* EDI integration
can be complex

* We work with
your existing EDI
and ERP system

* DCS will make
you EDI self-reliant

ERP/Accounting System Conversions

DCS knows that your customers will not tolerate disruptions in EDI as you convert to a new business application.

Our EDI experience with hundreds of ERP conversions and upgrades can speed up the process and avoid the many pitfalls that can arise. Upgrading to the most current version of EDI and AS2 software

should occur concurrently. The primary reason for conversion is process automation, which brings greater speed and responsiveness. For example, you will enjoy a wider fulfillment window due to elimination of Sales Order data entry. Also, automated data exchange with your best customers will greatly reduce embarassing errors. Whether your ERP system is Oracle, SAP, JDEdwards, or any other popular ERP system (see below for more information), or even a custom written ERP system, DCS has the experience to facilitate EDI integration to your ERP system. Best of all, DCS will teach you to become self-reliant in managing your automated EDI processes.

Overview

Business application upgrades are typically time intensive; just when you have many other conversion details upon which to focus. Most EDI and AS2 Software companies however, do not automatically link to business applications, so thorough testing is needed. For example, when developing new maps or making changes, DCS will perform testing until individual documents (Transaction Sets) are approved by your customers and internal users.

The costs of converting are the generic map development, customization for each customer or Trading Partner, testing, and training both users and the I.T department. To learn the effort needed, a Free Assessment is provided. From it, a task list and time estimates are provided. A part of the assessment is learning if the ERP system vendor has released a more robust EDI/EC gateway, supporting more transaction sets, segments, and elements for the Order to Payment cycle, or to support EDI for Logistics.

EDI data is also frequently sent to a database instead of a packaged business application. Several DCS customers have moved data into/out of MS AccessTM, MS SQL ServerTM, Oracle 11iTM, and IBM Series iTM or DB2TM databases for subsequent processing such as reporting. Frequently, DCS customers can save by doing the report writing themselves. DCS role is to help with data table design for EDI data and then map the data into a database. Working jointly processes are swift and reliable.

For companies currently using non-integrated EDI the primary difference is that users will no longer use the EDI system.  For example, an INbound customer order will appear in the Sales Order module as if it already had been keyed.  The PO is suspended until errors such as incorrect prices or missing ship-to addresses are corrected.  This means customer service has more time to correct PO’s, which results in far fewer order changes or costly expedited shipments.

Conclusion

Conversion to a new business application requires attention to very many crucial details. Chances are deadlines are impending and progress is slow. To maintain the peak efficiency consider outside assistance from veterans. Having performed numerous conversions, DCS can help you achieve a smooth cut-over and ensure your EDI continues to run smoothly.

For more information about EDI work we have performed on specific ERP systems, click on the links below or call DCS to learn more.

Data Communication Solutions Inc.
10125 Crosstown Circle, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
TEL 952.941.5466 FAX 952.941.5344

info@dcs-is-edi.com