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Are APIs the future of automotive data exchange? Fred Coe, the chair of AIAG’s business-to-business committee and Global B2B and Portal Leader at General Motors, believes they might be.

In this episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, Fred joins Jan Griffiths and Terry Onica to explain why APIs are stirring up excitement in the auto industry — and why they’re not quite ready to push EDI aside just yet.

With decades of EDI history on their backs, supply chains are now looking to APIs for a faster, more flexible way to move data across tiers. Fred shares insights from other industries already using APIs, from healthcare to retail, and talks about Europe’s early steps to standardize APIs in automotive logistics.

As the auto industry prepares to catch up, AIAG is launching a survey to gather industry feedback on EDI and API integration. This is an opportunity for the entire industry to share their input—every voice matters, from IT staff to supply chain leaders.

Tune in to learn how APIs could reshape data exchange in the automotive world, and don’t miss Fred’s parting advice for supply chain leaders: Understand every link in your chain, from tier one to the end. And as Terry reminds us, please don’t forget to complete the upcoming survey to help shape the future of EDI!

Themes discussed in this episode:

• How Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has evolved and continues to play a critical role in the industry’s data processes
• The potential of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to complement and, in some cases, replace certain EDI functions, allowing for faster, real-time data exchange
• The need for unified standards across OEMs and suppliers to avoid fragmented systems, especially with the introduction of new technologies
• Balancing the adoption of new technologies like APIs with the existing EDI infrastructure
• What a standardized, API-enhanced data landscape could mean for efficiency, cost savings, and competitive advantage in the automotive industry
• How other industries (like healthcare and retail) and regions (mainly Europe) that are using APIs, and what the automotive industry can learn from them
• How leadership engagement and buy-in are crucial for successfully implementing and standardizing new technologies in the supply chain

Featured on this episode:

Name: Fred Coe

Title: Chair, AIAG EDI Advisory Group; Global B2B and Portal Leader, General Motors

About: Fred Coe is a global thought leader in EDI and automotive supply chain operations, known for driving complex eCommerce transformations across industries like manufacturing, retail, energy, and healthcare. With a consultative and inclusive approach, Fred has led GM’s B2B Center of Excellence to deliver industry-leading solutions, building strong relationships with stakeholders at every level. Passionate about fostering value, developing future leaders, and elevating customer service, Fred’s leadership has shaped business innovations and set new standards for operational excellence.

Connect: LinkedIn

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