How Do I Get Started?

EDI capability involves either buying or outsourcing the following components:
1. Software for communications, mail boxing of EDI transactions, mapping and translation.
2. VAN, ASYNC, BISYNC, and Internet communications as required by various partners.
3. Hardware including a server or PC, communication devices and peripherals
4. Secured office space and monitored security
5. Data backups and redundant power for reliability www.
6. Additional software will be needed if integration of the EDI transactions with back office systems is desired.
7. A VAN will need to be contracted for ongoing EDI transmissions.
8. Personnel must be trained in how to use the software and communication devices.
9. Maps will need to be developed for each EDI document type to be exchanged with each partner. Maps translate the encoded EDI record into a useable format.

     Many options are available for outsourcing all components of EDI for small and mid-sized companies. All that is usually needed is internet access and email to take care of all the 9 items listed above - software, VAN transmission, hardware, communications, mapping, translation and labor. Advertisers on this page are a great place to start!

Why You I Need EDI?

     As your business grows to deal with larger suppliers, the ability to reliably exchange EDI documents becomes more important. Companies are under pressure to reduce their procurement process costs by automating manual processes such as invoice data entry. As a result, EDI capability is a requirement for doing business with many customers.
     Suppliers want to develop closer customer relationships. They want to make themselves less expensive to buy from by reducing the administrative burden on their customers. There is a need to increase efficiency for all businesses. Suppliers are finding they can reduce costs by automating B2B (business-to-business) processes with EDI. Money is saved in improving the speed and accuracy of documents they receive from their customers. Both suppliers and their customers have found that inaccurate or late B2B documents create expensive exception processes.
     Suppliers want to maintain control of their customer relationships and documents. They want to preserve the unique business arrangements they have worked hard to create with their customers and continue selling to their customers in the way they want to buy. Many suppliers want an easy-to-use application that is accessed via the web and email.