# Why do companies still use this?

I don't understand why large retailers use this type of connection still, why not use API?  API is the smartphone and EDI is the good ol' flip phone.

##### Post Metadata
- Posted at: almost 7 years ago
- Author title: VP
- Net upvotes: 1


## Comments
### Comment 1

We've found that many retailers use both, choosing the one that best fits their business need. E-commerce retailers, especially those using drop-ship, often use APIs for inventory feeds and other small data points that are communicated frequently, while using EDI for longer form transactions with suppliers. SPS offers entrepreneurs and other suppliers a full-service solution that is flexible and can work with a variety of means to communicate including APIs, EDI, file transfers and more. They do not have to concern themselves about which retailer uses APIs and which ones are using EDI, the solution manages this complexity for them so they can focus on their business. SPS has been working with APIs for years, with many published in our DevCenter, as well as working with the numerous APIs in use by retailers of all sizes.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 7 years ago
- Author title: SaaS/Cloud Tech Marketing Leader | Educator |  Results-Oriented Strategist




## Related Product
[SPS Commerce Fulfillment EDI](https://www.g2.com/products/sps-commerce-fulfillment-edi/reviews)

## Related Category
[Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)](https://www.g2.com/categories/electronic-data-interchange-edi)

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