System Integration
System Integration is a process of connecting different IT systems (applications) so that the data can be shared between these systems, as needed. This will help in lowering operational costs or improve workflow efficiency. Different integration methods are used to connect these systems.
We can use various integrations methods to connect to the client’s ERP system so that data can be transmitted from (or to) SEKO systems. The common integrations methods used are API, EDI, or via flat files (like XML or CSV). Flat files like excel and CSV are not preferred options since most of the time these files are created manually and are prone to human typo errors.
Please refer to the below section for information on each of the connection types and what is required from the client/vendor before we can start development.
Connection Types
API
EDI
XML
CSV
Other
Integration Options
SFTP (SEKO or the customer can be the host)
AS2
VAN
API Information (North America & Global Shipments)
Partner API
We can connect to partner APIs to send/receive data (e.g. Shipment Booking). This will require development effort at our end
What do we need from the partner for API:
API endpoints → Providing information on how to connect to their system
API documentation → Providing details on each field/parameter for the API
A technical contact (from the partner-side) for testing and answering any questions related to the development
SEKO API
Partners can connect to SEKO API’s to send/receive data. We do not have any development effort on this other than providing credentials to client. The documentation for SEKO API’s can be found here
SEKO API’s can be used to connect to:
Domestic system for quoting, booking and status
CargoWise One for booking and status
Links and Specifications
Documentation: http://sdn.sekoww.com
If you need Quoting or Booking access, we provide credentials to our QA environment. Once development is complete & verified with IT and Operations, we will provide credentials to our Production environment
SEKO IT will provide the API credentials
URLs:
Quoting:
Booking:
Tracking:
Void:
Documentation: https://helpdesk.omniparcel.com/api-docs/
Staging/Test : https://staging.omniparcel.com/labels/printshipment
Live : https://api.omniparcel.com/labels/printshipment
CSV Sample File
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is electronic exchange of business documents such as orders, invoices, shipment status etc. These documents are transmitted between the business partners in the form of structured data (aka specification document)
What do we need from the client for EDI:
EDI Specification document
EDI Connection Type (AS2, VAN or SFTP)
A technical contact for testing, or answering questions related to the setup/document
The common EDI specification documents are provided in the below table for easy reference. SEKO EDI spec is provided in the last column, if available. We can use either our document or client document for integration. Development effort will reduce if SEKO specification document is used for the integration
EDI# | FUNCTION | DESCRIPTION | CATEGORY | SPECIFICATION | Examples & Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EDI 110 | Air Shipment Invoice | Invoice for Air shipments | Shipments (Mode: Air) |
|
|
EDI 204 | Load Tender | Used by shipper to offer or tender truckload or LTL shipment to a carrier | Shipments (Mode: Ground Transport) | ||
EDI 210 | Ground Transport Invoice | Pricing for services | Invoice (Mode: Ground Transport) | ||
EDI 214 | Status Message | Gives the buyer a status of their shipment | Shipment Status (Mode: Ground Transport) |
| (If using Air) |
EDI 310 | Ocean Shipment Invoice | Invoice for ocean shipments | Invoice (Mode: Ocean) |
|
|
EDI 315 | Ocean Status | Status update for ocean shipment | Shipment Status (Mode: Ocean) | ||
EDI 856 | Shipment Notice | Supplier sends to customer for notification on upcoming delivery of shipment | Shipments (Mode: Advance Shipping Notice) |
| |
EDI 990 | Confirmation to Load Tender | Response to EDI204, determines whether carrier will pick up shipment | Response for EDI 204 |