- Boomi EDI integration with Acumatica streamlines order processing, shipping, and payment cycles by automating data exchange.
- Tailored and scalable integrations accommodate unique business needs and complex EDI scenarios using Boomi’s tools and Acumatica’s REST API.
- Advanced error handling and real-time alerts ensure accurate data flow and minimal disruptions during integration processes
Introduction
What Do You Mean by EDI Integration with ERP?
EDI integration with an ERP is a process that enables the seamless exchange of data between an ERP system and external trading partners through standardized electronic formats. This integration helps automate the flow of business information, such as orders, invoices, and shipping details, between companies, reducing manual data entry and improving the accuracy and speed of transactions.
EDI integration with ERP connects the ERP system to EDI workflows, allowing for the automated transmission and processing of electronic business documents. This integration enables the ERP to send, receive, and interpret EDI messages and perform related business functions. The process ensures that information flows smoothly from external partners directly into the ERP system, and vice versa, without manual intervention.
Acumatica is particularly favored by small to mid-sized businesses due to its cloud-based architecture, which eliminates the need for physical infrastructure and reduces maintenance. It provides robust features, including REST API support for flexible data exchange and integration with third-party systems like Boomi.
How Does ERP Integration with EDI Work?
1. Receiving an EDI Document (Inbound Process):
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- When a trading partner sends an EDI document, such as a purchase order (EDI 850), it is received by the EDI system.
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- The EDI system translates the document from the standardized EDI format (e.g., ANSI X12, EDIFACT) into a format that the ERP system can understand (e.g., JSON, XML).
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- The translated data is then imported into the ERP system, updating relevant modules such as sales order management, inventory, or finance.
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2. Sending an EDI Document (Outbound Process):
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- The ERP system generates a document, such as an invoice (EDI 810) or shipping notice (EDI 856), based on internal business processes.
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- This document is then translated from the ERP’s internal format to the standardized EDI format.
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- The translated EDI document is transmitted to the trading partner through a secure communication channel, such as AS2, SFTP, or a Value-Added Network (VAN).
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How to Set Up Boomi EDI Integration with Acumatica ERP
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Establishing a Connection to Acumatica ERP
Currently, Boomi does not offer a dedicated Acumatica connector. To integrate, you need to configure Boomi’s Standard HTTP Connector to communicate with Acumatica’s REST API, using the OAuth 2.0 authentication protocol. Acumatica supports two OAuth flows—Resource Owner Password Credentials Flow and Authorization Code Flow—with the latter being more secure as it avoids storing user credentials.
- Implementing REST API for Data Exchange
Acumatica’s REST API allows data exchange using various methods:
- GET Method: Retrieve records from Acumatica, with OData query options for data filtering and sorting.
- PUT Method: Create or update records by sending data in JSON format.
Boomi’s HTTP Connector is configured to perform these operations, with resource paths mapped to Acumatica’s entities. If custom fields are added to Acumatica entities, a custom endpoint should be created to accommodate these modifications.
- Inbound EDI Processing: Automating Data Input
Inbound EDI documents, such as purchase orders (EDI 850), are processed into Acumatica by:
- Configuring Boomi to receive and process EDI documents based on trading partner agreements.
- Translating EDI documents into Acumatica-compatible JSON format using the Boomi Map component.
- Sending the JSON data to Acumatica’s REST API via the HTTP Client Connector for record creation, such as importing an EDI 850 as a Sales Order.
Each inbound document needs to be mapped accurately to Acumatica’s entities to ensure data integrity and process efficiency.
- Outbound EDI Processing: Simplifying the Order-to-Cash Cycle
In a typical Order-to-Cash (OTC) cycle, businesses send shipping notices (EDI 856) and invoices (EDI 810) to their trading partners. The steps for outbound EDI integration include:
- Data Retrieval from Acumatica: Use Acumatica’s Generic Inquiry (GI) to extract data based on specific criteria.
- Data Conversion to EDI Format: Map the retrieved data to the appropriate EDI format using Boomi’s transformation capabilities.
- Transmission to Trading Partners: Send the converted EDI documents to trading partners using protocols like AS2 or SFTP.
Acumatica’s Generic Inquiry tool enables businesses to retrieve data dynamically, ensuring that all relevant fields are captured for accurate EDI processing.
- Error Handling and Reporting in Boomi EDI Integration
Effective error handling is crucial to maintain data accuracy and system reliability. Common error scenarios include:
• API Failures: Acumatica’s REST API returns a 200-OK status code for successful operations. Any other status code should be handled with exception procedures to log and terminate the process.
• EDI Mapping Errors: Mapping issues can arise if the incoming EDI format does not match the expected Acumatica entity structure.
• Communication Failures: Problems during AS2 or SFTP transmission can disrupt the integration flow.
By utilizing Boomi’s alert mechanisms, you can get real-time notifications about errors, enabling quick resolution.
Why Choose EDI Support LLC for Boomi EDI Integration with Acumatica ERP?
Expertise in Cloud ERP and EDI Solutions
EDI Support LLC specializes in integrating EDI systems with cloud-based ERPs like Acumatica and NetSuite. EDI Support LLC is also a Boomi Silver Partner specializing in providing Boomi EDI implementation services. Our expertise ensures that your systems communicate effectively, whether for inbound purchase orders or outbound shipping notifications.
Customized Integration Services
Robust Error Handling and Reporting Mechanisms
Proficiency in Acumatica’s REST API and Boomi’s Tools
Support for Complex EDI Scenarios
From mapping custom fields in Acumatica to handling complex EDI document types like invoices (EDI 810) or shipping notices (EDI 856), EDI Support LLC provides end-to-end solutions.
Focus on Scalability and Cost Efficiency
The integrations are designed to scale with your business while reducing manual effort and operational costs, making them a cost-effective solution for small to mid-sized businesses.
Real-Time Support and Consultation
Conclusion
Integrating Boomi EDI with Acumatica ERP provides a scalable solution for automating data exchange and streamlining business operations. By leveraging the flexibility of Acumatica’s REST API and Boomi’s integration capabilities, businesses like yours can enhance their order-to-cash processes, improve data accuracy, and reduce operational costs.
FAQs
How do you handle API failures during Boomi integration with Acumatica?
When ‘Return HTTP Errors’ is enabled, the HTTP connector returns the status code for each API call, allowing the process to continue. Evaluate responses for non-200 status codes, and raise an exception with the corresponding error message or application status code as needed.
Which tools can you use for real-time error notifications in Boomi?
If the process is designed to terminate upon encountering an error, Boomi platform alerts can be configured to send email notifications for such errors. Alternatively, the process can be programmed with a Try-Catch shape around potential failure points, allowing the Catch path to handle errors and send custom email notifications using the Mail connector.
How do you resolve EDI mapping errors in the Boomi-Acumatica integration?
Mapping errors can be because of missing mandatory values from the source system. Evaluate the data from the source and determine the reason for the missing values.
Can Boomi handle both ANSI X12 and EDIFACT formats for Acumatica EDI integration?
Yes, Boomi can effortlessly handle ANSI X!2 and EDIFACT formats. Boomi has built-in standard EDI templates for all ANSI X12 and EDIFACT document types making it easier to map inbound and outbound transactions.
What secure communication protocols are supported for sending EDI documents?
Boomi supports AS2, FTP, SFTP and HTTP
How do you use Acumatica’s Generic Inquiry tool to retrieve data for EDI processes?
Generic Inquiry facilitates retrieving data from Acumatica. GI can be configured from an easy-to-use UI in Acumatica setting the fields to be returned based on specific filter conditions. The GI can be invoked via OData API from Boomi and the records would be returned in JSON format for further processing.
What is the best way to monitor and optimize EDI transactions between Boomi and Acumatica?
The Boomi process when designed to terminate during errors will generate platform alerts and will display as error in the process reporting. The alerts can be sent to support team distribution list.
Do you need a dedicated connector for Boomi and Acumatica integration?
A dedicated HTTP or REST Client connector is required to connect with Acumatica.
How much time does it typically take to set up Boomi EDI integration with Acumatica?
6 to 8 weeks, provided there is minimal customization from the standard Acumatica implementation.
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How Does EDI Work
EDI automates and improves the business document communication workflow by replacing the traditional and error-prone methods of communication like email, fax or mail with electronic computer-to-computer communication with the use of minimal resources.
How Does EDI Facilitate Electronic Transactions? Basics of EDI
Learn how EDI facilitates the transmission of EDI documents between computer systems and the benefits of EDI in business with an example.
What is EDI Testing?
EDI testing is a process of checking EDI documents flow end-to-end between organizations and internal systems to ensure smooth data exchange before the actual EDI implementation. Learn why EDI testing is important and astep by step process to create a EDI project or a test plan
