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Should I Modernize My B2B Integration Strategy?

Picture of Jeff Rogers Jeff Rogers : Nov 4, 2024 1:19:24 PM

Data

Should I Modernize My B2B Integration Strategy?

A recent conversation about B2B integration brought an interesting insight: what seems like a basic business need—letting partners view inventory and place orders—actually opens doors to remarkable transformation opportunities.

The B2B landscape is fascinating precisely because it's a living museum of technology. While some rush to declare older systems obsolete, solutions like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) prove remarkably resilient.

Case in point: in 2008, I helped a client "urgently" move away from EDI. Today, I've lost count of the EDI solutions I've since implemented. The lesson? Successful modernization builds on proven foundations rather than replacing them wholesale.

Let's explore two critical questions that can shape your integration strategy.

Should You Invest in Modernizing Your B2B Strategies?

There’s a time and place for investing in new B2B capabilities. Here are the most common triggers.

1. Scaling to the Next Level

When your business is growing rapidly, existing systems may no longer support the volume or complexity of transactions. Modern B2B solutions can improve efficiency, eliminate manual processes, and create smoother partner interactions—fostering stronger relationships that scale with your business.

2. Upgrading Enterprise Systems
Investing in B2B integration often aligns with broader digital transformations. If you are upgrading ERP, CRM, or other enterprise software, modernizing your B2B integrations at the same time ensures seamless data exchange across systems and partners.

3. In Partnership with Business Partners
Sometimes, partners drive modernization efforts. Customers or suppliers may request tighter integrations or real-time access to data. Building these capabilities not only strengthens relationships but can differentiate your business in competitive markets.

How can my B2B Strategies Work Together?

Utilizing the right pattern depends on your business needs, partners' preferences, and the complexity of your supply chain. Chances are you already have one or more of these common patterns.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)	APIs	B2B Portals	Modern Data Exchanges
A proven, reliable technology with deep roots in manufacturing, supply chains, and health insurance. And still the industry standard for high volume processing.	APIs offer open, standardized ways to connect systems, making them ideal for modern applications. The best news is all your systems probably are already API-enabled.	A user-friendly interface makes it easy for partners to access data, place orders, and view updates. Plus added revenue capabilities for up-selling, cross-selling, and in-app marketing.	Designed to provide partners with marketplace access to critical data. They facilitate vast interconnectivity options, and provide data monetization options for the hosting company.
EDI requires complex development to work with customer-specific rules and Value-Added Networks (VANs) - which can be complicated unless you call Compoze Labs!	However, managing APIs across a vast partner ecosystem can quickly add large coordination and development efforts.	The burden of maintaining and improving the portal falls entirely on your company vs shared between you and your partner.	Many Data Exchanges lose momentum due to the rigorous data governance needed to ensure data quality and consistency.

Across your combination of B2B solutions, having good fundamentals will ensure your program's success:

Partner Support Plan - Understand and tier partners to allow tight collaboration with strategic partners while providing the needed support to the rest.
Unified Data Approach - Determine which data assets to provide and when, and drive accountability across key business stakeholders.
Integration Capabilities - Unify data from your numerous systems and processes before making it available. An integration strategy allows your B2B capability to grow with your company.

The Future of B2B is a Journey, Not a Destination

The spread of B2B integrations teaches us a powerful lesson: successful modernization isn't about replacing what works—it's about building bridges between proven solutions and new opportunities. Whether you choose EDI, APIs, portals, or data exchanges, the key is aligning technology with both business needs and partner relationships.

Because at its heart, B2B integration isn't just about moving data—it's about fostering partnerships that drive growth and creating connections that last.