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Tag Archive for: Integration

How to Simplify EDI Processes Through API for Faster Data Integration

Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with countless businesses struggling to integrate their data efficiently across various systems applications, and trading partners. In all this time, one thing has remained constant: businesses need a reliable way to exchange data quickly and accurately, without unnecessary complexity.

Streamlining Data Integration with EDI and APIs

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has traditionally been the go-to for this, especially in industries like logistics and retail. However, as technology evolves, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have emerged as a powerful and flexible alternative for real-time data exchange.

While both technologies serve the same fundamental purpose of facilitating data integration, they do so in different ways, and understanding how to leverage each can significantly improve operational efficiency.

Moreover, there is a possibility to work with EDI via REST API, which will be addressed in this article.

In this blog post, I will explain how companies today can leverage their own expertise into consuming REST API to work with EDI, without the need for an extensive EDI knowledge or experience. This will effectively improve their data integration efficiency and delivery in a fast-paced technological and supply chain world.

Let’s start with a little refresher about both terminologies:

EDI vs. API: A Quick Overview

Whatedi x12 is EDI?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a transmission of structured data between organizations using predefined formats following a certain standard (i.e. x12); The EDI standard has been around for decades and is commonly used in industries like manufacturing, logistics, retail, and healthcare, where businesses frequently exchange standardized documents such as invoices, purchase orders, and shipment notifications.

 

 

 

 

 

For more on EDI, check out this article from our blog: What is EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)?

API integration

What is API?

Application Programming Interface (API) is a modern technology that allows different applications to communicate with one another, usually over the internet using standard web protocols (i.e. HTTPS), to exchange data based on a pre-defined structured format (i.e. JSON, XML…) without the presence of a third party in the middle. APIs are flexible, versatile, and widely used in software development and integration.

For more on APIs, check out our article: API Web Service for EDI X12 exchange – Discover the advantages

Use Cases: EDI and API Integration Side by Side

In a well-connected business world of today, there are plenty of use cases where data integration enforces the use of EDI along with API; here is a short list:

  1.  E-commerce Platforms: Retailers often use EDI to communicate with suppliers and manufacturers but rely on API implementation from another side, to update their online storefronts in real-time.
  2. Logistics and Transportation: EDI is often used to exchange shipment details, but on the other side, APIs can provide real-time tracking and status updates to customers.
  3. Healthcare: EDI facilitates the exchange of patient records and insurance claims, while APIs enable the integration of modern cloud-based applications and patient portals.

The list can go on and we can uncover more use cases where API and EDI work side by side, for a complete integration cycle.

Can EDI and API Work Together Using Just One Modern Technology?

The short answer is yes. Instead of managing two separate technologies, businesses can streamline their integration processes by leveraging EDI through a REST API.

let me elaborate, by explaining how to work with an EDI process via REST API, using one of the above use cases (e-commerce platforms).

EDI Integration for an E-commerce Platform (Use Case)

In a real-world use case, a retailer (i.e. Amazon) would send a specific transport company an EDI document (EDI 204) “Motor Carrier Load Tender”. The receiving party would be a logistic and transportation company and will be asked to send his pricing and bid for a transportation job.

That transportation and logistics company will need to receive this EDI 204 document, process this EDI transaction into their own system that can be based on a cloud ERP/CRM software, or home-grown ERP or even and branded CRM/ERP.

Currently, the integrators at the transport company would be transforming these 204 documents than mapping each field into their own ERP, to be able to process.

What we can offer is a single “API call” step to transform the EDI 204 document to xml, via EDI2XML’s own REST API for them to be able to work with a modern XML file (rather than x12 raw files) in such an integration project.

Adding one step into the flow of integration, that does not require much efforts, will allow the developer to work and map the “equivalent” xml file of the EDI document and be able to easily process.

Why Use EDI2XML’s REST API for EDI Integration?

There are several advantages for an integrator to use EDI2XML’s REST API, in his integration project, rather than working with raw EDI files in such an integration:

  • Simplicity: Working with xml is much more comprehensive and simpler than working with EDI, x12 format for example
  • Data Accuracy: While doing the transformation from x12 to xml, EDI2XML REST API will extract every node and element found in the edi file; all data are accounted for
  • Standardized Schemas: When processing an xml message processed by the EDI2XML REST API, the manufacturer is providing the xsd schemas built from the ground up with comprehensive naming terminology based on the appropriate standard (i.e. x12)
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Calling a REST API in general is not technology or O/S dependant; in today’s world, all technologies support https and REST api calls.
  • No EDI Expertise Required: No need for any EDI expertise to understand and interpret the transaction converted to xml, it is self-explanatory based on the schemas

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Improve Integration Efficiency Using a Middleware

While EDI2XML REST API is clearly an API to transform EDI to xml and xml to EDI, it is not by any means a middleware to allow mapping of fields and data to accelerate the integration development, the deployment and onboarding process.

However, based on our many years of experience and hundreds of implementations, I can recommend a great middleware and integration platform Magic xpi.

This great platform would turn integration projects from months and weeks into a matter of days from development to go live.

Useful reading: How to Optimize Your Business Processes with Magic xpi Integration Platform

Best Practices in Data Integration Projects

To make the most out of your integration projects, please consider these best practices:

  1. Understand project requirements: Determine what type of data integration and what are the business needs.
  2. Adopt a Hybrid Approach: Combining EDI via API using EDI2XML REST API for standardized EDI, along with batch processing with APIs for real-time updates gives businesses the flexibility to meet various demands without sacrificing operational efficiency.
  3. Prioritize Security: Exchanging EDI and API handle sensitive data, so it’s important to ensure that your integration strategy includes robust security measures like encryption, authentication, and regular audits.
  4. Utilize Middleware: Middleware platforms such as Magic xpi, can streamline data integration, allowing systems to communicate without heavy custom development, especially if your company is operating one of the branded ERP/CRM solutions. Thanks for Magic xpi validated and certified connectors to most of the systems in the marketplace.
  5. Future-Proof Your Integration Strategy: As more businesses transition to the cloud and leverage APIs, make sure your systems are agile and adaptable to new technologies.

Can We Review Your API Integration Strategy Together?

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.

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Dynamics 365 E-commerce Integration: Boost Sales & Efficiency

Many businesses leverage Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC) for their back-office operations. However, connecting data between Dynamics 365 Business Central and popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, or Amazon can be a challenge.

When your data is locked away in different places, it’s hard to be efficient, keep customers happy, and make the most of every sale.

EDI2XML: Your Integration Experts

At EDI2XML, we’re not just integration providers, we’re your strategic partners. We have over 24 years of experience crafting seamless connections between disparate systems.

In fact, we integrated business systems before most e-commerce platforms even existed!

Especially, we specialize in connections between Dynamics 365 Business Central and your chosen e-commerce platform.

Our deep well of knowledge allows us to approach your project with a unique blend of proven methods and cutting-edge technology.

Streamlining the Order-to-Fulfillment Cycle

Based on our years of experience, integrating Dynamics 365 with e-commerce platforms most often automates processes to optimize the order fulfillment cycle.

This can include:

  • Automatic order creation in Dynamics 365 Business Central upon receiving a new order in your online store.
  • Dynamic inventory updates across both systems, ensuring real-time availability for customers.
  • Customer information gets synced, eliminating manual data entry and guaranteeing accurate customer records.

This automation not only saves you time and reduces errors, but also provides a smoother experience for your customers.

Benefits of Integrated E-commerce with Dynamics 365 Business Central

Accurate Information, Happy Customers: Eliminate data errors and inconsistencies. Customers see real-time inventory levels and product details, leading to a more trustworthy and satisfying shopping experience.

Streamlined Operations, Boosted Efficiency: Automate order processing, fulfillment, and customer communication can save time and resources.

Data-Driven Decisions, Informed Strategy: Gain a holistic view of your sales data across all channels. Make data-driven decisions to optimize pricing, promotions, and inventory management.

E-commerce Integration and Dynamics 365 Commerce

Dynamics 365 Commerce is a Microsoft product designed specifically for e-commerce needs. It’s part of the broader Dynamics 365 suite that offers various business applications. Here’s a breakdown of what Dynamics 365 Commerce offers:

Omnichannel Commerce: It provides a unified platform to manage your online store, in-store operations, and call center interactions. This allows for a consistent customer experience across all channels.

Inventory Management: Dynamics 365 Commerce offers real-time inventory visibility across all locations (physical stores and online store). This helps ensure accurate product availability and prevent overselling.

Integration price

Order Management: The platform streamlines order processing, fulfillment, and returns. It automates tasks like order creation, picking, packing, and shipping, leading to increased efficiency.

Marketing and Customer Engagement: Dynamics 365 Commerce integrates with marketing automation tools, allowing you to create targeted campaigns and personalize the customer experience.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM): It can connect with your CRM system, providing a 360-degree view of your customers and their purchase history.

Dynamics 365 Commerce vs Dynamics 365 Business Central

While both are Dynamics 365 products, they cater to different needs:

Dynamics 365 Business Central

This is a strong back-office ERP system that manages core business functions like accounting, inventory control (to an extent), and purchasing. It can integrate with an e-commerce platform to provide product and customer data.

Dynamics 365 Commerce

This is a dedicated e-commerce platform that offers functionalities specifically designed for online stores, including order management, marketing tools, and content management. It can also integrate with Dynamics 365 Business Central for functionalities like advanced inventory management or financial reporting.

In the context of integration: You can integrate Dynamics 365 Commerce with your D365 BC system for a more comprehensive solution, leveraging the strengths of both platforms.

Understanding the Integration Landscape: Choosing Your Path

Connecting your online store to Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC) unlocks a world of efficiency and improved operations. But before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the integration landscape and choose the approach that best suits your business needs. Here’s a breakdown of the two main options:

1. Pre-built Connectors and Integration Solutions

These are pre-developed applications that act as a bridge between your e-commerce platform (Shopify, Bigcommerce, etc.) and D365 BC. They offer a faster and often more cost-effective solution, especially for small businesses with standard integration needs.

2. Custom Integration

For businesses with unique workflows or extensive integration requirements, custom development offers a tailored solution. This could be necessary even if you choose Dynamics 365 Commerce, for example, to integrate it with your existing D365 BC system or other business applications.

Custom integrations can be built to scale and adapt as your business grows. Moreover with this option, you have full control over the integration logic and data flow.

Choosing the Right Path

The best approach depends on your specific needs and resources. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Complexity of Integration Needs: How standard are your integration requirements?
  • Budget and Timeline: How much time and money can you dedicate to the project?
  • Technical Expertise: Do you have the internal resources to manage a custom development project?

By carefully considering your requirements and the pros and cons of each approach, you can make an informed decision and choose the integration path that unlocks the full potential of your online store and D365 BC. If you need help to better understand this options, just book a call with our integration expert, for a free consultation.

Tailored Customization: Meeting Your Unique Needs

Every business is unique, and so are its integration requirements. EDI2XML specializes in providing customized integration solutions that align with your specific business processes and goals. Here’s what sets our tailored approach apart:

Custom Workflows:

We design integration workflows that mirror your internal processes, ensuring a seamless fit with your existing operations. Whether you need custom order routing, unique inventory management rules, or specific customer data handling procedures, we can develop a solution that meets your needs.

Scalability and Flexibility:

Our integrations are built to scale with your business. As you expand your e-commerce operations, our solutions can easily accommodate increased data volumes and additional sales channels without compromising performance.

Comprehensive Support:

We provide end-to-end support, from initial consultation and design to implementation and ongoing maintenance. Our team of experts is always available to assist with any issues, ensuring that your integration continues to operate smoothly.

Why EDI2XML Leverages Magic xpi

Magic xpi is a robust integration platform developed by Magic Software Enterprises. It’s designed to simplify the process of connecting various business applications, databases, and APIs, enabling seamless data exchange and automated workflows.

At EDI2XML, we leverage Magic xpi’s capabilities to provide several advantages to our clients:

  • Faster Implementation: Pre-built connectors and a user-friendly interface can expedite the integration process compared to custom coding from scratch.
  • Reduced Costs: The low-code/no-code approach and pre-built connectors can potentially lower development costs compared to full custom development.
  • Flexibility: Magic xpi offers the ability to combine pre-built connectors with custom development for a solution that is tailored to your specific needs.
  • Reliable Integrations: Magic xpi is a proven platform known for its stability and performance, ensuring reliable data exchange between your systems.

By using Magic xpi, EDI2XML can deliver efficient and scalable integration solutions for your Dynamics 365 environment (BC or Commerce) and your chosen e-commerce platform.

Dynamics 365 Business Central Successful integration

Don’t let disconnected systems hold your business back. Leverage EDI2XML’s proven track record of successful integrations across varying complexities.

Contact us by filling out a simple contact form or book a time convenient for you on our calendar for a free one-on-one consultation with one of our experts.

Discover how a custom integration can unlock the full potential of your Dynamics 365 Business Central and e-commerce platform.

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From CRM to ERP: Understanding Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Dynamics 365 Business Central are both business management solutions offered by Microsoft, designed to help companies manage their operations more efficiently. In this blog series, we continue our exploration of Microsoft Dynamics 365, focusing today on the specifics of Dynamics 365 Business Central.

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP solution specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The original name of the product before it was renamed Business Central was Dynamics NAV. The key difference is that Dynamics NAV operates directly on-site and is installed on local servers. Dynamics 365 Business Central is built on top of Dynamics NAV, it provides improved usability, cloud accessibility, and a more comprehensive feature set.

It offers comprehensive functionalities to manage finances, sales, purchasing, inventory, projects, and more, all within a single platform.

Business Central could be seamless integrated with other Microsoft applications like Office 365, Power BI, and Microsoft 365.

Advantages of Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central continues to gain popularity, especially among small and medium-sized businesses seeking streamlined ERP capabilities.

Affordability: Cost-effective solution tailored for the budget and needs of SMBs.

Ease of Use: Intuitive user interface designed for non-technical users, with minimal training required.

Rapid Implementation: Quick deployment and setup compared to traditional on-premises ERP systems.

Scalability: Can grow with the business, accommodating increasing data volumes and users.

Cloud-based: Offers the flexibility of accessing data and applications from anywhere, anytime.
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Differences Between Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Business Central

The most frequently asked question is what is the difference between Dynamics 365 and Business Central?

Above we have already talked about the basic characteristics of Business Central. Let’s compare the main differences between these two business systems.

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a suite of cloud-based business applications that integrate customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities. It encompasses various solutions to address the diverse needs of organizations.

Target Audience

Dynamics 365 is suitable for businesses of all sizes, while Business Central is specifically targeted at SMBs.

Scope

Dynamics 365 offers a broader range of functionalities and modules, including CRM capabilities, while Business Central focuses primarily on ERP functionalities.

Complexity

Dynamics 365 may be more complex due to its extensive feature set and customization options, whereas Business Central is simpler and easier to implement, especially for smaller organizations.

Cost

Dynamics 365 may involve higher licensing and implementation costs, whereas Business Central is typically more affordable, with subscription-based pricing tailored for SMBs.

Both Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Business Central are powerful business solutions, the choice between them depends on the size, complexity, and specific needs of the business. Large enterprises with complex requirements may opt for Dynamics 365, while SMBs looking for a more streamlined and cost-effective solution may prefer Business Central.

Dynamics 365 Business Central Integration

Organizations that use Dynamics 365 Business Central often integrate it with various systems and applications to enhance their business processes.

Integrating Dynamics 365 Business Central with other business applications instead of relying solely on the broader Dynamics 365 suite can be influenced by several factors.

Let’s explore some common integration scenarios and reasons why companies make this choice:

Dynamics 365 Business Central and E-Commerce Integration

Integration Purpose: Connecting Business Central with e-commerce platforms (such as Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento or Amazon) allows seamless synchronization of product catalogs, inventory levels, orders, and customer data.

Why?: By integrating e-commerce systems, businesses can automate order processing, maintain accurate stock levels, and provide real-time information to customers.

Business Central and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Integration

Integration Purpose: EDI integration enables the exchange of business documents (such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices) electronically between Business Central and trading partners.

Why?: EDI streamlines communication, reduces manual data entry, and ensures data accuracy in business transactions.

Business Central and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software Integration

Many companies have existing systems, such as CRM platforms like Salesforce, or other specialized tools. These systems may already be deeply integrated into their processes. Migrating everything to a new system can be disruptive and costly.

Integration Purpose: Linking Business Central with CRM systems (like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales or Salesforce) ensures a unified view of customer interactions, sales opportunities, and order history.

Why?: Seamless CRM integration enhances customer service, sales forecasting, and personalized marketing efforts.
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Business Central Integration with Business Intelligence and Analytics Tools

Integration Purpose: Integrating with tools like Power BI or Tableau allows organizations to analyze data from Business Central, create dashboards, and gain insights into financial performance, inventory trends, and operational efficiency.

Why?: Data-driven decision-making becomes more effective when integrated with robust analytics platforms.

Business Central Integration with Financial Services

Integration Purpose: Connecting Business Central with financial services (such as payment gateways, credit card processors, or banking systems) streamlines payment processing, reconciliation, and financial reporting.

Why?: Efficient financial operations are critical for any business, and fintech integrations enhance accuracy and speed.

While Dynamics 365 offers a comprehensive suite, licensing costs can add up. Integrating Business Central with existing systems and applications allows companies to optimize costs by paying only for necessary features.

Outsourcing Integration Services

Many companies realize the importance of integrating their systems and applications. However, not every company can afford to maintain its own team of specialists exclusively for integration projects. This is why we, at EDI2XML offer our integration services.

Our Expertise, Your Advantage

Turnkey Solutions:

We offer end-to-end integration services—from planning to post-implementation support. You don’t need to worry about assembling a team or managing the intricacies of integration projects. We handle it all.

Customized Approach

Every business is unique. Our experienced professionals tailor integration solutions to your specific needs. Whether it’s connecting Dynamics 365 Business Central with your existing CRM, e-commerce platform, or financial system, we’ve got you covered.

Cost-Effective Strategy

Outsourcing integration eliminates the need for full-time specialists. You invest in the expertise required, ensuring you’re only paying for the specific knowledge and skills essential for your current objectives and challenges. No overhead costs, no idle resources.

Seamless Transition

Worried about disruptions during implementation? Don’t be. Our seamless transition ensures minimal impact on your daily operations. We work behind the scenes, so you can focus on what matters most.

Scalability and Flexibility

As your business grows, so do your integration needs. We scale our services accordingly. Plus, with cloud-based solutions like Business Central, you’re ready for future expansion.

Your Success, Our Mission By partnering with us, you gain access to a dedicated team of integration experts who understand the intricacies of Dynamics 365 Business Central and beyond. Let us handle the technical details while you stay focused on driving your business forward. Book a free consultation with our integration expert!
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NetSuite Integration: 10 Answers to Your Most Common Questions from a Trusted Business Systems Integration Provider

Integration of various business systems and applications plays a crucial role in optimizing operational efficiency and data management in today’s interconnected business landscape. NetSuite, a leading cloud-based ERP solution, offers robust integration capabilities to connect with other platforms and streamline business processes.

NetSuite pioneered in cloud-based ERP solutions, providing businesses with a scalable and flexible platform accessible from anywhere through an internet connection. Its cloud-based architecture eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure and offers the advantage of easy upgrades and maintenance.

As a trusted business system integration service provider with over 22 years of experience, we understand the challenges and complexities involved in integrating enterprise systems such as CRM, ERP, WMS or EDI and e-commerce.

In this article, we will address the most common questions about NetSuite integration, providing valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

1. What Business Systems or Applications Can NetSuite Integrate With?

NetSuite offers robust integration with a wide range of systems and applications. Here are some of the key business systems that NetSuite integrates with:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

NetSuite can integrate with popular CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, HubSpot, Zendesk and many more. This integration ensures a unified view of customer data, streamlining sales, marketing, and customer service processes.

E-commerce Platforms

NetSuite can be integrated with leading e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Amazon. This integration enables real-time data synchronization, inventory management, order processing, and fulfillment which of course improves the work of the online store and increases customer loyalty.

Payment Gateways

NetSuite can integrate with various payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, Square, Authorize.Net, and Worldpay. This integration facilitates secure payment processing, order fulfillment, and automated financial reconciliations.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

NetSuite integrates with WMS solutions such as HighJump, Fishbowl, and ShipStation to optimize inventory management, warehouse operations, and fulfillment processes.

Human Resources (HR) Systems

NetSuite can integrate with HR systems like ADP, Workday, BambooHR, and UltiPro, enabling streamlined employee data management, payroll processing, and benefits administration.

Business Intelligence (BI) Tools

NetSuite integrates with popular BI platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, and QlikView, providing real-time data visualization, reporting, and analytics capabilities.

Enterprise Service Management (ESM) Systems

NetSuite integrates with ESM platforms such as ServiceNow and JIRA Service Management, facilitating seamless customer support, ticketing, and incident management processes.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems

NetSuite can be integrated with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). EDI is a standardized electronic communication method used for exchanging business documents, such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices, between trading partners. NetSuite supports EDI integration through third-party EDI providers such as EDI2XML.

These are just a few examples of the broad range of systems and applications that NetSuite can integrate with. NetSuite’s flexible integration options, APIs, and pre-built connectors make it highly adaptable to various business needs, allowing organizations to create a connected and cohesive ecosystem.

2. Why are Different Business Systems Often Used within the Same Company?

Different business systems are often used within the same company for various reasons, even when NetSuite is implemented as the primary ERP solution. Here are some common reasons for utilizing multiple business systems:

Specialized Functionality

Different departments or business units within an organization may have specific requirements that go beyond the capabilities of a single system like NetSuite. For example, a marketing team might require a dedicated CRM platform with advanced campaign management features, while a manufacturing department might need a specialized production planning system, or solution like FactoryEye.

By integrating these systems with NetSuite, companies can leverage the specialized functionality while maintaining data synchronization.

Legacy Systems

Some organizations may have legacy systems in place that are deeply ingrained in their processes and difficult to replace. These legacy systems may serve a specific purpose, such as legacy accounting software or custom-built applications. Integrating NetSuite with these systems allows for data exchange and consolidation while preserving existing investments.

Mergers and Acquisitions

In cases where companies have mergers or acquisitions, it’s common to inherit different business systems from the acquired entities. Integrating these disparate systems with NetSuite allows for data consolidation, harmonization, and streamlining of operations.

Industry-Specific Solutions

Certain industries have unique requirements that can be better served by specialized systems. For instance, healthcare organizations may require electronic medical record (EMR) systems and professional services firms may use project management tools tailored to their industry. Integrating these industry-specific systems with NetSuite enables companies to have comprehensive control over their operations while benefiting from specialized functionalities.

Regional or Global Operations

Companies operating in multiple regions or countries may adopt localized systems to comply with specific regulatory requirements or meet regional business practices. Integrating these systems with NetSuite allows for centralized data management and reporting across the organization while accommodating local needs.

In summary, different business systems are often used within the same company alongside NetSuite to address specialized needs, leverage existing investments, accommodate industry-specific requirements, support regional operations, and enhance user adoption. The key is to ensure effective integration between these systems to maintain data integrity and achieve seamless workflows across the company.

3. Why integrate with NetSuite?

Integrating NetSuite with diverse business systems and applications offers companies a multitude of advantages. Unlock the potential of NetSuite integration with the following key benefits:
  • Centralized Data Management
  • Streamlined Business Processes
  • Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
  • Improved Customer Experience
  • Data Accuracy and Consistency
  • Real-time Reporting and Analytics

4. How can I Integrate NetSuite with Other Systems or Applications?

NetSuite offers multiple integration options, such as REST web services, SuiteTalk SOAP web services, SuiteScript, and the SuiteCloud platform. With our experience, we at EDI2XML can help you choose the most appropriate integration method and provide comprehensive NetSuite integration service tailored to your needs for connecting to other systems.
Integration

5. Are There Pre-built Integration Solutions Available for My Specific Needs?

Absolutely! Leveraging our deep understanding of NetSuite’s capabilities, we can provide you with pre-built integration solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Our Magic xpi integration platform provides pre-built connectors for integrating NetSuite with other business applications and systems.

6. How Does NetSuite Handle Data Synchronization and Consistency?

With our extensive experience in data integration, we can assure you that NetSuite employs robust data synchronization mechanisms. Real-time or batch data synchronization allows for controlled timing and frequency of data updates, while NetSuite’s powerful data mapping capabilities ensure accurate and consistent information across integrated systems.

7. Can I customize the Integration Process to Meet my Unique Business Requirements?

Certainly! Our experienced team can customize the integration process to align with your unique business needs. We can create custom integration workflows, automate data transformations, and tailor the integration experience to ensure optimal results for your organization.

8. What are the Potential Challenges or Pitfalls to Consider When Integrating with NetSuite?

Integrating with NetSuite may come with certain challenges, including data mapping complexities, compatibility during upgrades, performance optimization, and scalability planning. However, with our expertise, we can navigate these challenges effectively and ensure a seamless integration.

9. Can I do NetSuite Integration Myself?

When integrating NetSuite, it’s important to consider the specific integration requirements, data synchronization needs, security considerations, and scalability. Proper planning, documentation, and testing are crucial to ensure a successful integration and smooth data flow between NetSuite and other systems.

Furthermore, working with experienced integration provider familiar with NetSuite integration can help accelerate the process and ensure best practices are followed.

10. Where to Start NetSuite Integration?

To start your NetSuite integration, the first recommended step is to conduct an analysis of the systems and processes that your company intends to integrate with NetSuite. This analysis will help identify the specific integration requirements and objectives.

Once you have a clear understanding of your integration needs, we recommend reaching out to us for a free consultation with our team of experts. Our experienced professionals will guide you through the integration process, discuss your requirements in detail, and provide valuable insights.

They will help you understand the complexities involved, suggest the appropriate next steps, and provide you with a comprehensive business proposal and quotation tailored to your specific integration goals.

Emerging Trends in NetSuite Integration

AI and Machine Learning: Recent integrations leverage AI for predictive analytics and automation, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. Machine learning models help in identifying patterns and optimizing processes.

IoT Integration: Connecting IoT devices to NetSuite provides real-time data on inventory and equipment status, driving proactive management and maintenance. This integration ensures timely responses to operational changes and improves overall efficiency.

Enhanced Cybersecurity: With rising cyber threats, integrating advanced security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption into NetSuite is crucial. These enhancements protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards.

API Enhancements: NetSuite continues to improve its APIs, offering more robust and flexible integration capabilities with third-party applications. These enhancements simplify the integration process and allow for more customized solutions.

Conclusion: NetSuite Integration

As a business systems integration company with over 22 years of experience, we are well-versed in NetSuite integration and are here to support your journey. By leveraging our expertise, you can seamlessly integrate NetSuite with other systems and applications, empowering your organization to streamline processes, enhance data accuracy, and achieve operational excellence.

Let us guide you through the complexities of NetSuite integration, contact us today.
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NetSuite Integration to Gain More Advantages for Your Business

Integration with NetSuite

To optimize business processes and improve business productivity, companies that use (or plan to use) NetSuite need to integrate it with various business systems and applications in the enterprise.

Integrating NetSuite with the existing front office and back office business systems can give a business a competitive edge.

In this article, we will discuss common options for integrating NetSuite with other third-party business systems and applications.

What is NetSuite used for?

NetSuite (a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation) is a leading provider of cloud-based business management software for small and medium-sized enterprises.

NetSuite assists businesses in managing fundamental business activities using a single, fully integrated system that can include ERP, CRM, PSA, financial management, e-commerce, warehouse management/inventory, and more.

What does NetSuite integrate with?

Netsuite integration

An integration provider such as EDI2XML can integrate your NetSuite with leading enterprise applications and systems like Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, Google Apps, as well as with EDI (Electronic Data interchange) and eCommerce platforms such Shopify, Magento, or BigCommerce…

Moreover, NetSuite can be integrated with legacy and on-premises business systems and databases.

Does NetSuite have an open API?

NetSuite has excellent capabilities for integration with other applications thanks to its REST Web Services.

NetSuite REST web services provide users with:

  • seamless access to record metadata;
  • Capacity to find different API resources;
  • Link-based navigation;
  • Unified approach to working with custom and standard records.

NetSuite REST web service covers the growing need to optimize business processes to meet business needs.

NetSuite Integration with Salesforce

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software Salesforce, the world’s best cloud-based CRM platform, allows businesses to generate more leads, offer streamlined services, and run a more effective marketing campaign, among many other advantages.

Salesforce and NetSuite are between the most powerful and dominant SaaS business management solutions today.

Typical two-way integration between NetSuite and Salesforce are as follows:

  • Synchronization Contacts from Salesforce to NetSuite
  • Synchronization Sales Orders and Order Status from NetSuite to Salesforce
  • Synchronization Item Fulfillments from NetSuite to Salesforce

The integration of NetSuite and Salesforce can bring many business benefits:

Improved performance and data quality

Integration between NetSuite and Salesforce can improve business processes and increase consistency across your company by providing a bidirectional data flow between finance and sales. Additionally, it can decrease the time and effort required for updating data since all changes made or created in Salesforce will be reflected in NetSuite and vice versa.

Data Accuracy

Reliable data is essential for making the right strategic business decisions. However, due to manual data entry, businesses are frequently faced with a situation where NetSuite and Salesforce data do not match. By integrating NetSuite with Salesforce, companies can ensure data reliability.

NetSuite E-commerce and Marketplace Integration

Today, almost every company – especially those in the retail sector – has an online store on e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, etc. There are also increasing numbers of B2B companies developing their eCommerce businesses and establishing their own online stores.

To remain competitive and efficient, companies that use NetSuite to run their business and have their online store need NetSuite and e-commerce integration. Synchronizing data between your e-commerce website and NetSuite, automates the ordering process, inventory management, and more.

Most often, companies synchronize NetSuite with the following e-commerce platforms and marketplaces:

  • Shopify
  • Magento
  • BigCommerce
  • WooCommerce
  • Amazon
  • Walmart
  • eBay

NetSuite eCommerce Integration allows companies to automate the most important e-commerce processes and avoid manual transfer of data from the online store to the company’s internal system.

Therefore, by synchronizing NetSuite and eCommerce the following process optimization is achieved:

  • Product lists in your online store are synchronized with NetSuite. Thus, they are automatically updated, added, or removed from NetSuite.
  • Orders from an online store or marketplace, as well as all customer information, are sent automatically to NetSuite.
  • Shipment and tracking information is automatically updated in the order.

NetSuite Integration with Shopify

Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms today. Both large companies and small businesses use Shopify to develop their e-commerce business. This is why one of the frequent requests is Shopify NetSuite integration to synchronize the flows of orders, stocks, catalog, shipments, shipment confirmations, billing, and more.

Synchronizing data between NetSuite and Shopify gives the following advantages:

  • Order management fulfillment becomes easier and faster as all order data from Shopify is automatically transferred to NetSuite.
  • Synchronization of stock levels allows you to display the current stock level in the online store, thereby avoiding orders of out-of-stock items.

NetSuite EDI Integration

NetSuite EDI integration is highly demanded because, in modern business, nearly all companies rely on EDI for exchanging business documents with their business partners.

Any business, whether it is a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or retailer, using EDI and NetSuite is looking to streamline the process and integrate two systems to synchronize inbound and outbound EDI documents with NetSuite.

Companies need NetSuite EDI Integration to support sales, purchase order processing, warehouse, and supply chain management.

Below are the typically used EDI documents when synchronizing with NetSuite.

– EDI 846 Inventory Update

– EDI 850 Purchase Order

– EDI 856 Advance Shipment Notice

– EDI 810 Invoice

NetSuite EDI Integration Benefits

NetSuite and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) integration offers several benefits for businesses. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Streamlined Data Exchange. EDI integration enables seamless and automated data exchange between your NetSuite ERP system and your trading partners, such as suppliers, customers, and logistics providers. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces errors, and enhances the speed and accuracy of information exchange.

2. EDI documents status visibility. By integrating EDI with NetSuite you will be able to monitor the status of the EDI transaction at any time.

3. Improved Efficiency. By automating the exchange of business documents (such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices) through EDI integration, you can streamline your business processes. This leads to increased operational efficiency, reduced processing time, and improved order fulfillment, resulting in cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction.

4. Enhanced Accuracy: EDI eliminates the need for manual data entry, which reduces the chances of human error in data transfer. This accuracy improvement translates into fewer mistakes, fewer disputes, and faster order processing cycles. Integration of EDI with NetSuite significantly reduces order processing time and cuts the errors associated with manual data entry into the NetSuite system.

5. Faster Order Fulfillment: With NetSuite EDI integration, orders can be received and processed in real-time, allowing for quicker order fulfillment. This leads to improved inventory management, reduced lead times, and better customer service.

Overall, NetSuite EDI integration offers numerous benefits, including streamlined data exchange, improved efficiency, enhanced accuracy, faster order fulfillment, increased visibility, cost savings, scalability, and compliance. It enables businesses to optimize their supply chain processes, enhance customer service, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Our fully managed EDI solution simplifies order management from your NetSuite system. We provide great functionality and a fully automated solution.

If you need seamless EDI integration with NetSuite, contact us for a free consultation and pricing.

Why Choose EDI2XML?

Whatever integration you need, our company can help you. We provide comprehensive ERP, CRM, eCommerce, EDI integration services that are faster, more efficient, and less expensive than other solutions on the market.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Shopify Private or Public app: What’s Best for ERP Integration

During the COVID-19 pandemic situation, companies worldwide have shifted their business mostly to their eCommerce front, to stay the course and become effective, given the worldwide safety and restrictions. It is no secret that this kind of business shift positively affected eCommerce platform providers such as Shopify, Big Commerce, WooCommerce, Magento, and others in the marketplace.

Considering Shopify is the one of the top 5 major players in the eCommerce market in North America, we frequently get this question from clients and contacts, when discussion integration projects between Shopify and ERP/CRM:

“What is the best option to integrate the Shopify eCommerce store, is it to do it through any public app in the marketplace or through the private app?“

While this question is very generic, I will try to keep my explanation simple, with an emphasis on the pros and cons of both integration options. All this is based on our proven expertise in ERP integration to eCommerce platforms and other systems; Let me start by putting some definitions.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a Canadian eCommerce platform company based in Ottawa (Canada), with a revenue of less than little less 3 billion US dollars as of 2020. Shopify is servicing companies and users around the globe, in providing a stable, intuitive, and solid eCommerce platform for eCommerce business.

For more information about Shopify as a company or offerings, you can always check their website

Why companies need integration to their ERP or CRM?

Companies of all sizes in today’s business reality are becoming very agile in using different means to process sales transactions and generate revenues. As an example, a typical company today in the service or retail industry will have several means to receive orders:

1. through a phone call where consumers or even B2B clients might call in, to place orders.

2. through the exchange of electronic business documents (EDI) a typical protocol mainly used by large retailers and distribution (B2B)

3. through one or multiple consumer based (B2C) eCommerce sites.

As you notice, there are different channels or protocols to communicate sales orders for that same company, which are typically through different systems (ERP, CRM, eCommerce site) and having their ERP as the main business system.

The process to consolidate all orders received from all the different sources, into one destination system (ERP or CRM), is called “integration”.

Having an integration and synchronization between an eCommerce site based on any of the known platforms of the marketplace (i.e. WooCommerce, Shopify, Big Commerce, Magento,…), and the ERP / CRM system of an enterprise (i.e. SAP, Oracle JDE, Microsoft Dynamics,….), will improve efficiency and productivity, and most importantly offer a better customer experience to their clients.

Read more about the most 3 important reasons for EDI integration with Shopify

What are the integration possibilities with Shopify?

Shopify offers several options to allow integration between an eCommerce site on its platform and other third-party systems, they are offered under two models:

a) Public Shopify apps

b) Private Shopify apps

both options are available for all Shopify subscribers. Let’s drill down and describe the difference between both integration options

a) Shopify public apps

Those types of applications (or apps) are most of the time activated per instance of Shopify, from within Shopify marketplace. Those apps can be purchased through a subscription paid annually or monthly, in return of its use.

Here are some of the characteristics of Shopify public apps:
  • Public apps are publicly available on Shopify marketplace. They are sometimes developed by Shopify team, or a certified Shopify partner or developer.
  • Most of the times, such apps do execute one and only one functionality (for example reading an inventory feed and updating the SKU available quantity in Shopify).
  • You can find on the same marketplace, multiple apps, providing the same functionality, while it is developed by different professionals, and offered at different prices.
  • Subscription to public apps is most of the times intuitive, quick, and requires little configuration for users with some level of expertise.

b) Shopify private apps

Private apps on Shopify, as per their definition are built for a single Shopify instance (or store). Shopify provides access to the underlying database through a REST API.

By selecting the option to build a private app to access Shopify, you will be given necessary credentials and security tokens to be able to read and write all the data objects available to you from your Shopify store.

Here are some of the characteristics of Shopify private apps:
  • Not available for the public; only you can use it for your own store
  • Not publicly available on Shopify marketplace.
  • This type of private apps is developed by your integration partner, to access your own data.
  • Your integration partner can develop integration flows that can sync in both directions multiple flows.

What is best a Shopify private or public app for integration?

While public apps are great applications, built by experienced developers, we have been seeing much better success when doing the integration between Shopify and a company’s ERP / CRM system using Shopify private apps. This conclusion is based on previous integration projects.

In previous projects, we were able to integrate Shopify orders, fulfillment, inventory with home grown ERP systems, and branded ERP / CRM systems such as Oracle JDE, SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics….

Our integration flows are proven to be stable and mainly it does not conflict with different Shopify public apps active on the Shopify instance. In fact, most of the clients who use our integration services, they come to us, to solve the technological issues they face when they implement and use different public apps in their instance of Shopify.

Choose the best integration provider to integrate Shopify with your ERP or CRM

We, as a successful integration provider, have been helping our customers for 21 years quickly, reliably connect eCommerce to ERP or CRM and integrate it into business systems.

Contact us for a free consultation and we will help you choose the most suitable integration solution for your business.
Shopify Integration

What is CRM and ERP integration and why it is essential?

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

Integration of CRM and ERP systems: Definition

CRM and ERP integration is the synchronization of data from ERP and CRM systems. The purpose of CRM and ERP integration is to provide automatic exchange of information between the enterprise systems.

Nowadays, many enterprises use numerous different business systems and applications for enterprise management, in other words, a combination of ERP, CRM, home grown applications, and many other applications for different business needs.

All these business systems have the same goal – to optimize business processes. However, their tasks are different. So how is CRM different from ERP? Do you need to integrate data from these different systems? How to perform such integration at its best? Let’s take a look at these questions in this article.

 

What is CRM?

CRM Customer relationship management – the name speaks for itself. It is a business software designed to automate interactions with customers (clients), to increase sales, optimize marketing and improve customer service.

 

What does a CRM software do?

CRM allows you to store and organize data about clients (prospects) as well as all their orders and transactions.

Information about customers can be built according to convenient parameters: names, contacts, purchases, contracts, invoices, and payments.

In most CRM systems you can follow in chronological order the entire history of communication with the client, emails, orders, and call records.

Most importantly, the CRM system automates processes and helps at every stage of the sale: automatically generates documents (according to a template), reminds of calls, issues invoices, and creates analytical reports, sends SMS notifications, and many more.

What are the Top 10 CRM Software Vendors?

According to the leading technology market-research company APPS RUN THE WORLD, Salesforce is the leader in the CRM software market. The other biggest providers of standalone or embedded CRM systems are:

What Is ERP?

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. The ERP software is designed for storing, processing, and maintaining a single database for all divisions of the company: orders, production, warehouses, logistics department, accounting, etc. ERP creates a single information space for all employees of the company.

The main goal of an ERP system is to unite the disparate processes of the company into a single well-functioning mechanism.

What is the main component of an ERP system?

Typically, ERP systems are designed based on a modular principle to cover all the key processes of the company’s activities.

The main modules in the ERP system are:

  • Planning
  • Budgeting / Financial Management.
  • Logistics/ Supply Chain Management
  • Human Resources
  • Production Management / Manufacturing
  • Order Management
  • Warehouse / Inventory Management

The ERP allows the management to get a comprehensive picture of the company’s activities, which makes the ERP system an indispensable tool for making current and strategic management decisions.

ERP software examples

According to Statista, the global enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market is forecast to grow to around 97 billion U.S. dollars by 2024. SAP and Oracle are two of the leading ERP vendors in this market.

The most popular ERP systems on the market are:

SAP Business One
It is an ERP solution for small businesses designed to automate key business functions. Can be deployed On-premises or cloud.

SAP S/4HANA
It is an ERP solution for large enterprises. SAP S/4HANA has built-in intelligent technologies, machine learning, and advanced analytics. Could be deployed in public/private cloud, hybrid, and on-premises.

SAP Business ByDesign
It is a Cloud ERP for small and medium-sized enterprises. SAP Business ByDesign is sold and operated by software as a service model.

NetSuite
It is Oracle’s Cloud ERP solution for Small and Mid-sized Enterprises. NetSuite offers modular systems ranging from finance to supply chain management, invoicing, and more.

Sage Intacct
This cloud-based ERP software solution with high ROI was designed by an American provider of cloud-based Financial management Sage Intacct, Inc. Sage Intacct includes core financial modules with possibility to add additional modules.

Acumatica
It is a complete Cloud ERP solution for all your business management needs, created for flexible workplace such as mobile, and remote work.

Tally
It is an enterprise ERP software provided by an Indian multinational company Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Is CRM and ERP integration possible?

As you might have noticed, CRM and ERP systems are not competing systems, but one complements the other. In fact, some big ERP systems, they offer their own CRM modules, to keep the whole process under one umbrella. Both software systems help for efficient and cost-effective enterprise management.

An ERP system helps control production, planning, and logistic processes; a CRM helps track and follow up and increase sales and customer loyalty. However, to get the most out of these two important business systems, it is necessary that the ERP and CRM “communicate” with each other.

“Is it possible to do an integration between two heterogenous systems from two different vendors?” – This is one of the most frequent questions that companies care about. Of course, it is possible! With Magic xpi integration platform, the integration between CRM and ERP can be done easily, quickly, and reliably.

What is Magic XPI integration platform?

Magic xpi is an integration platform, offering a complete solution to automate the flow of data between business systems and applications such as (ERP) enterprise resource planning, (CRM) customer relationship management, (HRM) human resources management, (SCM) supply chain management, EDI, database, and e-commerce.

Why Magic xpi is the best choice for CRM and ERP Integration?

Out of the box, Magic xpi includes over 100 ready-to-use connectors to all popular IT systems, in addition there is a considerable number of certified connectors to connect to branded ERP/CRM systems such as JDE, SAP, Dynamics AX, Oracle, SharePoint, IBM, Google, and more.

These connectors allow to perform integration of applications, databases, APIs, platforms quickly and reliably.

Having an intuitive and easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, it is suitable for both professional integrators and ordinary business users.

Magic xpi fits any IT infrastructure and can integrate all your business systems on-premises, on the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.

Magic xpi provides a stable front-end platform and the ability to integrate data and deliver the most relevant information to your employees, management, or customers.

Key benefits of data integration between CRM and ERP systems

The main benefits of CRM and ERP integration include but are not limited to:

1. No need to re-enter the same data and keep duplicates.

ERP and CRM systems have contact and accounting information used in both systems for different purposes. For example, in an ERP system, addresses are used for invoicing and product delivery, while in CRM, customer and prospect addresses are used to support sales / marketing.

Integration of CRM and ERP systems eliminates the need for double data entry. Thus, any change made in the CRM database will affect the ERP system and vice versa.

2. Easier and faster data exchange.

Integration of CRM and ERP data increases sales, since sales managers have full access to data from ERP having complete information on the product, they can place an order faster and more accurately.

3. Efficient order management

By integrating data between CRM and ERP, quotations created in CRM can be automatically converted into actual orders in the ERP system. This significantly reduces order processing times and increases the efficiency of the company.

Thus, the main advantages that companies receive from the integration of CRM and ERP are increased information availability, reduced order processing time, and improved interaction processes within the organization.

Suggested Readings: The main reasons why you need Microsoft Dynamics Integration with your business Systems

Integrate your CRM and ERP – quickly and efficiently

Optimize your company’s business processes and increase productivity by connecting CRM and ERP systems.

Benefit from our over 21 years of experience in integrations and cutting-edge technology.

Contact us for a free consultation and a Free Live Demo of the Magic xpi Integration Platform. In a screen-sharing format, we’ll show you how Magic xpi can solve your business needs.

How Integration Can Improve Your Supply Chain Management

The efficient management of logistics processes involving multiple business partners is one of the main challenges faced by companies in the supply chain vertical.

There are many systems involved in the supply chain such as warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and much more.

However, the use of multiples of business systems and applications does not yet guarantee success.

The most important thing in the supply chain is the flow of information between the different systems, in a timely and efficient manner; this is called “data integration” which is necessary so different heterogenous systems can “communicate” with each other in a close to “real-time” fashion.

What is Supply Chain Management (SCM)?

Wikipedia gives the most accurate definition: “In commerce, supply chain management (SCM), the management of the flow of goods and services, money and information, involves the movement and storage of raw materials, of work-in-process inventory, and of finished goods as well as end to end order fulfilment from point of origin to point of consumption”.

In other words, the supply chain is the delivery of a product to a consumer. Which includes all stages from the transformation of raw materials into a finished product to delivery to the final consumer.

The main goal of the supply chain management is to coordinate all stages of the process to minimize overall costs and obtain the greatest efficiency.

What is “Integration” in the Supply Chain?

In information technology, integration is the connection of data, systems, applications, or devices to improve efficiency, productivity, and flexibility.

The purpose of integration in supply chain management is to combine different business systems responsible for different functions (warehouse, resource planning, accounting, electronic data interchange, etc.) that belong to different business partners to create a single efficient logistics system.

Internal and External Supply Chain Integration

There are two concepts in supply chain integration. Internal and external integration.

Internal integration is the interconnection of various business systems within one company.

External integration is the interaction between business partners through the interconnection of their numerous business systems responsible for various functions in logistics.

Typical examples of companies involved in the supply chain that require integration:
  • suppliers of raw materials and supplies
  • manufacturers of finished products
  • warehouses, 3 pl warehouses
  • transport companies and carriers
  • buyers (retailers, various companies, and organizations)
  • various intermediaries

Platform for full data integration across the entire supply chain

To improve efficiency, all companies involved in the supply chain need to simultaneously exchange data from different business systems. In other words, as previously mentioned, they need external integration.

Why is external integration so important? Integration in the supply chain is important because usually, any transaction goes through multiple systems such as ERP, CRM, financial, or warehouse systems. Normally, data for the same transaction must be transferred to the business partner (customer, supplier, 3pl warehouse, etc.). After receiving the data, the business partner must enter it into their business systems.

If companies have no integrated systems, data is transferred and processed manually or by downloading spreadsheets or files. Those processes are not efficient, they require a lot of resources and time, and there is a high risk of errors and data loss.

With the integration platform, companies can quickly and easily automate the exchange of information.

Useful reading: How to Choose the Right Integration Platform?

Integration platform for automating data entry

The goal of systems integration is to reduce costs and efforts for all participants in the supply chain process.

Manually entering duplicate information into several business systems takes a lot of time. Sometimes it requires hiring additional employees just to perform some of these mechanical functions. Furthermore, multiple manual entries into various systems are prone to human errors and less quality of information.

With the help of an integration platform like Magic xpi, you can quickly automate the data entry process, by reducing the time for entering data and ensuring their accuracy.

Besides, the use of modern gadgets, such as tablets and smartphones, allows data entry directly in the field (for example, when receiving goods at a warehouse), which speeds up information flows and improves customer service.

Magic xpi integration platform for efficient supply chain demand forecasting

Demand forecasting is the process of estimating future consumer demand over a given period using historical sales data and other information.

It is no secret that demand forecasting is very important for effective Supply Chain Management. Demand forecasting affects important business operations such as financial planning, raw material planning, production planning, marketing, and sales plans, as well as risk assessment.

Download Magic xpi product overview

Magic xpi can help you achieve more accurate forecasts by ensuring perfect coordination between your enterprise resource planning (ERP) and Customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

This will lead to increased profits and higher competitive advantage.

Magic xpi integration platform to improve transportation process

ERP integration with EDI, warehouse management system, and yard management software will help to improve transportation processes.

Magic xpi B2B Integration

The integration of these business systems provides instant information exchange and can significantly reduce downtime.

Thus, you or your transport companies will have more time to deliver the goods.

The best integration solution for Supply chain management

Supply chain management is a broad topic in which the integration of business systems plays a key role. Data integration can help manage all the necessary processes to ensure a smooth flow at all stages of the supply chain. It can significantly improve all the processes in the supply chain, ensure fast order fulfillment, reduce cost, and improve customer service.

Being a business partner with Magic Software Enterprises for over 20 years now, we provide powerful integration solutions. We have been helping our clients make their business profitable by integrating systems.

Contact us for a free consultation.

You may also be interested in reading about:

Amazon Seller Data Automation and Integration: Tips and Tricks

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

Today, I would like to address a few of the most important aspects of Amazon Seller integration and automation, and why companies selling on Amazon Marketplace have no choice other than adopting the path of “Automation and integration” to their internal software business systems (ERP / CRM), to stay competitive and profitable on Amazon.

Before I start addressing my points, let me start with some definitions for terms that are often used in this article, even though, I already detailed those definitions in previous articles.

What is Amazon Marketplace?

Amazon Marketplace is a Web-based platform owned by Amazon, where buyers and sellers can engage into commercial transactions.
Amazon Integration

Amazon offers access to Sellers and buyers globally, which is why there are different “Amazon Marketplaces”; Clients from different parts of the world can buy directly from that platform. Each marketplace refers to a region or country.

As an example, in North America, there are 3 Amazon Marketplaces:

1. Amazon.com: primarily to service the US market.

2. Amazon.ca: To service the Canadian market.

3. Amazon.mx: To service the Mexican market.

The same thing in Europe where you can find an Amazon Marketplace for the UK, another one for Germany, and so on…

Amazon Seller Account

Amazon allows any entity (being a person or an enterprise), to sell their products and services in Amazon one on multiple Amazon Marketplaces; in return for the service, Amazon bills a monthly subscription fee, in addition to some other fees paid per transaction, obviously depending on the subscription plan.

An entity or person who owns an Account on Amazon Marketplace to sell its products or services, is considered an “Amazon Seller”, or owns an “Amazon Seller Account”.

Amazon Vendor Central

In contrast to Amazon Seller Accounts, Amazon Vendor Central is the total opposite of the “Seller Account”. In this case, Amazon themselves buy from the Company, and they sell the products in Amazon Marketplaces.

Managing Amazon Seller Account

Managing a store for Amazon Seller Account – is the responsibility of the “Account owner” on Amazon (or the subscriber). It is the responsibility of the account owner, to feed the Amazon Store with the products catalog, pricing, specs, images… and all aspects of the store management.

Amazon Seller Account Inventory and Fulfillment

In terms of Inventory and fulfillment, there are few options offered by Amazon for shipping and fulfillment. I will expand on this topic in a separate article. But for now, let’s keep it simple; an Amazon Seller account owner has the option to manage the inventory and fulfillment of his Seller account, or pay amazon for such a service, under the FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) program.

Useful Reading: What Is Amazon Integration & How Does It Work?

Integration with Amazon Seller Account

Amazon offers several ways to read and write data into a Seller Partner account. while all the offers are publicly documented, they require a certain level of expertise to implement, quickly and efficiently.

Amazon Options for Data Integration

In addition to the Amazon portal to manually manage the store, Amazon offers two options for an Amazon Seller Account owner, to build integrations and automation:

1. MWS (Marketplace Web Service): which is the first legacy integration door with the Amazon seller store.

2. SP-API (Seller Partner API): which is a new REST API service launched in September 2020 to replace the MWS.

Amazon MWS vs SP-API

In this paragraph, I will address some technical differences between both services.

Although MWS and SP-API of Amazon are both web services that enable programmatic access to seller data, there are major differences; following are some of those differences, extracted from Amazon website:
  • SP-API treats data as REST-compliant resources that can be accessed and modified via standard HTTP methods. At the opposite, Amazon MWS exposes data using operations that are very proprietary to Amazon MWS.
  • SP-API authorization leverages LWA and OAuth 2.0. This model eliminates the need for the manual exchange of auth tokens, as required by MWS.
  • The authorization process of Developers is much different between both; With Amazon MWS, sellers authorize developers. With SP-API, sellers authorize applications. This makes it safer for the Seller to Authorize an application of a developer, that was revised and approved by Amazon.
  • SP-API provides finer grain data access control than Amazon MWS. Developers can request access to only the data they need, and sellers can grant permissions at the API section, operation, or data resource level.
  • SP-API uses AWS Signature Version 4 for authentication. Amazon MWS uses Signature Version 2

To learn more about Amazon SP-API read our blog: Why You Should Migrate Amazon MWS to Amazon Selling API (SP-API)

Data Automation and Integration: Why Integration and Automation Are a Must

When operating eCommerce transactions on Amazon, and selling on multiple Marketplaces, companies find themselves in a situation where they cannot avoid such automation and integration with their own ERP or CRM, and this is for multiple reasons; I will list a few of the important ones:

1. Amazon is by far one of the biggest eCommerce platforms in the world, with the most items sold; Selling on Amazon, will certainly increase the sales of any company with the right product. This creates the first urgent reason automate and integrate the sales on Amazon Seller Account, into the Company’s ERP/CRM system. Companies would like to keep their books up to date, with less human interaction, and near real-time.

2. Companies who are successfully selling on more than one Amazon marketplace, see the need for automation faster. It is not an option for any company to manage multiple systems for orders and fulfillment.
e-commerce Integration


3. To compete in this tight eCommerce marketplace, faster fulfillment and shipping is expected from consumers. The fastest they get the goods the better it for the seller. To meet those fulfillment expectations, automation and integration should be in place.

4. The new reality created by COVID-19 disturbance of the economy worldwide, forced companies to adjust to the new reality if they want to stay the course, and remain competitive. Hiring more employees to produce the same result that can be achieved efficiently and quickly by machines is not an option today. Investing on automation and integration is the only way companies can achieve quick results and a quick measurable ROI.

“Do It Yourself” vs Outsourcing the Service?

Someone might say, well, cannot we do it ourselves? it is not that difficult, we have enough IT resources in-house, that can certainly handle such projects and get off the ground quickly.

My answer to this point is, of course, any company with sufficient time, resources and expertise can go into the project, and certainly deliver. However, there are some aspects of this approach should be highlighted and taken into consideration:

1. When doing it yourself, without enough internal resources, such projects can fall of the crack quickly.

2. At the technical level, although it seems straight forward to build such integration and automation projects, it requires lots of expertise and lots of learning. MWS is scheduled to be phased out by Amazon, we do not know when, and SP-API is taking over, but it is new, lots of security elements added and things can take time to learn and build.

3. Since a company is going to build it itself, it will be one and only one time to do the implementation; it does not pay off for this company, especially when it takes lots of time and effort.

4. Maintaining and managing the automation of Amazon Seller account data, at long term takes a lot of time and resources to keep it up and running; it certainly takes out of the staff’s internal efforts and would stretch them thin.

Useful Reading: EDI2XML integration for Amazon Seller Partners

The above points are the most important points and challenges I have noted from previous Amazon integration projects, where customers were frustrated and lost lots of time prior to decide to outsource their Amazon integration to our team at EDI2XML. Some of them they lost a valuable resources and money prior to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Trust Our Experts For a Fully Managed Amazon Integration

To find out more about our Amazon integration expertise, and evaluate how we can help you, you can reach us by phone: (450) 681-3009 or use the form below to speak to our integration specialist!

The Following is a List of Additional Helpful Information:

What is Dropshipping on Amazon?

Amazon Business: How to increase B2B sales on Amazon?

Integration with Amazon Web Services (MWS): Things you should know

Integration with Amazon Seller or Vendor account: Things you should know

Free Amazon Integration Whitepaper

Integration with Salesforce “custom objects” using Magic xpi.

Having completed lots of integration projects between Salesforce and other platforms such as Amazon, Big Commerce, EDI in addition to many CRM/ ERP systems, I decided to write this article to present how quick and simple it is to use Magic xpi integration platform, to build integration flows that can read or write data into Salesforce standard and custom objects. All of this is without deep knowledge and expertise with salesforce scripting or programming.

Let me start with a high-level definition of important terminologies, even though some might look like repetition from previous articles, but it serves as an important refresher.

What is salesforce?
Integration Salesforce

Salesforce is a cloud CRM solution, designed to manage customer relationships, sales, and marketing. The company was founded in 1999 in San Francisco. At that time, the existing CRM systems were quite complicated to configure and expensive to operate, therefore, only large companies could afford a CRM system. The initial idea of Salesforce was to offer CRM in the “cloud” and sell the software through an annual subscription or lease model, computed per user of the software.

Salesforce “Object”

An object in salesforce, is the equivalent to a “table” in a database. A table in SQL database for example, has columns and stores data based on rows. The same thing in Salesforce Object, whereas the difference is only in terminologies:
  • A “table” in SQL server, is equivalent to “object” in salesforce.
  • A “column” in SQL server, is equivalent to “field” in salesforce term.
  • A “row” in a SQL table, is equivalent to “record” in salesforce term.

As a conclusion, an “object” in Salesforce is a container of the information created by the end-user, using the Salesforce user interface.

Standard vs. Custom Salesforce Object

Salesforce “objects” are of two types:

a) “Standard Objects”: These are the objects that are available by default with every instance or subscription of Salesforce. For example, the “Account” is one of many standard objects in Salesforce.

b) “Custom Objects”: unlike standard objects in Salesforce, Custom Objects are the objects created by the Administrator of the Salesforce instance, to hold very specific information just for his organization, that is why we call it “Custom Object”. NOT every instance of salesforce will have the Custom objects defined by one administrator.

Suggested Readings: Salesforce integration and Magic xpi: Things you should know

What is Magic xpi?

Magic xpi is in integration platform to allow the integration from any system to any system, be it cloud or on premises. Magic xpi includes built-in connectors to:
  • The most commonly used Databases in the marketplace (i.e. Oracle, IBM DB2, MSSQL server, Pervasive, ODBC, JDBC…)
  • The most used file formats in the marketplace (i.e. XML, CSV, TXT, JSON)
  • REST and SOAP API
Magic xpi B2B Integration

Moreover the manufacturer of Magic xpi, has built and certified a connector for Salesforce, among other branded CRM/ERP systems in the marketplace (i.e. Oracle JDE, SAP…)

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

Magic xpi “certified connector” for Salesforce

Let me explain first what is “salesforce connector” before getting into the “Certified” portion.

In simple terms, a Magic xpi “Salesforce connector” is a software module offered part of Magic xpi, that can automatically perform the following:
  1. Connect to a specific Salesforce instance.
  2. Read and discover the Schema of Salesforce instance. Meaning, discovering ALL objects (Standard and Custom), including their fields.
  3. Read from any custom or standard salesforce object.
  4. Write to any custom or standard salesforce object.

All the above with a click of a button, without any coding or development whatsoever; It is all done automatically.

Now, what about the “certified” portion?

Magic software, the manufacturer of Magic xpi and the connector to salesforce, they took the extra step, and went to Salesforce, and presented the Connector. The team at salesforce, took the time to review the way the connector works, and approved it as functioning as per Salesforce best practices and recommendations. Hence why there is an additional licensing fee when using Magic xpi salesforce connector.

Ease of use of Magic xpi

Magic xpi is in integration platform to allow the integration from any system to any system. It has so many advantages over similar competing products in the marketplace, especially when it comes to its ease of use and deployment. Here are some of those advantages:
  • Deployable on premises, in a public or private cloud
  • Licensed based on a subscription basis.
  • Connect and synchronize: Cloud to On-Premises, Cloud to Cloud
  • Connect and synchronize a Cloud based to On-Premises system.
  • Visual Mapping, Drag and drop with NO coding.
  • Ideal for systems analysts with little experience in coding

Why Integration with Salesforce

There are many business cases where companies need to integrate their disparate systems and processes, into their Salesforce instance. I will list few of those cases:
  1. Integration of sales orders received from customers via Electronic Document Interchange (EDI / X12 / EDIFACT)
  2. Integration of sales orders received from customers in xslx, csv, xml or json format.
  3. Integration of eCommerce orders created by the consumer in Shopify or Big Commerce as an example and populating it automatically into the company’s salesforce instance.
  4. Updating the inventory status in eCommerce platform by reading the Salesforce instance Standard or Custom objects, extracting the necessary information, and populating it into Shopify or Big Commerce for example, using their REST API.

The above use cases are for information and example purposes, but there are many challenging business cases that a company can face daily, especially during this difficult times of COVID-19 where business owners and executives are becoming creative to adapt to the situation and stay the course in a profitable manner.

Steps to build integration to Salesforce with Magic xpi

There are about [5] steps to build a simple flow to integrate with Salesforce.

1. Create the Connection to Salesforce

As the above illustration, there are 3 steps to create the connectivity to Salesforce, once. Enter the url, click on the “OAuth2” button, where the Salesforce OAuth screen will popup and ask the developer to enter the Salesforce credentials. Once entered and validated, it will ask to Authorize the access. Once authorized, it will close the screen and go back to the above.

To validate the connection is active, click “Validate” and a message will appear to indicate it is Successful.

2. Create the connection to the Database or to any other CRM/ERP/API (if needed):
Depending on whether there is a need to use different resources, they need to be defined once.

3. Define the logic of the integration flow.

This step is to define the logic and steps of the flow on paper, before starting to draw the logic in Magic xpi. A systems analyst should have a clear vision where he is heading, prior to starting the project. This step can be the most difficult one.

4. Start Mapping from source to destination.

First step is to select the Object to map from / to in salesforce (screenshot # 1), and then start mapping (screenshot # 2).

Screenshot # 1

Screenshot # 2

Trust our experts for a fully managed integration

To find out more about our salesforce integration expertise, and evaluate how we can help you, you can reach us by phone: (450) 681-3009 or use the form below to speak to our integration specialist!