IntelliTrans Simplifies ERP Integration
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
IntelliTrans has simplified integration of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software into its multi-modal supply chain management system offerings.
“Simplified IntelliTrans ERP integration enables shippers to have visibility from a PO (purchase order) number, as well as other important reference numbers and information—something that few competitors can provide for even a single mode of freight, much less all freight transportation modes: ocean, rail, barge, truck, and intermodal,” the company said. “Shippers often have multiple ERP systems; each ERP may be different in version, schema, and even database. When buying a supply chain package, a typical provider has to blend different solutions for each, resulting in integration efforts that can take one to three years depending on scope and complexity. Our OMSI (Open Message Systems Interface) provides a single integration in the same scenario, decreasing the deployment duration and effort.”
(ERP is software that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance, and supply chain operations. OMSI in this context means “Open Message Systems Interface,” but can also mean “Open Mobile Service Interface,” “Open, Modular, Scalable, Integrated” or “Operation and Maintenance Support Information.” It’s also the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry.)
“With only standard SSL network access, the IntelliTrans OMSI client interface handles all communications with IntelliTrans servers,” the company noted. “The interface buffers transactions if a connection is down, automatically reconnects when up, retransmits transactions as needed, and maintains the sequence across transaction types. Also, it rebuilds data gaps. The ERP data interfaces are lightweight, handle many software versions, and can run against existing schema and database that has JDBC (Java™ Database Connectivity) drivers, such as Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, and MySQL.”
(JDBC is the JavaSoft specification of a standard API (Application Programming Interface) that allows Java programs to access database management systems. The JDBC API consists of a set of interfaces and classes written in the Java programming language. SSL is Secure Sockets Layer, a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client, typically a web server SQL is Structured Query Language, a standardized programming language used to manage relational databases and perform various operations on the data within in them.)
“Shippers take advantage of our OMSI client in mixed ERP system environments for flexible and reliable interfaces communicating via an open API,” IntelliTrans said. “Our OMSI handles message sequencing, queuing, retransmission, acknowledgment and history down to the transaction level. IntelliTrans provides the data and visibility down to the customer PO, which is how people want to track shipments. Shippers avoid check calls. With improved exception handling, the customer gets a proactive alert about the shipment from just a PO number, can plan around the issue and does not need to know which carrier or truck has the shipment.”
“The IntelliTrans OMSI feeds data that enables TMS (Transportation Management System) execution and advanced functionality,” said IntelliTrans President Ken Sherman. “Because of complete, timely and accurate data, shippers get unique visibility and efficiency benefits when combining the IntelliTrans Control Tower with the TMS. IntelliTrans reduces implementation complexity for the customer, greatly reducing the required resources.”
IntelliTrans, a Roper Technologies company, said it “provides unified and proactive solutions to manage complex supply chain needs. Customers are nimble and efficient with the global supply chain transparency powered by the IntelliTrans cloud-based Control Tower (Global Visibility Platform℠) and IntelliTrans TMS, the only SaaS (Software as a Service)-based TMS that provides shipment execution and visibility across rail, truck, intermodal, barge and ocean. IntelliTrans enables complete, timely, and accurate data, allowing customers to automate business processes, improve customer service, and reduce operational costs. From real-time alerts to interactive data visualizations, IntelliTrans gives organizations the tools to ask deeper questions and deliver more impactful results.”
(Software as a Service is a software licensing and delivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted.)
