Move Your EDI System and Avoid Buying a New EDI System
An Indiana Tier III vendor needed to improve performance and cap cost. Since they used Epicor’s Vantage the choice was easy: move to Epicor ERP 10. They also considered moving to another EDI system, but remained with TrustedLink to avoid a significant expense.
Overview
EDI is important, yet the technology is mature. The documents exchanged such as Releases (830 or DELFOR) and Shipment Notices (ASN, 856, DESADV) have not changed recently. Effective and reliable exchange occurs continually. Using their time proven TrustedLink EDI system meant that a set of changes could be avoided.
Because Epicor 10 is well designed for OEM automotive EDI, the gateway had all the fields and features needed. This meant that the mapping changes needed to move from Vantage to E10 were straight forward, but not trivial. For example, Ford uses X12 (830 and 856) and General Motors uses EDIFACT (DELFOR and DESADV). Both documents are complex, but usually only one set is received from/sent to a customer daily. With 15 OEM customers, server grade process control was not needed. By moving TrustedLink to Microsoft Windows 8.1 in a blade of Server 201x using a virtual machine (VM) configuration ensured performance and reliability.
The E10 gateway required re-mapping as the gateway has improved. DCS could contain the cost due to previous E10/TLW work. Time was also saved due to the decision not to add fields or codes. This saved time for both mapping and training material managers.
The biggest hurdle was simultaneously learning the features and processes of E10. For example, converting from “Held” to “Firm” was more complex because more alternatives were available. After a pause, training from their Epicor consultant helped them reach an improved process.
The time needed was about 170 hours due to DCS extensive experience in automotive. The ROI was boosted because no documents for the 15 customers were disrupted during the conversion.
Since 1991, DCS has been providing customers with solid EDI solutions to a wide-range of industries throughout United States and Canada. DCS works with the leading EDI systems to help you overcome your EDI challenges. DCS consultants have successfully installed, mapped, and operated nearly all EDI systems. Our services include EDI development, EDI Managed Services, support, and training. Contact us today to start a conversation.
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