DISTRIBUTION
Digital tools like application programming interfaces (APIs), electronic data interchange (EDI) and punchouts offer procurement professionals in the electronics sector. These technologies streamline the sourcing process, enabling buyers to react swiftly to changes in supply and demand. For instance, APIs facilitate seamless platform integration, ensuring procurement chain resilience and minimises disruptions. When buyers can swiftly identify substitute components and backup options without manually searching multiple websites, they traditional procurement methods, reducing errors and stress while enhancing solutions, those who fail to adapt risk falling behind in an industry that continues to
APIs and EDI: A Digital First Approach
of parts, prices and partnerships. From tiny transistors to intricate circuit boards, manufacturers rely on a steady, dependable supply of components to meet production targets. Manual processes are slow and If your company still relies on printed paperwork or spreadsheets, now is the time APIs, which between platforms in a standardised, technology dating back to the 1960s, is another powerful asset for procurement teams. It automates many manual tasks, without increasing workforce demands. For instance, a company adding new suppliers can use EDI to onboard them and start transactions quickly. Once set up, EDI can place purchase orders, track shipments and process payments.
So, how do APIs and EDI compare? EDI pricing. APIs can replicate many EDI functions, so the choice depends on what best suits your system.
the entire purchasing process, from smoothly between systems.
Outpace the competition their processes and designs to operate enough; teams must assess what works and
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Today, cobots are working alongside human employees, reducing physical strain while allowing workers to
Automate your entire purchasing process
required parts and procurement sources them. For companies using manual systems, frustrating.
Search APIs allow engineers and designers to quickly identify parts and ensure the parametric information aligns with the design. This helps eliminate incompatible parts and streamline the selection process rather than searching multiple websites for data.
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If your company is ready to adopt a digital procurement approach, seek distributors with EDI capabilities that allow buyers to purchasing.
For instance, DigiKey’s Search APIs offer parametric data on components and during the design process. Additionally, they select components with adequate stock for production.
APIs can also enhance enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, enabling functions buyers can easily track order status, history and other crucial information using these APIs.
DigiKey with barcodes on packing slips, orders and match products to orders and manage Ultimately, these automations streamline
between websites and copying information into spreadsheets. This is tedious, prone to errors and wastes time.
team members, whose skills could be better employee satisfaction.
The New Age of Distribution is Paperless
change, making this the perfect time and reconciling discrepancies. Instead, embrace APIs, EDI, cobots and other automated tools to establish a seamless, your competitors likely will.
Automation and digitisation are becoming essential for growing organisations, so update their processes. Those who
With the right processes in place, and boost employee satisfaction.
MARCH 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS 19
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