When it comes to EDI, it is important to keep in mind that its adoption involves EDIPartners. Therefore, it is not just a business decision that seeks to make improvements, it is a choice that involves partnering with other companies.
This
makes it necessary for all parties involved to be committed to the EDI
integration, as this is the only way in which this feature becomes viable and
has a high potential to provide the proposed benefits. Also another important
aspect is to check either the company is EDI compliant or not.
Therefore,
it is necessary to consider some points that are essential to carry out the
integration. Check out the tips for efficiency in this work:
1.
Define information flows
The
first step, even before starting the implementation in practice, is to
establish what information will be exchanged between companies and who is
responsible for sending the files. This for all processes that will be
integrated.
2.
Develop a default layout for files
As
we said at the beginning, the forms for exchanging information need to follow a
pattern. This involves defining which one will be used sand what message
formats will be chosen for this.
3.
Create a pattern for sending information
In
addition to creating a standard for the files, it is also necessary to define
how the transmission will actually be done.
The
most common ways of sending are:
Email;
FTP:
widely used and offer more stability than email;
VAN:
used on a smaller scale, they are private networks aimed at exchanging
messages.
4.
Determine the frequency of submissions
Once
the most basic information has been defined, it's time to determine how often
the files will be uploaded. In addition to being a decision taken together, it
is also something that must be defined separately for each process, as each may
require a different repetition.
For
example: the amount of sending files referring to cargo tracking will be much
higher than that of sending invoices.
5.
Start systems configuration
It
is at this stage that the practical part of implementing EDI begins. It is at
this point that the company and its partners will need to make modifications to
their systems so that the chosen layouts are supported by the applications.
6.
Train teams
As
implementation is something that generates changes in systems and in users'
routines, it is necessary to train these employees who will use the tools. This
step is critical for the effective use of the resource and decreasing the
probability of errors and failures occurring after the implementation process.
7.
Take tests
As
in any process of implementing a system, once all the necessary configurations
have been applied, it is necessary to carry out the tests. This must be done
for both sending and receiving files.
This
helps to identify the need for adjustments without seriously compromising the
progress of processes. Once the corrections have been made, it is necessary to
carry out another round of tests to make sure that the flaws have been fixed
and everything is going as expected.
8.
Start using
Once
the changes have been adopted and the tests have been successfully completed,
it's time to put the use of EDI into practice. Despite being the last step in
the implementation process, it is necessary to continue monitoring the
execution of activities.
At
that moment, it is possible that doubts and some unforeseen issues that had not
been identified may arise. Therefore, the ideal is to carry out monitoring for
a while after the start of use.
It
is worth remembering that the entire process is a team work that requires clear
and fluid communication between the company and its EDI partners, ensuring that
all decisions regarding implementation are taken in consensus. Thus, it is
possible to adopt measures that are satisfactory to everyone involved.
As
you can see, EDI is an excellent resource for companies to be able to improve
communication with their business and EDI partners. Combined with logistics and
warehouse integration, it makes operations more accurate, efficient and agile.
With the benefits provided by its use, at the same time that commercial
relationships are strengthened, it is possible to increase customer
satisfaction and obtain financial improvements.
Cogential
IT let you seamlessly connect with your business partners by sending and
receiving EDI documents. We make EDI integration make look easy and no matter
whatever your business domain is we provide you a trusted EDI compliance
services at an affordable price. Contact us to know more.
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