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Unlocking Efficiency: How Small Businesses Benefit from EDI and API Integration

Small businesses, regardless of the industry they operate in, are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and remain competitive. This article explores how Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and Application Programming Interface (API) can transform operations, offering insights into their benefits, key differences, and practical implementation tips.

EDI and API Integration Intro

In today’s fast-paced digital world, small businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their operations and boost efficiency.

Two key integration solutions have gained significant popularity in recent years: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Application Programming Interface (API).

By harnessing the power of these technologies, small businesses can unlock a whole new level of operational efficiency and seamlessly integrate their systems for improved workflow.

Let’s start with a refresher on what are these two technologies, and how they differ;

What is EDI ?

EDI (or Electronic Data Interchange) allows for the automated exchange of business documents, such as orders, invoices, and shipping notices, between trading partners. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces errors, saving small businesses valuable time and resources.

EDI is also known as ANSI X12, or Electronic Data interchange; EDI as a protocol, existed for long time, and it has been standardized. For example, X12, is the standard that is most popular in North America, while UN/EDIFACT is the standard managed and maintained by the United Nations, and it is very popular in Europe and outside of North America. There are several EDI standards today, commonly used in different industries, however the most commonly known and used today are X12 and EDIFACT.

Useful reading: What Are the Differences Between ANSI X12 and UN/EDIFACT

What is API ?

API (or Application programming Interface) enables different systems to communicate and share data in real-time enhancing collaboration and eliminating the need for manual data transfers.

API communication between the source and destination application, happens via internet, using https protocol, in a very secured and controlled manner, regardless of the geography and distance between sender and receiver of the data.

API, is a protocol to send formatted data from a sender to a receiver application, via a web server that would parse the received data and give it to the the application for processing and integration.

The format of the data exchanged, is structured and mostly based on json or xml, over the REST or SOAP that is also used but in a more moderate frequency.

Useful Reading: SOAP or REST Web Services: what you should use for EDI implementation?

EDI integration: Understanding the Benefits for Small Businesses

In the fast-paced world of modern business, small enterprises are constantly seeking ways to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency. One of the most powerful solutions in this regard is Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

EDI is a technology that enables the automated exchange of business documents, such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notifications, between trading partners.

EDI

By adopting EDI, small businesses can unlock a myriad of benefits that can significantly improve their overall operational efficiency:

  • EDI eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring accuracy in the exchange of critical business information. This, in turn, leads to faster processing times, improved customer service, and enhanced decision-making capabilities.
  • EDI integration allows small businesses to seamlessly integrate their systems with those of their trading partners, fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships. This seamless integration facilitates the real-time exchange of data, enabling small businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions and customer demands.
  • Additionally, the automation of document exchange through EDI reduces the administrative burden on small business owners, freeing up valuable time and resources that can be redirected towards other strategic initiatives.

API integration: Exploring the advantages for small businesses

Let’s explore the advantage of integration via API; By adopting an integration strategy based on API, a small business can also harness the power of Application Programming Interface (API) integration to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency:

  • An API acts as the digital bridges that enable different software systems to communicate and share data in real-time, eliminating the need for manual data transfers and improving collaboration across the organization.
  • One of the primary advantages of API integration for small businesses is the ability to connect disparate systems and automate data flows. By integrating their various software applications, such as accounting, inventory management, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, small businesses can create a seamless, interconnected ecosystem that enhances visibility, reduces errors, and improves overall productivity.
  • Furthermore, API integration empowers small businesses to access and leverage a wealth of data from external sources, such as market intelligence, weather forecasts, and social media analytics. This data can be seamlessly integrated into the company’s decision-making processes, enabling small business owners to make more informed, data-driven decisions that drive growth and competitive advantage.

API

Key Differences Between EDI and API Integration

While both EDI and API integration serve to streamline business operations and enhance efficiency, there are some key differences between the two technologies that small businesses should be aware of:

  • The primary distinction lies in the underlying technology and the way data is exchanged. EDI is a more traditional, standardized approach to data exchange, typically involving the transmission of structured, formatted documents between trading partners. This format ensures compatibility and facilitates the automated processing of the exchanged data.
  • In contrast, API integration is a more modern, flexible approach that allows for the real-time exchange of data between different software systems. APIs enable the seamless transfer of data in various formats, including JSON, XML, and even unstructured data, making them more adaptable to the evolving needs of small businesses.
  • Another key difference is the level of integration complexity. EDI typically requires a more robust and specialized infrastructure, including the use of specific communication protocols and software. API integration, on the other hand, is generally more straightforward and can often be implemented using web-based tools and cloud-based services, making it more accessible for small businesses with limited IT resources.

Implementing Integration in a Small Business

Implementing integration based on EDI or API, in a small business can be a transformative process, but it requires careful planning and execution to ensure a successful outcome.

The first step is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the business’s existing systems, processes, and data flows to identify areas where EDI and API integration can provide the greatest impact.

Once the areas of focus have been identified, small businesses should work closely with their trading partners and software providers to establish the necessary technical infrastructure and protocols. This may involve the deployment of specialized EDI solutions or services, the establishment of secure data exchange channels, and the integration of APIs with the company’s existing software systems.

Throughout the implementation process, it is crucial for small businesses to maintain clear communication with all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and service provides or integrators. This helps to ensure that everyone understands the benefits of the integration and is prepared to adapt to the new processes and workflows.

Book your Free Consultation with Integration expert

Common Challenges to Overcome During the Integration Process

While the benefits of integration for small businesses are numerous, the implementation and ongoing management of these technologies can also present some common challenges that must be addressed;

  • One of the primary challenges is the potential for resistance to change within the organization. Employees may be hesitant to adapt to new processes and technologies, which can slow down the integration process and limit the overall effectiveness of the solutions. To overcome this, small businesses should prioritize change management, providing clear communication, training, and support to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Another challenge is the need for seamless integration with existing systems and trading partner requirements. Small businesses must ensure that their EDI and/or API solutions are compatible with the systems and protocols used by their partners, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. To mitigate this, small businesses should work closely with their technology service providers and trading partners to establish clear standards and protocols, ensuring a streamlined integration process.
  • Additionally, small businesses may face challenges related to data security and compliance. The exchange of sensitive business information through EDI or APIs requires robust security measures to protect against cyber threats and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. To address this, small businesses should invest in comprehensive security protocols, such as encryption, access controls, and regular data backups, as well as staying up-to-date with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

EDI or API Integration, What is the Best Choice?

Based on my long time experience in systems integration, the choice for EDI or API integration is not up to the business owners as per say. It is the full business context and use case that would “dictate” what integration path should be adopted in a small business, rather than a choice and selection.

As an example, a business won’t be able to decide to go with EDI X12 integration, knowing that his business partner (i.e. his customer) does not support EDI. He might be able to support API but not EDI. That is why such a decision is really based on the capability and the readiness of the different partners to support any of the integration options (EDI or API).

Can We Work with EDI via API?

Lots of times, we receive this question from partners and clients. And the answer is yes. Thanks to the EDI2XML REST API that is able to convert EDI X12, EDIFACT messages to XML via straight and simple xml structured format.

The need arose a few years back where the new generation of developers invested their time and efforts in building expertise around API only, ignoring the fact that EDI even though a legacy protocol, it is still engrained deeply into the major systems of big retailers and corporations, and it is mostly impossible to get rid of it.

This is when we at www.edi2xml.com took the initiative to provide a very intelligent Rest API that would receive and X12 message for example, and turn into xml, and vice versa;

Such an API allowed the end integrators to seamlessly work with EDI via an API interface, knowing that most of the developers in today’s technology space are experts in API development and integration. 

Useful Reading: API Web Service for EDI X12 exchange – Discover the advantages

How to Evaluate Your Integration Project

If you are looking to review your integration strategy or project, and you are not sure what is best for your business, it is recommended to consult with a professional team with lots of years of EDI and API integration.

Our specialists with over 24 years of experience in EDI and API integration will be happy to help hope on a FREE one hour Teams meeting to listen to your challenges, and offer you the best approach and recommendation.

Just book a time convenient for you in our calendar.

Or click on this image to book your FREE consultation.

Book a free Consultation

 

 

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How to Become EDI Compliant in Under 60 Minutes (Yes, Really)

How to Become EDI Compliant in Under 60 Minutes (Yes, Really)

Being an EDI-compliant company is one of the most effective ways to drive business growth.

There are times when SMEs cannot collaborate with large companies because small companies do not meet their EDI requirements.

In other cases, companies may lose their long-term large business partner because a large company moves to EDI and starts requiring all of its suppliers to exchange documents via EDI.

This can happen to any company.

However, EDI is still the main tool for interacting between business partners and the possibility of cooperation with large companies.

In fact, all major retail companies such as Walmart, Kroger, Home Depot, Costco, Target, and others, actively use EDI to communicate with their suppliers, carrier companies, and 3PL partners.

So what tool can enable you to quickly exchange EDI and become EDI compliant? How to start exchanging EDI documents quickly and cost-effectively, without losing an existing trading partner and be ready to cooperate with new ones?

HTTP EDI Web Service (REST API) – an Easy Way to Exchange Business Documents

EDI connectivity is a pain for many SMEs. Often, they simply do not have the necessary resources for an EDI integration and can’t afford the monthly EDI fees that must be paid to the EDI provider. Moreover, often, it is simply not profitable and very expensive, since small companies often have a small volume of transactions per month.

With over 20 years’ experience as an EDI provider, we have identified this problem that small businesses need to solve every day, and developed a unique, easy-to-use solution for SMEs to become EDI-compatible quickly and easily.

We have built a robust and well-established EDI tool that allows you to connect to EDI in record time and start exchanging EDI documents with your trading partners.

What is EDI Web Service?

The EDI2XML Web Service is a web-based HTTP service that runs over the Internet and is capable of translating EDI messages to XML and XML messages to EDI (based on EDI2XML’s proprietary xml format or schema).

EDI Web services

EDI Web Service is a low-cost alternative solution to on-premises EDI, SaaS EDI, or Managed EDI.

This EDI solution offers almost the same benefits of a traditional EDI, including speeding up business document transformation, eliminating document loss, and reducing administrative contact with trading partners.

Supported EDI Transactions

In our EDI document library here you can find a list of supported EDI X12, EDIFACT, HIPAA / X12 transactions that you can start transformation, and be ready to exchange in less than an hour. However, we can add any additional EDI transaction set at your request, without any fees.

EDI Web Service Fees

Payment for the use of the EDI web service is very simple and consists of two parts:

  1. The monthly payment for using the web service mailbox.
  2. Payment for the volume of processed data. This fee is variable and depends on the volume of data converted (between EDI and XML) during a calendar month.

GOOD TO KNOW: All new users of our API web service can benefit from our 15-days free trial.

3 Easy Steps to Become EDI Compliant

I will give you a specific formula in 3 easy steps you need to follow to quickly become EDI compliant without spending a lot of time and money.

Step #1: Get More Information about EDI Web Service

Learn full information about HTTP EDI Web Service on page: What is EDI2XML Web Service? On this page, you will find information about how the EDI web service works and what its benefits are.

Step #2: Request a Price List to Access the EDI2XML Web Service

Fill out the short contact form on this page to receive a document with a detailed pricing scheme. This document will also contain a section with answers to frequently asked questions. We recommend that you also read it as it contains very valuable information.

Step #3: Getting Started with EDI2XML Web Service in Record Time

After filling out the form and submitting it, we will contact you within [24] hours with the information you need (Token and password) in order to start interacting with the Web Service. Each subscription comes with detailed instructions and documentation regarding our Web Service.

Conclusion: Become EDI compliant in Under 60 Minutes

You may have already spent weeks looking for the right EDI solution, now you can quickly become EDI compliant without wasting another day of your time.

Our EDI web service is fast and stable and brings results to our customers.

If you have any questions, please contact us for a free EDI consultation.

EDI web service
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Fully managed EDI service VS HTTP Web Service: Which is Better for Your Business ?

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and all the services around it are becoming more and more popular, regardless of the industry, for one major reason: EDI transactions are replacing paper documents exchanged between trading partners, and helping companies in their digital transformation projects, for a “greener” planet.

Retail was one of the first industries to fully adopt EDI, and it is still the most active vertical in its usage. EDI is a proven and effective alternative to fax, e-mail, and manually entering or re-entering data such as Invoice, Purchase Order, Inventory and many others…

There are various types of EDI and several approaches to integrate Electronic Data Interchange in a business community. Each EDI provider can offer a different EDI integration methodology, in order to become EDI compliant. We at EDI2XML, offer two options for to integrate EDI into your company, and make your business “EDI compliant”, while shortening the integration project:

Fully managed EDI service

HTTP EDI Web Service

How to select? What kind of EDI integration solution is a better option for your business?  First, let’s understand both options.

Fully managed EDI service

The EDI2XML service offered as “fully managed”, includes translation and communication service offering to businesses of all sizes, from different industries.

Our team at EDI2XML, takes care of ALL the aspects of the integration project. With this model, we offer a “Turnkey EDI Solution” where we take on our shoulder all setup, configuration, testing, certification with the EDI partners …
EDI Fully Managed Service

In other words, with this option, we take care of everything: all the steps of the project from A to Z. We can even integrate directly into your ERP or CRM system. We provide certified connectors for leading IT systems such as Salesforce, JD Edwards, SAP, Dynamics CRM, Dynamics AX, and more.
EDI integration platform

a) Technical Details

A setup phase is mandatory for all new Trading Partners and/or EDI document implementation. This stage includes the project analysis, setup of Trading Partner accounts, configuring Partner specs and platform, defining the transfer file structure, building and setting up all required connectivities and communication protocols. It also includes an end-to-end full cycle data testing and certification.

To learn more about EDI service, download our free introductory guide here

b) Pricing

As for the pricing, it is based on pre-defined monthly service packages, including a pre-defined volume of data processed. All our packages are billed monthly based on the entry level plan (Business Light) at the beginning of each month. Subsequent month billing will include the basic plan fee PLUS the difference between the plan we billed initially (Business light) for previous month, and the plan that we were supposed bill for the previous month based on real volume of data processed for that month.

All this to say, our monthly pricing packages are dynamic, they go up and down based on the volume of data we process and integrate, and our clients are not locked in in any of the packages.

For more information about pricing – fill out a form: EDI2XML Translation Service Pricing Package

HTTP EDI Web Service (REST API)

EDI2XML Web Service, is an HTTP service running over the internet, on EDI2XML own platform that is capable of receiving HTTP requests to translate EDI messages to XML, and XML messages to EDI (based on EDI2XML’s proprietary format).

EDI2XML Web Service is much more cost effective, and meant for companies who got their own technical resources to work with REST API (call and consume HTTP Rest Web services)

The principles of the mechanism of EDI2XML Web Service is schematically illustrated in the below diagram.
EDI Wed Service

a) Advantages

EDI2XML Web Service is the way to go for the following reasons:
  • Self-service solution
  • Low cost
  • We offer a 15 days free trial, without any commitment.
  • Get started with less than an hour
  • There is no contract, no commitment.
  • Payments are month to month; Cancel anytime with a 30 days’ notice.
  • A very simple and dynamic pricing scheme
  • Availability and reliability
  • Based on proven technology in the field for over 18 years now
  • Outstanding technical support

b) Technical Details

Implementation time: Getting started with EDI2XML Web Service, is very simple and quick. Within less than an hour, you can issue the first Call to the Web Service and see the response. Our HTTP EDI Web service is very clearly documented, and we provide instructions with each subscription.
  • Quick entry: you can be up and running in less than an hour, and it is proven; we provide everything to your developers to get started, a java client with its source code and instructions on how to work with it.
  • We offer the schemas(xsd) of the XML format our API expects, and all what you need to do is to format your data according to that format and you will be up and running.

c) Pricing

EDI2XML API service fee to use the HTTP / Web Service calls, has a very simple pricing scheme. The price consists of two elements:
  1. Monthly mailbox fee: a “fixed” monthly fee for the Web Service Mailbox usage on EDI2XML platform. It is a nonrefundable fee.
  2. Data processing fee: a “variable” fee based on the volume of data processed and translated between EDI and XML, during a calendar month. The volume of data processed is computed in both directions:
  • Incoming, and
  • Outgoing

Click here to request EDI2XML Web Service Price List

d) How to get started with EDI2XML API

To get started with our EDI Web Service three steps you need to follow:

1. You need to provide us the list of documents/transactions you want to be activated under your trial account.

2. We will simply set you up with a 15 days trial account, without any commitment from you. Just let us know when do you want to kick off, and we can take care of setting you up on a trial account.

3. We provide a Java client and its source code. You can get started with less than an hour, this will allow you to try and see the results by your own.

? Watch the Video and discover which solution aligns best with your business needs and goals.

Compare key features of Fully managed EDI service and HTTP EDI Web Service

key feature

Fully managed EDI service

HTTP EDI Web Service

 Type of EDI solutionFull serviceSelf service
 Contract YesNo
 Commitment24 monthsNo
 Implementation time   (approximately) 2 weeks1 hour
 Real-Time ConnectionYesYes
 Free Trial account No15 days
 Data processing feeBased on the appropriate plan. It works in both directions: when the volume goes up and  when the volume goes down.  “Variable” fee based on the   volume      of data processed     and translated         between   EDI    and XML, during a         calendar    month.
 Need for internal   resourcesNoYes
 Need for in-house EDI expertiseNoNo
 Technical SupportYesYes
 Hardware Installation  RequiredNoYes
 Software Installation RequiredNoNo
Communication with the trading partner: setup and testing in both directionsYes

No

Free edi consultation

We, at EDI2XML, provide an EDI integration solution for every type of business. Contact us today for a free consultation and we will help you find the most appropriate option for your business.

API Web Service for EDI X12 exchange – Discover the advantages

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

API Web Service for EDI X12 exchange – Discover the advantages

For over 20 years, we have been working with EDI, integrating systems and helping companies of all sizes, in their digital transformation journey. We have been writing extensively and covering hot topics about EDI integration with e-commerce such as Shopify, Amazon and other eCommerce platforms, or EDI for drop-ship business, or EDI Integration with Salesforce and other different CRM and ERP system.

We have extensive knowledge in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and we share our knowledge by writing a large number of articles in our Blog ; we take up questions from our readers and contacts, related to different EDI topics, including types of EDI messages , EDI Standards and we try to respond to those in our blog.

In this article, there is an important topic I want to expand on: it is our EDI2XML API service, to translate EDI to XML (and vice versa) through our Http/https/httpss REST Web Service; This service we launched last year, and it is gaining success and popularity, mainly within the community of CTOs, Integrators and Developers who are looking for ways to include EDI messages processing, as part of their ESB (enterprise service bus) integration projects, in a corporate environment heavily connected using SOA (or service-oriented architecture).

What is EDI2XML Web Service?

EDI2XML Web Service, is an HTTP/HTTPS/HTTPSS service running over the internet, on EDIXML own platform that is capable of receiving HTTP/HTTPS/HTTPSS requests to translate EDI messages to XML, and XML messages (based on EDI2XML’s proprietary format) to EDI. The principles of the mechanism of EDI2XML Web Service is schematically illustrated in the figure below.

EDI2XML Web Service: Who is it for?

EDI2XML Web Service is for developers and businesses, interested in building their own EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) integration flows and programs. Normally, these individuals, are capable of interacting with external API and Web Services to translate EDI to XML and XML to EDI, and have the resources and expertise to work with Web Services and HTTP/HTTPS/HTTPSS requests in order to achieve their goals. EDI2XML web service is the premier choice for IT people as a reliable service to accomplish such Integration projects.

How much time does it take to get started with EDI2XML Web Service?

In order to access EDI2XML Web Service, and start taking advantage of our HTTP/HTTPS service in your EDI integration projects, we require that you fill the form on our EDI2XML website.

Getting started with EDI2XML Web Service, is very simple and quick. Within less than an hour, you can issue the first Call to the Web Service and see the response.

Our Web Service is very well documented and instructions are provided with each subscription. The instructions on how to get started are very straight forward and simple to follow. We provide detailed instructions and screenshots.

For a junior developer who is able to follow instructions, he can see results within less than an hour, just by following instructions from our quick start guide.

Moreover, we offer a 30 minutes courtesy technical call, for every new subscriber.

Is there any limitation with EDI2XML Web Service?

Access to our EDI2XML Web Service is unlimited and There are no limits for http/https calls. EDI2XML format supports currently the most commonly used EDI formats in North America: X12 and EDIFACT. You can check supported EDI transactions listed on our website. In case a transaction you are looking for is not on the list, we can simply just add it and activate into the service at no additional fee.

What is the XML format returned and expected by EDI2XML Web Service?

When Translating from EDI to XML, our EDI2XML Web service will generate a “proprietary” XML format we call it “EDI2XML format”. This is a very structured format where we do provide also the corresponding schemas (.xsd) for each transaction, in order to ease developer’s lives.

When translating from XML to EDI, EDI2XML expects a proprietary XML format, which we do provide the schemas (.xsd).

Does EDI2XML Web Service support Https?

EDI2XML API service supports http and https REST calls. We do realize how important is to transmit EDI information on a public tunnel such as the internet, with full security, when calling our EDI2XML web service.

Advantages of using EDI2XML HTTP/HTTPS service:

  • Get started with less than an hour
  • No contract: pay as you go
  • Very simple and dynamic pricing scheme
  • Availability and reliability
  • Based on proven technology in the field for over 18 years now
  • Outstanding technical support
  • Self-service solution
  • Cloud based
  • Low cost
  • Quick entry: you can be up and running in less than an hour, since we provide everything an integrator/developer needs to get started. We provide java client with its source code and instructions on how to try it.
  • Free trial for [15] days, with no commitment.

EDI Consultancy

We do offer EDI projects consultancy. We help companies plan, deploy, test and integrate EDI projects. You can simply call us (450) 68-3009 Ext 223 or write us sales@namtek.ca if you need any EDI consulting work. We have a proven 20+ years of experience in EDI and integration projects.

EDI Web Service for edi integration

Seamless EDI implementation through Web Services

EDI is used almost everywhere regardless of industry or company size. The most extensive use of EDI is in the retail industry. EDI compliance is mandatory in order to trade with big retailers such as Target, Costco, Walmart,… even giants of electronic commerce like Amazon are heavy users of EDI.

There are a lot of different types and approach of implementing EDI in your company. It can fully managed EDI service, or gaining popularity lately EDI Web Service, because, service architects and developers want EDI to be easy to implement, maintainable, extensible, and scalable.

What is web service?

Web service is a network technology that provides inter-program interaction based on web standards. More specifically, it’s client and server application that communicate over the World Wide Web’s (WWW).

The W3C consortium defines a web service as: “A Web service is a software system designed to support interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network”.

Thus, the web service is identified by a URI string. The Web service has a User Programmatic Interface (UPI) that is represented in WSDL format. Other systems interact with this web service by exchanging SOAP or REST protocol messages. HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol is used to transport the messages. The description of Web services and their APIs can be found by UDDI.

♦ WSDL (Web Services Description Language) – is an XML-based interface definition language that is used for describing the functionality offered by a web service.

♦ UDDI (Universal Discovery, Description and Integration) – is an XML-based registry for business internet services

Web services are rich in functionality and extensibility, as well as their machine-readable descriptions through the use of XML. Web services can be combined to achieve complex operations.

web service diagram

The diagram above shows a very simplified view of how a web service works. The client invokes a web service call by sending a request to a server which hosts the actual web service, then get the response from the web service.

What are different types of web services?

Web services can be deployed in several ways. The following web-services are the most commonly used http web services:

♦ SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) — in fact, it is a triple of standards SOAP/WSDL/UDDI

♦ REST (Representational State Transfer) – quite often called as RESTful API (Application Program Interface that uses HTTP requests to GET, PUT, POST and DELETE data) or RESTful web service – is based on (REST) technology.

Actually, SOAP originated from XML-RPC (XML Remote Procedure Call) and is the next generation of its development and evolution. While REST is a concept, based on an architectural style.

Of course, there are other types of web services, but since they are not widely used, we will focus on these two in this brief review: SOAP and REST.

A Quick Overview of SOAP Web Services

SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol. It is an XML-based protocol for accessing web services.

It is platform and language independent. It means that by using SOAP, you can interact with other programming language applications.

Initially, SOAP was primarily intended to implement a remote procedure call (RPC). Now SOAP is used to exchange arbitrary messages in XML format, not just to call procedures.

Like any text protocol, SOAP can be used with any application layer protocol: SMTP, FTP, HTTPS, etc., but more often SOAP is used over HTTP.

All SOAP messages are structured as an envelope (is the root element in every SOAP message), including the following elements:

  • Message ID (local name)
  • Optional Header element
  • Mandatory Body element (message body)

Structure of SOAP message:

SOAP message structure

The expanded list of SOAP message elements is shown in the data schema (for SOAP version 1.2).

A Quick Overview of REST Web Services

REST stands for Representational State Transfer. As it was mentioned above, REST is not a protocol but an architectural style built on existing standards that are well known and controlled by the W3C consortium, such as HTTP, URI (Uniform Resource Identifier), XML and RDF (Resource Description Format).

In a REST services, the emphasis is placed on access to resources, and not on the execution of remote services; this is the fundamental difference from SOAP-services. However, the remote procedure call is also applicable to REST. It uses the PUT, GET, POST, and DELETE methods of the HTTP protocol to perform tasks. The cardinal difference between REST and SOAP is that REST remains an HTTP request.

According to many developers, SOAP is cumbersome and difficult to use. REST is an easy alternative.

REST is using the URL approach. Often, to make a request, REST relies on a simple URL Instead of using XML.

Advantages of REST Web Services

REST is more flexible and easier to use for the most part. There are following advantages when:

  • Agile: Unlike SOAP, there is no strict specification for REST Web services and it consumes less bandwidth and resources, thus, REST Web services are very fast.
  • Language and Platform independent: REST web services can be written in any programming language and run on any platform.
  • Can be used with different data format: REST web service permits different data format such as Plain Text, XML, HTML, and JSON.

SOAP vs REST what to choose?

SOAP is more applicable in complex architectures where interaction with objects is beyond the scope of the CRUD model. In applications having the CRUD model, it can be quite applicable to REST due to its simplicity and transparency.

In fact, if any objects in your service do not need a complex relationship than: “Create”, “Read”, “Update”, “Delete” (usually in 99% of cases is enough), it is possible that REST will be the best choice.

In addition, REST compared to SOAP can be more productive because it does not require parsing complex XML commands on the server (regular HTTP requests are performed — PUT, GET, POST, DELETE).

EDI2XML HTTP service

EDI2XML Web Service, is an HTTP (based on REST) service running over the internet, on EDI2XML private cloud platform that is capable of receiving HTTP requests to translate EDI messages to XML, and XML messages to EDI (based on EDI2XML’s proprietary XML format). Advantages of using EDI2XML HTTP service:

⇒ You can start with less than an hour

⇒ No contract: pay as you go

⇒ Very simple and dynamic pricing scheme

⇒ Availability and reliability

⇒ Based on proven technology in the field for over 18 years now

⇒ Outstanding technical support

Our EDI Web Service solution solves developer’s problem because we have over 18 years of expertise in EDI, that is difficult for every developer and integrator to acquire quickly.

You can start with the free 15 – days trial of EDI2XML Web Service to see how real-time translation services works.

EDI Web Service for edi integration

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