Business depends on clear communications. It’s a long supply chain between raw materials, manufacturers, distribution centers, and customers. It’s woven through with transportation logistics and paperwork, lots of paperwork.
But COVID-19 changed the business environment for some; it brought frustration. They struggled to keep their supply chain moving amid lockdowns. For others, it was simply a pivot point.
Businesses using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) were ready for the paperless, non-contact world.
But COVID-19 changed everything, even EDI solutions. The move to the cloud accelerated, making EDI more agile and affordable than ever before.
What Exactly Is EDI?
EDI, or electronic data interchange, is nothing new. EDI was developed in 1960 for the U.S. transportation system. It enabled multiple companies’ computer systems to communicate with each other. By the 1970s, the U.S. automotive and grocery industries had adopted EDI solutions to streamline their supply chains.
EDI allows businesses to exchange information electronically using a standard format. It gives companies a direct line to all the links in the supply chain. It lets you keep your finger on procurement, manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing.
EDI solutions eliminate the need for paper documents like purchase orders and invoices. But it goes one step further by automating those paperwork processes. This saves time, reduces errors, and improves inventory management. EDI makes it easier to keep track of all the moving parts.
Migration to Cloud-Based EDI Solutions
Today, the retail, manufacturing, transportation, and health industries depend on EDI solutions.
When the pandemic hit, the limitations of premises-based EDI systems became clear. They still required people in the office at both ends to keep things moving.
The pre-pandemic growth of online business fueled cloud-based computing. The cloud makes remote business applications more accessible and affordable. Cloud EDI made WFH more practical for logistics and manufacturing administrators.
The WFH business environment accelerated the migration to cloud-based EDI solutions. This allowed businesses to centralize and optimize key processes. Purchasing and production can be handled remotely and in real-time.
Advantages of Cloud EDI
EDI has a long history of streamlining supply chain processes. It also reduces costly errors. But premises-based EDI is bulky and expensive compared to cloud-based EDI solutions.
Cloud EDI, like all cloud-based applications and services, is extremely agile. It allows you and your team to work remotely without sacrificing capabilities. The post-COVID business environment demands no less.
Cloud EDI solutions also offer adaptability that premise-based EDI can’t match. Cloud EDI can grow as your needs grow, without the need to add IT personnel or infrastructure.
Moving to cloud-based EDI solutions can significantly cut costs. It reduces or eliminates your need for in-house EDI operations and resources. Cloud EDI offers proactive monitoring and unlimited scalability. It reduces transaction errors and chargebacks, which drives down costs while improving productivity.
Moving EDI to the cloud makes it affordable for small businesses too.
EDI Solutions for Your Business
No two businesses are alike. The best EDI solutions are tailored to fit your company. Top EDI solutions are practical, agile, and forward-thinking.
A Data Communication Solutions assessment is a hard look at where you are now and where you need to be. We’ll help you choose the most cost-effective EDI solution for your company.
COVID-19 changed business. You’ve guided your company through the changes but still face challenges. DCS can help you navigate those challenges. Our EDI solutions can streamline your processes without breaking the bank.
Contact us today to book your free, no-obligation assessment!
