To build digital ecosystems, the market offers a variety of different APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that can be used within the scope of EDI. In particularly, RESTful APIs are now being used in numerous applications because they are easy to understand and therefore simple to implement.

The abbreviation REST (Representational State Transfer) refers to a specific architecture for developing web services based on the HTTP protocol. For the exchange between web applications, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is used, which is a lightweight data format that is easy to read and write and supports a variety of data types.

Each industry prefers certain data formats and EDI concepts, but at the same time, more and more companies are working together across industries in various digital ecosystems. EDI also provides greater efficiency in this context, as can be seen in the example of logistics. Logistics companies use EDI to reliably manage warehouse information for incoming and outgoing goods from many different industries, respond to customer inquiries promptly, easily receive orders from third-party systems, transmit shipping information, freight documents, or customs documents correctly, and quickly process and track deliveries.

The data integration software Lobster_data can be operated completely on well-known public cloud platforms such as AWS, Google, or Azure. As a cloud-based EDI system, the software offers many advantages compared to traditional locally operated EDI systems, such as significantly higher flexibility, scalability, availability, and cost-effectiveness.

In online retail and e-commerce, there are many use cases for EDI, allowing for the complete digitisation and automation of the entire administrative order process, from the customer’s order, through order acceptance and warehouse commissioning, to the initiation of logistical tasks such as shipping and tracking, as well as the handling of complaints and returns.

EDI and e-invoicing provide an effective and cost-efficient way to automate invoicing processes. The benefit for companies is not only to become a reliable business partner by making timely payments and potentially receiving preferential conditions – thereby strengthening their competitive position, but also to improve their own liquidity through swift collection procedures.

But it is not only B2B, but Business-to-Government (B2G) in particular that is increasingly making use of EDI and e-invoicing, and this use varies depending on the country and the tax authority. In the European Union, an e-invoicing directive for public procurement was adopted in April 2014, which has been updated several times since then. It stipulates that all public procurement authorities in the EU must implement electronic invoicing in the near future.

Authorities typically provide special EDI platforms and e-invoicing portals through which companies can submit and manage their invoices. Companies should ensure that their e-invoicing complies with the respective legal requirements and that their solutions are compatible with the authorities’ systems.

Lobster provides the following ready-to-use profile packages for correct electronic invoicing:

• B2B e-invoicing via ZUGFeRD and XRechnung with public authorities in Germany
• ELSTER connection for automated advance VAT returns
• E-invoicing with the NAV customs and tax authority in Hungary
• E-invoicing via FatturaPA and the Sistema di Interscambio (SdI) in Italy
• E-invoicing via the Facturae data format in Spain
• Connection to PEPPOL

Lobster_data can be installed and operated on the local server in any company as an in-house EDI solution. This option offers maximum flexibility since the EDI system and all EDI processes can be fully controlled and tailored to the specific needs of the company. Numerous optimisations can be implemented as optional add-ons, such as a dedicated DMZ server for maximum security in communication with external partners.

The most important use case for electronic data exchange is the use of EDI along the supply chain. It includes the automated exchange of quotes and cost estimates, orders, order confirmations, invoices, delivery notes. The seamless transmission of traffic data and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), notifications due to delays or damage to goods in transit, customs and tax documents, conformity certificates, delivery notices or forms for returns processing, and much more.

EDI as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a cloud-based EDI solution in which Lobster_data is hosted or operated by a company and offers EDI services to its suppliers. In this context, Lobster_data provides interested companies with a standardised onboarding portal to cost-effectively and flexibly design EDI processes for their own needs as well as for the needs of their suppliers. To use the EDI services, suppliers simply register in the portal, receive access credentials for the EDI API, and can then start. Document types are defined and documented. Coordination efforts are significantly reduced thanks to SaaS.

WebEDI refers to the use of web-based EDI solutions. This approach was specifically developed for small and medium-sized companies to make electronic data exchange as effective as possible, even in such environments. Lobster offers user-friendly and cost-effective WebEDI solutions and managed service packages, which enable SMEs to easily start digital transformation without any complications.