Keeping B2B integration running smoothly takes time, expertise, and constant monitoring. But not every company has the resources to manage their EDI system and B2B integrations in-house. That’s where managed services come in.
But when is managed integration the right choice? Below, we’ll cover what managed integration is, the industries that benefit most from it, and real-world examples.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What is Managed B2B Integration?
Why Businesses Choose Managed B2B Integration
Use Cases for Managed B2B Integration
Does Managed B2B Integration Make Sense for You?
What Is Managed B2B Integration?
Managed integration services provide outsourced expertise and support for EDI, APIs, and other business-to-business connections. Instead of handling everything in-house, companies partner with an external team to keep their integrations running.
A managed B2B integration services provider takes care of your EDI and system connections and assigns a specialist or a team of specialists to your account. The assigned specialists handle day-to-day operations, error resolution, and partner compliance.
However, not all managed services work the same way:
- Some require full migration to a proprietary platform (vendor lock-in)
- Some assign dedicated resources; others will assign them based on availability
- Others, like Remedi’s solution-agnostic approach, let companies keep their existing solution while getting expert support
It’s important to understand the types of managed services available for EDI and B2B integration. With so many options to choose from, selecting the right partner can be tricky. This is why we advise new clients to begin by assessing the needs of their business and trading partners.
To help get you started, let’s review the needs we’ve seen in our work with clients.
Why Businesses Choose Managed B2B Integration
Companies use managed integration services when they:
Lack in-house expertise. EDI and B2B integration requires specialists. Critical as EDI and B2B data systems are, many companies don’t have full-time resources they can devote to managing them.
Want predictable costs. In-house integration means staffing, training, software updates (for on-prem systems), and troubleshooting. Managed services offer a fixed cost model instead.
Need scalability. Business growth means more trading partners, new data formats (EDI to API), and compliance updates. Managed services help organization handle the complexity that comes with growth.
Prefer a hands-off approach. Some companies just want integration to work without constant monitoring or issue resolution.
Industries That Benefit Most from Managed Integration
Some industries have high transaction volumes, strict compliance rules, or trading partners with complex needs. Let’s look at industries where managed services can be an ideal fit.
- Retail & eCommerce
Retailers send and receive thousands of orders, invoices, and shipments daily. They must comply with EDI rules set by big-box retailers, marketplaces, and suppliers. Managed integration services ensure:
- The business complies with retail partner standards
- Reliable EDI/API connections to suppliers and warehouses
- Prompt, accurate error handling and issue resolution
- Logistics & Transportation
Shippers and carriers exchange real-time shipment updates, customs documents, and carrier data. They also use a mix of EDI, APIs, and legacy file formats, all of which can complicate integration. Managed integration services ensure:
- Legacy systems can connect with modern cloud-based logistics tools
- Real-time data sharing across partners
- Reduced compliance risks in cross-border shipping
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
Hospitals, insurers, and suppliers must follow strict data regulations (HIPAA, HL7, etc.) while sharing sensitive patient and billing information. Managed integration services ensure:
- They keep transactions secure and compliant
- Reliable, accurate data exchange with insurers, providers, and suppliers
- Prompt, thorough partner onboarding
Use Cases: When Businesses Choose Managed Services
Beyond industries, here’s where companies leverage managed integration services to keep operations humming:
A global consumer goods company needs to onboard hundreds of suppliers each year but lacks in-house expertise. A managed service sets up and maintains trading partner connections.
A third-party logistics (3PL) provider integrates with multiple shipping carriers and eCommerce platforms. They use managed services to monitor and maintain connections without hiring more staff.
A mid-size manufacturer wants to move some processes to the cloud but still relies on on-prem ERP. They use managed services to transition smoothly without disrupting trading partners.
A healthcare supplier must process EDI transactions securely but doesn’t have a compliance team. A managed service ensures error-free, regulation-compliant data exchange.
Final Thoughts: Is Managed Integration Right for You?
Managed integration services can be a good strategic fit when:
- Your team lacks in-house expertise or bandwidth
- You want predictable costs rather than fluctuating IT expenses
- Your business needs scalable integration without adding staff
- You want seamless partner connectivity without managing the backend task list
For many companies, managed services aren’t just an alternative—they’re the best way to ensure reliable, scalable, and compliant B2B integration.
Want to explore how managed integration fits your business model? Let’s talk.
Here are additional blogs in this 5 part series:
When to Choose an On-Premises Solution
When to Choose a Hosted Solution
