EDI, API & FTP Integration Support
Integration programs don't fail because the technology is inadequate. They fail because data mapping is incomplete, error handling is weak, trading partner coordination is poor, and organizations pick the wrong transmission method for their needs.
EDI, API, and FTP represent three fundamentally different approaches to systems integration. Each has strengths,
limitations, and ideal use cases. The challenge isn't picking one and abandoning the others. It's understanding
when to use each, how to transition between them, and how to maintain hybrid integration architectures that leverage
the right tool for each trading partner and data flow.
BaszGroup supports organizations through integration strategy, implementation, partner onboarding, and recovery
when integrations fail or don't scale.
EDI vs. API vs. FTP: Core Differences
EDI
Electronic Data Interchange
Standardized document exchange using formats like X12 (North America) and EDIFACT (international). Batch-oriented, industry-specific, compliance-ready.
- Common docs: 850 (PO), 856 (ASN), 810 (Invoice), 214 (Shipment Status)
- Transport: VAN, AS2, SFTP
- Legacy but still dominant in retail, logistics, manufacturing
API
Application Programming Interface
Real-time, event-driven integration using REST, SOAP, or GraphQL architectures. Modern, flexible, developer-friendly.
- Data formats: JSON, XML
- Real-time inventory, order status, tracking updates
- Required for marketplaces (Amazon, Shopify, Walmart)
FTP/SFTP
File Transfer Protocol
File-based transfer, typically CSV or flat files. Simple, universally supported, but manual and prone to errors.
- Common for legacy system compatibility
- Bulk data transfer (product catalogs, inventory feeds)
- SFTP adds encryption for security
Which Technology Fits Your Needs?
| Criteria | EDI | API | FTP/SFTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed & Latency | |||
| Standardization | |||
| Complexity | |||
| Cost to Implement | |||
| Ongoing Maintenance | |||
| Error Handling | |||
| Audit Trail | |||
| Scalability | |||
| Trading Partner Adoption | |||
| Data Validation |
When to Use Each Technology
Trading Partner Mandates or Compliance is Required
- Large retailers (Walmart, Target, Kroger) mandate EDI
- Automotive, aerospace, defense require AIAG or SPEC2000
- Healthcare and pharma require HIPAA-compliant EDI
- Audit trail and compliance documentation are critical
- Batch processing is acceptable (orders, invoices, ASNs)
Real-Time Visibility or Marketplace Integration is Needed
- Marketplaces (Amazon, Shopify, Walmart) require API connections
- Real-time inventory visibility is critical to prevent overselling
- Customer order status and tracking updates must be instant
- Omnichannel orchestration requires real-time coordination
- Modern SaaS platforms only support API integration
Legacy Compatibility or Bulk Transfer is the Priority
- Legacy systems don't support EDI or API connectivity
- Large file transfers (product catalogs, images, reports)
- Internal integrations between on-premise systems
- Budget constraints prevent EDI or API investment
- Trading partner can only receive flat files
Most Organizations Need Multiple Technologies
- EDI for retailer compliance (850, 856, 810)
- API for marketplace integration and real-time inventory
- FTP/SFTP for legacy supplier connections and bulk data
- Integration platform (iPaaS) to manage all three
- Phased migration strategy from FTP → EDI/API over time
The Shift Toward API-First Integration
**Marketplace Pressure:** Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and other major marketplaces have standardized on API-first
integration. EDI is still required for traditional retail, but ecommerce and DTC channels demand real-time API
connectivity. Organizations that operate across both channels need hybrid strategies.
**EDI's Evolution:** EDI isn't going away. It's evolving. Modern EDI platforms now support API transport (EDI-as-a-Service),
JSON-based EDI formats, and cloud-native architecture. The future is EDI content (standardized documents) delivered
via API transport (real-time, flexible).
**FTP's Decline:** FTP is being retired in favor of SFTP or API wherever possible due to security concerns and
automation needs. Organizations still using FTP are under pressure to upgrade.
Future Trends to Watch
- **API-based EDI:** EDI documents (850, 856) transmitted via REST API instead of VAN or AS2
- **iPaaS adoption:** Integration platforms (MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, Jitterbit) managing all connection types
- **Event-driven architecture:** Real-time event streaming replacing batch file exchange
- **Blockchain for supply chain:** Distributed ledgers for traceability and compliance
- **AI-powered mapping:** Automated data mapping and transformation reducing manual effort
- **Standardization efforts:** GS1 standards and EPCIS for global supply chain visibility
Need Help Choosing the Right Integration Strategy?
We help organizations evaluate technology options, design hybrid integration architectures, and execute migration strategies.
Where Integration Programs Break
Data mapping is incomplete or incorrect
- Field definitions don't match between systems, causing translation errors
- UOM conversions, currency, and date formats are misconfigured
- Required fields are missing or mapped to wrong source data
- Custom fields and extensions aren't documented or mapped
- Conditional logic (if/then rules) breaks under edge cases
Error handling and monitoring are reactive, not proactive
- Failed transactions aren't detected until trading partners complain
- Error logs are buried and not monitored in real time
- Retry logic doesn't exist, so failures require manual reprocessing
- No clear escalation path when integrations break
- Trading partner communication workflows for errors aren't defined
Trading partner onboarding is slow and manual
- Each new partner requires custom development and testing
- Testing cycles drag because partners aren't engaged early
- Compliance requirements (EDI testing, certification) are underestimated
- Production cutover creates order disruption because parallel testing didn't happen
- Documentation of partner-specific rules and exceptions is missing
Integration architecture doesn't scale
- Point-to-point connections multiply, creating maintenance nightmares
- No centralized integration layer or iPaaS platform
- Each system integration is custom-coded instead of configured
- Volume spikes (promotions, peak season) cause performance degradation
- Adding new partners or systems requires starting from scratch
Security and compliance gaps create risk
- FTP connections aren't encrypted, exposing sensitive data
- API authentication and token management are weak
- Audit trails for data exchange are incomplete or inaccessible
- PCI, HIPAA, or GDPR compliance requirements aren't enforced
- Trading partner access controls aren't reviewed or updated
Technology transitions are poorly planned
- Moving from FTP to EDI or API requires parallel operations that aren't managed
- Trading partners aren't engaged early in migration planning
- Cutover timing disrupts business (month-end, peak season)
- Rollback plan doesn't exist, so failures become crises
- Legacy connections aren't decommissioned cleanly, creating maintenance burden
Measurable Success in Integration Programs
- Trading partner onboarding time reduces from months to weeks
- Transaction success rates improve to 99%+
- Error detection and resolution times decrease significantly
- Integration monitoring becomes proactive with real-time alerts
- Manual intervention for routine transactions is eliminated
- Audit trails and compliance documentation are automated
- FTP connections are replaced with SFTP or API for security
- Hybrid integration architecture supports EDI, API, and legacy systems
- iPaaS platform centralizes integration management
- Technology transitions (FTP to API, EDI upgrades) execute cleanly
- Trading partner communication and coordination improve
- Integration becomes an enabler, not a bottleneck
Where We Engage
We support EDI, API, and FTP integration programs from strategy through execution and recovery. Our focus is technology selection, data mapping accuracy, trading partner coordination, error handling, and migration planning. We help organizations move from fragile, manual integrations to scalable, reliable connectivity.
Integration Strategy and Technology Selection
Assess current state, evaluate EDI vs. API vs. FTP fit, design hybrid architecture, iPaaS platform selection, and roadmap development for phased migration.
Trading Partner Onboarding and Testing
Data mapping design, partner communication planning, testing strategy, compliance validation (EDI certification, API security), and cutover execution.
Migration and Technology Transition
FTP to SFTP/API migration, EDI platform upgrades, legacy decommissioning, parallel operations governance, and trading partner cutover coordination.
Program Recovery and Stabilization
For integration programs that are failing or stuck. Root-cause assessment, data mapping corrections, error handling improvements, monitoring implementation, and partner issue resolution.
Learn More About Our Integration Services
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Let's Build Reliable Connectivity
Whether you're choosing between EDI, API, and FTP, migrating technologies, or recovering from integration failures, we can help.