Application Programming Interface

Most modern integrations between stores, marketplaces, OMS, WMS, and carriers run over APIs. Their reliability, rate limits, and error handling determine whether orders and inventory stay in sync.

What is the difference between an API and EDI?

EDI exchanges standardized business documents, often in batches, and is common with large retailers. APIs let systems request or send data on demand, usually in near real time, and are common in ecommerce platforms and 3PL software.

• WebhookAn automatic message one system sends to another web address when a specific event happens, such as an order being placed, shipped, or cancelled, so the receiver does not have to keep asking.
• Inventory SynchronizationKeeping available inventory quantities consistent across a warehouse system and every sales channel, so each storefront and marketplace shows what can actually be shipped.
• Electronic Data InterchangeStandardized electronic documents exchanged between trading partners, such as purchase orders (850), invoices (810), and advance ship notices (856).
• Enterprise Resource PlanningBusiness software that manages core company records such as finance, purchasing, inventory valuation, and sales orders in one system, often acting as the system of record.