4 Benefits of Technology Integrations (API/EDI) in Logistics & How Delmar Connect™ Can Help

Constantly emailing and calling people to collect information and documentation regarding your supply chain to simply enter it into your own systems is costly and time consuming.  

Application programming interface (API) and electronic data interchange (EDI) are two common technology integration methods in the logistics landscape. These let you integrate with your freight forwarder, customs broker and other supply chain partners to allow efficient transfer of data between systems.  

EDI has been around for decades and is still widely used today thanks to internationally recognized standards. EDI codes such as 315 (Status Update), 210 (Invoice), 856 (Advanced Ship Notice) are widely recognized across the globe, which helps ensure consistency across different systems and partners.  

APIs are rules that enable applications to communicate, allowing real-time data requests between systems. They are quickly becoming the preferred method for exchanging simple, recurring data (i.e., event milestones from container pickup to return, documents, etc.) due to their real-time capabilities, simplicity and cost-effectiveness to implement compared to EDI. 

 

4 Benefits of API/EDI Integration in Logistics 

1. Improve efficiency: Chasing down information from multiple partner systems only to then reenter that same data into your own systems is time consuming and prone to error. Integrations eliminate this problem.
2. Better visibility: Data, documents (i.e., BOL, invoices, PODs, packing lists, commercial invoices, etc.), and more, are delivered in real-time to your systems. You no longer have to request this information and it is stored where you need it.
3. Increase compliance: Integrations greatly improve access to timely and accurate data required for customs, security and other regulatory obligations. Delays of just a few hours or minor clerical errors can result in significant penalties. 
4. Reduce costs: When clerical errors and redundant time-consuming tasks can mostly be eliminated, penalties can be avoided, and more time can be allocated to value-added tasks for your organization. 

 

About Delmar Connect™  

Delmar Connect™ is our suite of data integration tools and services, offering a robust suite of self-serve as well as custom integration solutions that can be tailored to any need within a supply chain. 

Through the Delmar Connect™ portal, you can access: 

• APIs: Available for some of the most common integration requirements (i.e., events, documents, purchase orders, etc.). Connect with us in no time as they are completely self-serve, for little to no cost. 

• EDI: Review our library of standard EDI specifications for more robust integration requirements. 

• Custom solutions: Don’t see what you are looking for? Get in touch with our specialists and we will gladly work with your team to develop custom solutions to meet the most complex requirements. 

The Delmar Advantage 

In-House Expertise 

Delmar Connect™ is managed in-house by our forward-thinking technology and industry experts. We do not depend on third-party vendors or consultants to deliver solutions. As a result, our team works directly with you to design, develop, launch and troubleshoot with maximum agility.  

Secure Data Exchange 

We use reliable and safe data exchange practices, using strong data encryption, firewalls and more, to ensure the highest degree of security for you and for Delmar.  

 

Connect with one of our specialists to learn more about Delmar Connect™.