E371:🎓ECOMMERCE CAREER PATHS, LEARNING VS EARNING, WHAT IS EDI AND MORE!

eCommerce Career Growth: Learning vs. Earning, Understanding EDI, and B2B Implementation Insights

eCommerce is an evolving space with endless opportunities for professionals ready to adapt, learn, and grow. But where should you focus your efforts? How can you gain the right skills to remain relevant? And what’s the deal with buzzwords like EDI and B2B capabilities anyway?

In this post, we’ll cover valuable eCommerce career advice, dive into key technologies in the industry, and explore what it takes to excel in B2B eCommerce implementation. Ready to get practical with your career path? Let’s go.

Early Career Decisions: Focus on Learning First

Are you early in your career and unsure where to focus? Here’s the truth: when you’re starting out, prioritize learning over earning.

It’s tempting to chase high-paying jobs at big companies right away, but you risk locking yourself into a role that doesn’t maximize growth opportunities. Think of it as the difference between wearing golden handcuffs and building a toolbox full of versatile skills.

Learning opportunities often come from hands-on experiences, not just sitting through theory. For example, working for a mid-sized business going through a major digital transformation gives you exposure to multiple systems like ERP, WMS, marketing tools, and eCommerce platforms. You’ll learn the ups and downs of implementation, project management, integration, and the people challenges that surface during change.

If you focus on building a broad range of skills early, you gain flexibility later. Whether you want to consult, lead teams, or specialize in complex integrations, you’ve created options by learning broadly.

What is EDI, and Does it Still Matter?

In B2B eCommerce, three main tools shape buyer-seller transactions: EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), Punchout systems, and self-service eCommerce. Each serves different needs depending on customer size and purchasing complexity. So what exactly is EDI, and is it relevant in today’s tech world?

Breaking Down EDI

At its core, EDI automates order placement between a buyer and seller’s systems. For example, a buyer’s ERP generates a purchase order (PO), which flows directly into the seller’s ERP to generate a sales order for fulfillment. Neither side needs to touch a keyboard—it’s all data-driven.

But automation comes with quirks. EDI can’t offer features like personalized shopping or cross-selling. It’s a sterile, back-end solution designed for efficient scaling.

Is EDI 'Old School' Tech?

Yes and no. EDI is over 30 years old, and its rigid structure means systems often rely on clunky middleware to translate protocols. Technically, it’s been outpaced by modern eCommerce platforms with better user experience options.

However, EDI handles sheer transaction volume well—making it a staple for large enterprises, especially when managing millions of SKUs or working with huge suppliers.

Smaller or mid-market customers, though, are better served with flexible, self-service eCommerce or punchout-capable integrations. These options offer personalization, real-time inventory updates, and other features absent from traditional EDI workflows.

While EDI won’t vanish anytime soon, it’s not evolving like modern B2B tools. Businesses need to weigh its efficiency against the lack of engagement and personalization.

Understanding Punchout and Self-Service

Beyond EDI, procurement teams often use punchout and self-service eCommerce channels for mid-to-low complexity purchases.

* Punchout Integrations: Buyers with e-procurement systems (like Coupa or Ariba) connect directly to a supplier’s catalog. They place orders in real time through middleware that supports order handling on the supplier’s side. It's automated, but less rigid than EDI.

* Self-Service eCommerce: For smaller buyers, self-service eCommerce platforms streamline purchasing. Buyers log in, see personalized pricing, upload CSV orders, review past purchases, and check out with ease. This option suits dynamic, scalable businesses aiming to reduce manual input and enhance customer experiences.

Each purchasing channel targets different buyer needs, but they often coexist. Suppliers leave the choice to customers, giving them the flexibility and control that builds stronger relationships.

Essential Skills for the B2B Implementation Space

Breaking into B2B eCommerce implementation requires more than technical know-how. You’ll need a blend of business insight, problem-solving ability, and the right tools to tackle complex workflows.

Prioritize Functional Expertise

B2B buyers prioritize efficiency. Forget the pixel-perfect designs common in DTC (direct-to-consumer) spaces; here it’s all about function over form:

* Understanding complex pricing models like tiered pricing or contract-based discounts.

* Supporting workflows like user hierarchies with varying permissions (e.g., approvals at multiple levels within organizations).

* Building integrations for tools like ERP, CRM, or supply chain platforms to reduce data silos.

Assemble an Agile Team

If you’re part of an agency or entering the B2B implementation space, your team’s structure matters. Agencies used to working on DTC projects may struggle. B2B complexity means you need:

* Solution Architects to design scalable systems.

* Business Analysts (BAs) who can translate customer needs into functional requirements.

* Technical Developers skilled in integrating platforms across ERP, WMS, supply chain, and eCommerce stacks.

Learn to Speak ‘B2B’

B2B lingo and processes are different from DTC. For example, terms like 'click and collect' don’t exist. Instead, it’s “will call.” Understanding these nuances signals competence—and you’ll need it to earn business.

Discovery sessions with B2B clients will dig into pricing structures, catalog restrictions, order flows, and their specific stack. Precision matters because no two B2B clients will have identical use cases.

Build for 80/20 Fit

Don’t aim for perfection on day one—it’s time-consuming and costly. Instead, focus on tools that meet 80% of the client’s immediate needs out of the box. Customize only when necessary, and plan roadmap solutions to fix gaps step-by-step.

Tools like tiered WMS platforms or lightweight ERP integrations help balance cost-effectiveness and operational needs for mid-sized businesses. Flexibility in platform selection and implementation approaches is critical.

Closing Thoughts

The eCommerce world, particularly B2B, is filled with opportunities for those willing to learn and adapt. Whether you’re prioritizing new skills, embracing emerging tech, or mastering business integrations, the key is taking a long-term view.

Early in your career, focus on skill-building over salary. Build experiences across systems, business functions, and industries. Learn the languages of tech and business so you can bring ideas together.

And remember this: the more versatile you are now, the more confident you’ll be later. Whether consulting, integrating, or leading, you’ll have the foundation to thrive.

Which area of eCommerce excites you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: