Introduction
Sterling IntegratorTM, formerly known as Gentran Integration Suite (GIS), is a robust EDI product. (Version 5.0 and newer are referred to as SI or Sterling Integrator). The major components of the software, such as data transfer, secure FTP, formatting, and business process flow are all assembled in different ways when compared to existing EDI software. Upon installation, you have a blank screen upon which you must map out your company's business processes. While the power of GIS lies in its flexible toolset, a new user might be surprised to discover that learning it is quite daunting. DCS can help. We can set the first trading partner, maps, or application integration, and then provide training and assistance with the second and subsequent trading partners.
Overview
GIS is designed for two purposes: Connections to trading partners and integrating business systems internally. Expanding upon Sterling's strength in EDI, GIS connects remote plants and factories or newly acquired divisions. For popular business applications such as Oracle, EAI Adapters are available for an extra charge. Or, a database adaptor may be chosen for a custom application. GIS also works with GS1 (RosettaNetTM) and other data synchronization protocols.
As with any IT project, the first step is a sound analysis. With GIS, the analysis is essential: as the new automated business flow must meet the realities of existing key customers. DCS recommends defining a business dataflow, then customizing it to accommodate the different key customers, just as a generic EDI map can be customized for different customer's requirements. The graphical process modeler in early versions of GIS does not provide sufficient complexity, so use of BPML editing may be needed.
For application integration of acquired divisions and system upgrades, the process is similar as business applications have well defined import/export capabilities. These should be studied and used first, as they have structured control and are robust. After the gap analysis is complete, the definable fields in the gateway and the matching fields in the tables need to be linked. ODBC commands can then be written to tables. The data format exchanged could be XML, but is likely to be traditional SQL.
Both EDI/E-Commerce and application integration assume a "gateway", where security activity occurs and lost/duplicate messages are managed. Users familiar with mailbox systems have a head start in this area. The same issues of file name, paths, permissions, and etc., occur, but are more complex. Another area of complexity lies with configuring and testing each communications adapter and process needed to connect to your VAN or trading partners within the toolset.
For connection to small or occasional customers, vendors, or carriers the GIS Web Extension creates documents viewable by them as web forms that are translated automatically. For example, small vendors without EDI capability would receive orders via the web. But the most rewarding transaction for small vendors is the returned PO Acknowledgement (855). It immediately alerts you to disruptive short-ships and late-ships.
Often forgotten is the "lights out" operation of an automated process. Months after it is set up, user intervention can be less effective due to short staffing, turnover, etc. Therefore, an automation project should have a re-opening about six months after production is established, in order to fine tune the business process.
If your GIS operations are not smooth, a BPML tune-up can swiftly boost process automation success.
Symptoms of a system in jeopardy are:
- Slow processing
- Crashes
- High processor usage
If you are experiencing these and EDI is highly visable, then a tune-up is needed. The first step is an on-line diagnosis as part of our Free EDI Assessment.
GIS training should occur at your site so several I.T. staffers could learn the components in-depth. The most effective training occurs when your customers’ requirements are tailored to your applications and daily processes. Or, for companies with business process re-engineering experience, training through the Internet is a reasonable alternative.
Conclusion
Business process automation for EDI/E-Commerce and application integration can provide ROI's well over 100% when it is done right. More than ever, planning is the key. Our DCS Next LevelTM conversion service is standardaized to ensure a thorough, quick, and economical solution. Defining data flows, doing a gap analysis and designing to encourage flexibility are important. The knowledge of how the business operates pays off handsomely. As such, it is important to have assistance from EDI specialists.
New users who have taken a training course, but have encountered high hurdles, find a week or so of assistance most useful. DCS ELITE™ training service ensures you know the product and can utilize new functionality and benefits as well as help you avoid the pitfalls associated with a new product.
Having an on call group of EDI specialists is a welcome comfort when working with new technology, especially when it involves business critical processes. The first step is easy, just e-mail us for your Free EDI Assessment.
GIS success stories for review:
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