Biztalk Server vs SPS Commerce Fulfillment

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Our analysts compared Biztalk Server vs SPS Commerce Fulfillment based on data from our 400+ point analysis of EDI Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Biztalk Server Software Tool
SPS Commerce Fulfillment Software Tool

Product Basics

BizTalk Server is an inter-organizational middleware by Microsoft that integrates applications across the enterprise and manages business processes through automation. It exchanges business documents between different implementations, within or across the organization.

By making use of adapters to tailor communication, it acts as a message breaker and provides business activity monitoring. Implementation of maps is done with the XSLT standard, while orchestration is done with the WS-BPEL-compatible process language. Developers have the freedom to create and transform messages from one type to another.
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SPS Commerce is a cloud-based solution that helps streamline and simplify document and data transfer between various supply chain stakeholders. It automates communication between suppliers, retailers, distributors and marketplaces to enhance order processing, inventory management and shipping. 

It lets users define communication and data transfer workflows that lead to faster order fulfillment, improved data accuracy and real-time order visibility. Additionally, it provides insights to help businesses optimize inventory levels and drive sales growth.

Consolidating data and automating workflows can give businesses a strategic advantage. It saves time, frees up resources, improves operational efficiency and helps deliver a superior customer experience, providing a competitive edge in today's dynamic market.

Pros
  • Ease of Use
  • Efficient Support
  • Extensive Integration Network
  • Useful Training Resources
  • Streamlined Processes
Cons
  • Higher Costs
  • Implementation and Setup Difficulties
  • Billing and Contract Issues
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$10,000 Annually
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$99 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Receive Comprehensive Support: Get support for a wide range of protocols and data formats and ensure seamless communication across different operating systems. 
  • Handle Bad Scripts: Easily manage bad scripts with a retry mechanism or service support windows. 
  • Eliminate Third-party Implementation: Easily integrate with a wide range of programs without having to seek the help of a third-party administrator. 
  • Integrate Diverse Programs: Connect people and information together and get the freedom to conduct B2B communication and EDI transactions. 
  • Enhance Security: Utilize seamless hybrid integration and a new level of security by being closely aligned to Azure. 
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  • Streamline Workflows: Consolidate invoices, shipping notices and orders into a single, searchable platform. Easily access repositories and retrieve relevant information for smoother workflow execution.
  • Minimize Errors: Reduce manual data entry with the auto-fill functionality. Define automation to minimize keying errors. Ensure automatic information mapping to correct fields, further enhancing data accuracy.
  • Gain Real-Time Visibility: Track real-time order and inventory status from any device and location. Get instant updates on order progress within the customer queue, clearly indicating confirmation or completion.
  • Improve Partner Connectivity: Connect to a network of more than 80,000 trading partners to add unique functionalities with third-party integrations. Connect with ERP, eCommerce platforms, accounting modules, payment processors, order management platforms and more. 
  • Optimize Inventory Management: Avoid stockouts, minimize carrying costs and forecast sales patterns with a built-in inventory management module. Get real-time insights into stock levels and sales trends to make informed inventory decisions. 
  • Enhance Customer Satisfaction: Streamline order processing, ensure data accuracy and track orders in real time to achieve faster fulfillment and improved delivery times. This translates to happier customers and a stronger brand reputation.
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  • API Management:  Manage different artifacts in the server environment using REST API. Use Azure API management to publish orchestration endpoints. Unlock the potential of data and service by gaining the freedom to publish API to external partners and internal developers. 
  • Analytics: Perform deep data storage using Azure Application Insight and Event Hub and use Power BI for reporting and viewing data. 
  • Office 365 Adapters: Automate workflow and integrate with adapters to send or receive Office 365 emails, transmit Microsoft Office calendars and create contacts. 
  • Hubs Adapter: Send and receive messages with Azure Events Hub, which allows the server to function both as an event publisher and subscriber with the cloud-based, event-driven application. 
  • Application Life Cycle Management: Use Visual Studio Team Services to define multiple server deployments and maintain those systems throughout the life cycle. Utilize Azure DevOps to automatically deploy applications to different environments. 
  • Routing: Route encrypted as well as unencrypted messages to the receiver with no capping on the decryption limit. Ensure safety and security by only permitting messages from those that have a receive-authorization certificate. 
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  • Order Alerts: Get automatic alerts upon receiving orders from retailers, distributors or marketplaces. Define automation to review, process and fulfill orders from a centralized dashboard.
  • Task Management: Maintain visibility and control over order fulfillment tasks with a dynamic workflow checklist that ensures adherence to correct protocols. The system automatically highlights the next action after task completion, improving order turnaround times.
  • Plain Language EDI: Unlike traditional EDI systems that rely on cryptic codes, SPS Commerce utilizes a user-friendly interface and guided navigation to help design workflows and protocols. This empowers users of all technical backgrounds to maximize the platform’s capabilities.
  • Auto-Fill Forms: Reduce manual data entry and streamline document creation. The advanced search bar includes an auto-fill feature that populates relevant data into forms like Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs), purchase orders and invoices.
  • Compliance Monitoring: The live workflow feature displays real-time updates on each retailer’s EDI requirements. Get immediate visibility into partner specifications to verify order compliance and prevent potential issues that could lead to chargebacks.
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Product Ranking

#5

among all
EDI Software

#19

among all
EDI Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

93
91
92
100
96
83
100
100
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EDI Transaction and Community Management
EDI Translation and Mapping
EDI Protocols and Standards
Document Management
Integrations and Extensibility
Document Management
EDI Transaction and Community Management
EDI Translation and Mapping
Integrations and Extensibility

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

82%
9%
9%
100%
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92%
0%
8%
83%
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17%
100%
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100%
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100%
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96%
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4%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

82%
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18%
91%
0%
9%
83%
0%
17%
74%
0%
26%

User Sentiment Summary

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Great User Sentiment 897 reviews
we're gathering data
85%
of users recommend this product

SPS Commerce Fulfillment has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 897 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.2 (387)
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4.3 (482)
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4.5 (2)
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4.2 (26)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Robust EDI Capabilities: Users appreciate BizTalk Server for its strong support for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards, enabling seamless data exchange with trading partners.
Integration Flexibility: The platform is lauded for its ability to integrate with a wide range of systems and technologies, making it a versatile choice for complex IT environments.
Scalability: Businesses value BizTalk's scalability, which allows them to start small and expand their use of the server as their needs grow, without significant re-investment.
Reliable Messaging: The guaranteed delivery feature ensures that messages are never lost, providing peace of mind for critical business transactions.
Comprehensive B2B Support: Users find the built-in support for B2B transactions and protocols to be a major advantage, streamlining operations with partners.
Advanced Monitoring and Tracking: The ability to monitor and track data flows in real-time helps businesses quickly identify and resolve issues, enhancing operational efficiency.
Extensive Adapter Library: BizTalk's wide range of available adapters simplifies the process of connecting to various applications and services, reducing development time.
Strong Community and Support: The active BizTalk community and Microsoft's support services are highly valued for providing assistance and sharing best practices.
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Ease of Use: The platform interface is intuitive and easy to understand, streamlining daily operations like order, shipping and invoice management.
Efficient Support: Users appreciate the vendor’s customer service, noting quick response times and helpful support staff. The support chat feature resolves queries quickly and efficiently.
Extensive Integration Network: The system provides secure third-party connections with popular solutions like NetSuite, QuickBooks, SAP Commerce, Shopify, Sage 500 and Acumatica.
Useful Training Resources: The availability of self-help videos, guides and training modules helps users navigate the platform and resolve issues independently.
Streamlined Processes: SPS Commerce can significantly reduce manual work and transactional errors by automating important communication and data exchange workflows.
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Complex Setup: Users often find the initial setup and configuration of BizTalk Server to be complex and time-consuming, especially for those with specific EDI needs.
Steep Learning Curve: New users report a steep learning curve, making it challenging to fully leverage BizTalk Server's capabilities without significant training.
Cost: The total cost of ownership, including licensing, hardware, and maintenance, can be prohibitively expensive for small to medium-sized businesses.
Performance Issues: Some users experience performance bottlenecks, particularly in high-volume transaction environments, leading to delays and decreased efficiency.
Limited Agility: The platform's architecture can sometimes hinder rapid changes or updates, making it less agile in response to evolving business needs.
Dependency on Windows: Being tightly integrated with Windows, BizTalk Server limits cross-platform capabilities, which can be a drawback for businesses operating in diverse IT environments.
Outdated UI: Users often cite the user interface as being outdated and less intuitive compared to more modern integration solutions.
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Cost: The platform is costlier than its competitors. Users have reported unexpected pricing fluctuations and inflexible contracts, leading to additional charges for unused services.
Implementation and Setup Difficulties: The platform implementation is highly technical and can take time. Some users have reported poor communication and delays from the implementation team.
Billing and Contract Issues: Discrepancies between the billing and sales teams can cause confusion and difficulties in resolving billing issues. Users have experienced challenges in canceling or adjusting services.
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BizTalk Server is a powerful tool for businesses needing a robust and adaptable solution for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and application integration. Users appreciate its ability to handle complex data formats and its scalability, making it suitable for large organizations with diverse integration requirements. Its versatility allows for connecting various systems and applications, streamlining business processes. However, some users find BizTalk Server's complexity and steep learning curve to be drawbacks, especially for those seeking a simpler EDI solution. Additionally, while BizTalk Server offers a range of features, it may not be the most cost-effective option for smaller businesses with less complex integration needs. Compared to other integration platforms like MuleSoft Anypoint Platform or Boomi, BizTalk Server stands out with its deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a natural choice for organizations heavily invested in Microsoft technologies. Its strength lies in handling complex integrations and orchestrations, but it may not be as user-friendly or cloud-native as some competitors. Ultimately, BizTalk Server is best suited for enterprises requiring a comprehensive and scalable solution for EDI and application integration, particularly those already utilizing Microsoft products and services. Its ability to manage intricate data formats and automate business processes makes it a valuable asset for organizations with complex integration challenges.

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SPS Commerce offers a cloud-based solution designed to streamline data exchange and communication across your supply chain. By automating tasks and centralizing documents, the platform aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce errors. Key features include order and task management, automated form filling and EDI compliance monitoring.This solution is suitable for businesses of all sizes but holds particular value for those struggling with manual data entry, inventory management, limited IT resources or complex EDI integrations.SPS Commerce boasts a user-friendly interface and extensive integrations with popular business solutions like NetSuite, QuickBooks and Shopify. Additionally, the platform offers a library of training materials and helpful customer support.While user reviews highlight the platform’s ease of use, efficient support team and robust integration network, they also mention some drawbacks. These include costlier pricing compared to competitors, potential challenges during implementation, and difficulties with billing and contracts.Overall, SPS Commerce is a strong solution for businesses seeking to automate workflows and gain real-time visibility into their supply chain. However, careful consideration of potential drawbacks, particularly cost, is recommended.

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