Comparison Between EDI and API

Comparison between EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and API (Application Programming Interface) in the context of B2B data exchange:

Aspect	EDI	API
Definition	A standardized method for exchanging business documents like POs, invoices, and ASNs.	A set of rules and protocols for building and interacting with software applications.
Standards	Based on globally accepted formats like X12, EDIFACT, and Tradacoms.	No strict standard; data formats like JSON or XML are commonly used.
Data Exchange	Batch processing; exchanges are scheduled and often occur at specific intervals.	Real-time data exchange, enabling instant communication and updates.
Transport Protocols	Uses protocols like AS2, SFTP, and OFTP for secure document transmission.	Typically uses HTTP/HTTPS, REST, or SOAP for communication.
Acknowledgments	Built-in acknowledgment mechanisms (e.g., X12 997, CONTRL) for tracking and error handling.	Relies on HTTP response codes or custom acknowledgment mechanisms for tracking.
Integration Speed	Often slower to implement due to mapping, standards compliance, and partner setup.	Faster to implement, especially for modern systems with APIs readily available.
Flexibility	Less flexible; rigid standards make changes or customizations complex.	Highly flexible; easier to customize and adapt to specific business needs.
Scalability	Scalable but requires significant effort for onboarding new trading partners.	Highly scalable, with rapid partner onboarding via APIs.
Real-Time Capability	Limited real-time support; primarily suited for batch processing.	Ideal for real-time communication and updates.
Error Handling	Strong error-handling capabilities built into standards like X12 or EDIFACT.	Depends on API design; often relies on developer implementation for error handling.
Cost	Typically high due to licensing, infrastructure, and implementation.	Lower initial cost; cloud APIs reduce infrastructure and maintenance expenses.
Use Cases	High-volume, standardized transactions like orders, invoices, and logistics data.	Dynamic interactions like inventory checks, order status updates, or custom integrations.

When to Use EDI:

• You work in industries with strict standards (e.g., retail, healthcare, logistics).
• Your business processes involve high-volume, standardized transactions.
• Batch processing meets your operational needs.

When to Use APIs:

• You need real-time communication for dynamic or ad-hoc requests.
• Flexibility and customization are key to your business model.
• You're integrating modern systems like e-commerce platforms or cloud-based services.

Hybrid Approach:

Many businesses now combine EDI and API to leverage the strengths of both. EDI is used for standardized transactions, while APIs handle real-time data updates and dynamic interactions.

 

Comparison Between AS2 and HTTPS

AS2 (Applicability Statement 2): AS2 is a secure communication protocol used to exchange EDI and other business data over the internet. It ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and non-repudiation using encryption, digital signatures, and MDNs (Message Disposition Notifications). AS2 is widely adopted in industries requiring reliable and secure data exchange, such as retail and healthcare.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, using SSL/TLS encryption to protect data during transmission. It ensures data confidentiality, integrity, and server authentication, operating on port 443. It is widely used for secure transactions like online banking and e-commerce.

Comparison: AS2 vs HTTPS

Feature	AS2	HTTPS
Purpose	Built specifically for secure EDI transactions and B2B communications.	Used for general secure web communications, including APIs and some EDI data transfers.
Data Exchange	Provides end-to-end encryption, digital signatures, and compression for EDI documents.	Ensures secure data transmission but lacks built-in EDI-specific features like signatures or compression.
Acknowledgments	Supports MDN (Message Disposition Notification) for delivery confirmation and non-repudiation.	Does not natively support acknowledgments; additional mechanisms are needed for delivery confirmation.
Integration with EDI	Tailored for EDI standards like X12, EDIFACT, and VDA, supporting compliance with trading partner requirements.	Can be used for transmitting EDI documents but without the EDI-specific enhancements of AS2.
Compliance	Widely used in industries requiring strict standards (e.g., retail, healthcare).	Less commonly used for EDI, more for general web-based or API-driven data exchanges.
Protocol	Operates on top of HTTP/S but adds EDI-focused functionalities like signing, encryption, and MDNs.	Uses SSL/TLS for encryption but lacks EDI-specific extensions like AS2’s non-repudiation features.
Use Cases	Preferred for high-security B2B EDI transactions (e.g., retailer-supplier, healthcare networks).	Suitable for less specialized EDI or API-based integrations.

Summary Note:

• AS2 is purpose-built for EDI with features like MDNs and compliance with trading partner mandates.
• HTTPS is more generic and lacks the specialized capabilities required for seamless EDI integration.

 

Comparison Between HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP is a protocol used for transferring data over the web. It is not encrypted, making it insecure for transmitting sensitive information. It operates on port 80 and is suitable for non-sensitive communications.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, using SSL/TLS encryption to protect data during transmission. It ensures data confidentiality, integrity, and server authentication, operating on port 443. It is widely used for secure transactions like online banking and e-commerce.

Comparison: HTTP vs HTTPS

Aspect	HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)	HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
Security	No encryption; data transmitted in plain text.	Encrypted using SSL/TLS to protect data.
Port	Default port is 80.	Default port is 443.
Encryption	No encryption is applied to the communication.	Encrypts the communication, ensuring confidentiality.
Data Integrity	Susceptible to tampering and interception by attackers.	Ensures data integrity and protects against tampering.
Authentication	No authentication mechanism.	Uses certificates to authenticate the server.
Use Cases	Suitable for non-sensitive data or internal networks.	Preferred for sensitive data like banking, e-commerce.
Trust Indicator	No padlock icon in browsers; flagged as "Not Secure."	Displays a padlock icon in browsers for secure sites.

Key Difference: HTTPS provides secure, encrypted communication, while HTTP does not. HTTPS is the standard for modern web applications handling sensitive data.

 

Comparison Between FTPS and SFTP

FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure): An extension of FTP that adds encryption and authentication through SSL/TLS. It uses multiple ports, making firewall configuration more complex. Commonly used in legacy systems requiring encrypted file transfers.

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): A file transfer protocol based on SSH, offering secure authentication and encryption. It uses a single port (default 22), making it easier to configure and more secure for modern applications.

Comparison: FTPS vs SFTP

Feature	FTPS	SFTP
Protocol Base	FTP with SSL/TLS encryption.	Built on SSH (Secure Shell).
Encryption	Uses SSL/TLS for encryption and authentication.	Uses SSH for encryption and authentication.
Port Usage	Requires multiple ports (e.g., 21 for control, dynamic ports for data).	Single port (default is 22).
Authentication	Certificate-based (server certificates, optionally client certificates).	Password-based or SSH key-based authentication.
Firewall Compatibility	More challenging due to multiple ports.	Easier due to single-port operation.
Data Integrity	Ensured through SSL/TLS.	Ensured through SSH encryption.
Ease of Setup	Requires managing SSL certificates.	Requires setting up SSH keys or credentials.
Usage	Common in legacy systems or when SSL/TLS certificates are already in place.	Preferred for modern secure environments and ease of configuration.
Logging and Debugging	Can be harder due to complex port requirements.	Simpler due to single-port communication.
Security	Strong, but dependent on proper certificate setup.	Strong and widely trusted for secure file transfers.

Summary Note:

• Choose FTPS if your infrastructure already supports FTP and SSL/TLS.
• Choose SFTP if you want simpler configuration, stronger security by default, and easier firewall traversal.

 

Comparison Between FTP and FTPS

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A standard protocol for transferring files between a client and a server over the internet, but it lacks built-in security as data is transferred in plain text.

FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure): An enhanced version of FTP that uses SSL/TLS encryption to secure file transfers, protecting credentials and data from interception.

Different Hierarchical Level (HL) Segment in the Shipment

In the X12 856 Advance Ship Notice (ASN), the HL (Hierarchical Level) segment is used to represent different levels in the shipment hierarchy. 

These levels define the structure and details of the shipment, allowing for a clear representation of how goods are packaged and shipped.

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Common HL Levels in X12 856

HL Code (HL03)	Description	Purpose
S	Shipment	Represents the entire shipment. Includes details like carrier and shipping date.
O	Order	Represents the order within the shipment. Includes details like PO number.
P	Packaging	Represents individual packaging units (e.g., cartons or containers).
T	Tare	Represents intermediate packaging, such as pallets or crates.
I	Item	Represents individual items or SKUs within a packaging unit.

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HL Levels Explained

1. Shipment Level (HL03 = S)
• Purpose: Top-level segment for the overall shipment.
• Associated Segments:
• BSN: Shipment identification.
• TD1/TD5: Carrier and transportation details.
• DTM: Ship date/time.

Example:

HL*1**S~

TD1*PLT94*2~         --> 2 Pallets in the Shipment

TD5*2*UPS*G*Ground~

DTM*011*20240101~

2. Order Level (HL03 = O)
• Purpose: Represents an individual purchase order within the shipment.
• Associated Segments:
• PRF: Purchase order details.
• REF: Additional references (e.g., contract numbers).

Example:

HL*2*1*O~

PRF*123456~          --> PO Number

3. Packaging Level (HL03 = P)
• Purpose: Represents packaging units, such as cartons or containers.
• Associated Segments:
• TD1: Packaging type and quantity.
• MAN: Package identification (e.g., carton label).

Example:

HL*3*2*P~

TD1*CTN25*10~        --> 10 Cartons

MAN*GM*CTN123456~

4. Tare Level (HL03 = T)
• Purpose: Represents an intermediate packaging unit, such as a pallet or crate.
• Associated Segments:
• TD1: Tare packaging type.
• MAN: Tare label (e.g., pallet label).

Example:

HL*4*3*T~

MAN*GM*PLT123456~

5. Item Level (HL03 = I)
• Purpose: Represents individual items or SKUs.
• Associated Segments:
• LIN: Item identification (e.g., UPC or part number).
• SN1: Quantity details.

Example:

HL*5*4*I~

LIN**UP*012345678901~

SN1**50*EA~

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HL Hierarchy Examples

Simple Hierarchy: Shipment → Order → Item

HL*1**S~

TD1*PLT94*1~

HL*2*1*O~

PRF*123456~

HL*3*2*I~

LIN**UP*012345678901~

SN1**100*EA~

Complex Hierarchy: Shipment → Packaging → Tare → Item

HL*1**S~

TD1*PLT94*1~

HL*2*1*P~

TD1*CTN25*10~

HL*3*2*T~

MAN*GM*PLT123456~

HL*4*3*I~

LIN**UP*012345678901~

SN1**50*EA~

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Best Practices for HL Levels

1. Understand Trading Partner Requirements: Ensure the HL structure matches your partner's EDI specifications.
2. Maintain Proper Parent-Child Relationships: Validate the hierarchy to prevent mismatched or skipped levels.
3. Use Unique HL Identifiers: The HL01 (hierarchical ID) must be unique within the document.

These HL levels provide flexibility to model various shipment structures, ensuring accurate representation of complex shipping scenarios in the ASN.

 

Different Line Item Status Codes in Acknowledgment (ACK) Segment

The ACK segment in an X12 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment is used to indicate the status of specific line items in the purchase order. 

It communicates whether the supplier accepts, rejects, or modifies the requested items in the original purchase order (850).

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Structure of the ACK Segment

• Purpose: Provides acknowledgment status codes, quantities, and other relevant details for a line item.
• Position: The ACK segment is typically found within the detail loop in the 855 transaction.

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ACK Segment Example

ACK*IA*100*EA***068*20231231~

Explanation:

1. ACK01 (Element 668) - Line Item Status Code
   Indicates the status of the line item.
2. ACK02 (Element 380) - Quantity
   The quantity acknowledged by the supplier.
3. ACK03 (Element 355) - Unit of Measurement
   Unit of measurement for the quantity (e.g., EA = Each, CA = Case).
4. ACK04 to ACK05 (Optional) - Price or Date References
   Provides additional data, such as unit price or expected shipping/delivery date.
5. ACK06 (Element 374) - Reference Number Qualifier
   Qualifier indicating what type of reference is provided.
6. ACK07 (Element 373) - Date
   Date relevant to the acknowledgment (e.g., delivery date).

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ACK01 (Line Item Status Code) Values

Below are the most common ACK01 codes and their meanings:

Code	Description
IA	Item Accepted
IB	Item Backordered
IC	Item Accepted - Changes Made
ID	Item Deleted
IE	Item Accepted - Price Changed
IF	Item Accepted - Quantity Changed
IH	Item on Hold
IP	Item Accepted - Pending
IR	Item Rejected
IS	Item Accepted - Substitution Made
IQ	Item Accepted - Quantity and Price Changed

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Key Notes

1. Multiplicity: Each ACK segment corresponds to a single line item in the purchase order.
2. Usage: The buyer uses the ACK segment data to understand the supplier's response to the order, such as:
• Whether the requested items are fully available.
• Changes to price, quantity, or delivery dates.
• Items that are backordered, substituted, or rejected.
3. Flexibility: Additional fields in the ACK segment can specify dates, reasons for changes, or other context.

 

Commonly Used Codes in BEG (Beginning Segment for Purchase Order)

Structure of the BEG Segment:

BEG*00*BE*123456789*20231221*PO~

BEG02: Purchase Order Type Code

• Position: BEG02
• Type: ID
• Length: Minimum 2 / Maximum 2
• Purpose: Indicates the type of purchase order.

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Commonly Used Codes in BEG02:

Code	Description
00	Original
01	Cancellation
04	Change
05	Replace
NE	New Order
SA	Stand-alone Order
RL	Release Against Master Contract
DR	Direct Ship
DS	Drop Shipment

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Example:

Original Purchase Order:

BEG*00*NE*123456789*20231221*PO~

• BEG02 = NE indicates a New Order.

Change Order:

BEG*04*NE*987654321*20231222*PO~

• BEG02 = 04 indicates a Change Order.

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Key Notes:

• The BEG02 element directly impacts downstream systems to process the order appropriately.
• It ensures clear communication of the purchase order intent, such as a new order, a change, or a cancellation.