API-Based Integrations (Direct System-to-System)
Best for customers seeking maximum automation, control, and scalability.
Supported APIs
Key Characteristics
Typical Use Cases
Supported APIs
- Create Order API – Submit purchase orders directly from your procurement or ERP system
- Get Order Details API – Retrieve real-time order acknowledgements, shipment updates, and invoice-ready status
- Product Catalog API – Access your IT Standard product catalog data
- ASN (Advance Ship Notice) API – Receive shipment and tracking details along with Asset information
Key Characteristics
- Real-time, synchronous integrations
- Supports high transaction volumes
- Ideal for global or complex procurement environments
- Enables custom workflows and approvals within your systems
Typical Use Cases
- ERP or custom procurement platforms
- Global enterprises with centralized purchasing
- Customers replacing or modernizing legacy EDI integrations
EDI Integrations
Best for customers with existing EDI infrastructure or compliance requirements.
Common EDI Transactions
Key Characteristics
Typical Use Cases
Common EDI Transactions
- 850 – Purchase Order
- 855 – Purchase Order Acknowledgement
- 856 – Advance Ship Notice (ASN)
- 810 – Invoice
Key Characteristics
- Batch-based processing
- Proven and widely adopted standard
- Often managed through VANs or EDI service providers (GHX)
Typical Use Cases
- Enterprises with established EDI ecosystems
- Retail, manufacturing, or regulated industries
- Customers standardizing suppliers on EDI
Punchout / cXML Integrations
Best for customers who want guided buying within their procurement system.
How It Works
Key Characteristics
Typical Use Cases
How It Works
- Users start in their procurement tool (e.g., Coupa, Ariba)
- They "punch out" to Zones' hosted catalog
- Items are selected and returned to the procurement system as a requisition
- Approval and PO submission occur in the customer's system
Key Characteristics
- Familiar shopping experience for end users
- Enforces contracts, pricing, and product compliance
- Minimal custom development
Typical Use Cases
- Mid-to-large enterprises
- Customers prioritizing user experience and compliance
- Procurement platforms that natively support cXML/OCI
ServiceNow Direct Integration (Procurement & IT Workflows)
Best for customers aligning IT service management and procurement.
Integration Capabilities
Key Characteristics
Typical Use Cases
Integration Capabilities
- Create Zones tickets directly from ServiceNow
- Order hardware tied to ServiceNow requests or workflows
- Track order status within ServiceNow
- Align assets, users, and fulfillment in a single system
Key Characteristics
- Seamless experience for IT and procurement teams
- Reduces swivel-chair operations
- Strong alignment with ITSM and ESM processes
Typical Use Cases
- IT-driven hardware procurement
- Employee onboarding / offboarding workflows
- Enterprises standardizing on ServiceNow
ZonesConnect
Best for customers seeking speed-to-value with minimal integration effort.
How It Works
Key Characteristics
Typical Use Cases
How It Works
- Users log into the ZonesConnect web portal
- Role-based access and approvals
- Contracted pricing and curated catalogs
- Orders placed directly with Zones
Key Characteristics
- No technical integration required
- Fastest deployment option
- Secure user authentication and controls
Typical Use Cases
- Decentralized purchasing teams
- Customers without procurement platforms
- Temporary or pilot programs
Choosing the Right Integration Model — Sample Matrix
Integration Option
APIs
Custom, scalable procurement
Automation Level
HIGHIT Effort
HIGHEDI
Legacy or standardized EDI
Automation Level
MEDIUMIT Effort
MEDIUMPunchout / cXML
Guided buying & compliance
Automation Level
MEDIUMIT Effort
LOW-MEDIUMServiceNow
IT-centric procurement
Automation Level
MEDIUM-HIGHIT Effort
MEDIUMZonesConnect
Rapid deployment
Automation Level
LOW-MEDIUMIT Effort
LOW