HubKor® Connector

Frequently
Asked Questions

Does HubKor work on-premise?

 Yes, although HubKor was designed for cloud integrations with SyteLine ERP, it can be utilized in an on-premise environment, providing the same depth of integration.

What is the difference between EDI, ESB and API integrations?

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), ESB (Enterprise Service Bus), and API (Application Programming Interface) are different integration approaches used in the exchange of data and communication between systems. Here are the key differences between these integration methods:

EDI:

  • EDI is a standardized format for exchanging structured data electronically between different business systems, primarily used for B2B (business-to-business) transactions, such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices.
  • EDI relies on specific messaging standards (e.g., ANSI X12, EDIFACT) and uses protocols like AS2 or FTP for secure data transmission.
  • EDI is designed to support high-volume, batch-oriented data exchanges with built-in validation and error handling mechanisms.
  • It requires implementing EDI software or outsourcing to a service provider specializing in EDI.

ESB:

  • ESB is an architectural pattern and middleware solution that facilitates communication and integration between different applications and systems within an enterprise, and provides a central hub for routing, transformation, and mediation of messages between various systems and services.
  • ESB supports multiple communication protocols and message formats, allowing different applications to interact seamlessly.
  • It enables features like message routing, transformation, protocol mediation, and service orchestration.
  • ESB can handle both synchronous and asynchronous communication patterns and offers capabilities like data transformation, message queuing, and error handling.

API:

  • An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other.
  • APIs define a standard way for applications to request and exchange data or functionality.
  • APIs can be used for both internal system integration (between components or services within an application) and external integrations (enabling interactions with third-party systems).
  • APIs can be implemented using different protocols and formats, such as REST, SOAP, JSON, or XML.
  • APIs offer a more flexible and granular approach to integration, allowing developers to access specific functions or data from a system without the need for full data exchange.

In summary, EDI is a standardized format for structured data exchange primarily used in B2B transactions, ESB is a middleware solution for integrating applications and systems within an enterprise, and API is a set of rules and protocols that enable communication and interaction between software applications, both internally and externally. Each integration approach serves different purposes and may be more suitable depending on the specific requirements and use cases of an organization.

Should I consider a point-to-point integration?

Deciding whether to consider point-to-point integration depends on your specific requirements, the complexity of your integration needs, and the long-term scalability and maintenance considerations. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Number of Integrations: If you have a limited number of integrations (e.g., connecting two systems), point-to-point integration might be a viable option. It can be relatively straightforward to set up and manage when the integration scope is minimal.
  2. Complexity: Consider the complexity of the integration requirements. Point-to-point integration becomes more challenging and time-consuming as the number of systems and data formats increases. If you need to integrate multiple systems with varying protocols and formats, the maintenance and management of numerous point-to-point connections can become cumbersome.
  3. Scalability: Think about future scalability needs. Point-to-point integrations can become difficult to maintain and expand as the number of connections grows. Adding new systems or modifying existing connections requires individual adjustments, increasing the chances of errors and inefficiencies.
  4. Maintenance: Consider the long-term maintenance efforts. With point-to-point integrations, each connection requires individual monitoring, updates, and troubleshooting. As the number of integrations grows, maintaining and updating each point-to-point connection becomes more time-consuming and error-prone.
  5. Cost: Evaluate the overall cost implications. Point-to-point integrations can be cost-effective initially for a limited number of connections. However, as the integration landscape expands, the cost of maintaining multiple connections might outweigh the benefits. Centralized integration approaches, such as ESB or API management platforms, can provide cost savings in the long run.
  6. Flexibility and Agility: Consider the need for flexibility and agility in adapting to changing integration requirements. Point-to-point integrations are often specific to certain systems and lack the flexibility to adapt quickly. Centralized integration solutions, like an ESB or API platform, offer greater flexibility to modify and add integrations without significant rework.

In many cases, organizations eventually transition from point-to-point integrations to more centralized and scalable integration solutions like an ESB or API management platform. These centralized approaches provide better governance, flexibility, and easier maintenance, especially as integration needs grow over time.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to assess your specific integration requirements, consider the complexity and scalability factors, and evaluate the long-term maintenance and cost implications to make an informed decision about the integration approach that best fits your organization’s needs.

How long does an average integration take?

Depending on the depth of integration with a third-party solution, the average HubKor integration spans 30 -60 days, including training.

Is the integration between my third-party solution and SyteLine secure?

Yes, our integrations utilize 256-bit SSL encryption.