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Role of SOA, ESB, and BPM in Integration Projects

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

Role of SOA, ESB, and BPM in Integration Projects

Today, in order to increase efficiency and be competitive, companies must quickly respond to any internal or external changes in business processes. The company’s IT infrastructure, plays a critical role in responding to such changes considering it is built based on a flexible and agile architecture.

The complexity of the IT infrastructure leads to increased costs, resources, and integration time.

The infrastructure flexibility and agility of an enterprise, can be achieved by building an IT environment based on Service Oriented Architecture – SOA.

Key Components of a SOA:

– Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)
– Business Process Execution Language (BPEL)
– Business Rules
– Complex Event Processing (CEP)
– SOA Governance
– B2B Integration
– Business Activity Monitoring (BAM)
– Unified Management & Monitoring

Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) – is a communication system between mutually interacting software applications in the service-oriented architecture (SOA). ESB provides a cost-effective way to centrally configure, deploy, and manage services across a large enterprise.

The SOA’s goal is to set up an IT infrastructure in which all the necessary IT resources of the company are provided in a flexible, efficient and fast way.

Accelerating Business through Business Process Management and SOA
Business Process Management

BPM (Business Process Management) is a common attribute of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), and an instrument through which a company can apply SOA to high-value business challenges. Both SOA and BPM can be applied individually, but the two agreed approaches offer mutual benefits for business.

The combination of BPM and SOA provides companies with a new generation of tools for the rapid development of composite business applications. This allows to maximize the use of all available resources of the company, as well as quickly connect new ones.

Getting Help with SOA

When implementing integration projects on the principles of SOA, we use mature products from Magic Software Enterprises – a global enterprise software company, delivering Magic xpi, a fully reliable SOA, API-driven integration platform. We take into account the specifics of each project and customer preferences. Contact us today to get a FREE-It consultation with one of our integration experts!
Integration using Magic xpi

Integration‎ based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

These days, many companies have very complex and advanced IT infrastructures, numerous applications, ERP and CRM systems, and other business software.

As businesses evolve, corporate information systems become more fragmented.

It is not advisable to simultaneously abandon all outdated information systems and integrate a new one.
In addition, often just one business system cannot satisfy all the needs of a company.

The integration of various heterogeneous solution plays a key role in the corporate IT environment. In most cases, system integration is a forced measure aimed at improving the efficiency of the company’s business processes.

Responding to business needs, software manufacturers are constantly improving integration solutions.

What is Service-oriented architecture (SOA)?
SOA

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a modular approach to software development based on the use of distributed, loosely coupled, replaceable components, and equipped with standardized interfaces for interoperability over standardized protocols.

Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) was introduced in the late 1980s. It was originally presented by CORBA, DCOM, and others. There are several implementations patterns but in fact, SOA can be reduced to a few concepts:
  • Autonomy (independent evolution, scalability, and deployability).
  • User-facing application compatibility.
  • Reuse of business services.
  • Independence from a technology stack

SOA Fundamentals

The basis of SOA is the standardization of relationships between applications. Each system has an “input”, where the initial data is set, and an “output”, on which we get the result of processing this data, thus, these fragments need to be connected into one whole.

The main connecting elements are adapters (connectors) that convert incoming data (service request) and output (service results) into a standard form. Due to this, the application can use as a service a wide variety of “users” (including other applications) and for the convenience reasons, it’s necessary to form the consolidated register with the description of existing services and “rules” of their use (Enterprise Service Bus).

In this way, it is possible to connect to the service only if an adapter has been developed to the corresponding application (or database) that converts incoming / outgoing data into a standard form.

The Integration Platform Magic xpi includes 100+ prebuilt certified adapters for leading IT systems.
The Integration Platform Magic xpi includes 100+ prebuilt certified adapters for leading IT systems.

Read:  How to Choose the Right Integration Platform?

The SOA integration solution is centralized and the Enterprise Service Bus acts as the medium.

An enterprise service bus (ESB) implements a communication system between mutually interacting software applications in a service-oriented architecture (SOA). (Source: Wikipedia)

All customer services communicate in the same way with the ESB: the ESB translates a message to the correct message type and sends the message to the correct consumer service.
An enterprise service bus (ESB) implements a communication system between mutually interacting software applications

 

SOA standards

SOA standards have already evolved tremendously, and this happened at all levels:
  1. Modern and diversified adapters
  2. standardization of interoperability through the transport layer
  3. description of business processes

SOA standards have been developed and approved by standardization organizations, which comprise the largest vendors. The expansion of the pool of adapters to the most common industrial applications and databases continues – there are only a few hundred adapters at the moment, and partially integration problems are resolved by the expansion of the standard adapter set.

If there is no ready-to-use adapter to the application used in the enterprise, it can be developed in accordance with already established standards, thus providing the opportunity to integrate this application into the corporate IT environment as a service.

One of the main advantages of using the SOA concept is the rapid response of the information system to changes in business processes. SOA allows you to quickly and with minimal changes rebuild the system to new data manipulation schemes.

EDI2XML Offers a fully reliable SOA, API-driven Integration Solution

For over 21 years, we have been the official partner of the Global software company Magic Software Enterprises Ltd., which provides the Magic xpi integration platform. It’s a fully-trusted SOA and API-based integration platform for enterprise-level integration, business process automation, and data synchronization.

With a wide range of certified and optimized connectors and adapters, Magic xpi integrates ERP, CRM, financial and other systems, such as SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft, IBM, and many others.

Looking for Integration Solutions? Contact Us Today
Magic xpi Integration SOA platform White paper


How to Choose the Right Integration Platform?

As information technology is getting engrained into enterprise management processes, the challenges of integrating systems, data and flows are becoming increasingly important.

System integration ensures the integrity and consistency of all information in the enterprise. Avoid duplication of data entry, as well as improve the timely exchange of information between all groups of employees, departments and contractors.

The range of integration is very wide: from making two business applications talk to each other, to the creation of a single information environment within the enterprise. Integration can go beyond a company four walls. Today, the integration consists of orchestrating and integrating systems and applications of business partners along in addition to streamlining processes within an enterprise…

The complexity and relevance of integration are also highlighted by the impressive investment amounts spent on such integration projects. Independent analysts estimate that the biggest part of IT budget in large companies, is spent on integration tasks and projects. The strategic approach and the right choice of integration technology can reduce the risks and costs associated with systems integration projects.

The statistic reveals the IT functions most commonly outsourced by IT leaders worldwide. As you can see from the graph below, system integration was outsourced to 29% of respondents.
the IT functions most commonly outsourced by IT leaders worldwide

Source: Statista.com

Integration factors:

Let’s list and analyze the factors that affect integration projects:

Processes acceleration. Business development requires more and more often to change the data structures, business processes, let alone the design and user interface, which is just constantly in change.

Dispersal. Organizations are becoming increasingly large, and the challenges are increasingly complex, with logical, organizational and geographical dispersion.

Heterogeneity. In a large project, it is almost never possible to adhere to platforms and tools from one manufacturer. Many companies use different on-premise and cloud/on-demand applications such as Microsoft SharePoint, Lotus Notes, Salesforce.com, or other industry specific software and applications. Thus, you have to consider and support the features of multiple platforms.

Heredity. Inability to completely abandon the legacy system, old hardware, which, by the way, sometimes give quite good indicators of reliability and performance, but they do not easily contribute to integration.

Interactivity. Users constantly raise their expectations about the speed of system response, speed, and efficiency of information delivery. Most processes tend to perform in real time.

High load. The complexity of integration is affected by the number of users in the system, the amount of data, and the intensity of data processing.

Continuity of the work cycle. System integration and upgrades must almost always be seamless, smooth, incremental, and imperceptible to the enterprise and its customers.

Cross-system integration. Integration tasks are not limited within the company. Increasingly, enterprises need to integrate different complex solutions with partners, customers, suppliers, contractors and even with government agencies (B2G integration).

Selection of integration platform

The system integration remains a hot topic for many companies, regardless of their industry or sphere of activity. In integration, especially when it comes to complex and large-scale projects, the key issue is the choice of the optimal platform.

Loosely-Coupled Architecture

According to Wikipedia in integration loose coupling in broader distributed system design is achieved by the use of transactions, queues provided by message-oriented middleware, and interoperability standards. Four types of autonomy, which promote loose coupling, are: reference autonomy, time autonomy, format autonomy, and platform autonomy.

Generally, point-to-point integration applications become inseparable from each other, leading to risks and instability.

Therefore, it is better to focus on loosely coupled integration technologies that give the opportunity for a variety of architectural approaches and topologies ranging from the hub and spokes model to an ESB to an SOA.

Standard connectors

It is no secret, manual programming is lengthy and risky, so to avoid manual programming or custom-coded interfaces, it is better to use standard certified connectors.

Furthermore, best practices in software integration are using standard application and technology components.

Magic xpi provides and maintains components for most of the major solutions, such as Salesforce, JD Edwards, SAP, Dynamics CRM and more.

In total Magic xpi includes 100+ prebuilt components “out-of-the-box”, lots of them are certified adapters for leading IT systems. Moreover, and a Connector Builder for everything else.

Visual approach

When planning and implementing an integration project, the use of a graphical user interface which can visualize processes ensures consistency of actions and facilitates communication of all integration participants.

Easy-to-use Data Mapper

Business processes are continuously changing. Therefore, it requires constant technical changes to the configurations that should be easily implemented. In the case where integration with a third-party system, such as Salesforce.com, or another ERP or CRM system is hard-coded using the point-to-point programming method, it becomes difficult to make changes.

Magic xpi allows doing all these configuration changes in few clicks to modify the flow, or the way data is exchanged or transformed, such as adding new data fields, names, types, and sizes or even changing the way the business process works.

Independent integration technology platform

Leading integration experts recommend that system integration technology, must be platform-independent. It must integrate easily with most (if not all) software solutions and be able to interact with Web applications, mobile, or even IBM i-based applications. This applies to connectors: The integration platform should offer connectors for major IT solutions, so that they can be integrated in a platform independent manner.

Experienced Integration provider

Doing business with an experienced business partner is an additional criteria companies are looking into. An experienced integration partner that is responsive, will “add value” to a company’s projects, and becomes a backup resource to their internal staff, knowing that today companies are short in resources, and management are pushing into more integration and automation projects.

Accessible Manufacturer

It has become very common today to look for an integration technology manufacturer that is always present and backing up his software products/services. Enterprises are looking for a more human oriented technical support, and not a company who would treat its support requests as only tickets and numbers. A manufacturer who interacts with the end-user, understand his needs, supports him and build/update the software and integration platform for the real life, and not for a “virtual reality”.

Monitoring the business processes

Monitoring business processes after any integration project implementation, will allow you to monitor and manage error handling and have a visibility on performance. If interoperability is delayed, it can affect the routine of the whole enterprise.

Automatic documentation

Self-documentation of integration processes is very useful in any integration project. Inadequate documentation in integration projects may result in the loss of critical project information.

Since documentation can be a very time-consuming manual process, when an integration technology provides an automatic documentation feature based on the project flows, specialists and analysts, are much more likely to adopt and use in their integration projects.

The right integration partners

As a long-time partner of Magic Software Enterprises (a global provider of innovative end-to-end business integration and application development solutions), EDI2XML has been recommending and using Magic xpi integration platform for proven, successful integration projects.

We provide the right combination of technology, people, and processes to transform your company. Our specialists have a proven record of successfully solving various integration problems and overcoming great challenges.

Integrating CRM with business software using Magic xpi

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

More and more, companies are seeking to optimize their workflows as much as possible, by using different IT solutions.

The fact is, more software applications that are “heterogenous” are deployed on a company premises. It is common to see for example a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software, being leveraged along with different business applications and systems such as ERP (Enterprise resource planning), EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), e-commerce store and others. Companies need to optimize and improve their processes by integrating as much as possible all different apps and software solutions being used to run their day to day operations.

Before we start talking about integration, let’s have a quick overview of CRM.

What is CRM?

If you refer to Wikipedia, you find the following definition: “Customer-relationship management (CRM) is an approach to manage a company’s interaction with current and potential customers. It uses data analysis about customers’ history to improve business relationships with customers, specifically focusing on customer retention and ultimately driving sales growth”.

In other words, a CRM is a tool for managing clients and their related information, as well as a way to speed up and streamline sales processes.

CRM market

According to Statista, Global CRM software revenue increased from $ 13.93 billion in 2010 to $ 39.5 billion in 2017. The market was driven by strong software as a service (SaaS) growth.

“In 2018, CRM software revenue will continue to take the lead of all software markets and be the fastest growing software market with a growth rate of 16 percent,” said Julian Poulter, research director at Gartner.

There are a lot of companies in the CRM system market, but the four largest vendors of CRM system offerings are:

Salesforce: is a leader of the CRM software market. American developer of the CRM system, provided only the SaaS model. Technical experts mark the company as the “main players in the cloud computing market” along with Oracle, SAP, Google, Microsoft, Amazon.com

Suggested Readings: How to get more out of Salesforce with EDI Integration

SAP: is a European multinational software corporation that develops enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. SAP provide new generation of CRM tools and customer engagement solutions. SAP Hybrid solutions are more than traditional CRM software, they provide in-memory technology and Big Data insights to help companies drive contextual, personalized customer engagement in real time – across any channel or line of business.

Suggested Readings: How To Successfully Complete SAP/R3 EDI Integration Projects Using iDoc

Oracle: is an American multinational computer technology corporation. Oracle CRM is one of the leading products in the CRM market. It has a robust and intuitive interface and a variety of product lines and deployment models:

a) Oracle CRM On-Premises: is a traditional on-premises deployment where the customer needs to buy or lease his own hardware, operating systems and databases, and install a packaged Oracle CRM system on it.

b) CRM On Demand and Oracle Sales Cloud are cloud CRM solutions which are accessible over the internet and paid for by a monthly subscription fee.

Suggested Readings: Oracle JD Edwards Integration: the key to Digital Transformation

Microsoft is an American multinational technology company. One of the leading companies in the CRM space with its Microsoft Dynamics 365. Dynamics 365 platform offers companies an exceptional set of productivity tools across sales, marketing, and customer service. Microsoft Dynamics 365, is unique of its kind in the CRM marketplace, and leading the way in innovation, usability and user experience.

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

What does CRM integration mean?

Today, it is very common to see enterprises running different types of systems, to run their business. It is common for example to see a company adopting JD Edwards Enterprise one as an ERP, while at the same time, having their sales and marketing department, leveraging Salesforce.com for as their CRM software.

Natively, both branded software systems (JDE and Salesforce), do NOT connect together “out-of-the-box”. However, both of these solutions, offer an API or web service to read/write data.

Integration of a CRM with an ERP helps automate the processes, reduce human errors and maintain a better quality of data for the enterprise.

Additionally, integrating a CRM system to another ERP software, aims at creating an omnichannel (unified) system to collect data about the client from all sources: call center, store, online store, website and social networks. The company must have complete information about its client — this will make the most advantageous offers and provide the best support. Analysis of CRM systems shows that the effect of integrating CRM with other corporate applications can significantly increase company productivity.

Thanks to the integration, data into a CRM system can be visible and transferred to other applications.

Here are some use cases of integration of a CRM

Integration of CRM with the e-commerce site(s): This is very common integration, that allows to synchronize data from an eCommerce site into a CRM system. On the e-commerce site your customers can register and make orders and at the same time, customer contacts are sent from the e-commerce site to your CRM systems. Next, with these contacts, the work can be done already in the CRM system. Namely, the initial call to the customer, the appointment, the second call and so on.

Integration of CRM with accounting and finance: Most often this method is used to upload customer data to accounting programs. Back from the accounting program can be taken in CRM information about payments and receivables from customers.

Large companies that use ERP systems can integrate applications even more closely. For example, orders are initially sent from the e-commerce site to CRM and processed by sales managers, then, automatically transferred to the ERP system. In ERP, further work will be done with the customer’s order (production, logistics, etc.). The status of the order will be returned to CRM.

Benefits of CRM Integration

Integration of CRM with other business applications and systems used by the business will allow:

  • spend less time on search and exchange of information between departments;
  • reduce personnel costs;
  • reduce the risk of losing contacts and other important information about the clients;
  • see full statistics of company activity and configure the end-to-end analytics;
  • migrate workflows into a single interface;
  • reduce paperwork to the minimum;
  • configure automatic data exchange with partners and contractors — for example, a delivery service, bookkeeping outsourcing company or coalition loyalty programs;

Overcoming Integration Challenges with Magic xpi

Using the Magic xpi Integration platform, you can easily integrate enterprise-level solutions due to Magic xpi code-free, business process automation, and data synchronization solutions.

Magic xpi has pre-build, optimized and certified adaptors for most branded CRM systems such as Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, SugarCRM, and other.

Magic xpi extends the capability and usage of your CRM system. You can achieve simply and intuitively integration with your company’s business applications, like IBM i, JD Edwards, SAP, Lotus Notes, accounting, ERP, supply chain management, HRMS, logistics, and many more.

Magic xpi, using its visual and intuitive design tools, can simplify and unify the interfaces of your CRM, as well as other business systems in use, while not using any custom coding.

For learn more about Magic xpi integration platform, watch this video

Magic xpi Integration Project Lifecycle

  1. Analysis: Analyze your business processes.
  2. Design: Design and build your business processes and integration flows in the Magic xpi Studio.
  3. Connection: Quickly connect all your existing enterprise applications using Magic xpi built-in certified connectors and adaptors.
  4. Testing: Test the integration flows on simulated business processes, without Interrupting real business activity.
  5. Optimization: Before full deployment, perform risk-free optimization of your business processes and integration flows.
  6. Deployment: Deploy your new integration solution using the Magic xpi server.
  7. Monitoring: Monitor the integration of your business processes.

Click here to download our free White Paper on Magic xpi Integration Platform

The main key to the success – is digital transformation.

Change the usual workflow and introduce new technologies is not easy. Often employees are unwilling and fear of change. However, as you may already know, or have learned from this article, there are many arguments in favor of automation and integration of your business application and systems.

Moreover, if you do not engage new technologies, this does not mean that your competitors are not doing so: competition is ahead. Do not lose customers, develop faster with new technologies. Contact us today for free IT consultation.

Free CRM Intergation consultation

Efficient Salesforce and SAP Integration with Magic xpi Integration Platform

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

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

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

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

What is ERP?

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

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

SAP ERP – Overview

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

SAP ERP (SAP R/3)

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

SAP R/3 Components

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

What is CRM?

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

Salesforce CRM – Overview
Integration Salesforce

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

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

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

What is Magic xpi ?

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

Why System Integration is Important?

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

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

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

The best of both: ERP and CRM

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

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

SAP and Salesforce Integration Challenge

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

Each one of these systems, provides its own API:

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

Salesforce also provides a Web service interface.

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

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

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

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

Overcoming integration problems using Magic xpi

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

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

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

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

Read: How to Choose the Right Integration Platform?

Efficient and easy integration

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

Oracle JD Edwards and B2B eCommerce Integration for efficient online sales

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

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

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information

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

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

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

Why Choose Magic xpi for Your Business Integration Needs?

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

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

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

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

Use Cases for Magic xpi Integration Platform

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

 

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Learn More: Download the Magic xpi Integration Platform White Paper

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

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

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

 

cta_magic-xpi-white-paper

 

Salesforce integration and Magic xpi: Things you should know

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.

CRM IntegrationHelp: What is CRM?

CRM or Customer Relationship Management is a software system that allows your business to manage contacts, collaborate effectively, increase productivity & grow your business. It is based on the preservation and analysis of information to improve the marketing, service and business relations with your customers.

Why Salesforce?

Salesforce CRM is provided in a “software as a service” model (SaaS). Customers receive ready-made, ready to use CRM software application, fully serviced by the provider. Salesforce is accessible in a web-based interface on a Desktop, mobile or tablet. It is also accessible via mobile devices. This offers a great number of advantages to end-users in comparison with other traditional solutions.

When opting to Software as a service, end-users get the benefits of a reduced cost associated with the initial installation and continuous maintenance of the software.

Moreover, the SaaS model reduces to the maximum the upfront investment to acquire hardware equipments where the software should be installed, along with its continuing maintenance and support.

Add to the above, the convenience to be able to access and run the software application, from any device, browser or mobile application from anywhere in the world, since it is sitting in the cloud.

Who uses Salesforce?

Salesforce CRM is the ideal solution for small and medium businesses, as well as for large organizations. More than 150,000 customers of all sizes and various industries are connecting with their customers, partners, and employees with Salesforce’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.

Integration with Salesforce

Salesforce plays an important role within lots of companies of any size, however, it does not cover all the business processes an enterprise can have. Therefore, the enterprise will certainly have in place another software solutions (mainly ERP) deployed in the “cloud” or “on-premises”.

The ERP is mainly the main vehicle an enterprise uses to cover the main business processes (for example, inventory, pick, pack ship…); it is a very common scenario to find a company running a Salesforce instance in its Marketing and sales department, while running an Oracle JDE or SAP or Microsoft ERP, in the other departments.

The above scenario creates a delicate situation where the master data (i.e. customers, accounts, items, prospects…) are entered and maintained separately in each one of the software systems of the company, hence creating the need to “Orchestrate” and “integrate” data between all the above systems, in a safe and automatic manner.

What is Magic xpi?

Magic xpi and Salesforce IntegrationIn summary, Magic xpi is a code-free, low maintenance platform that maps your company’s data, automates your business processes and connects your apps, databases, APIs and more – all on a single platform. Magic xpi is a technology proprietary of Magic Software enterprises, a NASDAQ company, present in almost every country in the world with millions of users Worldwide.

Magic xpi certified connector for Salesforce

To soften the integration challenges and allow enterprises to orchestrate and integrate data between different dispersed systems, Magic Software (MSE) the manufacturer of “Magic xpi” integration platform, built a “Salesforce connector”.

This connector eases the integration with Salesforce by discovering the objects built within the application and allowing the user to build mapping between source and destination, visually with a simple drag and drop process, without the need for extensive development and programming skills.

Moreover, MSE went farther into certifying this connector with Salesforce themselves, to add to it the stamp and approval of Salesforce.

Salesforce API or Magic xpi?

The answer to this question is that using Magic xpi as a backend integration platform, will eliminate the need for point-to-point integration between Salesforce and any system or API.

Add to it, the agnostic nature of Magic xpi, makes any integration from Salesforce to any other system similar in nature: You always do things the same way, without any coding.

I invite my readers to click here in order to download Magic xpi product sheet, in order to know more about this great integration platform.

Improve your integration projects

If you need more information or help in determining your need in Salesforce Integration, please click on the below image to contact our integration team and feel free to request a free demonstration of Magic xpi platform integration with Salesforce.

Magic-xpi Integration Platform