The two terms are often used interchangeably to describe the method for connecting partner databases and applications. Electronic data interchange (EDI) is an established technology that is often found in supply chain processes like order-to-cash and procure-to-pay. However, it’s only capable of asynchronous interactions and is confined to standardized protocols. In EDI, computer-to-computer communication replaces postal mail, fax, and email. Despite being an electronic tool, email still relies on human intervention to exchange documents. That human interaction often slows down document processing and adds the risk of human error. EDI documents, however, are routed directly to the appropriate software application on the receiver's computer (for example, the Order Management System), and processing is initiated immediately. A modern solution uses APIs to permit real-time access and sharing of data directly into business applications. As a result, this makes B2B integration ideal for use cases like e-commerce, real-time payments, social, and customer experience. It’s not a matter of picking one or the other; both have a place in your data exchange stack. The key is to use a centralized integration solution to connect securely while reducing operational risk and costs.