IBM WebSphere DataStage Transformation Extender EDI System

DCS Can Help You with Your DataStage TX EDI Challenges

Companies using DataStage TX (formerly Mercator) for X12 and EDIFACT EDI often find they are unable to change existing maps due to their complexity.  Even though mapping and business processes are straightforward, they are not trivial.  A partner is often helpful.  DCS EDI Specialists have deep experiences with both your ERP and WebSphere Transformation Extender™ (formerly DataStage TX) so needed improvements can occur more quickly yet thoroughly.  Or, if you are moving to Sterling Integrator™, we can do it or show you how.  (For GS1 [standardized tag XML], Integrator can’t be beat.)

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 DataStage TX and your business application. Cost savings are realized more quickly when leveraging existing, time-tested tools. Your first step is to request our no obligation FREE EDI assessment.

Overview

Most DataStage TX development or conversion to Sterling Integrator work is primarily discovery and analysis work.  This is because most customers have many variations of a document (such as ship-to DC, Store, or Home) and imbedded business rules and procedures.  Fortunately, using EDI analysis tools make this process less time consuming.  After we integrate the first few customers, the conversion of the subsequent customers can be done by you or DCS’ offshore staff. 

Second, because the method of data transmission (AS2, FTPS, or VAN) is not changed, customers are not disturbed. 

Finally, for the numerous low volume, non-EDI Customers or “mom and pop” vendors, WebSphere™’s portal capability continues to be used.  Conversion of non-EDI customers to a portal yields the most rapid pay-back.  Moving low volume Customers to an automated method also means more conveniences for them and then more sales. 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.
• WebSphere™ portal.

After customers are converted, you may wish to integrate key vendors. The killer document is the inbound PO Acknowledgement, which alerts material planners to short-shipments or late-shipments. 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.

A note for Sterling Commerce Gentran:Basic™ users: The same architecture and process applies.

Conclusion

WebSphere and DataStage are process automation tools that not sufficiently used due to their complexity and tight budgets. More integration means more time to scrutinize orders, a capped head count, and quicker business cycles. Your first step to better integration is our FREE EDI Assessment.