Expert Oracle JDE integration services to enhance system performance, streamline processes, and ensure data accuracy

Tag Archive for: Oracle JDE


If you are an IT specialist working with Oracle JD Edwards (JDE) EnterpriseOne, you might be wondering how other experts are integrating their ERP system with other applications, such as CRM, EDI, or E-Commerce. You might also be looking for a reliable and cost-effective integration platform and solution.

With over 24 years of experience, we, at EDI2XML understand the intricacies of integration and are ready to assist businesses in achieving seamless connectivity across their IT environment.

Direct Database Integration Meaning

Direct Database Integration is a technique that involves reading and writing data from and to database tables of an application, directly, without using any intermediate layer or interface.

This means that you can bypass the application logic and access the data directly from the source or target database.

For example, if you want to integrate JDE with Oracle Sales Cloud, you can use Direct Database Integration to read data from the JDE tables and write data to the Oracle Sales Cloud tables, or vice versa, without using any JDE or Oracle Sales Cloud APIs or web services.

Why Use Direct Database Integration for JDE?

JDE is a comprehensive ERP system that covers various business functions, such as finance, manufacturing, distribution, human resources, and more. It is designed to support complex business processes and data models, and it uses a proprietary database structure that is not easy to understand or manipulate.

Using Direct Database Integration for JDE is very risky, but can offer several advantages, if done right. Those advantages can be such as:

Performance: Direct Database Integration can provide faster and more efficient data transfer, as it eliminates the overhead of using APIs or web services that can slow down the integration process.

Flexibility: Direct Database Integration can give you more control and customization over the data integration, as you can define your own queries and mappings to suit your specific business needs and requirements.

Cost-effectiveness: Direct Database Integration can reduce the cost and complexity of the integration, as you do not need to purchase, install, or maintain any additional software or hardware components, such as middleware, adapters, or connectors.

Integration

Direct Database Integration for Oracle JDE

To use direct database Integration for JDE, you need to have a good understanding of the JDE database structure, as well as the database structure of the other application you want to integrate with. You also need to have the appropriate skills to access and manipulate the data at the database level.

Thus, direct database Integration may require expertise in both JD Edwards application development and database management, as developers need to understand the underlying database structure and SQL querying.

At EDI2XML, we specialize in integration between JD Edwards EnterpriseOne and a numerous of other business systems and applications, including Salesforce, NetSuite, SAP B1, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or EDI and E-commerce platforms. Our expertise ensure that data flows seamlessly between disparate systems, eliminating bottlenecks and enhancing operational efficiency.

What are the Common FAQs about Direct Database Integration for JDE?

Here are some of the common questions and answers about direct database Integration for JDE:

What are the benefits of Direct Database Integration over other methods?

Direct integration offers real-time data exchange, reduces complexity, minimizes the risk of data loss, and enhances overall system performance.

What are the challenges or risks of using Direct Database Integration for JDE?

One of the main challenges of using Direct Database Integration for JDE is to ensure the data quality and integrity, as you are bypassing the application logic and validation rules. You need to make sure that the data you read or write is accurate, consistent, and compliant with the JDE data standards and formats. You also need to ensure that the data integration does not affect the performance or security of the JDE system or the other application.


Useful Reading: How to Connect Oracle JD Edwards with Other Systems: Overview of Eight Methods


Is Direct Integration with JDE complex to implement?

While it requires expertise, leveraging the right integration partner like EDI2XML, simplifies the process and ensures a smooth transition.

Can Direct Integration support bi-directional data flow?

Absolutely. Direct Integration enables bidirectional data exchange, ensuring that information flows seamlessly between systems.

What are the best practices or tips for using Direct Database Integration for JDE?

Some of the best practices or tips for using Direct Database Integration for JDE are:

1. Use a test or development environment to test and validate your data integration before deploying it to the production environment.

2. Use a backup or recovery plan to protect your data in case of any errors or failures during the data integration process.

3. Use a monitoring or auditing tool to track and troubleshoot your data integration activities and results.

4. Use a documentation or metadata management tool to document and maintain your data integration logic and mappings.

How can EDI2XML help with Direct Database Integration for JDE?

EDI2XML can certainly help with direct database Integration for JDE by providing a complete and affordable integration service, that can handle the integration of JDE with other business systems.

What are the Expert Tips and Advice for Direct Database Integration for JDE?

As a leading business systems integration provider, EDI2XML has more than 24 years of experience in integration projects of various complexities. Based on our extensive experience, here are some of the expert tips and advice we can share with you:

Understand your business needs and requirements: Before you start any data integration project, you need to have a clear understanding of your business needs and requirements, such as the scope, objectives, deliverables, and expected outcomes of the project. You also need to identify the stakeholders, roles, and responsibilities involved in the project, and communicate with them effectively throughout the project lifecycle.

Choose the right integration method and technology: Depending on your business needs and requirements, you need to choose the most suitable integration method and technology for your project. You need to consider the factors such as the data volume, frequency, complexity, and quality, as well as the cost, time, and resources available for the project. You also need to evaluate the pros and cons of each integration method and tool, compare them with your expectations and constraints.

Don’t miss this opportunity to find the best integration method and tool for your business. Book your free one-hour consultation with our integration experts today!

Leverage the expertise and experience of a professional integration service provider: If you are not confident or comfortable with using Direct Database Integration for JDE, or if you need any assistance or guidance with your data integration project, you can leverage the expertise and experience of a professional integration provider, such as EDI2XML. We can help you to design, develop, implement, and maintain your JDE integration, and provide you with the best quality, performance, and support.

Conclusion: Direct Database Integration

Direct Database Integration is a powerful and efficient technique that can help integrate JDE with other systems. It offers several benefits, such as performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, but it also comes with some challenges and high risks, such as data quality and integrity.

If you want to learn more about this topic, or if you need any help with your data integration project, please book a free consultation with one of our integration expert at EDI2XML. We are always happy to hear from you and to assist you with your integration needs.


Are you looking for a way to leverage the power of data automation in your business? Do you want to integrate your Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne with other applications, devices, and systems? Do you want to explore how JDE Orchestrator can help achieve your business goals? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, then this blog is for you.

Introduction: Oracle JD Edwards Orchestrator

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Oracle JD Edwards Orchestrator. We will discuss the components of JDE Orchestrator, and answer some common FAQs about this technology. We will also share some expert tips and advice based on our experience as a successful business systems integration provider, with more than 24 years of experience.

What is Oracle JD Edwards Orchestrator?

Oracle JD Edwards Orchestrator is a JDE component, provided by Oracle as an add-on to their JDE install, at no additional charge. It enables us to collect, filter, analyze, and act on real-time data extracted from JD Edwards ERP using REST API. It can also trigger actions in EnterpriseOne based on predefined rules and logic.

Thus, JDE Orchestrator can help transform your JDE system from a static record-keeper to a dynamic modern, API provider/consumer of real-time business operations.

JDE Orchestrator was first introduced in 2015 as a tool for IoT integration, but since then it has evolved into a powerful and versatile tool for digital transformation in the JDE world. According to Oracle documentation, JDE Orchestrator is compatible with JD Edwards EnterpriseOne 9.1 and above, and it is constantly updated with new features and enhancements. However, some of the features and capabilities of JDE Orchestrator may require a higher tools release or patch level.

What are the Components of JDE Orchestrator?

Oracle JD Edwards Orchestrator consists of several key components that work together to automate and streamline business processes. These components include:

JDE Orchestrator Studio

JDE Orchestrator Studio is a web-based application that allows you to design, test, and deploy orchestrations, which are the workflows that define the logic and actions of JDE Orchestrator. JDE Orchestrator Studio features a graphical drag-and-drop interface, a simplified data mapping tool, a built-in testing tool, and a version control system.

JDE Orchestrator Studio is a user-friendly and intuitive tool for creating and managing orchestrations for various use cases, such as automation, integration, IoT, and user experience enhancement.

The Orchestration Studio empowers users to automate and streamline business processes with ease, leveraging a combination of visual design tools, pre-built components, and customization options. Its intuitive interface and robust features make it a powerful tool for driving digital transformation and improving operational efficiency within JD Edwards environments.

JDE Orchestrator Server

JDE Orchestrator Server is a component of the Application Interface Services (AIS) Server that executes the orchestrations and communicates with the EnterpriseOne system and other external systems.

JDE Orchestrator Server is responsible for processing the input data, applying the logic and rules, performing the actions and service requests, and generating the output data for each orchestration. The JDE Orchestrator Server can handle multiple orchestrations concurrently and efficiently, using a queue-based mechanism and a thread pool.

JDE Orchestrator Server can also handle large data sets, parallel processing, and temporary tables to optimize and scale the orchestration performance.

The Orchestrator Server of JDE, can be configured and managed using the Server Manager Console, where you can set up the server properties, security settings, logging options, and runtime parameters.

The Orchestrator Server can also be monitored and troubleshooted using the Orchestrator Monitor, where you can view the health and exception records, as well as the run details and results of each orchestration.

JDE Orchestrator Monitor

JDE Orchestrator Monitor is a web-based interface that allows you to view and manage the performance and status of the JDE Orchestrator and its orchestrations, as well as troubleshoot any issues or exceptions. The Orchestrator Monitor enables you to:

  • Monitor the health and exception records of the JDE Orchestrator, which indicates the availability and reliability of the Orchestrator Server and the orchestrations.
  • Monitor the run details and results of each orchestration, which show the input, output, and execution logs of the orchestrations.
  • Manage the health and exception records, such as deleting, archiving, or resubmitting them, to resolve any issues or errors that occur during the orchestration execution.
  • Filter and sort the records by different criteria, such as user, environment, role, date, time, status, etc., to find the relevant information quickly and easily.
  • Refresh and reset the data displayed in the JDE Orchestrator Monitor, to ensure that the information is up-to-date and accurate.

What is the Use of JDE Orchestrator?

Oracle JD Edwards (JDE) Orchestrator can be used for critical mission purposes within an organization:

JDE Orchestrator for Automation of Business Processes

One of the primary uses of JDE Orchestrator is to automate various business processes within the JD Edwards ERP system. This includes tasks such as order processing, inventory management, procurement, financial transactions, and more. By automating these processes, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce manual errors, and accelerate decision-making.

Integration with External Systems via JDE Orchestrator

The Orchestrator enables seamless integration between JD Edwards and external systems, such as CRM/ERP platforms, supply chain management systems, e-commerce platforms, EDI, and IoT devices. This integration allows for the exchange of data and transactions, facilitating real-time decision-making and enhancing overall business agility.

Streamlining Workflows with JDE Orchestrator

With JDE Orchestrator, organizations can streamline complex workflows that involve multiple steps and stakeholders. For example, they can create orchestrations to automate approval processes, route documents for review, and notify stakeholders of important events. This streamlining of workflows helps in reducing bottlenecks and improving collaboration across departments.

Integration

JDE Orchestrator for Real-Time Data Processing

The Orchestrator enables real-time data processing by triggering actions based on predefined events or conditions. This allows organizations to react quickly to changing circumstances, such as inventory shortages, customer inquiries, or production delays. Real-time data processing enhances decision-making and enables organizations to stay responsive in dynamic business environments.

What are Some Common FAQs about Oracle JDE Orchestrator?

The JDE Orchestrator is a relatively new and innovative technology that may raise some questions and concerns among JD Edwards users and partners. Here are some of the common FAQs about JDE Orchestrator, along with their answers:

How does the Orchestrator integrate with external systems?

The Orchestrator integrates with external systems using connectors that support various protocols such as REST, SOAP, and others. These connectors facilitate the exchange of data and transactions between JD Edwards and external applications.

Do I need coding knowledge to use the Orchestrator?

While coding knowledge is not required, basic understanding of concepts like data mapping and conditional logic can be helpful. The Orchestrator provides a graphical interface for designing orchestrations, but users may need to write custom scripts for advanced functionalities.

To take advantage of all the benefits of Orchestrator, you don’t have to figure it out yourself, entrust the integration to professionals. We, at EDI2XML can quickly and efficiently perform integration of any complexity for you using JDE Orchestrator. Book your free JDE consultation now!

Is the Orchestrator scalable for enterprise use?

Yes, the Orchestrator is designed to be scalable and can handle a large number of orchestrations and transactions to meet the needs of enterprise-level businesses.

Can I customize orchestrations to fit my specific business requirements?

JDE

Yes, the Orchestrator provides flexibility for customization. You can create custom data structures, define complex logic using JavaScript, and integrate with custom business functions and services to tailor orchestrations to your specific needs.

What is JDE Orchestrator REST API?

JDE Orchestrator REST API is a set of endpoints that allow you to interact with the JDE Orchestrator and its orchestrations using HTTP requests and responses. The JDE Orchestrator REST API enables you to execute, monitor, and manage orchestrations from any external application or system that supports REST.

What are Some Expert Tips and Advice for Using JDE Orchestrator?

As a successful business systems integration provider with more than 24 years of experience, we have gained a lot of knowledge and expertise in using JDE Orchestrator for various projects and clients. Here are some of our expert tips and advice for using the JDE Orchestrator:

Plan and design your orchestrations carefully, considering the business requirements, the data sources, the logic and actions, the input and output formats, the error handling, and the security aspects.

Test and debug your orchestrations thoroughly, using the built-in testing tool in the Orchestrator Studio, and the Orchestrator Monitor for troubleshooting and resolving any issues or exceptions.

Document and maintain your orchestrations properly, using the version control system in the Orchestrator Studio, and the export and import features for backup and recovery.

Optimize and scale your orchestrations efficiently, using the Orchestrator Capability for large data set retrieval, the parallel processing option, and the temporary tables feature.

Conclusion: Oracle JD Edwards Orchestrator

Oracle JD Edwards Orchestrator stands out as a great tool for businesses seeking to embrace digital transformation. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with external systems, automate processes, streamline workflows, and process real-time data makes it a valuable asset for organizations aiming to enhance efficiency and agility.

For those who are considering using JDE Orchestrator’s capabilities but aren’t sure where to start or how to navigate the complexities, it’s essential to seek guidance from experienced professionals.

At EDI2XML, we offer comprehensive integration services tailored to your specific business requirements. Our team of experts with over 20 years of experience can efficiently guide you through the integration process, ensuring seamless implementation and optimal utilization of the JDE Orchestrator. Don’t let the potential of your JD Edwards system go untapped. Take the first step towards unlocking its full capabilities by engaging with us for a free JDE consultation. Together, we can propel your business toward success.

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As an experienced systems integrator, EDI2XML has completed many successful integrations across diverse industries. Based on our extensive experience, in this article, we want to discuss what the various integration methods available to businesses to integrate with Oracle JD Edwards.

We’ll keep it simple and give you a basic understanding of each method. Our goal is to give you the knowledge you need to make integration easier for your business. In future articles, we’ll dive deeper into each method to help you understand them better.

What is Oracle JD Edwards?

Oracle JD Edwards, or JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, or just JDE is a comprehensive suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that helps businesses manage their financial, operational, and human resources processes.

Oracle JD Edwards utilizes cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, mobile platforms, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to create smart solutions and make users’ experience better.

In the past, Oracle JD Edwards went by various names like OneWorld, B732, Xe, and 8.98, each representing different software versions. However, its current and widely recognized name is Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. People may also refer to it informally as JDE, JDEdwards, JDE E1, or OJDE, which are typically shortened versions or acronyms based on its official name.


USEFUL READING: Oracle JD Edwards Integration: The Key to Digital Transformation


While Oracle JD Edwards provides over 80 configurable modules to meet specific customer needs, it may not address all enterprise application requirements. Nevertheless, it seamlessly integrates with other business applications and systems, offering various interaction and integration patterns for optimal integration.

Understanding JDE Integration

Oracle JD Edwards (JDE) EnterpriseOne offers various integration methods that enable the system to interact with external applications, databases, and services.

Thus, integrating JDE with other systems involves linking its robust functionalities with diverse software applications like CRM, ERP, HRM, EDI, and more. This integration facilitates data exchange, automation, and real-time insights, enhancing overall business performance.

Integration Methods Comparison

Here’s a list outlining different methods of Oracle JD Edwards (JDE) integration, including JDE Orchestrator, Direct Database integration, Dynamic Java Connector, and Magic xpi.

JDE Orchestrator

JDE Orchestrator is a tool that enables you to create, test, and deploy REST services that interact with JD Edwards EnterpriseOne applications and data.

  • Easy to use and configure
  • Supports real-time integration
  • Supports JSON and XML formats
  • Supports IoT devices and cloud services

USEFUL READING: Streamlining Business Operations: Expert Perspectives on JD Edwards Orchestrator Integration


Direct Database Integration

Integrating external systems directly with the JD Edwards database, typically using SQL queries and database connections.

  • Fast and simple
  • Supports batch and real-time integration
  • Supports any database format
  • No additional software required

We have the expertise and the tools to help you integrate JDE with other systems in the most efficient and effective way. Book a free consultation now

Dynamic Java Connector

A tool that enables you to create Java classes that interact with JDE business functions using the Java Connector Architecture (JCA) specification.

  • Supports real-time integration
  • Supports complex business logic
  • Supports any Java-based platform or application
  • Supports transactions and security

Z- Table Processing

The “Z tables” are transition tables in SQL/Oracle, whose sole objective is to load data into JDE. In general, this way is used for “Bulk import” of data into the JDE database.

  • Can be done using various methods, such as flat files (CSV, TXT, etc.) to import and export data between JDE and external systems.
  • In general, used for “Bulk import” of data into the JDE database.
  • Z-table integration can be used for both inbound and outbound transactions

Business Services Server (BSSV)

BSSV is a component within the JDE system that facilitates communication and integration between JD Edwards applications and external systems.

  • Supports SOAP-based and RESTful services for integration.
  • BSSV efficiently manages high volumes of transactions, ideal for enterprise-level deployments

Application Interface Services (AIS)

AIS is a component of Oracle JDE that provides a lightweight RESTful interface that allows JDE applications to run on various devices such as smartphones and tablets through REST API calls.              

  • Acts as a middleware layer, allowing external systems, mobile applications, and other software solutions to interact with JDE.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)

EDI is one of the integration methods with Oracle JDE. JDE has a data interface system (code 47) that acts as a staging area for moving data in and out of the application systems using EDI standard formats.

  • Supports various EDI standard formats, such as X12, EDIFACT, HL7, and others
  • Enables JDE to communicate with external systems.

Magic xpi

Magic xpi is an integration platform designed for connecting various enterprise applications, including JD Edwards, through a visual drag-and-drop interface. It has an Oracle certified connector to JDE, that can interact directly with JDE Business Services and its Dynamic Java Connector.

  • Easy to use and maintain.
  • Supports batch and real-time integration.
  • Supports multiple protocols and formats.
  • Supports cloud and on-premises. deployment
  • Visual mapping, drag and drop from source to destination.

These methods can be used separately or in combination, depending on the complexity and requirements of the integration. It’s also important to note that integration strategies should be selected and implemented in a way that suits the organization’s IT policies, security standards, and performance requirements.

Conclusion: Oracle JDE Integration

Integrating JD Edwards (JDE) with other systems is crucial for streamlining business processes and maximizing operational efficiency. Each method offers unique advantages and capabilities, enabling seamless data exchange and collaboration across your organization and beyond.

If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of JDE integration or have questions about implementing these methods in your organization, our team is here to help.

Book your free consultation today to learn more and start optimizing your JD Edwards system for enhanced performance and productivity.

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We’d love to hear from you! What integration methods have you found most effective in your JDE implementation? Do you have any questions or suggestions regarding JDE integration? Leave a comment below and let’s continue the conversation!

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information


The Synergy of JD Edwards and B2B E-commerce

Oracle’s JD Edwards software (also JD Edwards EnterpriseOne or World) is an excellent software solution for mid and large size enterprises. This ERP (or enterprise resource planning) system is a central tool to help companies run their business. Usually, most organizations using JDE ERP software, are somehow engaged in B2B activities, such as doing business with wholesalers, retailers, or distributors…

Wikipedia’s definition of B2B E-commerce is “B2B e-commerce (also written as e-Commerce, eCommerce or similar variants), short for business-to-business, electronic commerce, is selling products or services between businesses through the internet via an online sales portal”.

In other words, it is B2B transactions that are happening online, over a B2B portal. The difference from an online B2C store that it addresses a company, and not an individual consumer.

According to Statista.com, the global B2B eCommerce market valuing US$12.2 trillion in 2019 is over 6 times that of the B2C market.

JDE e-commerce integration

The data of e-commerce market is impressive, but B2B e-commerce isn’t just for big companies. Many small and mid-size businesses also thrive in B2B e-commerce sales. Despite the size of the company, there is one common thing between all successful B2B e-commerce organizations – the Systems Integration.

B2B eCommerce customer loyalty

B2B eCommerce market is becoming hypercompetitive. Online customers today have high expectations, similar to the B2C (business-to-consumer e-commerce) market.

Business customers are demanding increasing levels of service and convenience. They are pressuring to quickly find the right products and faster way to process orders to support their workloads.

The e-commerce site or B2B portal, is becoming an extension of the business; therefore, for a better customer interaction and user experience, the B2B portal should be integrated without failure into the ERP system. As it is well known already, companies today adopt different kinds ERP, inventory management and supply chain systems… This makes it hard to manage data flow between those heterogenous systems. It influences negatively the shopping experience of a B2B customer.

Based on the above, and in order to overcome such challenges, companies have no choice other than adopting the seamless and real-time Systems Integration.

Benefits of B2B eCommerce Integration with JDE

Following are some of the benefits integration may bring to the company:

  • Allows everyone in a company to have the consistent information and immediate access to data such order history for example, in a real-time mode
  • Helps e-commerce companies to better serve their customers and grow online sales.
  • Helps companies increase their profits
  • Reduces company’s cost per transaction.
  • Better performance in year-over-year growth for revenue and product sales as well as increased growth of new customers.

Oracle JD Edwards Integration with Magic xpi

You’ve probably heard that integrating an eCommerce system with Oracle JD Edwards can be complicated, but it’s not the case if you use Magic xpi integration platform.

Organizations adopting Magic xpi for its Integration projects, can fully leverage the features provided in this API driven platform with certified connectors, to optimize the benefits from their eCommerce and JDE ERP software.

Magic xpi integration platform has more than 50 adapters, wizards, services, and methods enable companies to create continuous business processes based on JD Edwards business functions and helps enhance communication between e-commerce company and their online customers.

Driving innovation in your B2B eCommerce with Magic xpi

Magic xpi has an excellent JD Edwards connector, certified by Oracle themselves. It is able to discover JDE pre-built business functions or work directly with the Z-files of JDE.

It is API driven middleware that enables integration and orchestration of flows, business processes based on events and other multitude types of triggers. Adopting Magic xpi for integration projects, allows a company to benefit from the following advantages:

• Improve the quality of customer service. You can connect eCommerce, CRM, support, shipping, social media and more from the same integration platform, without any coding or programming requirements

• Speed processes and increase the productivity due to automatically synchronizing Work Orders, Bills of Materials, Return Merchandise authorizations and more across systems.

• Synchronize data, such as names, locations and product catalogs, between JD Edwards EnterpriseOne or JD Edwards World and other systems.

• Permit mobile workforce solutions for Order Entry, Proof-of-Delivery, Field Service apps, and more.

Oracle JD Edwards Connector Capabilities

  • Visual mapping between source and destination for business functions
  • Drag and drop: no coding required
  • Handles exceptions and errors, reliably and seamlessly
  • Integrates financial data in real time, near real time, and at optimal intervals
  • Integrates non-JDE applications with your JDE simply
  • Integrates with new and existing e-commerce websites
  • Integrates order tracking and logistics management over the Web
  • Integrates CRM and sales force management
  • Handles service calls and tracks orders over the Web
  • Runs natively on IBM I systems
  • Consolidates your charts of accounts with other systems and companies

 Oracle JD Edwards Connector Benefits

  • Creates services easily
  • Implements SOA with existing JD Edwards Enterprise One or JD Edwards World
  • Leverages investment in and knowledge of JD Edwards systems
  • Simplifies integration when upgrading or installing new versions
  • Overcomes integration barriers with existing systems
  • Modernizes the perception of JD Edwards applications
  • Integrates JD Edwards company-wide across all business processes, according to business process definitions
  • Empowers end users and technical staff
  • Increases efficiency through reliable and seamless handling of exceptions and errors
  • Allows access to information when you need it

Leave e-commerce integration to the experts

You don’t need to be an Integration expert in order to improve your business. By choosing EDI2XML and Magic xpi, you’ll have complete systems integration, enjoy ease of maintenance, and benefit from a high return on investment.

Free consultation ecommerce JDE integration


For more helpful information about JDE read our posts:

Oracle JD Edwards Integration: the key to Digital Transformation

The Definitive Checklist for Oracle JDE and EDI Integration Projects

EDI or E-commerce Integration with Oracle JD Edwards Enterprise

Download JD Edwards Integration brochure

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.

 

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This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

What is Magic xpi

Magic xpi is a business integration platform proprietary technology for Magic Software. This business integration suite is very powerful and comes loaded with tons of built-in components to build workflows and orchestrate an entire business flow:

  • Database gateways: to connect “natively” to the most common databases used within an enterprise (i.e. SQL server, Oracle, DB2, Pervasive, MySQL, ODBC…).
  • Connectors: to directly connect to JDE, SAP, Dynamics, SalesForce.
  • Triggers and Data mappers: whether to monitor a folder content or to parse and map from one file format to another
  • Connectivity and messaging: through FTP, SOAP, MSMQ, etc.

And the list goes on…

Read: How to Solve the Biggest EDI integration Problems With JDE

How EDI2XML works within Magic xpi

As you might already know by now, EDI2XML is our own technology to convert an X12 EDI transaction to XML. When doing the conversion from EDI to XML, EDI2XML is able to generate the FA 997 (Functional Acknowledgment) as a response to the incoming EDI transaction. In the meantime, EDI2XML installer comes with all the xml schemas (.xsd) of the EDI2XML format.

Since Magic xpi is missing a component to transform X12 EDI to XML, EDI2XML can fill this gap. By creating a custom component and inserting the command to trigger EDI2XML from within a Magic xpi business flow, EDI2XML will turn an incoming EDI file (i.e. 850) into XML format.

In a subsequent step, using a Data mapper component, the user can map the content of the EDI file in XML and map it to any other format (Flat file, database….).

Read: Top 3 Challenges to Overcome in Salesforce and EDI Integration Projects

Mapping EDI from EDI2XML to JDE

As mentioned previously, Magic xpi comes loaded with connectors to major systems such as SAP, JDE, Salesforce, etc. As an example, any table in JDE can be used as a source or destination in data mapping process, using a Data Mapper step within Magic xpi.

Once the incoming EDI X12 file is converted to XML, it is very simple to then map it to JDE:

  • Create a step with a Data mapper
  • Source: XML based on the EDI2XML .xsd (schema file)
  • Destination: the JDE table to feed from the XML format

Once the source and destination are defined, the user can use his mouse to drag and drop to map fields from the source to the destination (JD table).

EDI Integration with JDE


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>


This is why we love EDI2XML in EDI integration with JDE

EDI2XML has a rich library of EDI documents to translate and it is expandable. In addition, using EDI2XML within a flow in Magic xpi is a MUST in order to map EDI data to XML and from XML directly to JDE. Most importantly, there is no need for EDI knowledge to interpret the fields and segments, as it is all easily understandable by any person. On top of it all, all .xsd files are provided with the EDI2XML engine!

EDI integration into JDE is as simple as mapping from XML to JDE using drag and drop!

Free EDI consultation


This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.


EDI integration projects have always been time consuming, as it requires an expert team with EDI knowledge and many resources. No matter how small or large the company is, the previous statement falls true for them all. It is the nature of EDI and all the processes involved that makes an EDI integration project complex and problematic for the developers and executives. In this article, I would like to identify a few of the major problems of EDI integration with JDE (JD Edwards) and how to solve them, in order to have a smooth and successful EDI implementation.

About JDE

JD Edwards, also known as JDE, is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software that Oracle sells and supports. JDE is offered in two different lines (or editions): JD Edwards EnterpriseOne and JD Edwards World. In most cases, JDE software solutions are implemented and deployed in corporate level enterprises. It is less present in small enterprises since most SMEs cannot afford its maintenance costs.

Why EDI integration with JDE is a problem

Read: EDI Integration with JDE Made Easy with EDI2XML

While JDE is a great corporate level ERP solution, offering lots of tools and connectors for data integration (flat file and other format), it does NOT offer out of-the-box an integrated EDI solution or connector that would make EDI integration seamless. It offers the necessary interfaces to define file formats for export and import, but it stops short on completing the loop into a full EDI solution.
For EDI project integration, JDE heavily relies on third-party “EDI translation software” to send or receive EDI files, and to turn the EDI files into a format (flat file for example) that can be easily interpreted and processed by JDE.

Having said that, you can now imagine how complex and time-consuming integration of EDI in JDE is for a company’s IT personnel and developers. The major problems can be summarized as follows:

  1. IT personnel need to have an extensive EDI expertise; for example, a high knowledge of EDI is needed to be able to define the data to be extracted from the incoming EDI file
  2. They need to learn how the “EDI Translation software” works as well as how and when to extract data and transform it into the proper format for JDE
  3. Of course, they need to know how to work with JDE and setup interfaces and connectors. This one is not of a major concern as IT personnel handling JDE are experienced with this platform

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>


How to solve the integration problems

In order to solve problems associated with EDI integration with JDE, it comes down to reducing the number of points identified in the previous section to 2 rather than 3, by capitalizing and building on JDE expertise. So how can this be done in order to have an EDI integration project run smoothly, on budget and on time?

Read: Top 3 Challenges to Overcome in Salesforce and EDI Integration Projects

The answer is simple. Companies running JDE can leverage:

  • EDI2XML : the technology to convert EDI to XML (and XML to EDI)
  • Magic xpi: the business integration platform from Magic Software, that is able to orchestrate the entire business process. It is an “Oracle Validated Integration” solution for both JD Edwards EnterpriseOne and JD Edwards World.

Magic xpi comes with a lot of built-in features to support an EDI project implementation such as:

  • Communication components (FTP,sFTP)
  • Ability to execute scheduled tasks based on several triggers
  • Ability to execute tasks based on file scanning triggers

EDI2XML has complementary features to make an EDI integration project within JDE very simple and straightforward:

  • EDI2XML is able to generate FA 997 out-of-the box for incoming EDI documents
  • EDI2XML turns the EDI files received into readable XML format, so no need for extensive EDI expertise

Therefore, EDI integration projects with JDE don’t have to be so dreadful anymore. The marriage of EDI2XML, Magic xpi and our team’s EDI expertise can definitely benefit your company and make EDI projects easy and under budget.

To read more about using EDI with JD Edwards and the third-party applications, Click here

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