Gentran Upgrade Improves Processes and Cuts Expensive VAN Costs

EDI Challenge

A sportswear company that was using an old version of Gentran Director contacted DCS with several EDI challenges and requirements. The company was experiencing explosive growth in the volume of EDI transmissions and in the number of customers requiring EDI documents. They needed DCS to design an EDI solution that would integrate their EDI requirements and accomplish an assortment of major tasks/processes which included:

  1. Handling the increase volume of EDI transmissions.
  2. Processing bulk orders several months in advance, then tracking DC and store orders to show the remainder.
  3. Processing Purchase Orders (850) that had a five day shipping window and required “cross docking” using SDQ segments for the destination location.
  4. Accommodating several less common EDI transactions including a Request for Routing Instructions (753), a Routing Instruction (754), and a Point of Sale (852).
  5. Communicating their EDI transmissions via an AS2.

DCS EDI Solution

The solution developed by DCS consisted of several steps and included:

  1. Upgrading from Gentran Director to Gentran Server for Windows server using a VM partition. The newer translator can more readily accommodate the increased volume of EDI transactions and customer set-ups.
  2. Creating several inbound and outbound integrated maps which automated the data entry process and eliminated manual data entry.
  3. Installing WS FTP_PRO and writing several scripts, to send/receive EDI transmissions to the VAN (Value Added Network) via FTP, as the client had certain customers who required the use of a VAN.
  4. Enabling the client to communicate EDI transmissions via AS2. All EDI traffic has now been moved away from pricey VANs.  The time needed was about 500 hours spread over 24 months to level out cash flow.

Result

DCS has provided on call EDI support and development for this sportswear company for many years. Not only for development and problem resolution, but to provide ongoing training. Due to growth, DCS has helped to recruit and train in multiple EDI coordinators and continues to be a phone call away.

Learn how a DCS can help your company upgrade your existing EDI system. Contact us to start the conversation.

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