Custom WooCommerce plugin: EAN and AI import | Iotaweb
Developed for RM Agencies, a commercial WordPress plugin
Development of a WooCommerce plugin that transforms an EAN code into an SEO-optimized product page
Iotaweb designed and developed WooCommerce AI Importer, a custom WordPress extension distributed by RM Agencies. A barcode, a supplier link or HTML code is all that's needed: the plugin retrieves the data, has the AI Claude write the product description, imports the images in WebP format and creates the product in the store.
The need: to populate a large WooCommerce catalog without manual data entry.
The plugin was born out of a real-world problem encountered on a WooCommerce B2B store for employee benefits gifts : creating hundreds of product listings by hand takes days, and copying descriptions from suppliers produces duplicate content that Google ignores.
RM Agencies wanted to transform this internal tool into commercial WordPress plugin, installable on any store, with license, settings and documentation.
- Heterogeneous sources. Some suppliers provide an EAN, others a link, and major online retailers block automatic reading.
- Unique content. Each entry must be rewritten, structured and optimized for SEO, not copied.
- Reliable visuals. No irrelevant images should appear on a record.
- Merchant Center data. The GTIN must be entered for Google Shopping.
What we have developed
The four building blocks follow the path of a product, from code entry to the product page in WooCommerce.
A multi-source import engine: EAN, URL and HTML
The plugin queries several barcode databases sequentially and stops as soon as it finds the product. If the EAN is unknown, the user switches to importing via URL or HTML with a single click.
- EAN API cascade : Barcode Lookup, UPC Item DB, Open Food Facts, then Go-UPC, SearchUPCData and EAN-Search if keys are added.
- Import via URL with pre-scan Name, price, EAN, description, specifications and images are checked before generation.
- Import via HTML code for pages that block scraping, with the same result.
- Editable data before sending to the AI: name, brand, price, SKU, categories.
A secure and optimized image pipeline
The selected images are uploaded to the media library, converted, and renamed for indexing. The security rule is simple: never search for an image by name, as this could return an irrelevant image.
- WebP conversion in quality 85, file name and SEO alt text automatically generated.
- Manual selection : one click excludes one image, from 1 to 10 visuals per product.
- Search for help based on multiple sources, limited to the exact EAN.
- Quality control : images smaller than 300px are flagged, and a blocked image can be loaded from the computer.
SEO copywriting powered by AI Claude, based on a set of specifications
The plugin connects to the Anthropic API. The texts are rewritten based on the retrieved data and follow precise rules designed for Google and for conversion.
- SEO Title 60 to 70 characters and meta description 150 to 160 characters.
- Short description 120 to 180 words with 6 key benefit-oriented points.
- Long description 700 to 1,000 words in 6 H2 sections, with 3 internal linking links and 2 integrated visuals.
- 12 keywords added in product labels, and list of box contents.
- Adjustable tone and context : description of the site, style, language (French or English), choice of model (Sonnet, Opus or Haiku).
A WooCommerce listing filled in field by field
The plugin creates a simple standard product, displayed by the store theme and compatible with existing extensions.
- EAN / GTIN in the native WooCommerce 9 field and in the metas read by Google Merchant Center.
- Regular price and crossed-out price, with automatic detection of the highest price.
- Main category transmitted to Yoast SEO and Rank Math, title and meta also sent to SEOPress.
- Controlled publication : default draft, source URL and original data retained on the product.
Import methods, settings, FAQ and demo request: all information about the plugin is on the RM Agencies website.
See more information about the pluginA plugin designed for production
A tool that creates products in an online store must be reliable, traceable, and secure. These points were addressed from the design stage.
Domain-based licensing
A unique key linked to the site and verified by the RM Agencies server, to market the plugin with complete control.
Detailed logs
EAN searches, sources used, downloads and creation of records: each step is tracked with its level.
Background processing
If the generation exceeds the hosting time, it continues and the record appears as soon as it is ready.
Testable settings
Each API key has a test button to check the connection before the first import.
Technical environment
Method: a plugin developed with Claude, managed by a developer
Iotaweb uses Claude, Anthropic's AI, as a development partner: writing code, reviewing it, finding bugs, and iterating rapidly. The AI accelerates production, while the WordPress and WooCommerce expertise guarantees architecture, security, and maintainability.
Result: a commercial plugin delivered in short cycles, validated on real imports rather than on demo data.
- Framing on a real catalogSupplier sources, SEO constraints, WooCommerce fields to fill in.
- Iterative development with ClaudeModules delivered one by one, tested and corrected at each cycle.
- Real-world testingB2B store in production, blocked sites, shared hosting delays.
- Market launchLicensing system, settings page and overview page on rm-agencies.com.
Are you looking for a service provider to develop your WordPress plugin?
Iotaweb is a WordPress and WooCommerce development agency based in Brittany, operating throughout France. We design custom plugins, of the API connectors and automation that save your teams time, whether it's an internal tool or an extension to be marketed.
- Custom WordPress and WooCommerce pluginsCatalogue import, business fields, dedicated back office.
- AI integrationClaude or ChatGPT are connected to your content, product sheets and searches, like our WordPress SEO AI plugin.
- Connectors and APIsEAN databases, ERP, CRM, payment, marketplaces.
- Process automationZapier, Make or code, see our offer of'no-code automation.
- Commercial pluginLicensing system, settings, logs and sales page.
- Performance and safetyCode compatible with PHP 8, PageSpeed optimization And WordPress security.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to develop a custom WordPress plugin?
The budget depends on the number of features, the APIs to be connected, AI integration, and licensing requirements if the plugin is commercialized. Each project receives a detailed quote after a discussion of your needs.
How long does it take to develop a WooCommerce plugin?
A targeted plugin can be delivered in a matter of weeks. AI-assisted development reduces lead times, and deliveries are made in stages to validate each module on your store.
Can products be automatically imported into WooCommerce from an EAN code?
Yes. A plugin can query barcode databases, retrieve name, characteristics and images, then create the product page with the GTIN entered for Google Merchant Center.
How to integrate an AI like Claude or ChatGPT into WordPress?
Via the publisher's API, called from a plugin. Writing guidelines, tone, and SEO structure are defined in the settings, and the API key remains with the client, who retains control over their costs.
Can a custom-developed plugin be sold?
Yes, that's the case with this project. We're implementing a domain-based licensing system, a clear settings page, and a sales presentation page.
Does the plugin remain compatible with WordPress updates?
We develop according to WordPress and WooCommerce standards, with PHP 7.4 to 8.3 compatibility. A maintenance contract allows us to keep up with new versions and add features.
A repetitive process in your shop or website?
Describe it in a few lines. We'll tell you if it can become a plugin or an automation, and what that entails.
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