Issue link: https://axway.uberflip.com/i/991661
axway.com 5 B2B EDI B2B APIs Business Attributes Partner-oriented Application-oriented and user-oriented Industry standards based Technical standards based Business application friendly Mobile device friendly Medium length deployment Fast deployment Standardized message formats (orders, invoices, shipment notices) driven mainly by standards bodies Ad hoc message formats. EDI formats can be used for basic implementations. Driven mainly by the service implementer System of records System of engagement Partner onboarding requires a technical and business workflow Partner onboarding is typically simpler Services are well defined and don't regularly evolve Services are defined by APIs and require full life-cycle management Business agreements are often required Usage conditions are defined unilaterally by APIs SLAs are commonplace SLAs are not top of mind Used for order-to-cash and similar supply chain cycles, as well as multi-chain interoperability Used for data and service exposure Value is in efficiency in partner relations Value is in both partner relationship and service monetization Owned by supply chain and IT departments Owned by Chief Digital Officer and IT departments Enterprises won't be able to sustain two different channel silos indefinitely, and they can't just replace one with the other. But EDI and API can operate under one centralized B2B flow governance, making the whole much greater than the sum of the parts. The advantages are game changing. • Economies of scale. For implementing B2B interactions and deeper insight into the technical aspects of data integration, transaction delivery and process integration (such as consolidating, tracking, storing and auditing files, messages, process events, acknowledgments, receipts, errors and exceptions). • Central repository. For endpoint profiles and processes (valuable when dealing with large numbers of external business partners, and when multiple business units interact with the same partners or provision partners with similar processes). • Consistent support. For various data formats, mappings, transports and communication protocols, and security standards. • Enhanced partner community interactions. By enabling APIs that offer a streamlined alternative to sending electronic data interchange (EDI) documents. API and EDI provide the ability to innovate and generate new applications and services for their customers. There are two methods that can help you achieve digital B2B integration with EDI and API. Choosing the right approach depends on your industry, legacy platforms, and the nature and evolution of your business. • API-enabled EDI solution. Using APIs to open the EDI, allowing access to B2B services via other applications, portals and mobile apps. • Interoperable EDI and API gateways. Applying a combination of EDI and APIs to the same business transaction. For example, ordering an item using EDI, and then tracking the shipment using API. Both methods offer centralized visibility and control over your digital B2B integration strategy.