MAS EDI a Challenge?
We Can Help

Introduction

DCS has in-depth experience working with Sage's MAS 90^TM, MAS 200^TM, and MAS 500^TM. We can help you integrate your MAS system with your existing EDI system or help you select

Overview

Integration with MAS 90, MAS 200, or MAS 500 is a significant task. The setup can be complex and difficult to tackle because access to the the data within MAS requires use of an integration module or a data bridge.

EDI too often is an afterthought during the MAS implementation, or comes up suddenly as an “on demand” project requested by a key customer that needs to be completed yesterday. In both scenarios you are forced to piece together a workable solution. This is something that you must do well and ensure that best business practices are followed, since future development is built on this foundation.

Here are the necessary deliverables you must provide:

Planning

• Identify key resources and opportunities in your MAS environment.
• Develop the project plan with all of its appropriate components (including training).
• Set-up your development and test EDI systems.

EDI Development

• Create a comprehensive map for each key Transaction Set, e.g. INbound Purchase Order (850).
• Customize the comprehensive map for each Trading Partner.
• Set-up and test communications between the translator and MAS.
• Set-up data transmission testing: setting AS2 or FTP over your VPN to your Trading Partner's test mailbox. This is done while working closely with the firewall manager.
• Archive off the old EDI system and data.

MAS Development

• Set-up the MAS tables required to receive/send files (Port setup, Partner Cross-References, Partner Profiles, etc.).
• Set up the MAS integration module or utilize a product such as eBridge^TM or Kissenger^TM to allow data transfer in and out of MAS for database connectivity, table formats, and file names. Both Providex^TM and MS SQL Server^TM databases are supported.
• Work with your ERP programmer to help define any custom MAS requirements and set up any customized flat file capability.

Implementation

• Install and test the finished maps and setup.
• Train users (Customer Service, Accounts Receivable, and more).
• Train I.T. (daily operations and mapping).
• Have help available for support if needed.

Conclusion

Let DCS help build your EDI foundation or add more process automation. Since MAS mapping is not trivial, we recommend DCS Grow™ development service. Your mapping will be thorough, quick, and economical due to our many years of MAS EDI experience in your industry. Having DCS develop the first few Trading Partners and communication parameters lowers the cost of implementation and hastens payback.

Here are the reasons a consultant can help:

• Most of the U.S. companies conducting X12 or EDIFACT EDI requirements are well known to us.
• We have experience with cross-industry EDI transaction sets, not only Inbound PO's (850), Outbound ASN's (856), Outbound Invoices (810), but also 3PL (94x series) transactions and Transportation (21x series) transactions.
• Communications set-up is a specialty of DCS. Connections using EDI INT AS2 (HTTPS in batch mode) reduce cost by elimination of pricey VANs.
• Documentation and Training are a must when implementing any EDI program.

Finally, DCS has helped many companies implement and/or maintain EDI in their MAS system. Using a seasoned expert who knows EDI and MAS’s will save you time and headaches. With experienced professionals, you can avoid common pitfalls when implementing EDI with your MAS application. Your first step is easy, email DCS for your free assessment.