Why AI is a waste of time for order management software

AI is everywhere these days—from shopping recommendations to self-driving cars. It’s easy to assume it belongs in your order management software, too. But there’s a problem. In this particular corner of the supply chain, AI is often a liability. 

Manufacturers and distributors attempt to modernize their systems by layering AI onto their order management stack, only to find themselves struggling with inconsistent results, increasing costs, and delayed transactions. 

It’s not uncommon for a company to spend months (and a fortune) on an AI-based solution that ends up misclassifying orders and causing significant chargebacks from their retail partners. Instead of accuracy, they got chaos. 

What most businesses need is precision. Along with speed, consistency, and scalability. That’s what EDI and APIs are built for. And that’s why they continue to outperform AI in order management. 

A nice algorithm doesn’t mean much when your order gets flagged incorrectly or when a shipment misses its window. In these moments, consistency and compliance matter more than machine learning. 

Let’s break down exactly where AI stumbles—and what works better. 

1. Why AI fails in the chaos of real-world vendor-retailer transactions

AI works best in highly controlled environments with well-organized and predictable data. But order management often doesn’t play by those rules. 

Out-of-stock instances, last-minute supplier substitutions, and unexpected surges in demand—these are all parts of the daily reality of vendor-related transactions. 

AI’s predictive models simply don’t handle these variables well. As a result, you get faulty projections, missed shipments, and dissatisfied partners. 

By contrast, EDI and APIs excel in complex, highly unpredictable environments. 

EDI ensures that essential documents like purchase orders, shipment notices, and invoices move between partners in standardized formats with no room for misinterpretation. APIs add the power of real-time updates, giving teams the agility to respond as conditions change—while maintaining maximum accuracy.

2. How AI overcomplicates what EDI and APIs already do best

EDI has powered supply chain efficiency for decades. APIs have modernized it. 

‍EDI enables fast, standardized communication between supply chain partners, while APIs provide an adaptable interface for real-time data sharing. Together, they offer a robust, dependable framework for order processing. 

AI, however, introduces an entirely new layer of complexity. Models need to be trained, monitored, and regularly updated. Market shifts, supplier changes, and even small process tweaks can derail performance, demanding constant oversight and recalibration. 

At the same time, a setup consisting of EDI and API just works, handling updates quickly and efficiently. APIs provide direct communication between systems, eliminating friction and reducing the need for manual input. No algorithms to babysit all the time.  

3. The high cost of AI—and the low ROI that comes with it

Investing in AI for order management isn’t just investing in software. You also need large, clear datasets, development expertise, integration resources, and long-term maintenance. 

It’s a big investment—and the ROI usually doesn’t justify it. 

Companies spend heavily on AI tools, only to end up right back where they started: with inconsistent order data, delays, and frustration. 

EDI and API systems, on the other hand, are simpler to implement, easier to scale, cheaper to maintain, and consistent in delivering value. The technology is mature, battle-tested, and predictable. 

4. Why EDI and APIs still win on speed, accuracy, and scale

Let’s be clear: AI simply isn’t built for the kind of speed and efficiency that order management demands. EDI and APIs are. 

EDI enables near-instant, rule-based exchanges of critical supply chain documents. APIs provide dynamic data access and updates in real time. Together, they power order management workflows that are fast, accurate, scalable, and surprise-free. 

When errors are costly and timing is everything, precision beats prediction every time. That’s what makes EDI and APIs indispensable. 

Don’t fall for the hype—stick with what you know works

AI has earned a place in many industries and areas of our lives. But for order management, it’s more of a costly distraction than a solution. 

‍You need systems that are stable, proven, and easy to manage—not algorithms that might work on a good day. 

At Tech85, we help manufacturers and distributors eliminate inefficiencies with EDI and API automation tailored to their existing workflows. We don’t believe in adding new technologies to processes that already work—just for the sake of current trends. 

So if you’re evaluating AI for your order management stack, ask yourself: Are you trying to solve a problem or just want to be a part of the hype? 

If you need tools built for reliability, scalability, and speed—we’re here to help. Book a call with one of our leading experts to see how Tech85 can streamline your order management—without the AI headaches.