The Desktop, ASN Plus, and Integrator^TM group of EDI/E-C, e-catalog, and VAN products have proven themselves for 15 years in a very competitive arena. The emerging UCCnet and RosettaNet structured XML requirements are also met well by these products due to Global Exchange Services (formerly GE Information Services and HAHT) decades of experience. DCS has many years experience mapping these products to most business applications; and TradingGrid^TM can be used for lower volume, non-integrated documents. Cost savings are realized more quickly when leveraging existing, time-tested tools. The recent acquisition of the IBM Advantis^TM VAN also provides savings.

Overview

Most GXS users focus upon accommodating Customers by receiving PO's, sending Shipment Notices and Invoices, and receiving Remittance Advices. Most have 10-50 key customers and numerous low volume, non-EDI Customers. Desktop is rarely used for transport documents such as INbound Shipment Statuses and Freight Invoices. Finally, few GXS users have required their Vendors to receive PO's and send Shipment Notices and Invoices. While the savings from linking to Truckers and Vendors is apparent, the chronic shortage of budget and staff left this savings opportunity largely unused.

Desktop users considering more automation need to focus upon the business problem. The key question: "Will the Vendor or Trucker negotiate discounts?" This approach not only enlarges the savings, but also makes the purchasing and logistics departments look good. Building "ownership" of an automation project smoothes its implementation. Second, Desktop users should consider delaying a move to EDISoft until the conversion surge has passed.

Moving low volume Customers, especially those buying supplies and parts, to an automated method means more conveniences for them and more sales for the Desktop user. There are two ways to link. Surprisingly, many Customers use EDI, but have not been asked to do so by the Customer Service department. These are the easiest Customers to automate. Other Customers can be asked to use a Web Form (linked to GXS or hosted) or send XML or spreadsheet data. The key is a continual, low-level rollout of the Customers to EDI processes.

Linking is less difficult today as most MRP and accounting systems have data import/export modules designed for logistics and transport documents as well as traditional EDI documents. Typically these modules cost under $10,000. Also, DCS' experience with the modules and with your EDI system enables the first Carrier or Vendor to be set in a week or less. Adding the next one becomes easier as the fields have already been linked in the first development, so subsequent customers take less and less time to set up. DCS can provide training in using the existing work to add subsequent Trading Partners and are always available for assistance when needed.

Conclusion

Desktop is an automation tool not sufficiently used. More integration means a capped head count, quicker business cycles, and allows the Customer Service, Logistics, and Purchasing staffs to focus on other challenges. Our DCS PROMPT™ Remote Support Service and GROW™ Development Services are standardized services to ensure thorough, quick, and economical solutions. DCS will speed up the process with our extensive experience with GXS and your business application. The first step is our Free EDI Assessment.