This work can be automated with an interface. An interface should synchronize relevant data independently of the ERP system and offer a high security standard regarding data security and unauthorized attacks. A suitable interface can be built using a REST API.
What is a REST API?
Representational State Transfer (REST for short) is, simply put, a web service. REST aims to meet the demands of the modern web through standardized interfaces.
The primary purpose of REST is machine-to-machine communication. REST provides a simple alternative to similar methods like SOAP and WSDL and the related RPC method. Unlike many related architectures, REST does not encode method information into the URI, as the URI specifies the location and name of the resource, but not the functionality that the web service offers for that resource.
The advantage of REST lies in the fact that a large part of the necessary infrastructure for REST (e.g., web and application servers, HTTP-enabled clients, HTML and XML parsers, security mechanisms) is already present in the WWW, and many web services are REST-compliant per se. A resource can be represented via different media types, also called the representation of the resource.
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Representational_State_Transfer
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of commands, functions, protocols, and objects used to create software or to interact with an external system. It provides standard commands for executing common operations, so code does not have to be written from scratch. This significantly speeds up and simplifies data exchange between different systems.
How does the sanctions list check work via an API?
When addresses are newly created or updated, data such as name and address are transmitted to Swiss Sanctions via a web service. Three categories are then determined:
- The entry is on the Whitelist => the name is released
- The entry is on the Blacklist => the name is blocked for all transactions.
- The entry is in the Workflow => It must be manually decided whether it is a potential match. All transactions are blocked until a decision is made.
The automatic and direct communication between ERP <=> Swiss Sanctions provides immediate certainty. All necessary information, such as: timestamp, who made the decision, and address information, is logged. This way, the information can also be used throughout the order creation process. For instance, the query can be made during the quotation phase, when ordering raw materials, and before export.
Another advantage lies in the combination with Swiss e-dec. Before the e-dec creation, the name is compared with the sanctions lists, and in case of a potential hit, the e-dec creation is blocked. A temporary block can be set via a special status. This is useful, for example, if the delivery was stopped due to an outstanding payment. In such a case, it can be ensured that no documents are created and further processing can only take place after consultation with the responsible department.
How does processing work with Swiss Transport / Swiss e-dec via an API?
The customer order forms the basis. A customer order is, in most cases, created and maintained in the ERP system. All data from the customer order can be transferred via an API interface to Swiss Transport or Swiss e-dec. The difference between the two systems is the extended functionality of Swiss Transport. While Swiss e-dec can handle the export list, customs invoice, delivery note, packing list, and EUR.1, Swiss Transport also allows for the management of an external logistics HUB. Often, the external logistics service provider does not have a connection to the ERP system. As a result, all data must be transmitted via email and entered manually.
This is not only costly and error-prone, but it also leads to a loss of overview. Swiss Transport can close exactly this gap. The logistics service provider gains access, allowing them to track and book incoming goods (delivered goods). This makes the stock level at the logistics service provider visible. After picking by the logistics service provider, the inventory quantity is corrected, and the entire transaction is documented down to the batch level, if necessary.
The big advantage is that the logistics service provider has all the information and can process it directly, and ultimately it’s transparently viewable for all process participants at any time.
Benefit from our expertise in interface connections. Our software enables smooth processes while data is automatically synchronized in the background, saving you time, costs, and effort. Test our demo version and see for yourself!
Feel free to ask us all your questions related to interface connections – we’re happy to advise you.
