Why We're Changing the Way Your Data Moves | EDI Integration Solutions
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
A straightforward look at what we're improving in our integration infrastructure and what it means for you.
"Behind every smooth order, accurate stock update, and on-time shipment is a layer of technology you rarely see — the integration that connects your trading partners to Apparel²¹. We've been improving that layer for new connections, and we think it's worth telling you exactly what's changing, what isn't, and why."
If you work with retailers who send electronic orders and documents, you've benefited from Apparel²¹'s ability to receive and process those files automatically. That process has worked but the way we handle new integrations was built on an older model that was showing its age. We've made a deliberate change to how all future integrations are set up, while keeping every existing EDI connection exactly as it is today.
📌 Important: Your existing EDI integrations are not affected.
Every current connection you have continues to run exactly as it does today. This change applies only to new EDI integrations set up from this point forward.
The Problem with the Old Way
Until recently, when your trading partners sent electronic documents purchase orders, invoices, despatch advice they arrived at Apparel²¹ in formats called EDIFACT and ANSI, transmitted via Value Added Networks (VANs) such as SPS Commerce and IPT. On the surface, this worked fine. Behind the scenes, it created a significant amount of complexity that ultimately affected you.
None of this was visible to you day-to-day. But it created a ceiling on how fast we could move, how quickly we could onboard partners, and how reliably we could guarantee your data arrived cleanly and on time.
What We've Changed
The shift is straightforward in principle: for all new EDI integrations, we've moved the translation responsibility to where it belongs with the VANs themselves.
Rather than building bespoke internal translation logic each time a new integration is established, Apparel²¹ now publishes a clear, standardised JSON file specification. Each VAN SPS Commerce, IPT, and any future partners is responsible for translating their data into that format before it reaches us. When the file arrives at Apparel²¹, it speaks one language. Our job becomes much simpler: validate it and process it.
Your existing integrations continue to run on their current setup and are fully supported. If you ever choose to migrate an existing connection to the new standard, that option is available but it is entirely your decision, on your timeline.
What Improved EDI Integration Solutions Means for You
The changes are already underway. Here's what you can expect as this rolls out across your integrations:
Greater Reliability, Fewer Surprises
With a standardised file format, there is far less room for translation errors. Data arrives in a consistent, validated structure, resulting in fewer exceptions, failed orders, and manual cleanups on your side.
Faster Diagnosis When Things Go Wrong
When an issue does occur, it's now immediately clear where the problem lies. Our system validates each file on arrival and returns a precise response. Resolution time drops dramatically.
Quicker Customer Onboarding
Connecting with a new retail customer? Because every new integration uses the same JSON file specification, onboarding is far faster and more predictable, getting you trading sooner.
A Platform Built to Grow With You
This change removes a significant architectural bottleneck. As your business scales and your partner network grows, Apparel²¹'s integration layer scales with it without the overhead that held us back before.
More Investment Where It Counts
Resources that were tied up maintaining bespoke translation rules are now free. That means more focus from our team on building features, improving performance, and delivering value to you.
What Do You Need to Do?
For existing customers, nothing changes on your end. Your current EDI integration solutions will continue to operate as normal and remain fully supported. If you're setting up a new trading partner connection, it will follow the new standardised approach, resulting in faster onboarding and a more reliable experience from day one.
If your business is planning new integrations or has questions about the new process, our integration team is available to walk you through it. We're committed to making every step as smooth as possible.
Planning a new integration or have questions?
Reach out to our team. We're happy to talk through what this means for your specific setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens with our existing EDI integrations solutions?
Nothing changes. Every EDI integration you have running today stays exactly as it is. Your existing connections whether through SPS Commerce, IPT, or any other VAN continue to operate on the current setup without interruption. We will not alter, migrate, or retire your existing integrations without your explicit agreement. You stay in control.
Can we keep using the old integration if we connect with new retailers?
New EDI integrations including connections to new retailers will use the new standardised JSON file approach going forward. Your existing retailer connections are unaffected. If you're onboarding a new retail partner, our team will guide you through the new process, which is faster and simpler than the old one. If there are specific circumstances where you'd like to discuss your options, please reach out and we'll work through it with you.
How long will you support the old integration method?
We are committed to supporting all existing integrations for the foreseeable future. There is currently no planned end date, and if that ever changes, we will provide substantial advance notice well before any action is required. Our priority is ensuring your operations continue without disruption. You will not be required to migrate.
Which VANs does the new integration work with?
The new JSON file-based approach is designed to work with any VAN that can map their data to Apparel21's standard specification. We are currently working with SPS Commerce and IPT as our primary VAN partners, and we are actively expanding this list. If you work with a VAN not yet on our supported list, contact our integration team. We'll let you know their status and expected timeline.
What does pricing look like for new integrations?
Pricing for new integrations using the standardised JSON file approach is available from our sales and integration team. Because the new model is significantly simpler to set up and maintain, customers typically find the cost of new integrations more competitive than under the old model. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific requirements and the VANs involved.
