API or Application Programming Interface are essentially communication protocols for building software that allow different software to communicate more clearly, and efficiently using a standard set of rules and protocols. In the world of 3PL logistics and Warehousing API’s provide you the ability to quote, book, track, etc with with thousands of carriers. Connecting those rates to your preferred Transportation Management Software, your preferred ERP software, or your preferred E-commerce Platform. Thus streamlining and simplifying the whole process, whether you are connecting discounted brokered 3PL rates or your carrier direct tariffs.
On the Warehouse side, the opportunities are similar, allowing you to connect to multiple warehouse and fulfillment points with 1 easy integration depending on your warehouse partner. Thus it gives you the ability to monitor your inventory, place orders, schedule the shipping, receive order confirmations, and provide tracking details for both parcel and freight shipments to your team and end client fast and efficiently.
Who is leading the Transition to API protocol in Logistics and Warehousing?
Historically, the automation and
connections were handled through Electronic Data Interchange or EDI. However, due to its complexity, cost, and
errors API is slowly but surely becoming the preferred, more flexible method of
making and achieving this connectivity.
In large part, this is also driven by consumer demand and the rise of Ecommerce. With industry leaders like Amazon setting
the standard, consumer are now expecting and demanding discounted fast shipping
options for both parcel and freight with complete transparency of tracking,
payment, and process.
In the logistics space, companies such as Project 44 are building the technology and connections that are allowing company’s this connective flexibility. With this flexibility logistics firms of all kinds, can better help you connect freight shipping rates, small parcel shipping rates, and even your fulfillment center to the E-commerce and ERP platforms of your choosing. This greatly streamlines the logistical process and saves time and money on all fronts.
https://www.joc.com/technology/logistics-finally-ready-apis_20190312.html
How can you use it to make your logistical process easier for parcel, freight, warehousing etc?
Technology forward logistics companies with API connectivity can allow you to connect both our small parcel shipping rates and freight shipping rates to your preferred e-commerce and or ERP software platform. This allows you the flexibility to insert and automate the shipping and delivery process right into your business model and checkout /sales process. Thus this will save your business time, man power, and money, but also provide a far better shopping experience to your clients.
Leveraging fast evolving API connectivity can provide you a strategic sales benefit! Competing against Amazon and other larger retailer’s and e-commerce companies that offer discounted or free fast shipping options. It also puts your clients in the driver’s seat to select the carrier, price and service levels ,that best work for them. Ultimately creating a more self-service, automated process, that will save your company time and money dealing with the tail end of all sales.
https://www.bigcommerce.com/ecommerce-answers/shipping-apis/
What are some other benefits of using API automation, cost savings, efficiency, etc.?
API provides
real-time data which allows shippers and their clients to see exact costs and
accessorial options for shipping in real time.
It
eliminates barriers to data retrieval with Legacy Systems as API’s can interact
with a wider variety of other software given its universal communication
protocols
API is cloud based, so it can be maintained, updated, and repaired quickly and without disrupting your shipping process and operations.
It gives you
more accurate access to your Big Data Analytics.
It can
reduce your over-all cost of small parcel and freight shipping by helping you
make real time data-based carrier selections.
API takes
less time to process.
Freight
Shipping and Parcel Shipping are easier to manage and use. Therefore, it allows you to empower your
customers to make their own data, price, and service level based selections and
pay for the whole process upon check out.
https://cerasis.com/edi-vs-apis/
What can you connect it to (E-commerce, ERP , WMS etc.)?
Most easily connected evolving API’s allow companies the ability to leverage their current and future parcel and freight discounts with all carriers and connect them to their core business and sales software. This allows you to seamlessly integrate with most E-Commerce providers like Shopify, Woo-Commerce, Volusion, Big Commerce, etc. You can also connect most ERP back-end company software infrastructure such as Netsuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or even Quick Books in most cases.
What are the net benefits of the
technology for your logistics and supply chain team?
Ultimately, fast evolvling API technology allows companies to seamlessly connect their best discounts with all parcel and freight carriers to your core business systems and e-commerce sales platform. This helps you streamline your process, automate, eliminate manual processes and cost and errors associated with them. It also allows you to empower your internal software and/or clients to select the best carriers, service level, accessorials and cost for their purchase needs.
How can Easy Logistics Management
help your organization get Automated with this great evolving technology?
If your team is looking to partner with a logistics company that not only has deep discounts for all shipping modes, but can also make the use of our services more seamless, automated, and easy to use. Then you owe it to yourself to connect with us for a quick call to discuss options. Easy Logistics Management, formerly Frontline Distribution was founded by Jeremy Curran in 2009. The company focus is on providing first in class software, deep discounts on all modes of shipping, flexible warehousing and fulfillment points to ship from, and super nice hands on customer service and day to day management. We are partnered with a handful of forward-thinking technology companies in the logistics and warehousing industry to better service our clients evolving logistical and supply chain needs. Currently we work heavily with companies that comprise our favorite hobbies and passions in life such as surfing, biking, skiing, motorcycle riding, overland and 4×4 adventure vehicles, craft beer brewing, clean energy and solar technology, green building products, architecturally distinct building products, consumer electronics, audio technology, etc.. We are looking to grow and we would be honored to look at partnering with you so connect with us today