•TrustedLink® Enterprise (TLE) , Windows (TLW), System i (TLi)
•BizManager™ BizConnect™, BizManager400, BizLink™
•Sterling Integrator™ (SI), formerly Gentran Integration Suite (GIS)
•Gentran:Server™, Gentran:Basic™, Gentran: Director Pro™
•Application Integrator™ , Enterprise Gateway
eVision™ , TIE Integrator™ , spEDI*tran™ , EDGE™
SEEBURGER’s Business Integration Server (BIS)™
DCS also has experience with MS BizTalk, Mercator, and other EDI systems.
Your company’s EDI must perform properly to insure customer satisfaction. Given the complexity of the EDI process, it is possible to miss one or more crucial components in the installation or daily operations process. An incomplete set-up can cause necessary elements to be omitted or processed incorrectly, which can result in charge-backs and fines.
The same challenges can complicate daily operations. Lost or duplicate customer documents can cause costly re-work or chargebacks. These can readily be overcome through effective user training and motivation.
DCS has successfully installed and configured nearly all commercial EDI software programs available. When you need help, our DCS ProcessTM, based on our experience since 1991, ensures thorough and quick support. When you think you may need a new EDI system, our DCS Next LevelTM conversion service ensures a proper fit with your ERP system and key customer requirements.
Overview
EDI is the electronic exchange of routine business documents such as a Purchase Order in a standard format. The purpose of EDI is Process Automation, which creates more time to address problems and provide a better level of service. For example, INbound Purchase Order data entry is eliminated so the customer service staff has time to fix problems. This means lower cost, fewer order changes, and a bigger shipping window.
In the past EDI data format conformed to two standards: ANSI X12 in North America and Asia and EDIFACT in Europe. Recently, a third standard has evolved: GS1 (formerly 1SYNC and RosettaNet). It is an XML based standard, which overcomes a key XML challenge because the tags are standardized. The existence of several standards means companies serving multiple industries must comply with several standards. For example, an electronics industry company serving European auto makers and U.S. component providers must support both EDIFACT and GS1. The good news is that modern EDI systems support all standard formats as well as non-standard formats such as delimited.
The second aspect of EDI is data transmission. Today most data is securely transmitted through the Internet using EDI INT AS2 or FTPS over a VPN. DCS has complete confidence in AS2 as it is required for HIPAA compliant medical records and Department of Defense transactions. In the past data was exchanged using a value added network (VAN), a store and forward concept. While some large companies still use VANs due to aggressive pricing, connections to the VAN are no longer dial-up but through the Internet.
EDI is not used to connect to remote plants and warehouses nor in a business to consumer relationship.
Benefits of EDI
Most companies with sales of under $1 billion launch EDI due to the requirements of their key customers. Then, after experience is gained they use it for transport and purchasing. This means the initial benefit is compliance, followed by labor cost saving due to elimination of data entry.
Most savings accrue from process automation. More time is available to focus upon problems, resulting in fewer costly errors and better customer service. An example is a wider shipping window due to INbound customer PO’s being loaded directly into the ERP system.
Technical Challenges
There are many technically complete and financially sound EDI systems. Fortunately, the technical challenge is lighter than you might expect because DCS has comprehensive maps linking them to your ERP system. For example, an Inovis BizManager™ to Oracle Applications™ Sales Order module for INbound Customer Purchase Orders (850). The comprehensive map is readily customized for each of your customers.
Conclusion
The efficiencies gained from automated EDI and electronic commerce, such as wider fulfillment windows, a reduction in errors, and decreased business cycles more than justify the costs. The return on investment (ROI), which is dependent on the volume of transactions, typically ranges from a year to 18 months for most business.
Improving EDI with the assistance of a company focused only upon EDI since 1991 ensures a more economical and thorough conversion. DCS is ready to help you: when you need us, for as much as you need us. Our DCS Process™ means our support and training is thorough, quick, and economical. Your next step is to email us for a Free Assessment.

•TrustedLink® Enterprise (TLE) , Windows (TLW), System i (TLi)

•BizManager™ BizConnect™, BizManager400, BizLink™

•IBM™ Gentran:Server™, Gentran:Basic™, Gentran: Director Pro™

•Application Integrator™ , Enterprise Gateway

•eVision™ , TIE Integrator™ , spEDI*tran™ , EDGE™

DCS also has experience with MS BizTalk, Mercator, and other EDI systems.

Your company’s EDI must perform properly to insure customer satisfaction. Given the complexity of the EDI process, it is possible to miss one or more crucial components in the installation or daily operations process. An incomplete set-up can cause necessary elements to be omitted or processed incorrectly, which can result in charge-backs and fines.

The same challenges can complicate daily operations. Lost or duplicate customer documents can cause costly re-work or chargebacks. These can readily be overcome through effective user training and motivation.

DCS has successfully installed and configured nearly all commercial EDI software programs available. When you need help, our DCS ProcessTM, based on our experience since 1991, ensures thorough and quick support. When you think you may need a new EDI system, our DCS Next LevelTM conversion service ensures a proper fit with your ERP system and key customer requirements.

Overview

EDI is the electronic exchange of routine business documents such as a Purchase Order in a standard format. The purpose of EDI is Process Automation, which creates more time to address problems and provide a better level of service. For example, INbound Purchase Order data entry is eliminated so the customer service staff has time to fix problems. This means lower cost, fewer order changes, and a bigger shipping window.

In the past EDI data format conformed to two standards: ANSI X12 in North America and Asia and EDIFACT in Europe. Recently, a third standard has evolved: GS1 (formerly 1SYNC and RosettaNet). It is an XML based standard, which overcomes a key XML challenge because the tags are standardized. The existence of several standards means companies serving multiple industries must comply with several standards. For example, an electronics industry company serving European auto makers and U.S. component providers must support both EDIFACT and GS1. The good news is that modern EDI systems support all standard formats as well as non-standard formats such as delimited.

The second aspect of EDI is data transmission. Today most data is securely transmitted through the Internet using EDI INT AS2 or FTPS over a VPN. DCS has complete confidence in AS2 as it is required for HIPAA compliant medical records and Department of Defense transactions. In the past data was exchanged using a value added network (VAN), a store and forward concept. While some large companies still use VANs due to aggressive pricing, connections to the VAN are no longer dial-up but through the Internet.

EDI is not used to connect to remote plants and warehouses nor in a business to consumer relationship.

Benefits of EDI

Most companies with sales of under $1 billion launch EDI due to the requirements of their key customers. Then, after experience is gained they use it for transport and purchasing. This means the initial benefit is compliance, followed by labor cost saving due to elimination of data entry.

Most savings accrue from process automation. More time is available to focus upon problems, resulting in fewer costly errors and better customer service. An example is a wider shipping window due to INbound customer PO’s being loaded directly into the ERP system.

Technical Challenges

There are many technically complete and financially sound EDI systems. Fortunately, the technical challenge is lighter than you might expect because DCS has comprehensive maps linking them to your ERP system. For example, an GXS BizManager™ to Oracle E-Business Suite™ Sales Order module for Inbound Customer Purchase Orders (850). The comprehensive map is readily customized for each of your customers.

Conclusion

The efficiencies gained from automated EDI and electronic commerce, such as wider fulfillment windows, a reduction in errors, and decreased business cycles more than justify the costs. The return on investment (ROI), which is dependent on the volume of transactions, typically ranges from a year to 18 months for most business.Improving EDI with the assistance of a company focused only upon EDI since 1991 ensures a more economical and thorough conversion. DCS is ready to help you: when you need us, for as much as you need us. Our DCS Process™ means our support and training is thorough, quick, and economical. Your next step is to email us for a no-cost assessment.