In this guide, we have already described the typical methods that different software systems use to communicate with each other. Of course, there are other options beyond these:
For example, you might encounter a situation where you need to print data out as well as processing and storing them electronically. Classic examples of this include delivery notes, or labels with barcodes. This too forms part of EDI/EAI, although not in the narrowest sense of the term. The software you use should offer the option of contacting the available
printers directly (and making the data available for printing in PDF format), or should at least offer interfaces that you can use to add your own code.
Interfaces of this kind are very useful in general, as you will often encounter non-standard methods for acquiring or transmitting data. For example, your company might have some custom-developed software that doesn’t support any standard interfaces, so this would allow you to program your own solution. Professional EDI/EAI software should offer you the option of docking your own code in order to quickly establish a connection.
Make sure you obtain proper advice when choosing your EDI/EAI solution!
The EDI experts at Lobster GmbH will be happy to help (info@lobster-uk.com).