Crackerjack-IT Blog

How Apparel Companies Are Automating Wholesale and Retail Orders with EDI + API

May 19, 2025 by

The apparel industry is balancing a complex supply chain—juggling wholesale purchase orders from big-box retailers, managing eCommerce sales through Shopify or Amazon, and handling direct-to-consumer fulfillment. Manual processes simply can’t keep up.

That’s where automation powered by EDI + API integration comes in.

At Crackerjack-IT, we help apparel brands simplify operations by automating order processing, shipping updates, invoicing, and inventory synchronization—across both wholesale and retail channels.

The Challenge: Wholesale Complexity Meets Retail Agility

Apparel companies often deal with:

  • EDI-compliant POs from large retailers (e.g., Walmart, Nordstrom)

  • Direct-to-consumer orders from platforms like Shopify

  • Multiple warehouses, 3PLs, or dropship partners

  • Manual errors from re-keying data between systems

Without automation, brands waste time, miss SLAs, and risk costly chargebacks.

The Solution: EDI + API Integration

EDI handles structured, standardized B2B documents like 850 (Purchase Order), 856 (ASN), and 810 (Invoice)—required by major wholesale retailers.

APIs offer real-time communication between apps like Shopify, Apparel Magic, and fulfillment systems, allowing faster updates and dynamic order handling.

Together, EDI + API create a hybrid workflow that supports:

  • Retailer compliance via EDI

  • Real-time inventory + order sync via API

  • Automated fulfillment + returns coordination

  • Complete visibility from PO to invoice

Real-World Results: Crackerjack-IT x Apparel Magic x Shopify

We’ve helped apparel brands eliminate manual data entry and late shipments by integrating:

  • Apparel Magic (ERP/PLM): We automate the flow of inventory, orders, and product data between Apparel Magic and retailers via EDI.

  • Shopify (eCommerce): Our custom APIs sync Shopify orders, track fulfillment status, and update inventory in real time.

  • SPS Commerce or other EDI providers: We bridge the gap between retailer requirements and internal systems.

The result?
✅ Fewer errors
✅ Faster order-to-cash cycle
✅ Less overhead
✅ Better customer experience

Why Apparel Brands Choose Crackerjack-IT

We don’t just push data—we understand the apparel industry, its systems, and the pitfalls of poorly implemented integrations. All work is done in-house by our U.S.-based team, with live support (no tickets, no outsourcing).

Whether you're a growing brand or an established label, we tailor automation solutions that scale with your business.

Ready to automate your apparel workflows?
Let’s talk about how Crackerjack-IT can connect your ERP, Shopify store, and retail partners for seamless order fulfillment.