Among other things, the integration had to connect systems that communicate by exchanging EDI-formatted files with a cloud ERP system that doesn't support EDI.
Our goal was therefore to create an integration structure that:

• Contains precise transformation logic between EDI standards and REST API services
• Is robust with regard to the volume of data processed
• Is easy to monitor, because the client's vision is to manage global integrations within a single team without creating a negative customer experience from potential technical issues in processing and delivering their orders

A client that delivers goods globally usually communicates across several continents. Each location may use a completely different EDI standard (ANSI X12, EDIFACT), and standards can also vary by industry. This requires excellent knowledge of both the specific standards and the systems and processes that use them within each company.

If the new ERP system is used globally, a single type of record exchange may need to be integrated through several different processes with completely different transformation (mapping) logic.

Another major challenge was the client's sales to end customers through retail marketplaces.

In this case, we clearly advised the client against developing the entire integration script and running it, for example, in the ERP application runtime, or choosing an integration platform that doesn't support EDI standards. Such a solution would be technically feasible, but it makes the development phase highly demanding in terms of expertise and time.

We approached several integration platform vendors on the client's behalf, having first verified their compatibility with EDI transformations. The client chose Boomi, mainly because messaging is available directly in the platform without the need to implement another solution.

The solution we built for the client on Boomi consists of direct communication with the systems of its B2B customers and B2C intermediaries (online marketplaces, retail chains) about their orders, which are recorded in the ERP. The ERP in turn communicates with warehouses in several countries and with 3PL companies. All endpoint applications require communication via the EDIFACT standard, and Boomi fully handles this communication not only technically but also orchestrates the whole process in time so that each phase follows on correctly.