Online Metals Integration Setup Guide

This guide explains how to connect your Online Metals account to Helm, enabling automated order import, real-time inventory synchronisation, centralised fulfilment, and streamlined supplier management so you can manage Online Metals operations alongside your other sales channels from a single interface.

Last updated 4 months ago

What is Online Metals

Online Metals is a major supplier of metals and alloys, serving businesses and individuals with products including aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, and specialty alloys. Suppliers and partners can provide materials, custom-cut services, and related products to Online Metals’ customers. Integrating Online Metals with Helm allows suppliers to automate order handling, synchronise stock, and manage fulfilment efficiently.

PROS ✅

CONS ❌

Access to a wide network of manufacturing, construction, and industrial buyers.

Supplier onboarding requires approval and product specification verification.

Centralised management of orders, stock levels, and fulfilment in Helm.

Product data must meet Online Metals standards, including accurate material type, dimensions, and certifications.

Supports SKU, alloy, and dimensional attributes for accurate product listings and order processing.

Pricing, shipping rules, and invoicing procedures vary depending on material and supplier agreements.

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1 — Start the Online Metals integration in Helm

  1. Log in to your Helm account.

  2. Navigate to Settings → Sales Channels.

  3. Click Add New Channel, search for Online Metals, and select Add / Install.

Note: You must have an approved supplier account with Online Metals before live orders can be processed.

Step 2: Obtain and Enter Your Credentials

Online Metals will provide the credentials required for integration. In Helm, fill out the following fields with the details provided:

  • Active – Toggle Is Active to enable the channel.

  • Name – Assign a clear label (e.g. Online Metals Supplier Integration).

  • API URL / Endpoint – Enter the API or endpoint URL provided by Online Metals.

  • API Key / Token – Paste the API key, access token, or connection credentials from your Online Metals supplier account.

  • Selected Channel / Market – If multiple regions or services are supported, choose the appropriate one.

Ensure credentials are copied exactly as provided to avoid connection issues.

Optional configuration tabs include:

Adjust these parameters in accordance with your business protocols.

  • Credentials – Choose any additional configuration settings to tailor the integration to your operational requirements.

  • Settings – Select the warehouse from which goods will be despatched for this integration and select any additional settings you may require.

  • Stock Control – Enable Auto Sync Stock to maintain inventory parity.

  • Brand – Configure your Company Information for this sales channel; by default, details from General Settings will be used.

  • Commercial Invoice – Set up Commercial Invoice Information specific to this channel, or retain those from General Settings.

  • Despatch Emails – Decide whether Helm should transmit order despatch emails with carrier tracking information; configure as required.

  • Feedback Emails – Elect to send order feedback emails; configure accordingly.

🔐 Credentials should correspond with those used to access your Online Metals supplier dashboard.

Step 3: Save and Activate

Click Submit (or Save) to store your credentials.

Helm will attempt to connect to Online Metals. On success, you’ll see a confirmation and the channel will be active. Orders, inventory updates, and product information will begin synchronising automatically.

If errors occur:

  • Verify your Online Metals supplier account is fully approved.

  • Confirm the API key or credentials are valid.

  • Ensure product specifications match Online Metals’ required format.

Completion

Once connected, your Online Metals channel will be fully manageable from Helm: orders will import automatically, stock will remain up to date, invoices and despatch updates will synchronise, and your operations will stay efficient and compliant across industrial and manufacturing buyers.