In today’s digital economy, businesses rarely operate in a single IT environment. Legacy systems still power critical operations, even as cloud solutions provide agility and scalability. Hybrid B2B integration bridges the gap.
But when is hybrid B2B integration the right choice?
In this article we explain the concept of hybrid B2B integration, identify the industries that benefit most from this hosting type, and explore use cases.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Why Choose Hybrid B2B Integration?
Industries that Benefit Most from Hybrid B2B Integration
Use Cases for Hybrid B2B Integration
Is Hybrid B2B Integration Right for You?
Why Hybrid? The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid B2B integration is where companies connect cloud-based applications and trading partner networks with on-premises systems. Why might an enterprise choose hybrid? Any or all of several reasons might be at work.
Mission-Critical Legacy Systems
Let’s start with the most compelling reason first. Companies have built production and supply chain management systems around on-premises applications. Obviously, they can’t easily pick up and move them to the cloud. Hybrid integration lets companies have it both ways. They can keep using critical on-premises systems while leveraging the benefits of the cloud.
Security & Compliance Considerations
Next, let’s look at industries with tight data security and compliance rules. Specifically, financial services and healthcare. To comply with the law, organizations must retain certain transactions or customer data on-premises. Organizations can deploy hybrid hosting’s cloud connectivity for processes that don’t involve sensitive customer or patient data.
Phased Cloud Migrations
Rather than migrating everything at once, hybrid integration allows companies to transition to the cloud at a controlled pace. This approach minimizes potential disruptions to production, shipping, and order-to-cash cycles.
Complex Partner Networks
Some trading partners may require on-prem EDI connections, while others prefer API-based integrations. Hybrid integration accommodates both.
Industries That Benefit Most from Hybrid B2B Integration
So hybrid integration isn’t just about IT preferences. It’s also a growth accelerator for many of Remedi’s customers. First, it allows them to maintain critical on-prem systems. At the same time, hybrid hosting lets them embrace digital transformation. Meaning they can also accommodate complex data flows. Here’s where hybrid integration plays a strategic role and solves real business challenges:
- Manufacturing
Challenge: The manufacturing sector has been slower to move fully to cloud ERP. Reasons vary. Deep system customizations, real-time production dependencies, and compliance concerns all play a role. But that doesn’t mean manufacturers are not adopting and adapting new tools. They’re using cloud-based analytics, supplier portals, and logistics platforms to streamline and modernize. As well as to increase margins and improve service.
Hybrid Solution: Thanks to hybrid hosting, a manufacturer can keep its core ERP on-prem. While at the same time integrating with cloud-based supply chain visibility tools, warehouse automation systems, and trading partner networks.
- Retail & Consumer Goods
Challenge: While it’s true that many retailers have transitioned to cloud-based ERP solutions, the story doesn’t end there. They still leverage on-prem systems to manage supply chains, warehouse ops, and legacy POS environments.
Hybrid Solution: A retailer can connect its on-prem warehouse system to cloud-based eCommerce and third-party logistics (3PL) platforms. This enables real-time inventory updates and seamless omnichannel fulfillment. Translation—the ability to serve customers via their preferred channels.
- Logistics & Transportation
Challenge: It’s true cloud-native logistics platforms are on the rise. At the same time, many transportation firms still operate on-prem legacy transportation management systems (TMS). Why? To stay on top of integration complexity and regulatory requirements.
Hybrid Solution: With hybrid integration, a logistics provider can retain its on-prem TMS for internal operations. On the other hand, hybrid lets the company integrate cloud-based carrier tracking, customs clearance, and customer-facing portals. Bottom line, they can offer real-time shipment visibility to customers and get more ROI from their legacy TMS.
Use Cases: When Businesses Choose Hybrid B2B Integration
While the industries above illustrate broad challenges, let’s look at how specific business scenarios benefit from hybrid B2B integration.
For example, a global distributor that runs its on-prem EDI infrastructure but integrates cloud-based analytics and demand forecasting to optimize supply chain decisions.
Or a medical device manufacturer that keeps regulatory-compliant order data on-prem while using cloud-based logistics integrations for seamless global shipping.
Lastly, many financial services providers maintain their core banking systems on-premises. Yet, thanks to hybrid integration, they can leverage fintech APIs in the cloud for real-time payments, fraud detection, and enhanced digital services.
Final Thoughts: Is Hybrid the Right Fit?
To be clear, hybrid B2B integration isn’t right for every enterprise. As we often say, the integration environment hosting strategy you choose must support the organization’s business needs—and objectives.
At the same time, it can be an ideal solution when these criteria are present:
- Your business relies on both legacy and modern applications
- Security, compliance, or data residency laws require on-prem storage
- You want to migrate to the cloud gradually
- Your trading partners use a mix of EDI, APIs, and other data formats
Want to explore how hybrid integration fits your business model? Let's talk.
Until then, here’s the ground we’ve covered so far in the series:
Understanding Your Integration Options: On-Premises, Cloud, Hybrid and Outsourced
When to Choose an On-Premises Integration Solution
When to Choose a Cloud Integration Solution
About Remedi
Remedi Electronic Commerce Group helps companies save time and money, provide a better customer experience, and quickly respond to new opportunities using integration and B2B ecommerce solutions built for a digitally driven economy.
