In Akeneo Activation, the channel list page is where you browse available retailers and marketplaces, select the ones you want to work with, and start syndicating your product catalog. This article explains how to find a channel, add it, provide any required credentials, and understand the initial channel status.
Channel list
The channel list in Akeneo Activation shows all the retailer and marketplace channels available to connect to. Use the search bar to narrow down channels by name, or filter by country — for example, to see all available channels in France or the United States. The total number of available channels is shown next to the country filter.
The screenshot above shows the channel list page in Akeneo Activation, with a search bar, a country filter, and channel cards for available retailer and marketplace channels.
The number of channels you can connect to is limited by your channel quotas. Once you reach your quota, you cannot connect to additional channels. To adjust your quotas or add new retailer or marketplace channels, contact your Customer Success Manager.
Add a retailer or marketplace channel
To connect to a retailer or marketplace in Akeneo Activation, find the channel you want in the channel list and click Add this channel on the channel card.
This creates the initial product data flow and enables you to create product catalogs inside that activation channel. Once added, the channel appears in the Connected channels section of the channel list page.
The screenshot above shows the Akeneo Activation channel list page with the "Connected channels" section displaying newly added retailer and marketplace channels.
Some retailers and marketplaces — those using APIs or SFTP — require credentials to connect. Without valid credentials, the initial product data flow cannot be created.
Examples of credential requirements when adding an activation channel:
- Amazon: you are prompted to enter your Seller ID.
The screenshot above shows the Amazon credential entry step in Akeneo Activation, with a field to enter the Seller ID.
- NuOrder: you are prompted to enter your SMTP credentials.
The screenshot above shows the NuOrder SMTP credential entry step in Akeneo Activation.
Channel status after connecting
By default, a newly connected activation channel in Akeneo Activation is inactive. This means no automated data transfers are configured between Akeneo Activation and the retailer or marketplace. The channel is successfully connected (live), but has no scheduled automation jobs in place yet.
A channel becomes active once you enable any automation job — such as a scheduled product export, requirements synchronization, offer import, or offer export. You can still run manual product exports while a channel is set to inactive; the active/inactive status only indicates whether automation is in place.
To learn how to enable jobs, schedule exports, and manage your channel's active state, see the Manage your activation channel article in the Akeneo Activation help center.
After connecting to a channel and reviewing its status, the next step is to create a product catalog and map your products to the retailer or marketplace requirements. See Create your Activation Channel product catalogs to get started.