B2B Data Integration and Transformation Blog

The ability to advance B2B integration strategies and capabilities is a top priority for many IT leaders. With the explosion of the number of electronic B2B integrations, they recognize that focusing their infrastructure around integration, modernization, and transparent communication across their business network is essential to the growth and scalability of the organization. In this infographic, we discuss:

• The growth of B2B Integration requirements in the marketplace
• Benefits of enhancing your integration competency
• Customer and executive expectations
• Steps to advance your integration maturity and capabilities

Check it out!

It makes sense to tackle large projects in-house and culturally this approach is often the only way IT projects get completed in some organizations. These DIY situations might include bench marking your B2B integration capabilities or considering new integration delivery mechanisms. At times it sounds daunting to some firms, but it is doable.

However, just because you are taking the DIY approach does not mean you have to handle every single aspect of an initiative on your own. There are certain challenges that might arise which require outside help. Read on to learn when it makes sense to take on a B2B integration project on your own, when to ask for help, and to whom you should turn.

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.

What is your core business? Maybe it is manufacturing, or perhaps you are in retail. Whatever the answer is, it is most likely not B2B integration. That is okay. Unless you specialize in B2B integration, no one expects you to successfully complete a B2B integration project on your own (especially if you have never undertaken one before). 

B2B integration maturity is not something you achieve overnight. There are stages that you pass through that bring you closer to your goal.