These days, most businesses use multiple platforms. The problem is that these platforms don't always communicate smoothly.
It's a problem because disconnected systems can lead to all sorts of bottlenecks and bunglings: from administrative errors to the costs required to fix them.
These errors often stem from a lack of visibility. Data from your various platforms needs to be checked, double-checked and checked again – and getting data from one platform to the other is like getting a cat and a monkey to make plans.
In short, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing – and it's your customers who are feeling it as much as, if not more than, you.
Thankfully, there are ways to join these platforms and get data merrily moving from one place to another.
API-to-API integration, middleware, file integration and EDI: all take some of the friction out of multiplatform business operations. In this article, we take a look at how they can help.
API-to-API integration
An application programming interface (API) is an invisible messenger that lets different software applications communicate and share data.
A request comes from one system and gets delivered to another via the API. The response is then brought back to the first system.
With API-to-API integration, these connections are made directly between individual systems. Your eCommerce platform could send sales orders, customer information and payments to the ERP. The ERP could send product information to the eCommerce platform and fulfilment orders to the WMS.
Meanwhile, the WMS
sends inventory status and location information to the ERP and sales data like tracking numbers and fulfilment statuses to your eCommerce platform.
Is it a good option for me?
Direct API-to-API integration can be a good move if your systems environment is relatively simple – and if all the platforms in question have reliable APIs.
If that's the case, API-to-API integration can streamline the process and result in a straightforward, low-latency integration.
The difficulty comes when you add more systems. Changes to one system can affect another, and administrative complications ramify. If you have an eye on growth and change, this can be a compelling argument in favour of middleware over API-to-API integration.
Middleware
Many businesses have or aspire to meaningful complexity. This is an IT term that refers to design depth – the complexities that arise when systems reach a stage of necessary complexity.
If your business is meaningfully complex, you'll probably favour middleware over API-to-API integration.
Rather than plugging one system into another, middleware acts as a go-between. It transforms data, maps fields between systems, routes messages, monitors, authenticates and more.
Is it a good option for me?
Middleware makes it far easier to manage multiple systems, in part by centralising monitoring and improving error handling.
Above all, it maintains meaningful complexity while reducing administrative complexity.
And when it's time to expand or change, middleware can accommodate new marketplaces, third-party logistics companies (3PLs), couriers and more.
In business, the word "future-proofing" is often thrown around. In the case of middleware, it has a real and tangible meaning. By using middleware as an interface between essential systems, you enable change without disruption.
File integration
API-to-API integration and middleware are examples of systems integration. It's possible, however, to integrate systems through the exchange of files instead.
Rather than one system sending requests directly to another, one system exports data as a structured file, such as a CSV or XML file. That file is transferred to a location the other system can access – perhaps via SFTP or a shared folder – and then imported and processed.
For instance, an ERP might generate an order file that's transferred to and imported by the WMS. Once the order has been fulfilled, the WMS can generate a shipment file containing the relevant information for the ERP to import.
In other words, the file acts as the go-between. The two systems exchange batches of data through files rather than communicating directly through an API.
Is it a good option for me?
File integration is the most basic way to connect an ERP and WMS. For that reason, it's most commonly associated with legacy systems.
It's cheap, simple and easy to implement in the absence of APIs and middleware.
It is, however, slower overall and doesn't fully crack the nut: namely, the need for real-time inventory visibility.
It's also worth noting that middleware solutions like Minster's IntaData include file integration alongside more powerful real-time tools.
Electronic data interchange
Electronic data interchange (EDI) is a standardised format for purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices and other documents as they pass from computer to computer.
In other words, the focus is on standardising documentation rather than connecting applications internally. It plays an important role in the retail and manufacturing sectors and B2B supply chains. It's often combined with APIs and middleware rather than acting alone.
Is it a good option for me?
EDI can be a good fit if your business regularly exchanges high volumes of standard documents with suppliers, customers or other trading partners. Automating purchase orders, invoices and shipping notices can reduce manual data entry and make B2B transactions more consistent.
It's less useful as a solution for connecting all your internal systems. EDI is designed primarily around exchanging standardised business documents. So, you might still need APIs or middleware to keep your ERP, WMS, eCommerce platform and other applications connected.
EDI can also take time and expertise to implement, particularly when different trading partners have their own requirements. For businesses with simpler integration needs or relatively few B2B transactions, it may be more than they need.
How IntaData can help
Here at Minster WMS, we offer a powerful
system integration solution called IntaData.
IntaData is a piece of middleware that can act as an interface between your WMS, ERP and eCommerce platform – not to mention your customers, suppliers and other systems.
It's a cloud-based integration platform that supports a wide range of protocols and data formats. Best of all, it can cope with change – future-proofing your business as it moves with the winds of change.
Orders from eCommerce platforms can be sent to your WMS. This can then be synchronised with your ERP.
Data about SKUs, suppliers, purchase orders, inbound stock, customer information
and sales orders can be passed freely between these platforms, making data exchange virtually frictionless.
And when warehouse inventory changes, your eCommerce platform will know immediately. This reduces your reliance on manual updates and increases overall operational accuracy.
The same goes for shipping and tracking information. This can automatically be passed into ERP, eCommerce platforms and B2B customer portals, ensuring the right information gets to the right place at the right time.
So, if you're looking for a systems integration tool that will future-proof your business,
book a demo with our UK experts today.
