About Data Communication Solutions

DCS Focuses Exclusively Upon Business-to-Business Data Interchange

Successful companies have implemented supply-chain concepts by choosing components that are best suited to their unique way of doing business. The purpose of DCS is to help you improve your supply-chain processes. Your existing EDI and ERP systems are the best foundations upon which to build. The challenge is to connect to customers, transporters, and vendors in the most economical yet efficient method.

Since DCS has focused exclusively upon business-to-business complexities since 1991, we can likely help you quickly, economically, and thoroughly. Over 500 companies have improved and became more self-reliant with DCS help. For a short list of some of the companies that have benefited from our EDI consulting, view our Customers page.

• "DCS helps improve its customers' competitive position by delivering appropriate and timely solutions to meet its customers' business challenges. From assessment, planning, mapping, installation, and training, to maintenance, DCS helps its customers excel."

DCS Company History

Data Communication Solutions, Inc. a Minnesota corporation, was founded in 1991 by Darcy Running to provide affordable EDI consulting to companies that were just learning how to do business electronically. Mr. Running began working in data communication in 1983 and on EDI specifically in 1988. In 1996, DCS moved into its current Eden Prairie office building to accommodate the growing staff and the growing list of satisfied customers. DCS is now over fifteen years old, and is still helping companies of all sizes to be more competitive using EDI.

The DCS office is in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. Other cities are served remotely or by Associates or Sub-Contractors working at their home labs. Typically, a project begins with DCS on-site for up to a week or two, and then further development is done at DCS to save travel cost. At the completion, DCS often returns for testing and comprehensive I.T. & user training. DCS also provides troubleshooting and remote EDI support for short-staffed companies.

The DCS Management Staff

• Darcy Running, Founder and CEO

  Mr. Running launched DCS from his home office in April 1991. Prior to 1991, Darcy was a marketing manager for EDI Solutions, the firm that developed the Sterling Commerce Gentran family of E-commerce products. Before that he managed a family owned business

  where he started his I.T. activity. He has an MBA in Marketing and Personnel from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and a BS in Finance and Accounting from Boston College.

• Tim Wood, Business Manager

  From a regional, manufacturing MRP software provider, Tim joined DCS in 2000 and is responsible for operations. He manages human resources, accounting, and scheduling. He is also in charge of marketing and the website.

  Tim earned a B. S. degree from the University of St. Thomas.

• Patty Twaites, Senior EDI Specialist

  Patty joined DCS in 1999 and is DCS' senior EDI Specialist focusing on UNIX and Windows 2000 platforms. Prior to joining DCS, she was employed at Medpower, a medical VAN, for six years. Since then she has focused upon food and consumer product

  producers selling to grocers and mass merchants. She guides DCS EDI Specialists mapping work with ERP e-commerce gateways for JDEdwards, PeopleSoft, and others. She earned a B. S. degree from the University of St. Thomas.

• EDI Specialists

  DCS has a full staff of experienced EDI specialists. Today's competition demands a new combination of strengths. Good people working together can produce amazing competitive advantages. Which is why, for every one of our customers, we bring together the right team of proven professionals, with the right industry-specific experience.

Six things to Look For in a Partner

Choosing an I.T. partner can be daunting. Get it right, and you can increase efficiency; get it wrong, and your business may suffer. A good partner will work with you to develop and maintain the process automation that best meets the needs of your company. This partner helps create a system that works for your business now and accommodates for change and growth in the future.
1. Is your partner experienced with your EDI system? Your ERP system? In your Industry? Since your business is unique, you need a partner with a wide array of experience. It’s necessary because your processes must be carefully adapted to your key customers’ processes.
2. Will the partner provide references? Make sure the partner will supply you with a list of customers in your industry who will answer questions and provide written references to you. If not, the partner as not for you. If the partner does supply a customer list, you might want to ask them the remaining questions.
3. Is the partner’s business stable? Find out if the partner is a stable business organization with the technical infrastructure and staff to deploy a solution for your business within your time frame. After the partner implements the business solution, you want to make sure the organization supports your I.T. staff to fine tune the processes and to address any problems that might arise.
4. Is the partner an expert in your industry? You need a partner who demonstrates a clear understanding of your business concerns and your industry, a partner who can draw from extensive expertise with multiple businesses in your industry. Your partner should suggest strategies and develop your business solution with you.
5. Does the partner clearly understand key customer requirements you need to meet? The solution proposed by the partner should be the right one to address your business requirements. If it isn’t, the partner needs to be willing to re-work the proposal until you have exactly what you need. For example, does the partner have extensive experience with your ERP system’s EDI/E-C gateway? Find out ahead of time about any hidden fees related to revising your solution.
6. Are the partner’s consultants technologically proficient? Make sure the partner uses a proven implementation methodology and configuration tools that speed implementation, configuration, and upgrades. Ask the partner about the professional and technical experience of the person that will serve you.

Making the right choice will bring long-term, sustainable, and significant bottom line and personal benefits to your company and you.

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