DCS has in-depth experience with Oracle's e-Commerce Gateway: Oracle B2B 11g^TM. We can help you determine if you can integrate with your existing EDI system or show you the best fit for it. We setup integration to Sterling Commerce's Gentran:Server^TM, Gentran Integration Suite^TM or GIS (also knows as Sterling Integrator or SI), Inovis' TrustedLink^TM and Biz^TM products, Edifec's XEngine^TM, Seeburger, and eVision^TM.

The expanded data file structure of the newest gateway offers more functionality for greater process automation. This is the time to add new fields and connect with transporters and logistics providers. You can readily support and manage both X12 and XML formatted exchanges with these tools.

Overview

Integration with Oracle Application’s EDI/E-C Gateway is straightforward but not trivial. The challenge is activating the several dozen correct fields among the hundreds available for each document and direction. The interface structure can be complex and difficult to tackle. For example user exits or scripts are frequently used when mapping to/from the interface.

We work with the three components of reliable and economical EDI:

EDI too often is an afterthought during the Oracle Applications 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 the best business practices are being followed, since future development is built upon this foundation.

Here are the necessary deliverables you must provide:

Planning

• Identify key resources and opportunities in your 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 customer.
• Set up and test communications between the e-c tool and the interface.
• Set up data transmission testing: setting AS2 or FTP over your VPN to your customer's test mailbox. This is done while working closely with the firewall manager.
• Archive off the old EDI system and data.

Oracle Development

• Set up the tables required to receive/send (Data File Structure, Partner Cross-References, Partner Profiles, Code Conversion, etc.).
• Set up the document types and processing rules.
• Check to ensure all customer locations and their part numbers are loaded.
• Set the inbound control record and record keys (1-100). Many are re-usable.

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 you build your EDI foundation or add more process automation. Setting up Oracle's EDI/E-C Gateway is straight forward but not trivial. We recommend our NEXT LEVEL™ Conversion service.

• Most of the US companies requiring X12, EDIFACT, or GS1 (standardized XML) are well known to us.
• Popular transaction sets such as Inbound PO's (850), Outbound ASN's (856), Outbound Invoices (810), Inbound Releases (830), and Outbound PO Acknowledgements (855) have been implemented at many of our customers. You should also consider 3PL EDI (94x series) and Transportation EDI (21x series).
• DCS experience extends to the add-ons for Oracle created by the above EDI systems.
• Data transmission set up is a specialty of DCS. Connections using EDI INT AS2 (HTTPS in batch mode) reduce cost by elimination of pricey Value Added Networks.
• We are experts with the Oracle B2B 11g ERP modules of Oracle. Unfortunately, many Oracle 11i developers do not have experience with the ERP system (Oracle Applications).
• DCS also has experience writing directly to Oracle tables, but recommends use of the Oracle Oracle B2B 11g.
• Finally, DCS has helped many companies convert their EDI from lesser MRP systems to Oracle.

Your integration will be thorough, quick, and economical due to our many years of EDI experience. Having DCS develop the first few customers and data transmission setups lowers the cost of implementation and hastens payback. Using a seasoned expert who knows EDI and the Oracle Oracle B2B 11g will save you time and headaches. DCS is eager to work with your Oracle dealer. Our experience is with the EDI/E-C Gateway: we do not seek non-EDI work. Your first step is easy, email DCS for your free assessment. Or, you can read a success story involving one of DCS' customers using Oracle Applications.