A huge part of supply chain management processes is exchange of data from system to system. Data creation, transfer, storage, analysis and use are hot topics of discussions as increasing digitisation is slowly, but surely getting entrenched in the business of logistics.
For decades, supply chain management solutions have been relying on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), through which companies were able to send large amounts of data with a single transfer. It allowed business to ditch the use of paper and send data to other businesses electronically. Clearly defined standard formats are maintained by all parties and this helped minimise human intervention, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency and accuracy. However, even though it is more secure, the use of EDI is increasingly thought of as redundant as it requires more manual involvement. And that’s because APIs or Application Programming Interface offer the same functions to streamline freight and logistics, with added benefits of quicker transfers and tracking data in real-time.
API is a set of programming instructions for accessing web-based software applications that allow software platforms to talk to each other. Open or public APIs are published freely on the internet for the developers to use. Businesses can integrate functionalities directly into their systems or software solutions, or customise according to their preferences for increased productivity.
Just like a user interface allows one to operate a computer or mobile phone, APIs serve as an interface between software programs and help them communicate.
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Denne historien er fra September - October 2019-utgaven av Logistics Update Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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The logistics industry world over is going through rapid transformation that we have seen never before. Crystal Lassiter writes on top five global megatrends driving sustainable logistics.
Time Is Ripe For APIs In Logistics Supply Chain
Adopting technologies like APIs has become crucial for supply chain management stakeholders to be able to offer quick quotes, compare rates, make bookings, track and deliver value to their customers, Blessy Chettiar reports.
The Future Looks Bright, Exciting, Digital And Sustainable
Our world is constantly undergoing change. Take a look around – technology is transforming the way we live, do business, transact and interact. Just like any other industry, the logistics space is also facing a new era of unprecedented change as digitalisation and customer expectations evolve simultaneously. From connected warehouses to autonomous last-mile delivery services, new technologies are enabling efficiency optimisations and new operating models. And while the push towards digitalisation continues, what remains equally critical is the need to remain sustainable. By understanding how sustainability in logistics measures impact production and benefit companies, shippers and logistics players can work towards a better, sustainable tomorrow.
Bringing Artificial Intelligence Into The Supply Chain Who And How?
Zuzanna Kosowska-Stamirowska writes how data acquisition and algorithm design need to be defined - or redefined - for the existing market players to make the AI revolution work.
