API integration
- Standard integration first – if your system is already in Ongoing WMS' integration catalogue, a standard integration is normally the first option. See integrations.
- API when the process is unique – a custom integration becomes relevant when data fields, status logic or several systems do not fit the standard connector.
- Webhooks and status – event-driven reporting is useful when other systems need to know quickly that something has changed.
The key is to define responsibilities, data model and status flows first:
- Define the use cases.
- Choose the master system for each data type.
- Document endpoints and fields.
- Build authentication and error handling.
- Test volumes and edge cases.
- Monitor after go-live.
Ongoing publishes its developer and API documentation.
EDI for B2B logistics
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is used in many B2B flows to move orders, delivery notifications and other business documents between systems. The right EDI setup can reduce manual entry and meet larger customers' format requirements.
| Message | Use |
|---|---|
| Orders in | Receiving orders electronically from customers or trading partners. |
| Delivery notification out (DESADV) | Telling the recipient what is on its way before the goods arrive. |
| Labels and references | Larger retail flows may require GS1 identities such as SSCC, labels and specific references. |
Steps: map document types, confirm formats and partner requirements, define order and delivery references, test EDI messages, verify error handling, and set up monitoring and responsibilities. Whether EDI is part of your setup is confirmed during onboarding.
Advance shipping notices (ASN)
An advance notice means the information reaches the warehouse before the goods do. An ASN (or DESADV) gives receiving a better basis for planning, identification and faster registration when the delivery arrives.
| Question | What the ASN tells the warehouse |
|---|---|
| What is coming? | Item, quantity, supplier, order reference and carton information. |
| When is it coming? | Planned date and transport information for staffing and capacity planning. |
| How is it identified? | SSCC and other references simplify matching the notice against the physical delivery. |
Steps: decide the mandatory ASN fields, define the order and delivery reference, set a deadline for the notice, test deviating quantities and match the physical delivery against the notice. ASNs are especially important for cross-docking and container deliveries.