DCS has in-depth experience working with SAP’s Interchange Documents (IDocs^TM) and Process Integration (PI^TM). We can help you integrate SAP with your existing EDI system or help you select one to integrate with SAP R/3^TM or newer, or SAP Business One^TM. We have experience working with a variety of EDI translators such as:

Overview

Integration with SAP is a significant task. SAP IDoc’s structure can be complex and difficult to tackle. For example user exits or scripts are frequently used when mapping to/from an IDoc structure.

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

EDI too often is an afterthought during the SAP 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 SAP 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 EDI system and SAP.
• 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.

SAP Development

• Set-up the SAP tables required to receive/send SAP IDocs (Port setup, Partner Cross-References, Partner Profiles, etc.).
• Identify the SAP IDoc Type and the Message Types used, such as ORDERS01 for Purchase Orders (850 or ORDERS) and PO Acknowledgements (855 or ORDRSP).
• Work with your ABAP programmer to help define any custom IDoc requirements and set Remote Function Calls^TM (RFC).

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 IDoc mapping is not trivial, we recommend DCS NEXT LEVEL™ Conversion service. Your mapping will be thorough, quick, and economical due to our many years of SAP 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 US companies requiring X12, EDIFACT, or GS1 (standardized XML) are well known to DCS.
• We have experience with cross-industry EDI transaction sets, not only Inbound PO's (850), Outbound ASN's (856), Outbound Invoices (810) but the 3PL, (94x series), Transportation (21x series), healthcare 83x series, as well as many lesser known transaction sets.
• DCS uses the add-ons for SAP created by the EDI systems providers that can save cost.
• Communications set-up is a specialty of DCS. Connections using EDI INT AS2 (HTTPS in batch mode) reduce cost by elimination of pricey VANs. Alligacom's Net-Transfer^TM for AS2 is especially reliable for users of SAP Business All-In-One.
• Documentation and Training are a must when implementing any EDI program.

Read a case study on integration to a new SAP Install. or a case study on reducing chargebacks through an IDoc Tune-up.!

DCS has helped many companies implement, maintain, or oversee daily EDI processing with their SAP system. Using a seasoned expert who knows EDI and IDoc’s will save you time and headaches. With experienced professionals, you can avoid common pitfalls when implementing EDI with your SAP application. DCS is eager to work with your SAP provider/consultant too. 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.