• Managing documentation was time-consuming and error-prone with manual file uploads
• Custom document importer connects Google Drive to ecommerce
• Automatic syncing with the option to trigger manual uploads for last-minute changes
• Old documents are automatically removed, ensuring search engines show outdated files
• Streamlines the process, reducing errors without sacrificing control

For our client, every time a new file was published—or an existing one updated—someone had to manually download it from a Google Drive folder, locate the matching product in their ecommerce store, and upload the document. It was easy to get wrong and difficult to stay on top of.

To streamline the process, we developed a bespoke document importer that runs quietly in the background. It connects securely to Google Drive, regularly scans for new or updated files, and checks for a matching SKU in the store. When it finds one, it downloads the file and attaches it directly to the corresponding product, keeping everything organised and up to date, without the need for manual checks.

While the importer runs automatically on a schedule, it can also be triggered manually, giving the team full control whenever a quick update is needed. Whether it’s a one-off upload or a batch of last-minute changes, they can step in at any time without relying on developers or waiting for the next scheduled run.

Because the store is public-facing, outdated attachments could easily be picked up by search engines. To prevent old documents from hanging around, the importer tidies up after itself—removing files that are no longer needed or that have been replaced. It’s a simple, elegant solution to what was once a tedious and error-prone task.

This project is a good reminder that automation doesn’t need to be flashy to be effective. By connecting the right systems in the right way, we helped the client take a manual process off their plate—without sacrificing control or visibility. It’s not about bells and whistles. It’s about building something that fits, and quietly gets the job done.