hi all - for all those that use 3PLs alongside NetSuite, how do you connect to your 3PLs? specifically interested in connecting order data + invnetory data. We're in process of connecting a new EDI software called SPS to NetSuite, which will automate a lot of our SO creation and fulfilment in Netsuite, but wondering best way to then connect our 3PLs (would we want to connect NetSuite to 3PL or SPS to 3PL)

Hey Georgia, it really depends on the 3PL. Some have API integration and that's how I generally connect my clients. Some do support EDI and you could go through SPS.

We use Boomi, but during my consulting days used Jitterbit, celigo, folio3, patchworks etc.

FWIW I worked with SPS commerce a number of years ago at a prior admin gig and it was a nightmare. If you have a choice, I think connecting directly (if you have the technical resources) or using one of the connectors sam1128 recommends is a better choice. Nothing's going to be perfect, but either of those options will give you a lot more control and options for other integrations in the future.

Hi Georgia, We address this exact issue with MindCloud. We offer API, EDI and flat file solutions for your 3PL connectors.

@AK47 when you say "Go direct" do you mean that you connect NetSuite directly with your 3PL? Or you connect EDI directly with the 3PL and essentially bypass NetSuite?

Since there is always a need for things to be triggered from or update Netsuite, Netsuite is always involved in the process. You can go Netsuite to EDI Platform to 3PL and back, but if the 3PL offers API integration, creating the scripts in Netsuite to communicate and creating an endpoint in Netsuite to receive API communication is always my preferred method. It's pretty much one time costs for the client and runs for years without updates.

SPS Commerce works if you have simple requirements like orders, fulfillment, inventory, and ASNs that have to go through EDI. If your 3PLs have API capability, Netsuite scripting would be the better approach but that would require technical resources at your end (internal devs or consultant devs).

Ahh I see I was confused on the way I read it Yes I agree NetSuite to 3PL works great Good call