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Comparing P21 API and DCKAP Integrator: Understanding the Differences

Aiswarya Madhu
December 16, 2022 |
DCKAP Integrator P21 API

Epicor Prophet 21 is a powerful MSSQL server-based ERP solution provided by Epicor. It provides real-time eCommerce solutions and insights for wholesale distributors to overcome their industry challenges. Moreover, P21 API integration allows businesses to connect P21 with other systems or applications, enabling them to streamline workflows and increase efficiency.

With HTML5, Angular JS,.NET, and SQL Server®, Prophet 21 Cloud blends seasoned distribution expertise with an end-to-end Web-enabled infrastructure. It enables more freedom to grow, expand, modify, and customize it to meet the way businesses work, with total extensibility via an application programming interface (API).

Moreover, the Prophet 21 distribution software solution offers the DynaChange extensibility suite—software that lets you tailor your system to fit your business processes for greater efficiency.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to find ways to automate tasks and save time. One way to do this is through ERP integration. And API functionality is becoming increasingly important as businesses started thinking about ERP integration.

By allowing companies to integrate external systems and databases into their own operations, API functionality gives them the flexibility they need to keep up with the ever-changing trends in the marketplace.

API- Modern, Flexible, and Extensible Technology

API stands for application programming interface and it is a technology that enables you to embed interactive reports into your websites or applications. This is a modern, flexible, and extensible technology that can be used to add custom functionality and data sets without spending extra money. The API is also extensible – you can create your own data feeds and integrations easily. So, if you’re looking for a way to enhance your Epicor Prophet 21 reports and data, the API is the perfect solution for you!

To put it another way, an API supports bridging your ERP and other business systems. As long as the request has the required permissions, the API receives it and delivers the requested data. The API also dictates what data may be requested and how it is delivered.

Moreover, APIs are used by a customer’s preferred third-party providers to deliver additional services based on ERP data. Some instances of this sort of API are dashboard visualizations in the Business Intelligence (BI), interface for purchasing and shipping in eCommerce & access to mobile apps. 

Read Related Content: B2B APIs: Why Distributors Should Consider ERP-To-ERP Integration

Here are the top ways how APIs help you boost ERP automation through secure integration:

Improved efficiency: By using APIs, companies can offload certain tasks from their ERP system, which frees up resources for more important tasks. This reduces the overall time it takes to complete related tasks and improves overall workflow performance.

Reduced costs: Companies can connect to third-party services that offer additional features or functionality not available through their ERP system. This eliminates the need to purchase unnecessary add-ons or subscribe to costly service plans.

Increased flexibility: With APIs, companies can integrate their ERP systems with other web applications and platforms, which opens up new opportunities for collaboration and integration.

Does Prophet 21 Need An API?

Significant firms such as SAP, Epicor, Sage, and others have firmly established themselves as a basis for enterprise-wide software capabilities as the ERP sector has evolved, with an anticipated market value of US $47 billion by 2022. 

However, as your business grows, you may find that your current ERP system can no longer keep up with your needs. Working in isolation might prove to be a difficult endeavor as you try to scale up.

Despite their versatile nature, ERPs aren’t the only technology on which businesses depend. For instance, you may utilize highly specialized internal apps for certain business operations (e.g. accounting and order processes). External integrations may also be required to help you make wiser, data-driven decisions. 

ERP software and systems, when properly deployed, can be a huge success for your company. However, many industries have typically struggled to make full use of their ERPs as the technical complexity of their IT infrastructures has grown, necessitating an increasing number of internal and external interfaces.

Scaling up or revamping your technology stack is also necessary in that case. If this is the case, you may be wondering if you need to switch to a new ERP system or if you can simply add a third-party API to your existing P21 ERP system.

The answer is that it depends on your specific business needs. If you require specific integrations that are not available out of the box, then you will need to use a third-party API provider. However, if you are able to work with the existing out-of-the-box integrations, then you may not need a third-party API provider.

The Epicor P21 features facilitate flexible hosting on both on-premise & cloud.  

The Epicor P21 on-premise software can be used to manage any type of business, including small businesses, mid-sized businesses, and large businesses. On-premise software is installed locally, on a company’s own computers and servers. It also has the ability to handle a wide range of processing requirements and storage needs without having to be connected to the internet. This makes it ideal for companies that need to keep their data confidential or for those that don’t have access to an internet connection.

On the other hand, Cloud-based software, also known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), offers users the ability to manage their data from anywhere in the world, using any device or browser. It is hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessed through a web browser.

Recommended Reading: WooCommerce Epicor P21 Integration: An eCommerce Guide to Getting Started

P21 APIs- From On-Premise to Cloud Deployment

Well, it is not just enough to deploy your P21 ERP. No matter whether it’s on-premise or cloud deployment, your ERP should be integrated with other business applications (CRM system or PIM) to leverage the maximum use of data. And for that, you need a P21 API integration solution

ECC (Epicor eCommerce Connection)

In addition to its ERP system, Epicor offers its own Standard REST API and ECC (Epicor eCommerce Connection) connector for an additional annual fee.

While Epicor offers its own Standard REST API and ECC connector for clients looking to integrate with their ERP system, many Prophet21 clients opt for customized third-party integrations instead. This is because third-party integrations are often more flexible and can be tailored to specific business needs, whereas ECC has a set structure that may not meet all requirements.

With third-party integrations, businesses can choose from a wide range of integration options that can be customized to fit their unique workflows and requirements. This allows for greater control over the integration process and the ability to choose from a wide range of platforms and systems.

In addition, customized third-party integrations often provide more comprehensive functionality than the standard Epicor ECC connector. This can include real-time syncing of data, automated workflows, and integration with additional systems beyond just eCommerce platforms.

Ultimately, the decision to use ECC or a customized third-party integration will depend on a variety of factors, including business needs, budget, and technical expertise. However, for businesses looking for a more tailored and comprehensive integration solution, a customized third-party integration may be the preferred choice.

Before we go deep into P21 API, let’s see basic API concepts that will help you understand why you need a P21 API to integrate your business data as you scale up.

On-premises API

An on-premises web API is one that is implemented on infrastructure that the consumer owns and manages. In the case of P21 ERP, it needs a custom P21 API to ensure seamless data integration.   

On-premises APIs include the following important characteristics:

  • Create and manage your own infrastructure.
  • Control your own data for security and compliance purposes.
  • Manage your own software upgrades.
  • Keep track of your own certifications.

Cloud API

An API that is hosted by the API provider and deployed on an infrastructure that the API provider owns and manages rather than the client is known as a cloud API. In the case of P21 ERP, it has got its own cloud API which works under certain parameters. 

Cloud-based deployment has a number of benefits, including:

  • Geographic deployment flexibility
  • Infrastructure aspects of cloud providers
  • No worry about upgrades
  • No ownership & well-stated SLAs

When it comes to P21 customers, implementing Epicor’s own API won’t be helpful while planning to scale up. Epicor’s own API has its own parameters & rules which won’t be able to fulfill your custom requirements. And for these reasons, you should find a middleware solution that will help you fulfill your customized requirements based on business logic. 

How DCKAP Integrator P21 API Helps You

The DCKAP Integrator API syncs information about prices, products, inventories, orders, and customers across different applications. DCKAP Integrator P21 API functions as a custom API for its on–premise version and as meddles with P21’s cloud API to extend its functionalities. 

But how is it different from P21’s API? 

Eliminates Duplicate Data 

Let’s say you’ve had an ERP system and eCommerce website. To handle all of their orders and save personal information like stored cards, coupons, and other items, customers will usually register an account first.

The newly produced customer information will now be retrieved by DCKAP Integrator, which will then push all of the client data into Prophet 21. What happens if the client is an existing ERP client? Epicor P21 API produces a duplicate record when an existing client registers. The DCKAP Integrator P21 API, on the other hand, has the ability to recognize an existing customer and add information to that customer. No duplicate customer record is produced. 

Transfers Data in Real Time

For assembled goods (composed of several distinct parts) and individual products, DCKAP Integrator has separate retrieval logic. The client is given real-time inventory details via dynamic sync of the inventory information. Order, product, and inventory information are all seamlessly synchronized in real-time between P21 and your systems, thus amplifying your supply chain management challenges. 

Ensures Best-in-Class Order Management

Whatever the mode of payment, DCKAP Integrator P21 API will provide you the opportunity to transfer the order payment. In the case of a card, you have two options.

Only if the card payment has already been processed on the eCommerce site will the DCKAP Integrator offer the authorization number and date of payment. Visitor payments can also be handled via DCKAP Integrator.

Zero-to-Low Coding Skills Needed

Your developers’ time won’t be wasted because DCKAP Integrator is easy to use, even for non-technical people. You don’t need to run behind codes and other technicalities. This will help your developers save time and ensure fast implementation.

Relevant Reading: Epicor Prophet 21 BigCommerce Integration Made Easy: A Quick Guide

Flawlessly Implement Epicor P21 Integration With DCKAP Integrator’s API

If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, then you need to look no further than finding the right Prophet 21 API. The DCKAP Integrator API is a great way to access your data and automate tasks. It’s easy to use, so you can get started right away. Plus, you can use it to integrate with other systems like Salesforce or Oracle. This powerful technology enables you to connect with your customers in a more flexible and modern way, making it easier for you to gather insights and data. 

API access is key when it comes to building powerful integrations between your company’s software and third-party software applications. By using an API, you can connect with your customers and partners in a variety of ways, from inside and outside of the workplace. This allows you to manage your business data in one place, from anywhere in the world. Additionally, by integrating with an API, you can create powerful collaborations between your company’s software and third-party software or applications services. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get started!

Some P21 API Related Concepts 

Change Extensibility Suite

If you’re looking to take your Epicor Prophet 21 to the next level, then you need the DynaChange Extensibility Suite. This suite lets you customize the functionality of your system to add new fields, reports, and dashboards. Plus, it can enhance the performance of your system by speeding up data retrieval times. If you need help installing or using the DynaChange Extensibility Suite, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help you take your system to the next level!

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is a powerful database management system (DBMS) that can be used to integrate with Epicor Prophet 21. The API allows you to access many of the features and capabilities of Prophet 21 from within the SQL Server. This opens up many opportunities for integrating Prophet 21 into your business processes. By using the API, you’ll be able to manage data more efficiently and create powerful reports. You can also use the API to connect Prophet 21 to other applications and data sources, such as email and social media platforms. In short, the API is a powerful tool that can help you take your business to the next level.

Standard REST API

Businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to improve their performance. One way to do this is by using the Epicor Prophet 21 API. This API allows businesses to access their data and manage it from a centralized location. This gives executives the ability to analyze data in real-time, make more informed decisions, and improve business performance. The API is secured with SSL technology so that your data is protected at all times. It’s easy to use – you just need to register for an account and find the correct APIs for your needs. 

Aiswarya Madhu

Aiswarya Madhu is a highly skilled and experienced content creator with over 2 years of expertise in developing engaging and informative content for eCommerce enthusiasts and distributors. She has a deep understanding of the dynamic world of eCommerce, with a focus on eCommerce integration and ongoing distribution trends. Aiswarya is committed to delivering high-quality, insightful, and engaging content to her readers beyond the DCKAP blog -- channeling her strengths in social media, Medium, Quora, video and more

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