CASE STUDY

CData Arc™ Helps Apple Supplier Move
Thousands of Parts Across the Supply
Chain
As one of the largest companies in the world, Apple relies on a global network of suppliers,
all of which are managed through a seamless B2B EDI system. One of Apple’s core suppliers
provides integrated micro-component solutions for communication and IT consumer electronics,ranging from acoustic components to haptics vibrators, radio frequency (RF), and optics. These
components are embedded into the iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch.
To maximize efficiency, Apple worked with its supplier to integrate electronic order and fulfillment
processing with Apple’s EDI system. To plug into Apple’s system, the supplier implemented CData
Arc as a core component of their SCM EDI implementation. CData Arc enabled the supplier toseamlessly integrate its SAP ERP system with Apple’s EDI system to control key processes, suchas purchase orders, shipment notices, and invoices.

Integration with Apple
CData Arc provides Apple and its supplier with secure file transfer (via AS2), EDI messaging, andERP integration. The following diagram provides a high-level overview of how CData Arc is used forprocessing:

Secure File Transfer
The CData Arc AS2 Connector is configured to securely send and receive documents directly withApple’s EDI system, as direct messaging was a critical requirement for Apple. In addition to offering
the most secure and responsive integration, direct integration eliminates the need and expense of
VAN processing fees.

CData Software | Apple 										

1CASE STUDYEDI Messaging
For order processing and fulfillment, Apple requires communication through a number of standard
EDI messages. To do this, Apple’s micro-component supplier uses the ANSI X12 Connector ofCData Arc to transform data between ERP entities and standard EDI documents, including:•850 (Purchase Orders)•860 (Purchase Order Change Requests)•

855 (Purchase Order Acknowledgements)•856 (Advanced Shipping Notices)•

846 (Inventory Inquiry/Advice)- For Apple, an 846 is used by vendors to notify the transfer offinished goods.

•810 (Invoices)•997 (Functional Acknowledgements)

The following diagram outlines the basic message request and acknowledgement arrangement
between the companies.

CData Arc provides Apple’s critical micro-component supplier with an easy way to map values
between the various ANSI X12 based EDI messages and the supplier’s SAP system.
Apple’s supplier worked directly with an CData Arc featured EDI integration partner to quickly
implement EDI mapping and translation. Working with CData Arc’s EDI integration partner allowed
Apple to rapidly on-ramp messaging integration with its supplier and provided a resource for future
EDI implementations.

CData Software | Apple 										2ERP Integration
The CData Arc application is a straightforward extension to the supplier’s SCM processes, andCData Arc provides direct integration with the supplier’s ERP installation. Apple’s supplier leverages
the CData Arc iDoc Connector to transform messages and integrate them directly to and from theirSAP ERP. When Apple sends requests, the messages are routed and transformed through CData
Arc and passed directly into their SAP installation.

Similarly, when the supplier needs to notify Apple, the supplier simply updates its SAP ERP system.
CData Arc does the rest, monitoring SAP for changes, so, when a change occurs, CData Arc maps
and transforms those messages to the correct EDI document format and securely transmits themessages to Apple.

The Result
By selecting CData Arc, Apple and its supplier rapidly integrated ordering and fulfillment processes
to conform with Apple’s supply chain requirements. Integration was delivered on-time and underbudget, providing Apple’s key micro-component supplier continuous cost savings.

CData Software is the real-time data connectivity company. Our connectivity solutions provide easy access to live data fromhundreds of on-premises and cloud applications. Consumable by any user, accessible within any application, and built for all
enterprises, CData is redefining data-driven business.

CData Software | Apple										3