Akeneo Activation connects your product catalog to retailers and marketplaces through two integration approaches: direct API connections and flat-file exports. The channel list evolves regularly as new retailers and marketplaces are added. The up-to-date, authoritative list of all available channels is published at akeneo.com/activation/channels.
API-connected channels
API-connected channels in Akeneo Activation exchange product data directly with the retailer or marketplace via their API. This enables real-time synchronization, delta exports (only changed products), and actionable error reporting from the destination.
Connecting to an API-connected channel requires valid credentials — such as a Seller ID, API key, or OAuth authorization — provided by the retailer or marketplace.
For API-connected channels, Activation will prompt you for the required credentials when you add the channel. You cannot complete the channel setup without valid credentials.
Pre-built flat-file channels
Pre-built flat-file channels in Akeneo Activation export product data as retailer-formatted XLSX or CSV files. Akeneo maintains these channel templates and keeps them aligned with each retailer's latest file requirements.
Self-service options for unlisted retailers
If the retailer or marketplace you need is not available as a pre-built channel, Akeneo Activation offers two paths to add it.
Custom Channels
Custom Channels let you configure a new flat-file-based channel yourself by uploading the retailer's XLSX or XLSM template directly in Akeneo Activation. You define how your product data maps to the template's columns, manage validation rules, and generate retailer-ready files — without waiting for Akeneo to build the channel.
Use Custom Channels when:
- The retailer provides an XLSX or XLSM template
- The retailer is not available as a pre-built Akeneo channel
- You need to onboard a retailer quickly
- The template is complex or changes frequently
See Introduction to Custom Channels for setup instructions.
Request a new flat-file channel
If Custom Channels are not sufficient for your use case — for example, when the retailer requires complex file manipulation or API-based delivery — you can request a new Akeneo-built channel.
To submit a request in Akeneo Activation:
- In Activation, go to the Channels tab, then open the Available channels subtab.
- Find the "Request your flat file-based channels" section and click on it.
- Complete the form with your channel template and usage details.
The Activation team will notify you when the channel is ready.
Channel quotas
The number of channels you can connect to in Akeneo Activation is limited by your channel quota. Once you reach your quota, you cannot add new channels. Contact your Akeneo Customer Success Manager to adjust your quota or discuss adding new channels.