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Trusted Link and BizManager EDI Software
Introduction
The Trusted Link (TL) family of EDI and E-C products have proven themselves for 15 years in a very competitive arena. The first Trusted Link EDI system was introduced in the early 1990s. Today Inovis has moved from EDI only to all B2B processes. Proudly, these rock solid products are being improved and re-named BizManager™. The Biz EDI suite of products includes BizLink™, BizConnect™, and BizManager400™. With the advent of secure internet (AS2) data transmission, XML, and now DCS maps to most business applications, both Trusted Link and Biz users 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
Most Trusted Link and Biz users focus upon EDI accommodating Customers for the order-to-pay cycle by
- Receiving PO's
- Sending Shipment Notices
- Sending Invoices
- Receiving Remittance Advices
Most have 10-50 key customers and numerous low volume, non-EDI Customers where the manual capability is strongest. Finally, a few Biz pioneers are now requiring their Vendors to give discounts when they save cost by receiving PO's and sending Shipment Notices and Invoices. While the savings from linking to Vendors is apparent, the chronic shortage of budget and staff left this opportunity largely unused.
Trusted Link and Biz 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.
Moving low volume Customers, especially those buying supplies and parts, to an automated method means more conveniences for them and more sales for the Trusted Link 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 Trusted Link 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 ERP 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 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.
A note to Trusted Link Series i “Green Screen” users: Inovis support is ending soon. DCS experience with Trusted Link Series i EDI upgrades on the AS/400 have found they are straight-forward but not trivial. For example, the interface to the business application has likely been customized so some RPG programming is needed. Second, setting two instances of Trusted Link for EDI on an Series i and then gradually moving Transaction Sets and Trading Partners requires close attention to a process. Finally, testing time can be shortened by using newer EDI testing tools for the AS/400. While many can likely do the upgrade unassisted, assistance of a professional EDI consultant helps smooth the upgrade path.
Mid sized businesses using Microsoft Windows Server™, IBM AIX™, HP UXTM, Sun Solaris™, and Red Hat Linux platforms should consider the moderately priced Biz family. BizManager should also be considered if a custom web form is needed to supplement EDI.
Conclusion
Trusted Link and Biz are ideal automation tools. Improved process automation means a capped head count, quicker business cycles, and allows the Customer Service, Logistics, and Purchasing staffs to focus on other challenges for less costly re-work and expedited shipments. Our DCS PromptTM remote support service and GrowTM development service are standardized services to ensure thorough, quick, and economical solutions. DCS will help you speed up the process with our extensive experience with Trusted Link or Biz, your business application and your customers’ EDI requirements. The first step is easy, just email us for your Free EDI Assessment
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