Integrating Small Package Delivery Services with ERP Systems

Small and mid-size businesses can't afford armies of IT professionals to create customized integration applications to manage shipment tracking. Straightforward online tools from shippers like UPS are available, but integration with backend systems seems complicated.

But if you're thirsty for a glass of water, you want to drink. And that's what JDE Connect does – it creates a refreshing connection between shipping services and your ERP system that let's even small and midsize business on System i (or iSeries systems) take advantage of online shipping services. Let's look at the example of integration with UPS OnLine Tools to see how:

What it Does

JDE Connect uses the iBOLT UPS component to facilitate connection to United Parcel Service (UPS) applications via the Internet. The UPS component supports various shipping services including getting shipping rates; selecting services; shipping packages; tracking packages; determining shipment time; and canceling shipments.

How It Works

The UPS component invokes UPS OnLine Tools by initiating HTTP communication with the UPS server, as an alternative, you can also use the iBOLT Web Services component and simply invoke a UPS Web Service, it's up to you. If you do choose UPS OnLine tools, keep in mind that they use the secure HTTP (HTTPS) method for protection. Under the hood, interaction with the UPS OnLine tools server uses the HTTP POST method and the HTTP message content is formatted as an XML document.

Why IT Benefits Your Business

A number of benefits can derive from integrating UPS online tools with J.D. Edwards:

By reducing errors at the point of entry, improving flexibility of shipping options and even customizing your tracking numbers, the entire customer experience is enhanced as improved customer service levels are achieved.

Enhance compliance by simplifying tracking and solidifying audit trails, which is especially useful for international shipping.

Reduces support costs, returns and misdeliveries due to address errors by utilizing UPS Online Tools that are fully integrated with your website and your J.D. Edwards order processes.

Provide customers and employees with online ordering, shipping capabilities, and tracking, fully integrated with your J.D. Edwards system, enhancing the customer experience and increasing use of your website.

For a set of sample projects including a project about this Component, click http://ftp.magicsoftware.com/iBOLTproduct/samples/v2.5/ and click on SampleProfect2.5.zip to download the sample projects.