handles transaction lifecycle, exemptions, refunds, and document management.
API Mapping Highlights
Automates mapping of Cetec ERP entities (customers, invoices, line items, parts) to Avalara AvaTax fields.
Ensures accurate tax calculation, exemption handling, and document lifecycle sync.
Provides centralized logging for auditing and troubleshooting.
Supports custom field configuration where required to meet Avalara certification.
Avalara Certification Logistics
Demo seamless onboarding process with configuration UI, test connections, toggles, and logging.
Provide full user guide/manual with screenshots.
Submit demo video and documentation to Avalara for review.
Support follow-up changes required by Avalara to obtain certification.
Key Risks & Dependencies
Manual setup of custom fields in Cetec for each customer.
Timely access to Avalara and Cetec sandbox/test environments.
Iterative adjustments may be required during certification.
Summary / Value Delivered
This integration will:
Remove manual sales tax calculation from the Cetec workflow.
Streamline exemption and certificate management.
Reduce risk of audit or reporting errors.
Deliver a certified, robust, and user-friendly onboarding experience.
Enable Avalara-certified go-to-market for the integration.
Next Steps for Avalara–Cetec Integration
Seamless Deployment: Middleware ready to be rolled out to Cetec ERP users.
User Enablement: Onboarding UI and guide ensure smooth setup and configuration.
Compliance Assurance: Full Avalara certification to guarantee trusted and verified integration.
Continuous Improvement: System is prepared for updates, logging, and ongoing support.