How It Works
Extract More Value: How and Why to Integrate with Kargo
| Kargo | 6 min
What You Need to Know
The days of siloed software solutions are long gone. In today’s world, the seamless flow of information across systems is essential for meeting the demands of modern logistics and supply chain management. Kargo integrates with your existing management framework to receive and share critical shipment data, enhancing operational efficiency and the value of your technology investments. Here, we’ll explore how Kargo can integrate with your management systems and the substantial benefits you can derive from this integration.
How to Integrate with Kargo
At Kargo, we understand that every operation has unique needs, processes and existing systems of record. We offer a variety of integration methods designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing execution systems, enhancing both the utility and efficiency of your operations.
Flat File Integration
What it is: Flat files are basic text or spreadsheet files, like CSVs, that store data in a tabular format. These files are simple but powerful tools for data synchronization between systems.
How It Works: Flat file integration involves exporting a file from your existing system, transforming and validating its data, and then importing it to Kargo’s system, where the data can be processed and leveraged. With most Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), you can automatically send a flat file to Kargo via email and let Kargo do the rest.
Implementation: Establishing a flat file transfer can be accomplished in about 15 minutes from most management systems, making it a good option for rapid deployment.
API Integration
What It Is: API (Application Programming Interface) allows software applications to communicate and interact with each other. API integration uses these direct, real-time links for data exchange, providing a faster, event-driven and more stable approach.
How It Works: Your system pushes shipment data to Kargo via our API whenever shipments occur. After processing, Kargo then pushes the data securely to your server, or you can poll the API for scanned labels.
Implementation: Setting up API integration is straightforward, typically requiring no more than 40 hours of IT development on the customer’s side. This method offers the greatest flexibility and is widely preferred by Kargo customers for its real-time capabilities and scalability.
On-Premise Integration
What It Is: On-premise integration involves hosting Kargo’s software on your own servers, giving you full control over the integration and data security.
How It Works: We install our integration software directly within your network, allowing Kargo direct access to interact with your existing systems such as your WMS.
Implementation: This approach requires you to provision server space and provide documentation for how Kargo can communicate with your system. This takes an average of 40 hours for IT teams to set up. Then, Kargo will complete the process by writing the integration code.
EDI Integration
What It Is: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) provides a standardized format for exchanging data between different enterprise systems, streamlining processes like ordering and billing.
How It Works: EDI integration facilitates the automated receipt and sending of standardized documents directly between your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and Kargo. This enables the seamless flow of shipment data, orders, and ASNs, ensuring that all transaction records are consistent and up-to-date.
Implementation: Kargo can receive EDI in whatever format you prefer. We will work with you to determine whether a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) or an Applicability Statement 2 (AS2) connection is the better option.
Why Integrate with Kargo
All methods of integration serve the same purpose: to connect your existing management systems with Kargo, facilitating the seamless sharing of information. Integrating with Kargo allows for an uninterrupted flow of data between your systems and ours, unlocking enhanced accuracy and efficiency in operations.
Here, we will explore the specific benefits derived from the flow of data into Kargo and out to your existing systems, highlighting how each integration impacts your operations.
Data Inflow: Unlock Efficiency & Accuracy
Integrating with Kargo allows your systems to provide detailed shipment information, which we use to verify every inbound and outbound order. This includes data like shipment IDs, License Plate Numbers (LPNs), Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), and quantities. Kargo verifies these details against the products passing through the loading dock, flagging any discrepancies, such as overages, shortages, or unexpected items, as they occur.
When information about the load sequence is included, Kargo can also ensure that every order is loaded in the correct order, significantly reducing the risk of errors and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Additionally, Kargo’s integration allows customers to share a master SKU list, which includes specific rules tailored to individual customer or product requirements. This list enhances Kargo’s ability to validate the correct products are being shipped or received, providing another layer of verification.
By receiving and leveraging key information from your existing systems, Kargo can not only automate critical processes, but also boost operational efficiency and accuracy.
Data Outflow: Enhance Existing Management Systems
The data captured and shared by Kargo includes raw images and videos, label and shipment content, notifications of any discrepancies, and the precise timing of activities at the dock doors. All this data is accessible via the Kargo Platform and can be integrated directly into your systems.
By sharing label data captured by Kargo Towers at the loading dock, Kargo can automate scanning and update your inventory records in real-time. This automation not only minimizes the risk of human error but also increases overall operational efficiency and throughput.
The accuracy and timeliness of the inventory data provided by Kargo via API integration ensure that you have a precise understanding of your inventory levels at all times, which is crucial for making informed operational decisions.
This integration facilitates a more dynamic, responsive, and efficient management framework, fully equipped to meet modern challenges and capitalize on real-time data for strategic advantage.
Maximizing Value Across Your Operations
Today, integrating systems is not only a technical enhancement but also a strategic upgrade for your operations and supply chains. Because this is so critical, Kargo offers various ways to integrate, ensuring that you can choose the best fit for your operational needs and technical capabilities.
By facilitating a seamless flow of data between Kargo and your existing management systems, you unlock automation capabilities that propel operational efficiency and accuracy to new heights.
Kargo’s approach not only streamlines your operations but also enriches your existing investments in technology, making your systems smarter and more responsive. As you move forward in an increasingly competitive market, integrating sophisticated technologies like Kargo is key to staying ahead.
Questions?
Connect With us
Ask us anything or drop your email to stay in touch