Implementing EDI Integration Using Microsoft Azure Logic Apps

# Implementing EDI Integration Using Microsoft Azure Logic Apps

This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to implementing EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) integration using Microsoft Azure Logic Apps. Azure Logic Apps is a cloud-based service designed to help automate workflows and integrate EDI transactions seamlessly with your systems and trading partners.

---

## **Step 1: Prerequisites** Before starting the implementation, ensure you have the following:

1. **Azure Subscription**: - Sign up for an Azure account if you don’t already have one. - Access the Azure Portal.

2. **Trading Partner EDI Specifications**: - Obtain the EDI implementation guide for the documents you will exchange (e.g., EDI 810, EDI 850).

3. **Existing Systems**: - Identify the systems (e.g., ERP, CRM) that will integrate with EDI workflows.

4. **Data Format**: - Define the data format (e.g., X12, EDIFACT, XML) based on trading partner requirements.

---

## **Step 2: Create a Logic App** 1. **Log in to Azure Portal**: - Navigate to the Azure portal and search for "Logic Apps."

2. **Create a New Logic App**: - Click "Create" and provide the following details: - **Resource Group**: Create or select an existing resource group. - **Name**: Name your Logic App (e.g., `EDI_Integration_Workflow`). - **Region**: Select the appropriate region for hosting.

3. **Open Logic App Designer**: - Open the Logic App in Designer mode to start building your workflow.

---

## **Step 3: Add EDI Integration Connector** Azure provides built-in connectors for EDI transactions, such as AS2, X12, and EDIFACT.

### **For X12 EDI** 1. **Set Up an Integration Account**: - Navigate to "Integration Accounts" in the Azure portal. - Create an Integration Account and link it to your Logic App.

2. **Upload Partner Agreements**: - Define trading partners and upload their details (e.g., X12 schemas, certificates, and agreements) into the Integration Account. - Add: - **Schemas**: Import X12 schema files for the EDI document types you are processing. - **Partners**: Add trading partner details (identifiers, roles, and agreements). - **Agreements**: Configure inbound and outbound agreements specifying EDI protocols and settings.

3. **Configure X12 Connector**: - In the Logic App Designer, search for "EDI X12" and add the X12 connector. - Choose "Receive X12 Message" or "Send X12 Message" based on the workflow.

---

## **Step 4: Design the Workflow**

### **Inbound EDI Workflow** 1. **Receive EDI Document**: - Add a trigger to start the Logic App, such as "When a file is added to Azure Blob Storage" or "Receive AS2 message."

2. **Decode EDI Message**: - Use the "EDI Decode" action to validate and parse the received EDI document. - Map the EDI segments to readable data (e.g., JSON, XML).

3. **Transform Data**: - Add a "Transform XML" action to convert the EDI message into the desired format for your system. - Use a predefined map or create one using Azure’s mapping tools.

4. **Send Data to System**: - Add an action to send the transformed data to your internal system (e.g., SQL Database, Dynamics 365).

### **Outbound EDI Workflow** 1. **Receive Data from System**: - Add a trigger to listen for new data in your system (e.g., "When an item is created in SQL Database").

2. **Transform Data**: - Use the "Transform XML" action to convert internal data into the required EDI format.

3. **Encode EDI Message**: - Use the "EDI Encode" action to package the data into an X12-compliant EDI document.

4. **Send EDI Document**: - Add an action to send the EDI document to the trading partner via AS2, FTP, or another protocol.

---

## **Step 5: Test the Integration** 1. **Enable Logging**: - Use Azure Monitor or Application Insights to track the execution of your Logic App.

2. **Perform Test Runs**: - Simulate inbound and outbound transactions using test data. - Verify that the EDI documents are generated, validated, and transmitted correctly.

3. **Fix Errors**: - Debug any errors using the Logic App’s run history and logs.

---

## **Step 6: Go Live** 1. **Deploy the Logic App**: - Ensure all configurations are in place and move the Logic App to production.

2. **Monitor Live Transactions**: - Use Azure’s monitoring tools to ensure smooth operation and address any issues promptly.

---

## **Step 7: Maintain and Optimize** 1. **Periodic Reviews**: - Review workflows to ensure compliance with updated trading partner requirements.

2. **Optimize Performance**: - Monitor latency and throughput, and adjust Logic App triggers and actions as needed.

3. **Add New Partners**: - Scale your solution by adding new trading partners or EDI document types.

---

By following this detailed roadmap for implementing EDI integration using Azure Logic Apps, you can streamline your business processes, ensure compliance with trading partner requirements, and achieve efficient and reliable electronic data exchange.

Generating Workday BIRT Reports: Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to generate Workday BIRT (Business Intelligence and Reporting Tool) reports:

---

# **Generating Workday BIRT Reports: Step-by-Step Guide**

## **Introduction to BIRT in Workday** Workday BIRT reports are custom report templates designed using the BIRT tool to create pixel-perfect layouts for operational and transactional reports. These templates can include advanced formatting, custom layouts, and embedded graphics.

---

## **Step 1: Prerequisites**

1. **Access to Workday and Reporting Permissions**: - Ensure you have the necessary permissions in Workday to create and manage reports.

2. **Install BIRT Designer**: - Download and install the Eclipse-based BIRT Designer tool from [Eclipse BIRT](https://www.eclipse.org/birt/).

3. **Familiarity with Workday Report Writer**: - Understand how Workday’s standard report writer works, as BIRT uses custom templates linked to advanced reports.

4. **Technical Knowledge**: - Knowledge of XML data sources, XPath, and design principles for creating report templates.

---

## **Step 2: Design and Build the Advanced Report in Workday**

1. **Create an Advanced Report**: - In Workday, navigate to the “Create Report” task. - Choose **Advanced Report** as the type. - Add the required **Data Sources** and fields based on the report’s purpose. - Filter the data using prompts, conditions, or sorting.

2. **Enable Report for BIRT**: - Go to the advanced report properties and check the option **Enable as BIRT report**.

3. **Generate and Export the XML Output**: - Run the report to generate the XML output. - Save the XML file, which will serve as the data source for your BIRT template.

---

## **Step 3: Develop the BIRT Template**

1. **Launch the BIRT Designer**: - Open the BIRT Designer tool installed on your system.

2. **Create a New Report**: - Start a new report project and name it appropriately.

3. **Import the XML Data Source**: - Add the XML file (exported from Workday) as a data source in BIRT. - Define data sets by mapping fields in the XML file to elements in the report.

4. **Design the Report Layout**: - Use BIRT's drag-and-drop interface to design the report layout. - Include elements such as: - **Tables**: For structured data. - **Charts**: For visual data representation. - **Images and Logos**: For branding. - **Headers and Footers**: For consistent styling.

5. **Add Formatting and Styles**: - Apply custom styles to enhance readability. - Configure fonts, alignments, and color schemes to align with your organizational standards.

6. **Preview the Report**: - Use the preview option to ensure the layout aligns with expectations and displays data correctly.

---

## **Step 4: Upload the BIRT Template to Workday**

1. **Compress the Template**: - Save the BIRT template file as a `.rptdesign` file. - Compress it into a `.zip` file.

2. **Upload the Template**: - In Workday, navigate to the “Maintain BIRT Layout Templates” task. - Upload the `.zip` file and associate it with the appropriate advanced report.

3. **Test the Report**: - Run the advanced report with the uploaded BIRT template to verify the output.

---

## **Step 5: Refine and Optimize**

1. **Review and Adjust**: - Adjust the BIRT template or advanced report settings based on feedback or issues identified during testing.

2. **Performance Optimization**: - Simplify data sources and reduce unnecessary computations to optimize report performance.

3. **Deploy for End Users**: - Share the report with end users, ensuring proper access permissions are set in Workday.

---

## **Step 6: Maintenance and Updates**

1. **Update Templates as Needed**: - Make changes to the BIRT template or advanced report to reflect evolving business requirements.

2. **Monitor Usage**: - Track the usage and performance of the report in Workday to ensure it meets user needs.

3. **Train Users**: - Provide training for end users on interpreting and using the report effectively.

---

This step-by-step process ensures the successful creation and deployment of Workday BIRT reports, enabling high-quality, customized reporting tailored to your organizational needs.

Implementing the EDI 810 (Invoice) document in SPS Commerce

Implementing the EDI 810 (Invoice) document in SPS Commerce involves configuring the tool to map, transmit, and validate the EDI data according to trading partner requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
---
### **Step 1: Gather Requirements**
1. **Understand Trading Partner Specifications**: Obtain the 810 EDI Implementation Guide (specifications) from your trading partner.
- Identify required segments, elements, and codes.
- Understand any validation rules or business-specific requirements.

2. **Define Business Rules**: Work with internal teams to outline the invoicing data flow and confirm all necessary data points are captured.

---
### **Step 2: Configure SPS Commerce Tool**
1. **Log in to SPS Commerce Fulfillment**:
- Access the web portal or integration tool provided by SPS Commerce.
- Ensure you have administrative privileges to configure document settings.

2. **Set Up Trading Partner Connection**:
- Navigate to the "Connections" or "Trading Partner Setup" section.
- Add or update the trading partner's profile to enable the 810 document type.

3. **Enable EDI 810 Document**:
- Locate the document setup menu for the trading partner.
- Select "810 Invoice" and ensure it is enabled.

4. **Map Data Fields**:
- Use SPS Commerce’s mapping tools to map your internal data (ERP or accounting system) to the 810 format.
- Map mandatory segments like **ST (Transaction Set Header)**, **BIG (Beginning Segment for Invoice)**, **N1 (Name)**, **IT1 (Invoice Line Items)**, and **TDS (Total Monetary Value Summary)**.

5. **Validate Mapping**:
- Perform test mapping for various scenarios (e.g., single item, multiple items, taxes, discounts).
- Ensure all required segments are mapped and optional ones are handled based on trading partner preferences.

---
### **Step 3: Test the Implementation**
1. **Generate a Test Invoice**:
- Create a sample invoice in your internal system.
- Export it to SPS Commerce.
2. **Run Mapping Validation**:
- Verify the data is translated into the correct EDI 810 format.
- Check the structure, syntax, and compliance with the trading partner’s specifications.
3. **Send Test EDI File**:
- Use the testing environment provided by SPS Commerce to transmit the 810 document to your trading partner. - Work with the trading partner to validate and troubleshoot any issues.

---
### **Step 4: Go Live**
1. **Confirm Trading Partner Approval**:
- After successful testing, obtain trading partner approval to go live.
2. **Enable Production Mode**:
- Switch the EDI 810 configuration from the test environment to production.
3. **Monitor Initial Transactions**:
- Closely monitor the first few live transactions for errors or discrepancies.
- Use SPS Commerce’s monitoring tools for error alerts and transaction tracking.

---
### **Step 5: Maintain and Update**
1. **Periodic Reviews**:
- Regularly review and update mappings to accommodate any trading partner updates or internal system changes.
2. **Error Resolution**:
- Use SPS Commerce’s error handling tools to address failed transactions.
- Work with support if needed.
3. **Expand Functionality**:
- As needed, implement additional documents (e.g., 850, 856) to enhance integration with your trading partner.
---
### Tools & Resources
- **SPS Commerce Documentation**: Reference guides and tutorials.
- **EDI Validator**: To check compliance.
- **Support Team**: Contact SPS Commerce for assistance during setup or troubleshooting.

Would you like detailed examples of specific 810 segments or mapping logic?

Generate your trusted CRT , PEM and P12 security certificates for signing and encryption functionality for HTTP or HTTPS Communication

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Introducing a rate limiter feature in IBM Sterling Integrator allows for comprehensive API functionality without the need to invest in additional API tools.

To activate and integrate the rate limiter feature in Sterling Integrator for comprehensive API functionality, follow these steps.

To effectively deliver a service, it's essential to create a system that accepts input from clients and returns the appropriate output based on that input.

When we offer this service, it's important to pinpoint the client's IP address for any requests originating from outside our network.

To achieve the capability of identifying the client IP address within Sterling Integrator, we should adhere to the following steps.

To activate the Client IP feature, follow these steps:

First, include the property client_ip_correlation_enabled=false in the jdbc.properties_platform_ifcbase_ext.in file.
Next, execute ./setupfiles.sh.
This feature captures the IP address of the client that initiates the request.
Certain clients require this functionality to comply with regulatory standards.
Before you enable the Client IP feature, ensure that your firewall is configured to permit the IP address to pass through the Sterling External Authentication Server.

We will now verify the available rate limit for the customer associated with the given IP address.
As developers, we will save this information in our database. Each time a request is received, we will assess the rate limit for that partner.
If the request falls within the allowed rate limit, it will be forwarded to the appropriate API service.
Additionally, we can implement another check to monitor the number of requests made by the partner within a defined time frame. For instance, we could allocate a limit of 1,000 requests per hour for a specific partner based on their IP address.

To put this into action, we will track the number of requests made by the partner.

If any conditions fail, we will provide the relevant error code and description to the partner. They will need to rectify the issue by upgrading their subscription with the service provider.

When we integrate this functionality into Sterling Integrator, we can incorporate rate limiting within a generic process. If the result is positive, the request will then be directed to the appropriate API service business process.

I recommend implementing API capabilities in Sterling Integrator rather than using specific API tools for small and medium business who is already using Sterling Integrator for their EDI integrations .

Given the business capacity, Sterling Integrator can effectively expose API services to the external world. It offers robust error handling features and a clear understanding of error codes, making it particularly suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

The Sterling Integrator Server offers enhanced functionality, equipped with a wider array of services and adapters, allowing us to implement simple functions without the need for coding.

Tracking requests and generating reports is a breeze with the Sterling File Gateway.

While this tool primarily focuses on managing EDI-based transactions, it can also be effectively utilized for API service implementations.

There is a wealth of Sterling technical resources available in the market.

One important consideration when using Sterling Integrator as an API endpoint is that it only supports XML-based transactions and requests, excluding JSON format. To address this limitation, we can create an alternative solution by leveraging the Java Task Service to develop a Java program that formats JSON.

1. One minor limitation of the API tools

currently on the market is that implementing any functionality requires coding in a language chosen by the organization or developer.

Maintaining this code can also pose challenges within the organization.

Should there be any updates or changes to the service in the future, it may necessitate hiring new personnel with expertise in the original programming language or rewriting the functionality in a different language altogether.

Additionally, as a centralized access point, an API serves as a gateway that can attract the attention of hackers. If an API is breached, it can expose all connected applications and systems to potential threats.

Workato Automation Tool and main capabilities when compare to other iPAAS tools like Dell Boomi

Dears
Good Day
Hope you are doing good.
I would like to share my recent achievement: yesterday, I successfully completed the Workato Automation Pro I tool certification as part of my efforts to enhance my skill set.
Some brief introduction about Workato Automation Tool ,
Workato is an automation tool that helps businesses connect different apps and systems without needing a lot of coding. It allows you to create workflows, called "recipes," that automate tasks like sending data from one app to another or triggering actions based on events. For example, it can automatically update a spreadsheet when a new order is placed or send an email when a project status changes. Workato works with many popular apps like Salesforce, Slack, and QuickBooks, making it easier to streamline work processes and save time on repetitive tasks.
This tool boasts enhanced security features compared to another iPaaS solution, Boomi. Additionally, it offers a unique capability to retain the failed steps of a process during unexpected system failures, automatically resuming process executions once the system restarts. This means there's no need for us to manually check whether we need to reprocess any failed processes.
#integration #EDI #B2B #Workato #Salesforce #Banking #Finance #IToperations #automation #QuickBooks #insurance #Retail #API #AI #IBM #boomi #ipaas #saas

LinkedIn Post Link: [Insert your LinkedIn post link here]

Workato Automation Tool brief description about Workato automation tool in layman words
Workato is an automation tool that helps businesses connect different apps and systems without needing a lot of coding. It allows you to create workflows, called "recipes," that automate tasks like sending data from one app to another or triggering actions based on events. For example, it can automatically update a spreadsheet when a new order is placed or send an email when a project status changes. Workato works with many popular apps like Salesforce, Slack, and QuickBooks, making it easier to streamline work processes and save time on repetitive tasks.

Write a BOT Application using JAVA to take the blog posts from Blogger website login and post that blog post in the Twitter channel on scheduled base

AI prompt : write a bot application using java to take the blog posts from blogger website login and post that blog post in the twitter channel on scheduled base

To create a bot application in Java that retrieves blog posts from Blogger, logs in, and posts those blog posts to a Twitter channel on a scheduled basis, you can follow these steps:
### Overview
1. **Fetch blog posts from Blogger**: Use the Google Blogger API to retrieve blog posts.
2. **Post on Twitter**: Use the Twitter API to post the content.
3. **Schedule the task**: Use a scheduler like `java.util.Timer` or Spring Scheduler to post the blogs at regular intervals.
4. **OAuth Authentication**: Handle OAuth authentication for both Blogger and Twitter.
### Dependencies
To get started, you'll need the following dependencies:
1. **Google Blogger API client**: To interact with Blogger.
2. **Twitter API client**: Use Twitter4J for Twitter API integration.
3. **Scheduler**: Use `java.util.Timer` or Spring for scheduling.
4. **OAuth Libraries**: You’ll need OAuth libraries for both Google and Twitter.
Here’s an example with these steps using Java:
### 1. Add Maven Dependencies
First, add the necessary dependencies to your `pom.xml`:
```xml
<dependencies><br/> <!-- Google API Client for Blogger --><br/> <dependency><br/> <groupId>com.google.api-client</groupId><br/> <artifactId>google-api-client</artifactId><br/> <version>1.32.1</version><br/> </dependency><br/> <dependency><br/> <groupId>com.google.apis</groupId><br/> <artifactId>google-api-services-blogger</artifactId><br/> <version>v3-rev64-1.25.0</version><br/> </dependency><br/> <!-- Twitter4J --><br/> <dependency><br/> <groupId>org.twitter4j</groupId><br/> <artifactId>twitter4j-core</artifactId><br/> <version>4.0.7</version><br/> </dependency><br/> <!-- Spring Framework for scheduling --><br/> <dependency><br/> <groupId>org.springframework</groupId><br/> <artifactId>spring-context</artifactId><br/> <version>5.3.10</version><br/> </dependency><br/> </dependencies><br/> ```<br/> ### 2. Configure OAuth for Google Blogger
You'll need to configure Google OAuth2 to fetch Blogger posts. You can get the credentials from the [Google Developer Console](https://console.developers.google.com/).
Here’s the code to authenticate and fetch the posts:
```java
import com.google.api.services.blogger.Blogger;
import com.google.api.services.blogger.model.Post;
import com.google.api.services.blogger.model.PostList;
import com.google.api.client.googleapis.auth.oauth2.GoogleCredential;
import com.google.api.client.http.javanet.NetHttpTransport;
import com.google.api.client.json.JsonFactory;
import com.google.api.client.json.jackson2.JacksonFactory;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.util.List;
public class BloggerAPIService {
private static final String APPLICATION_NAME = "BloggerPostBot";
private static final String BLOG_ID = "your-blog-id"; // Replace with your blog ID
private static Blogger bloggerService;
public static Blogger getBloggerService() throws IOException {
if (bloggerService == null) {
GoogleCredential credential = GoogleCredential
.fromStream(new FileInputStream("path/to/your/client_secret.json"))
.createScoped(Collections.singleton("https://www.googleapis.com/auth/blogger"));
bloggerService = new Blogger.Builder(new NetHttpTransport(), JacksonFactory.getDefaultInstance(), credential)
.setApplicationName(APPLICATION_NAME)
.build();
}
return bloggerService;
}
public static List getBlogPosts() throws IOException {
Blogger.Posts.List request = getBloggerService().posts().list(BLOG_ID);
PostList posts = request.execute();
return posts.getItems();
}
}
```
### 3. Post Blog Content on Twitter
You will need to configure Twitter OAuth keys (API Key, API Secret Key, Access Token, Access Token Secret) on the [Twitter Developer Platform](https://developer.twitter.com/).
Here’s how you can post the content using Twitter4J:
```java
import twitter4j.Twitter;
import twitter4j.TwitterException;
import twitter4j.TwitterFactory;
import twitter4j.conf.ConfigurationBuilder;
public class TwitterBot {
private static Twitter twitter;
public static Twitter getTwitterInstance() {
if (twitter == null) {
ConfigurationBuilder cb = new ConfigurationBuilder();
cb.setDebugEnabled(true)
.setOAuthConsumerKey("your-consumer-key")
.setOAuthConsumerSecret("your-consumer-secret")
.setOAuthAccessToken("your-access-token")
.setOAuthAccessTokenSecret("your-access-token-secret");
TwitterFactory tf = new TwitterFactory(cb.build());
twitter = tf.getInstance();
}
return twitter;
}
public static void postTweet(String content) {
try {
getTwitterInstance().updateStatus(content);
System.out.println("Successfully posted: " + content);
} catch (TwitterException e) {
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
}
```
### 4. Schedule the Posting
You can use `java.util.Timer` or Spring’s `@Scheduled` to post blogs at regular intervals.
Here’s an example using Spring’s Scheduler:
```java
import org.springframework.scheduling.annotation.Scheduled;
import org.springframework.stereotype.Component;
import java.util.List;
@Component
public class BloggerTwitterScheduler {
@Scheduled(cron = "0 0 * * * *") // Every hour
public void postBlogToTwitter() {
try {
List blogPosts = BloggerAPIService.getBlogPosts();
for (Post post : blogPosts) {
String content = post.getTitle() + "\n" + post.getUrl();
TwitterBot.postTweet(content);
}
} catch (Exception e) {
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
}
```
### 5. Main Class
```java
import org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication;
import org.springframework.boot.autoconfigure.SpringBootApplication;
import org.springframework.context.annotation.ComponentScan;
@SpringBootApplication
@ComponentScan(basePackages = {"your.package.name"})
public class BloggerTwitterBotApplication {
public static void main(String[] args) {
SpringApplication.run(BloggerTwitterBotApplication.class, args);
}
}
```
### 6. Application Properties
Add your application properties in `application.properties`:
```properties
spring.main.web-application-type=none
```
### 7. Running the Application
1. Obtain the necessary OAuth credentials for Google Blogger and Twitter.
2. Run the application, and it will fetch the blog posts and post them on Twitter on a scheduled basis.
---
This is a simplified version. You may want to add error handling, logging, and edge cases (e.g., duplicate posts, scheduling intervals).

LinkedIn Post Link: [Insert your LinkedIn post link here]