Frequently Asked Questions
What is an API?
An application programming interface (API) is a computing interface to a software component or a system that defines how other components or systems can use it. It is primarily defined by:
- The kinds of calls or requests that can be made
- How to make them
- Data formats and conventions to follow
The API is the infrastructure that allows your company to exchange data between both ERP systems.
What is the difference between API and EDI?
Both API and EDI can serve as a way of automating the transfer of information between businesses. EDI has been in use in the industry for decades, and with its agreed standard messaging and legal standing, is well placed for transferring production (ERP) information connected with supply chain management. APIs with their flexibility and speed of implementation, provide the opportunity to share a much broader breadth of product and business information that can be used in a number of systems and processes.
Can I place orders with Avnet API´s
At the moment ordering through the API is not enabled. Currently Avnet API provides a Price & Availability API to support your real-time information needs.
What Service is Avnet API based on?
Avnet provides a REST version of its API for connecting with your company.
What does it cost?
Although the API setup comes with development cost on Avnet´s side, API access is currently offered at no cost to all eligible customers.
Our company is using other 3rd party tools than offered on this website
Please contact your tool provider to get in touch with Avnet.
How long does it take to implement the API?
Depending on a customer’s system complexity and availability of the appropriate customer IT resources, this should normally not take longer than 1-2 weeks for a connection with Avnet. The required subscription keys can be provided quickly; the dependency is on the customer’s integration of the API into their solution (either direct of via a 3rd party vendor).
How do I find out if our company is eligible for API access?
Please first sign-up to the Avnet API Portal if you have not done so, so far. There are a series of questions that will be asked in order to sign up. Once the sign-up process is completed, which can go relatively fast if you have all of your customer information, you are able to subscribe for access to the APIs available from Avnet Abacus, Avnet Silica and EBV Elektronik.
How many API keys are required if I wish to have the information of all of the Avnet EMEA Trading companies?
Avnet EMEA has three trading companies which customer maybe working with: Avnet Abacus, Avnet Silica, EBV Elektronik. Each company is a separate trading relationship and provides back information tailored to the customer. If the customer has a trading relationship with all three companies, they would require three individual keys. The request for all keys is all processed through the subscription request in the Avnet API portal.
Whom do I contact for a technical issue with an existing API connection or an new approved API connection?
In case of a technical support issue with an existing API connection please email this address: Avnet-EMEA-EDI-Support
As a note, if you are working with a 3rd party application please check as well with your vendor if there any technical issues with their tool.