Bulk Updates (Feed) Overview

What is a Feed?

Walmart uses feeds as an API mechanism to process bulk record updates. A feed consists of an API request with an attached file called a feed or load file. The feed file contains a list of records, such as items, that the supplier submits for processing.

The feed file contains many records (such as items) and can be used for complex transactions. Given the file's size and complexity, Walmart requires time to process the submission. There will be a delay between submitting and completing the request, which is called an asynchronous (async) request. This delay is known as the processing lag time.

Note: Processing lag times will vary by feed file submitted.

Suppliers must track the status of the submitted feed file after submission to ensure successful integration with feeds. This tracking allows suppliers to understand if the submitted feed file has been successfully processed or if there are errors with records in the feed.

Feed file suppliers are provided a feed ID (feedId) upon a successful submission. This identifier tracks the status of all records submitted in the feed tile. The status of the feed ID (feedId) can be tracked using Feed Status requests.

Note: Receiving a feed ID (feedId) does not mean all entities in the submitted list will be successfully updated.

Feed files can be used for a variety of bulk POST actions, including:

• Item Setup and Maintenance
• DSV Item Cost Items
• DSV Ship Node Inventory Updates
• Lag Time Updates

Each action has its unique feed file schema.