Supply chains today depend more than ever on fast, reliable communication between systems. Whether it's sending a purchase order, confirming an invoice, or tracking a shipment, the way companies exchange this information is advancing. More businesses are now turning to APIs, Application Programming Interfaces, to handle these digital conversations.
Unlike older systems that move data in batches or require strict file formats, APIs let businesses connect in real time. They allow two systems to talk to each other directly, pulling or sending information as needed. But with this increased openness comes a new challenge: how to keep these digital doors secure.
As someone who works closely with enterprise integration and supply chain systems, he has learned that security can’t be treated as a checklist item at the end of a project. It needs to be part of the process from day one. APIs make it easier for businesses to stay connected, but only if they’re designed and managed with care.
What’s Different About APIs?
Older technologies like EDI have been a staple in supply chain operations for years. They’re dependable but rigid. APIs, on the other hand, offer more flexibility. They allow companies to plug into cloud-based platforms like SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Oracle and exchange data with suppliers or partners in near real time.
But while APIs help simplify integration, they also introduce new risks. Unlike older, closed systems, APIs are often exposed to the internet. That means the information being shared for orders, pricing, customer data can be vulnerable if the right security measures aren’t in place.
Practical Ways to Secure API Integrations:
Here are some of the most important steps any business can take when using APIs to support supply chain processes:
1. Control Who Gets Access
Not everyone needs access to everything. Use systems that can issue secure tokens and control which users or systems can interact with each part of the API. This helps make sure that only authorized connections are allowed.
2. Protect the Data While It’s Moving
Use encryption, especially when information is being sent across public networks. This protects sensitive data like prices, tax IDs, or customer records, even if someone tries to intercept it.
3. Monitor the System
Set up systems that can watch how your APIs are being used. This helps catch unusual behavior quickly, like repeated failed login attempts or traffic from an unexpected source. Keeping good logs also helps during audits or if anything goes wrong.
4. Don’t Accept Just Any Data
APIs should be careful about what kind of data they accept. If your system expects a purchase order with certain fields, it should reject anything that doesn’t meet that format. This helps prevent accidental errors and protects against attempts to misuse the system.
5. Plan for Growth and Change
APIs, like any software, will need updates over time. Make sure your systems are set up to handle different versions and give partners enough time to adjust when changes are made.
Make Security a Team Effort:
In most of the successful integration projects led by Navdeep, the key factor has been technology and teamwork. When IT, security, procurement, and supplier teams work together from the beginning, it’s easier to design an integration that works well and stays secure.
Suppliers, too, need clear documentation and testing opportunities so they know what’s expected. Open conversations with external partners reduce the chances of confusion and help solve problems faster.
Follow the Rules That Matter:
It’s also important to remember that different industries and regions have different data rules. In Europe, for example, businesses must follow GDPR when dealing with personal data. Healthcare and financial sectors have their own requirements too.
Companies need to make sure their API setups respect these rules, especially if they’re moving customer data, financial details, or anything subject to regulation. That means being thoughtful about what data is collected, how long it’s stored, and who has access to it.
Also, companies should check in on their suppliers and vendors. If someone else is connecting to your system, their weaknesses can become your problem. It’s a good idea to review their security posture regularly.
Final Thoughts:
APIs have become the preferred option for connecting systems in modern supply chains. They’re quicker and more flexible than traditional setups, but they also require more attention when it comes to security.
Putting the right controls in place doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s about starting early, thinking practically, and making sure the right people are part of the conversation. Security isn’t a one-time task, it’s an ongoing part of managing a connected business.
The more businesses treat APIs like essential infrastructure, and not just code, the better prepared they’ll be to handle the growing demands of today’s supply chains.
About Navdeep Singh
Navdeep Singh is a Canadian-based business engineer with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and system integration, focusing primarily on global procurement and supply chain ecosystems. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science, which serves as the academic foundation for his professional expertise in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), business systems engineering, and AI-driven automation technologies.
Singh has led several large-scale global integration initiatives for Fortune 500 companies. His work focuses on connecting disparate business systems through EDI platforms, punchout technologies, and intelligent automation, thereby enhancing digital communication and operational efficiency. His technical proficiencies include a wide range of enterprise platforms such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, and PeopleSoft, as well as EDI standards like cXML. He has expertise in communication protocols including AS2, FTP, sFTP, and VAN, enabling reliable and secure data exchange across business networks.
In recent years, Singh has increasingly incorporated artificial intelligence technologies to optimize key components of B2B workflows, such as transactional data validation, anomaly detection, and process automation. These innovations have contributed to improvements in speed, accuracy, and scalability across integrated systems.
Operating at the intersection of technology, business processes, and intelligent systems, Singh has contributed to the development and implementation of resilient APIs, AI-powered document parsing tools, and smart, user-centric data exchange workflows. His role often involves leading cross-functional project teams and ensuring system sustainability through onboarding strategies, documentation standards, stakeholder training, and long-term support.
Singh’s approach to innovation is practical and grounded in software engineering principles. He supports agile development practices and focuses on user education to bridge gaps between technical teams and business users. His method promotes rapid adaptation to technological change in enterprise environments.
Known for his strategic mindset and technical fluency, Singh has gained recognition as a key contributor to the ongoing evolution of digital business infrastructure. His expertise enables organizations to develop future-ready, intelligent supply chain solutions that address the needs of increasingly connected systems.
Navdeep Singh continues to serve as a key figure in the integration of AI-enhanced technologies within business operations, playing a key role in the development of seamless digital interactions, data integrity, and operational excellence across global enterprise ecosystems.
