Data integration is the process of combining data from different sources to provide a unified view, improving accessibility and insights for decision-making.

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9 Major E-Commerce Trends That Will Help Grow Your Online Business

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

According to forecasts of market research and business intelligence portal Statista by the year 2023, U.S. retail e-commerce sales amount will surpass 735 billion US dollars. In the current economic conditions, it is unlikely that any other industry can demonstrate such a rapid growth rate.

In the same token and according to Oberlo, the retail e-commerce sales worldwide are projected to grow to 6.388 trillion US dollars by 2024.

Let’s see what the key market players are betting on, and what trends will determine the development of the industry.

1. Efficient logistics and reduced delivery times

e-commerce reduced delivery times

The world leader at this point is American Amazon. Back in the company’s report for 2018, it is indicated that the fastest delivery of the year was done in 8 minutes in Berkeley CA, and 9 minutes in Kirkland WA, Los Angeles CA, Seattle WA, Charlotte NC.
Amazon the fastest delivery 2018

That sounds like something out of Science Fiction. But look: In the fight for customer loyalty, online stores of the leading e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Bigcommerce, Volusion and other reduce delivery times.

2. Mobile sales

online shopping top ecommerce trends

As predicted (based on many studies and mobile e-commerce statistics) mobile web is booming. An American market research company Forrester forecasts that US retail sales via smartphone will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% over the next five years. Thus, with the increase in purchases from a mobile device, it is very important to make sure that your online store is designed for mobile viewing.

3. Augmented Reality Technologies

e-commerce trends Augmented reality

Augmented Reality Technologies inevitably follow the mobile web sales boom. Today, with the help of special applications, online store buyers can see how furniture sets will fit into their living room or, for example, which watch will look better on their hands. In 2021 AR technologies will become more sophisticated, but perhaps they will start to lose the WOW effect.

4. Using Big Data
e-commerce trends Big Data

The accumulation and analysis of consumer data is a powerful tool to increasing sales. By tracking user behavior in the network, retailers are able to make accurate offers to their customers thereby increasing the chances of making a purchase.

Large online stores have already accumulated a large amount of data about their customers. Now the question is, who will learn how to use this information more effectively – it will give a noticeable competitive advantage.

5. Social commerce and user-generated content

e-connerce trends - 5. Social commerce and user-generated content

Online stores have long used content in social media to attract a loyal audience. In recent years, online sales are increasingly merging with social networks.

On the one hand, social media are introducing more and more new features for sales.

Facebook is already testing Live Video Mode for Sellers and the ability to process payments directly to Facebook Messenger.

Several e-commerce features have tested by Instagram over the past two years – including shopping tags, Promote Ads, built-in payments, and even a separate mobile app for shopping.

On the other hand, online retailers and marketplaces learn to use user-generated content.

Everything started with the reviews, but they were not limited. For example, users can write reviews, tips, articles about products and how to choose them.

6. Artificial intelligence and real-time interaction with the client

e-commerce trends Artificial intelligence and real-time interaction with the client

The times when the online store support service could not respond to the customer’s request for several days will irrevocably disappear. Now, online retailers are increasingly relying on chat-bots to help and advice customers. They work around the clock and instantly navigate in large volumes of information about goods and services.

7. Integration of ERP Software with e-commerce
e-commerce trends ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software

Internal processes of e-commerce retailers are also switching to total automation. Previously, entire departments of employees were required to interact with suppliers and track items in warehouses.

Now, more and more successful companies, adopted ERP (Enterprise resource planning) software for management of core business processes. The most popular ERP software for e-commerce:

• Oracle JD Edwards
• Microsoft Dynamics family of ERPs
• SAP
• and other more ERP software solutions

Helpful Information:

Fully integrated with B2C or B2B e-commerce web-stores, an ERP software can power your business and move your online store to the next level.

8. Integrating e-commerce and CRM application
e-commerce trends -CRM integration

CRM (Customer-relationship management) system allows to collect, manage and use customer relationship data to improve your online business. CRM can eliminate lost sales, and help you build a loyal customer base.

Key e-commerce companies who run successfully their business on leading platforms for global trade such Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Shopify, Magento etc.,  have already integrated their CRM with their online stores and enjoy the benefits.

Helpful Information: How to get more out of Salesforce with EDI Integration

9. Electronic data Interchange (EDI) and B2B e-commerce
e-commerce trends EDI Integration

Last but definitely not least: your e-commerce business should be supported by EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). In many cases, it’s almost impossible to trade without using EDI. In B2B e-commerce, EDI has become mandatory for trading with the majority of big retailers such as Target, Walmart, Home Depot or Costco, because they work exclusively with businesses that meet their EDI requirements and comply with their EDI specifications.

What are the benefits of EDI in e-commerce?

  • Reduced document processing time
  • Works all over the world, does not depend on time and provides a fast flow of information
  • No errors related to manual data input
  • Guaranteed delivery of messages (due to notify the sender about documents delivery);
  • Acceleration of logistics operations
  • Security and confidentiality of information
  • Reduction of costs associated with paper circulation

Helpful Information:

For the last 21+ years, EDI2XML has been helping companies of all sizes, in their EDI integration projects. We take care of all aspects of EDI “complexities” due to our Fully managed EDI service.

Total Automation 

Automation of everything that can be automated is the most important trend of our time. If you are looking to develop a high-volume e-commerce business, and you don’t yet have all the elements outlined, it’s time to start. We can help you with the most important part of e-commerce integration with ERP, CRM, and EDI.

Our “Fully managed cloud integration” service can solve all your integration challenges, and you’re your company achieve its business and technical goals in this highly competitive space.

Contact our team for a free consultation.

Free EDI consultation and demo

Efficient Salesforce and SAP Integration with Magic xpi Integration Platform

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

To improve the productivity of their business, companies invest in the best software solutions and platforms to become more efficient. Numerous large and medium-size companies around the world use SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) along with Salesforce’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

However, at some point, companies realize the inefficiencies due to the fact end-users have to maintain two different systems simultaneously, which results in duplicating data entry, therefore, creating inconsistencies between both systems. They realize how crucial it is to have these two important systems work together in synchronized mode. Efficient and faster system integration with Magic xpi is a proven solution in a similar case.

Before we start reviewing Salesforce and SAP Integration, let’s describe in a quick summary what Salesforce CRM and SAP ERP systems are.

What is ERP?

ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning – is an integrated business-management software for administrating internal and external company resources. The system’s purpose is to unify the flow of information between all business units in a company.
ERP Integration with Magic xpi

ERP systems allow to create a standardized and unified information space of the enterprise. In other words, an ERP system is a single-entry point, a single processing center and a single source of information of the activities in an enterprise.

SAP ERP – Overview

The company SAP (Systems, Applications and Products) was founded in 1972 in Germany, by former employees of IBM. It is the world’s largest software corporation. The company now, has over 404,000 customers in over 180 countries.

SAP ERP (SAP R/3)

SAP ERP system (SAP R/3) is a multi-component system that allows to connect business processes of production, procurement, sales and marketing in a company. SAP ERP, is made up of separate components and modules, natively integrated.

SAP R/3 Components

SAP ERP (SAP R / 3) includes three core functional areas, divided into modules.
  • Financial – include financial accounting, controlling, fixed asset management etc.
  • Human Resources – organizational management, includes functionality for recruitment, personnel records, payroll.
  • Logistics – integrates sales and distribution, materials management, production planning, quality management, plant maintenance

What is CRM?

CRM – customer relationship management is a software designed to help businesses improve their customer relationships. CRM focuses on the preservation and analysis of data to improve the marketing, service and business relations with customers.

Salesforce CRM – Overview
Integration Salesforce

Salesforce.com, Inc. is a cloud computing company that provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. Salesforce has been holding leadership in the global CRM systems market for many years.

There are a large variety of Salesforce CRM categories for all customer needs:
  • Salesforce Sales Cloud – The Sales Cloud is a CRM platform that enables a company to manage sales, marketing and customer support.
  • Salesforce Marketing Cloud –to manage customer journey, email, mobile, social media, web personalization, content creation, content management and data analytics.
  • Salesforce Service Cloud –is a service platform for customer service and support.
  • Salesforce Community Cloud is an online social platform to connect customers, partners, and employees with each other. So, a company can service customers more effectively, and get work done in real time.
  • Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a highly scalable, cloud-based SaaS ecommerce solution.

Read: How to get more out of Salesforce with EDI Integration

What is Magic xpi ?

Magic xpi, is one of the key integration and orchestration technologies on the system integration market. Actually, it is one of the oldest in this space. Magic xpi helps companies in their digital transformation journey, and enable them to integrate heterogenous systems, databases and business processes using certified connectors by the manufacturer. It is a reliable SOA, API-driven integration platform for all connectivity needs.
System Integration with Magic xpi

Why System Integration is Important?

Systems integration with Magic xpi can help avoid problems related to the interaction of corporate systems. Companies can get closer to its client by putting together ERP, CRM, social networks and mobile apps.

Salesforce and SAP integration will allow companies to take advantage of both Systems. For example, Salesforce for collecting and registering orders and the ability of the ERP system to process them. In addition, the process of entering orders into the corporate system is significantly accelerated and the percentage of operator errors decreases.

Read: Salesforce integration and Magic xpi: Things you should know

The best of both: ERP and CRM

Salesforce and SAP integration is essential to maximize each system’s output, reduce errors, and improve overall organizational efficiency.

As mentioned above, SAP is one of the world’s leading providers of enterprise software solution and an important advantage of SAP ERP is its capability to integrate with third-party solutions through either iDOC or BAPI. This integration improves performance and helps automate many business processes. But in order to achieve the desired results, you need to be sure that the integration process is done properly, using certified connectors by SAP themselves, and all systems work as planned.

SAP and Salesforce Integration Challenge

Despite the fact that Salesforce and SAP offer a complete and documented APIs, integration of these two complex systems is not as simple as it may seem at first glance, especially if going through the legacy point-to-point integration using traditional coding methodology.

Each one of these systems, provides its own API:

SAP offers connectivity using BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface) and iDoc (for standard and customized schemes) or web services interfaces via SAP Netweaver XI/PI.

Salesforce also provides a Web service interface.

Understanding the structure, dependencies and requirements of each API during a systems integration, requires a lot of efforts, because each API is different, specific to the corresponding vendor, and typically very time consuming to learn and read all documentation.

The integration challenge is further complicated by the fact that SAP is an on-premises solution, while Salesforce is a fully cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) solution.

Systems integration and automation processes usually require a lot of custom coding, which is very difficult and tedious to write with a point-to-point approach.

Experience has shown, the system integration using manual coding is inefficient. In case you have integrated with complex and lengthy individual coding, you will almost certainly have less opportunity to incorporate appropriate and unified mechanisms for live processes managing. If the appropriate integration tools are not used, companies lose sight of the benefits of integration opportunities due to the direct costs and risks that manual integration entails.

Overcoming integration problems using Magic xpi

Magic xpi integration platform, provides fast and efficient enterprise-grade integration. With Magic xpi, there is no need for additional coding. This is a proven solution for automating business processes and data synchronization.
ERP/CRM Integration

Magic xpi has “certified connectors” certified by Salesforce and SAP and Salesforce respectively. It extends the proficiencies of any Salesforce CRM and SAP systems. Magic xpi easily synchronize, integrates and orchestrates business processes, enterprise applications using a visual “drag and drop” mechanism, between source and destination.

Without custom coding, using visual and intuitive design tools Magic xpi unifies and makes Salesforce and SAP interface easier. Magic xpi allows you to create simple or very complex integration scenarios between several systems, data retrieval and conversion, use of any communication protocol, monitoring, scheduled tasks, reliable deployment, and more.

With Magic xpi, a company can get accurate and real-time view of corporate information, without any user intervention. Magic xpi’s code-free approach enables companies to quickly deploy integration projects, in a matter of days rather than months. Thus, benefiting from an immediate return on investment.

Read: How to Choose the Right Integration Platform?

Efficient and easy integration

Our main priority is to find solutions that increase business efficiency. We have a successful experience in integrating different systems using Magic xpi integration platform. Our deep understanding of business context and various industry specifics, allows us to create solutions that make any business activity as efficient as possible.

Magic xpi Integration Platform: The Best Fit for Enterprise Data Integration

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information

Magic xpi is Magic’s code-free integration platform that lets you streamline business process quickly and easily, integrating them across diverse applications, platforms, and databases. Magic xpi enables you to integrate your business information, logic, and data into cross-organizational, cross-platform business processes. Smooth running business processes reduce operational costs and increase revenue and reduce business risks.

Magic xpi: The Code-Free Integration Platform for Seamless Business Process Automation

Magic xpi is Magic’s powerful, code-free integration platform that enables businesses to streamline their processes quickly and efficiently. By integrating diverse applications, platforms, and databases, Magic xpi ensures seamless communication between all areas of your business. Whether you’re working with ERP, CRM, finance, or other enterprise systems, Magic xpi makes business process automation simple.

Why Choose Magic xpi for Your Business Integration Needs?

  1. Comprehensive Integration
    Magic xpi allows you to integrate business information, logic, and data into cross-organizational and cross-platform business processes. This reduces manual intervention, speeds up workflows, and improves overall productivity.

  2. Certified and Optimized Connectors
    One of the key strengths of Magic xpi is its out-of-the-box, certified connectors for leading enterprise systems such as SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and more. These connectors make it easy to extend the capabilities of your existing software without needing custom coding or complex configurations.

  3. Reduce Operational Costs and Risks
    With smooth-running business processes, Magic xpi minimizes operational costs, reduces business risks, and helps you focus on growing revenue. It eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing human errors and ensuring that critical data flows freely across your entire business ecosystem.

  4. Scalability and Flexibility
    Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Magic xpi’s scalable architecture allows you to integrate new systems as your business grows. Its flexibility supports a wide range of industries, making it the go-to solution for companies in retail, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more.

Use Cases for Magic xpi Integration Platform

  • ERP Integration: Seamlessly connect ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or JD Edwards with other business applications to ensure data consistency and accuracy.
  • CRM Integration: Integrate CRM platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or HubSpot to improve customer experience by ensuring all teams have access to real-time customer data.
  • eCommerce Integration: Automate order processing and inventory management by integrating your eCommerce platform with ERP and fulfillment systems.

 

magic-xpi-integration

 

Learn More: Download the Magic xpi Integration Platform White Paper

For a deeper dive into how Magic xpi can transform your business, we invite you to download our comprehensive White Paper. You’ll discover:

  • Detailed insights into how Magic xpi works
  • Real-world examples of successful integrations
  • The key benefits for different industries
  • How Magic xpi enables businesses to quickly adapt to changing markets and customer needs.

Download your free copy now and start streamlining your business operations today!

 

cta_magic-xpi-white-paper

 

The Definitive Checklist For Oracle JDE and EDI Integration Projects

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

Article written by Pierre Namroud, EDI Integration Specialist & Business Consultant

I had the pleasure of attending Collaborate17, a Technology and Applications Forum for the Oracle community. This opportunity brought together Oracle professionals, integrators, project managers and IT experts from around the world, who all work in different spaces of integration. It was such a great experience speaking with so many Oracle experts and attending educational sessions.

One of the main points of discussion during the various speaking engagements was on the challenges that professionals were facing when it came to integration projects involving EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) as well as eCommerce data to JDE (JD Edwards). The opinions were unanimous in the sense that Oracle still has more work to be done in order to strengthen and simplify integration with legacy EDI protocols and build simpler integration flows for protocols such as X12, EDIFACT, Rosetta Net, etc.

I’m writing this article, in order to share my own expertise as a data and EDI integrator, where I had the chance to be involved in several eCommerce and EDI integration projects with Oracle JDE. Hopefully it will help inform other Oracle professionals looking to overcome some of these integration challenges.

Challenges currently being faced by Oracle JDE professionals

There are many challenges that any JDE professional might see when it comes to data and systems integration with Oracle ERP software in general, whether for on-premises or cloud systems. [As a side note, Oracle’s cloud systems have their own specific limitations that I recently learned about during one of the Collaborate Sessions].

Below, I have listed some of the most common challenges that not only have I experienced in my own projects with Oracle customers but that others have expressed during the Collaborate conference;

  • Oracle’s JDE does not have a seamless built-in integration with all EDI X12 documents “out of the box”.
  • The current integration process for EDI X12, EDIFACT, HL7 or any other data format now happens by writing into transition tables (or Z files) and then triggering a business function to process those incoming data.
  • Even though Oracle’s JDE system supports business functions, some older versions do not support new API functions, which can cause some headaches.

    Looking to integrate your EDI or eCommerce processes with Oracle JDE enterprise one, look no further, since we have the best integration option where we turn your Oracle JDE system into a modern REST API, that receives https requests and acts accordingly. Learn More>

Integration Project Checklist

Before starting an integration project with your Oracle JDE system, I recommend that you go through the following list of questions. This way, you’ll be able to make the best decisions to move forward with development efforts as efficiently as possible.

  • Who are the Business or Trading Partners you want to exchange electronic data with?
  • Which documents (or types of data) are you requested to exchange from your Business Partners? In normal circumstances, they’ll provide you with the necessary documentation and specifications as a road map and for compliance reasons.
  • The exchanged data will be sent under what format or standard/version? (X12, EDIFACT, RosettaNet, XML, custom format…?)
  • What is the protocol of communication used to send the data back and forth between you and your Business Partner? Is it point-to-point, such as AS2 or sFTP?
  • Is a VAN required in order to transport the data?
  • Do you have the necessary expertise to select the appropriate certified communication software (for first time project implementation)?
  • Do you have the necessary expertise in your development team to decrypt and understand the terminologies of legacy EDI formats?
  • Has your team ever done an EDI integration project, that includes a full certification process?
  • How many partners will you be exchanging with? The more partners you have, the more complex the project can become.
  • Check the specs of all of your partners (when possible) to verify the differences in their requirements. It is well known in the EDI integration world that there can be many distinctions and exceptions found per Business Partner and per document. Every EDI project can be unique.
  • What is the lead-time to complete the certification and testing phase with your business partner before going live?
  • What is the volume of exceptions that your development team can currently handle in the project in order to be on time and within budget?
  • Do you have the necessary integration tools to simplify the EDI syntax in order to work with one format regardless of the format of the data you receive from different sources?
  • Is your team coding directly in Oracle JDE native framework, or are you using any efficient integration tool available today?
  • Will you be doing end-to-end integration using Z tables of Oracle JDE, or you are going to use API (or business functions) of JDE?

Recommendations for a Successful Integration Project

As you might have noticed, data integration projects involving legacy EDI protocols or custom data format exchange are not simple. They are projects that need a lot of expertise and experience in data communication and transportation, data mapping and systems integration into Oracle’s JDE system.

Moreover, at most enterprises that we’ve completed EDI integration projects for, it was evident how stretched and overwhelmed the internal JDE development team was in their own day-to-day operations, support and maintenance of the application and were incapable of learning new standards to respect the strict timeline given by Trading Partners. In these cases, they looked for help from an outside Service Provider, such as EDI2XML.

My recommendations for such projects are as follows:

  • Outsource the EDI part of the project to a reliable Service Provider, who is highly focused on service availability and quality, since EDI is quite sensitive. This will allow your team to continue working on their daily tasks and keep doing what they do best (JDE support and maintenance, for example). This way, you’ll have a simplified and streamlined EDI integration process; you build one tunnel between your EDI provider, where they deal with the exceptions, and your own process.
  • In case your company policy requires you to deploy the EDI integration solution on-premises, make sure to use an efficient EDI conversion tool such as our EDI2XML technology that has the capability to turn the EDI documents from X12 format to a human readable XML format, for example.
  • Equip your team with the right tools for data integration such as Magic xpi, which we have been using for many years in our data and systems integration projects. Leveraging such technologies allowed us to integrate anything-to-anything (JDE to SAP, SAP to Salesforce, EDI to any system as examples).

I sure hope I was able to expose the most common EDI integration challenges and complexities and help you to overcome these obstacles with the above checklist and recommendations.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic or any other issue related to EDI integration projects, please click on the image below and I will be more than happy to contact you personally for a FREE consultation.

 

Free consultation ecommerce JDE integration