The Modernization of EDI and Supply Chain Data Exchange

Many of today’s top online retailers and brands rely on some form of automated data exchange to effectively run their business. EDI has long been the favored method for automated data exchange, and can trace its roots back to the 1960s. Over the years, EDI has evolved and today, digital commerce businesses can enjoy a new fresh approach to the exchange of order lifecycle documentation.  While this post will focus on the modernization of EDI and data exchange, if you’re looking to get a more in-depth overview of the history of EDI, check out our EDI History Blog.

As we move through the EDI timeline on the path towards modernization, gone are the days of needing to install an on premise solution or utilize an expensive Value Added Network (VAN). AS2 is a secure form of communication based on HTTPS (secure socket layer over internet) instead of older costlier technology like a VAN. Providers offer the ability to keep your EDI solution in the cloud to free up server space and leverage advancements in hosting technology. In addition, EDI companies can transmit messages via FTP and secure FTP to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.

EDI continues to be utilized in business because it works, but that does not mean you need to be chained to legacy technology. You can leverage the tried and true solution of EDI but enjoy a clean, modern approach by connecting it to modern platforms with APIs. The Logicbroker Commerce API enables users to bypass the world of legacy supply chain data and communicate through the entire order lifecycle with one integration connection, eliminating the need for you to ever map an EDI document. You can tap into any EDI trading partner by simply interfacing with clean JSON or XML formats.  .No matter what communication mandate your channel or trading partner specifies, the same unified format will be exchanged via an API in a one to many relationship

The Logicbroker API is used by major brands and very well documented. It has all the code snippets and sample flows for an easy integration. It was also the first managed EDI RESTful API available to the public.

With a RESTful API, you can communicate through the entire order lifecycle with any partner or platform using one connection endpoint.  Exchange order documentation with NetSuite, Salesforce, Slack, QuickBooks, and more. Beyond platform connectivity, The Logicbroker API enables seamless integrations without having to worry about custom formats or different connection points. Your team of developers can set up an integration while Logicbroker handles the communication specifications for each of your channels. This frees up your teams time and enables your partner to do the heavy lifting, while leveraging their expertise.

By utilizing a modernized flow via API, you can implement your own EDI and drop ship program, allowing trading partners and warehouses to exchange messages in a variety of different formats, including EDI, CSV, JSON, and XML. This unprecedented flexibility enabled today’s leading digital commerce companies to quickly and efficiently grow their business while enjoying the most modern forms of business to business communication.