Technology has fundamentally changed data exchange between businesses. Beyond supporting the growth of B2B transactions, the expectation has grown for fast, secure exchanges. This begs the question: Can your EDI ecosystem meet these growing demands?
To futureproof their B2B operations, businesses need an EDI ecosystem that is built for agility and supports proactive measures. Here, we'll look at three key areas of integration that support a modern B2B ecosystem, including critical questions to ask on each front. The answers will help you better understand if you're ready to overcome challenges before they impact your business.
Let's talk API innovation
When businesses can exchange real-time data via APIs, it opens the door to more seamless connections with trading partners. With this streamlined connectivity comes opportunities to enter new markets and increase revenue. At the same time, API data exchange helps tackle modern integration challenges.
Consider these three variables as they relate to your EDI ecosystem:
01 Is it easy to transform data into the preferred structure?
When someone sends a raw file through your EDI ecosystem, data transformation should be flexible and efficient. Ideally, through mapping, the file would be automatically converted into a JSON structure to carry out a REST API.
02 Are different authentication methods supported?
Different partners demand the use of various authentication methods. The more protocols your EDI ecosystem support, the better equipped you are to support your trading partners' security preferences and requirements.
03 Are responses automatically generated from the back end?
Amid increasing B2B transaction volumes and complexity, the generation of automated responses minimizes dependencies on manual interventions. Improved operational efficiency creates a more scalable infrastructure.
Let's talk business processes
While APIs are integral to B2B transactions, the same applies to EDI across various communities. A B2B ecosystem should support each of these communication channels in an integrated manner. That way, businesses can enforce standardization across their infrastructure and reduce redundancies.
Consider these three variables as they relate to your EDI ecosystem:
04 Are the latest industry protocols supported on both ends?
Partners may want to connect with you using many protocols, from AS2 to OFTP. With an EDI ecosystem that supports connectivity across a wide range of updated industry protocols, you can securely communicate with partners.
05 Do you have the ability to map virtually any document?
Being ready to exchange documents in a myriad of formats is critical to adapting to the needs of current partners while accomodating new ones. Access to a vast library of EDI and API JSON formats supports this need.
06 Do you have a centralized way to manage your partners?
When bridging the gap between EDI and APIs, centralized partner management reduces complexity. A single control point over your B2B ecosystem simplifies partner onboarding and monitoring.
Let's talk monitoring and resiliency
To reduce the risks associated with B2B transactions, busineses need end-to-end visibility of their EDI ecosystem. A detailed view of every B2B communication makes it easier to resolve issues and respond to partners faster. Alongside operational efficiencies, businesses also access strategic insights to plan for the future.
Consider these four variables as they relate to your EDI ecosystem:
07 Is complete visibility available through a single pane of glass?
Finding and reviewing information related to internal and external B2B transactions shouldn't mean toggling between systems. A B2B ecosystem should consolidate this data into a comprehensive, easy-to-digest business view.
08 Can you see beyond file movement activity and into business processes?
While you need end-to-end visibility at the transaction level, the same rule of thumb applies to business processes. Correlating processed transactions with your business flows makes it easier to identify and rectify issues before they lead to downstream problems.
09 Do you have access to comprehensive event data?
Ideally, an EDI ecosystem should automatically capture granular transaction details — from whether an invoice is sent to if a payment is received. You should also be able to see variables like daily file transfer volumes, file transfer status for the past 30 days, and top partners in your supply chain.
10 Are there opportunities to integrate this data with existing tools?
Having the ability to send out B2B transaction data to your existing analytics platforms is beneficial. It's an opportunity to create an even more unified view of your business operations and improve collaboration across teams and functions.
See how Axway B2B Integration helps modernize your EDI ecosystem with three real-world use cases.
