The Gentran^TM family of EDI/E-C products have proven themselves to be the leaders for many years in a very competitive arena. With DCS maps and mapping experience to most business applications and the advent of secure internet (AS2) data transmission, XML, and other EDI advances, the Gentran user can move to linking all customers, vendors, and carriers (even those not preferring EDI). Cost savings are realized more quickly when leveraging existing, time-tested tools.

Overview

Gentran is available for most platforms: Windows Vista/XP, Server 200x, System i, Unix, Linux, and System z. Each has ample and suitable capacity for its class of users and the scale-up architecture is solid.

Most Gentran:Server^TM (for Windows Server 200x) 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. Within the Transportation arena, Gentran has been underutilized when it comes to INbound Shipment Statuses and Freight Invoices. Finally, few of these Gentran users have required their Vendors to receive PO's and send Shipment Notices and Invoices. While the savings from linking to Trading Partners is apparent, the chronic shortage of budget and staff left this opportunity largely unused.

Gentran users considering more automation need to focus upon the business problem. The key question is: "Will the Trading Partner 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.

Moving low volume Customers, especially those buying supplies and parts, to an automated method means more conveniences for them and more sales for the Gentran 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 Gentran or hosted), or send XML, spreadsheet, or separated/delimited 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. This is especially important for high volume users of Gentran:Server for the IBM System i (AS400). 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 ones 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. DCS also recommends further training, focused on your company's business application and specific customer EDI needs.

Gentran Users considering a complete revision of their business to business connections should consider Sterling Integrator (Formerly known as Gentran Integration Suite or GIS) . In addition to traditional EDI (X12, EDIFACT, UCCnet, and RosettaNet) GIS readily supports XML data. Web Forms, and separated value files sent/received through secure Internet connections. It also provides quality document flow management gained through 20 years of EDI experience. GIS can also be useful for exchanging data with remote offices and plants, or acquired companies. Finally, Sterling Commerce is financially strong, so long term support will be available.

Conclusion

Gentran 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 Gentran and your business application, and charge you a fair hourly rate. The first step is our Free EDI Assessment