B2B Data Integration and Transformation Blog

In recent posts, we’ve discussed assessing the current state of your EDI and B2B integration capabilities, contrasted against the desired state found through business network consultation and IT alignment discussions with line of business personnel.

Blockchain has dominated headlines lately due to its role in supporting cryptocurrencies. However, blockchain has a bigger role to play, especially in the supply chain. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we conduct business.

You invested in an EDI system in order to communicate quickly and effectively with your trading partners. Now, you are hearing about APIs and how they are going to revolutionize the supply chain. Some people have said they will someday replace EDI systems, but that is unlikely, given the widespread use of EDI today.

The first step to more closely aligning your EDI capabilities with the overarching goals and objectives of your organization is to examine your current state. Once you define your strengths and weaknesses and have a clear understanding of client requirements, the business strategy, executive expectations, perceptions of IT, and the CIO's goals, you can begin visualizing your desired future state and put together an improvement plan.

The winds of technological change are blowing through the supply chain. One innovation is APIs (application program interface), code that allows software programs to communicate with each other. APIs have made headlines for their ability to enable the instant transfer of data. Some industry analysts predict they will replace the EDI system.