Connecting eBusiness: API + EDI + Apps

Connecting eBusiness:
API + EDI + Apps

What service are you looking for?

What service are you looking for?

What industry are you in?

What Is
API?

An Application Programming Interface (API) allows two business applications to talk directly to each other and make eCommerce and other business interactions on the Internet possible.

One business application makes an API request to the other business application and receives a response. For example, a supplier connects to their customer’s shopping cart software through an API and retrieves new orders. When orders are shipped, the supplier connects to the shopping cart once again and provides a shipment tracking number for each order.

What Is
EDI?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a standardized exchange of business documents between companies. It's used in the supply chain including industries such as retail, manufacturing, pharma and logistics.

EDI documents are transported back and forth between computers throughout the day. For example, a customer sends an order to their supplier and the supplier responds with a shipment confirmation and invoice, all using EDI. The most benefit is achieved by automating and integrating EDI with business applications.

API or EDI:

What's The Difference?

There are two ways to integrate business applications: by importing and exporting files from EDI, or using an API.

With EDI, data moves in batches by first transferring a file between two companies and then integrating the data with the business application. For example, a purchase order is exported from a customer’s ERP system, transported to the supplier, then imported into their WMS. Next, the shipment is confirmed and exported from the supplier’s WMS, transported to the customer, who in turn imports it into their ERP system.

APIs are used by business applications that work in the cloud. APIs move data between business applications one transaction at a time, in real time. Shopping carts, ERP systems, WMS and TMS software have APIs that can “talk” to each other. For example, when a consumer places an order in a shopping cart, an API is used to transfer the order to the supplier's WMS in real time.

Each software publisher is responsible for making EDI and API integration methods available with their products. Which method is better, API or EDI? Each has its own merits and Integral Group supports both.
    • API Pitfalls
      To Avoid
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      Five API Pitfalls & How To Avoid Them

      These are 5 API pitfalls and what you can do to avoid them.

      Click here for all the details.
    • EDI Pitfalls
      To Avoid
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      Five EDI Pitfalls & How To Avoid Them

      These are the top five EDI pitfalls we see and what you can do to avoid them.

      Click here for all the details.
    • Is Your Provider
      Raising Their Prices?
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      Your price shouldn’t increase just because your current contract term is ending.

      It’s that simple.

      If you’re getting hit with a price increase when nothing has changed but the date ... it’s time to find a new provider.

      Let’s talk about our flat rate pricing.
    • What Will
      It Take?
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      It’s frustrating when your current service provider just adds to your problems.

      Sometimes the answer to that is a simple as finding a new provider. At Integral Group we’re here to be part of your success.

      Tell us what you need.
    • Pharma
      Solutions
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      We work with pharma companies like yours and we understand the highly regulated structure required of your business.

      Our downloadable white-paper - 6 TARGETED SOLUTIONS FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY - has examples of what we‘ve done for other pharmas.