API Basics EDI and B2B Integration

API versus EDI: can APIs replace EDI for B2B communications?

API versus EDI

The following table highlights the differences and complements between EDI and API data integration on systems:

EDIAPIs
BUSINESS ATTRIBUTES
Partner-orientedApplication-oriented and user-oriented
Industry standards-basedTechnical standards-based
Business application friendlyMobile device friendly
Medium length deploymentFast deployment
Standardized message formats (orders, invoices, shipment notices)
Driven mainly by standards bodies
Ad-hoc message formats. EDI formats can be used in principle, but only applicable for basic implementations.
Driven mainly by the service implementer
System of recordsSystem of engagement
Partner onboarding requires a technical and business workflowPartner onboarding is typically simpler
Services are well defined and do not evolve regularlyServices are defined via APIs, they require a full-fledged lifecycle management
Business agreements are often requiredUsage conditions are defined unilaterally by the APIs
SLAs are commonplaceSLAs are not a top of mind issue
Typically used for order-to-cash and similar supply chain cycles, as well as multi-chain interoperabilityTypically used for data and service exposure
Value is in efficiency in partner relationsValue is in both partner relationship and service monetization
Owned by supply chain and IT departmentsOwned by Chief Digital Officer and IT departments

What is EDI?

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is a proven technology since the early 1980s for the exchange of information between enterprises and organizations. EDI formats such as EDIFACT, ebXML, and EDIG@S are the standards for data exchange in major industrial sectors such as transport and logistics, distribution, manufacturing, and utilities. The use of EDI is prevalent in supply chain processes.

How does it work?

EDI provides a strict framework for well-coded business processes where all parties agree on specific formats for business documents to be exchanged such as invoices, purchase orders, shipment notices. EDI also defines advanced rules for dealing with content, and the relationships between items in a document—such as an invoice number or the amount billed.

EDI exchanges, historically present in the supply chain industry, allow for a solid structuring of data, especially for B2B exchanges. However, EDI is not fit for integrating different vertical software tools (CAD / CAM, PLM, MES, etc.) which are not natively designed to communicate with one another, nor with the millions of IoT objects, nor with the sensors, manufacturing robots, and the products in production which will be equipped with communication mechanisms.

What is an API?

APIs (Application Programming Interface) allows new types of interaction and transactions by exposing the functionality and services of an application to the outside world. The applications can thus consume the services of each other, giving rise to data exchange. Via APIs, customers, partners, and employees now have access to business and data services on any device and from any source.

How does it work?

A communication approach by APIs is a good way to respond to new communication requirements for both B2B and A2A settings. Given the volume of data and the disparity of systems involved, efficient data flows within vast industrial ecosystems (tools, machines, production lines spread over several geographical sites, production and logistics entities, etc.) require a well-thought-out rationalization.

The flow of EDI and API

An ideal remedy, in this case, would be to consolidate the integration and exchange environment into a single system that governs the flow of both EDI and API data transactions. Such a system would allow centralized visibility across all data streams, accurate monitoring of enterprise performance, and enhanced security. It would also make it possible to monetize data by ensuring that client and partner commitments are visible and measurable.

Examples

Examples of EDI-based transactions include the exchange of standard documents such as purchase orders, shipping notices, and invoices. B2B applications via the REST/Web Services API include shipment traceability, exception handling on damaged items, or interrupted processes.

Finally, examples of B2B applications that can use either EDI or Web services or REST APIs include customs declarations (such as manifests) as a consumed service and the corresponding response as an exposed service.

API-based transactions can implement complementary services that are not integrated with EDI standards—services that provide visibility into transport tracking, volume statistics, SLAs, and error rates, for example. They also include interactive handling of exceptions, such as transport cancellation and exception notifications.

Modernize your IT infrastructure with APIs.

Read the related article on AS4.