The Integral Blog

5 API Pitfalls & How To Avoid Them

October 27, 2022 Filed in: API
written by: Debra Rimmer

APIs can perform in ways that other technology cannot, and for many situations, they are the best fit for the job, but they are not infallible. Understanding that your specific API's standards depend on the developer who wrote the code is essential.

Looking at pitfalls, we use our i12 Gateway API as the yardstick against which we measure other APIs. i12 is a fully custom and customizable solution with enhanced levels of data security and integrity.

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

APIs: Passive vs Managed
APIs: Is there a standard
API: Issue Resolution
API: What apps are supported
API: Build or Buy

Tags: logistics, supply chain

EDI Pitfalls & How To Avoid Them

October 20, 2022 Filed in: EDI
written by: Debra Rimmer

These are the top five EDI pitfalls we see and what you can do to avoid them.
The topics on this list may not be top of mind for you, but acting on them can positively impact your business.

Be aware: The term standardization is not all-encompassing.
Integration shouldn’t stop at the doors to the warehouse.
A single service provider is the best solution.
Don’t view EDI as an afterthought.
Bad advice: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

Tags: logistics, supply chain

Do You Still Need EDI?

August 04, 2022 Filed in: EDI
written by: Lee Mrkonjic

Do You Still Need EDI?
Yes, you do:
— The retail industry alone has invested billions of dollars in EDI technology. That investment assures that EDI is still highly relevant and not going away.
— There is a resurgence in mandated EDI compliance and a requirement for broader EDI solutions than we have seen before.
— At Integral Group, we are meeting your needs for today and looking into the future so that we always stay 4 moves ahead.

Tags: supply chain, logistics

Integrating Shopify

February 20, 2020 Filed in: Newsletter | General EDI
written by: Debra Rimmer

• Integral Group can integrate Shopify with your other business applications •

Some people think that Integral Group is just for their EDI and that they need an entirely different provider to deal with the API’s in their online stores: Not true. The simple truth is that Integral Group can integrate your Shopify store with your other business applications. Once integrated, you can see your Shopify store sales – in exactly the same way, and on the same Commerce Desktop web portal, that you are currently using for EDI.

Once you have Commerce Desktop integrating Shopify with your back-end accounting, ERP, WMS and shipping system(s) - you’ve enabled the flow of information – in very near real time – between all of the systems. This is obviously good from a business perspective – overall faster with fewer staff required to manage data and manual errors are minimized.

Integration makes your operation easily scalable – it works well when you are when you have a smaller number of orders but also manages volume fluctuations when your online store is inundated with orders (think Black Friday) – without extra staff needed to process orders.

Shopify ⇄ Commerce Desktop ⇆ WMS integration also serves to provide the immediate updates – like near real-time inventory and order tracking back into shopping carts - that online shoppers now demand.

• One service provider = easier process + more control + better customer experience •

In a nutshell, all of the same great features you already enjoy with Commerce Desktop are available to you when you integrate your Shopify online store.

The IWLA Directory is Here!

July 25, 2019 Filed in: eCommerce | Logistics | General EDI | Resources | Logistics
written by: Debra Rimmer

IWLA Directory

Get your free downloadable copy
of this great resource

Integral Group has been a been a member of IWLA for about 6 years and find our association with the group invaluable. We use it to stay abreast of this dynamic industry that we service.

If you are a 3PL, and not currently an IWLA member, we encourage you to join. Membership lets you stay in touch with your peers and have access to data, programs, legal counsel and guidance. And, be highly visible for suppliers looking for your services with the added bonus of the credibility of IWLA.

For suppliers, the Directory in particular, is an unparalleled tool to find 3PLs in your area. As IWLA members, suppliers also have access to the same wealth of insider information and support.

IWLA and DC Velocity collaborated to produce the 2019/2020 Directory of Warehouse Logistics Providers and Partners. There are more than 341,000 subscribers who have already received the guide and have potential buying power.

The guide is a good marketing tool/resource to generate external business, as well as a “go-to-guide” for our members to connect with each other.

Join IWLA today to ensure your company is listed in the 2020/2021 directory and receive other IWLA membership benefits. For more information, contact the membership director at membership@IWLA.com. Download the 2019/2020 Directory of Warehouse Logistics Providers & Partners today and experience the power of marketing and networking for your 3PL warehouse.

Michele Schueler
Marketing & Public Relations Manager at IWLA

Tags: EDI, Logistics, IWLA

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