Three Key Points to your EDI Success
– Written by Hellene Thurston of SWK (DCSC Guest Blogger)
EDI or Electronic Data Interchange may sound like a daunting term, but this computer-to-computer interchange of formatted messages can be just what your business demands to meet your existing or future trading partner needs. Awareness of all the benefits this process can provide is a key to your business success. Below are three key points to be cognizant of for EDI success and efficiency:
Point #1: Meet your needs with an integrated solution. If your company is processing at least fifteen orders each day, then you should integrate EDI in order to streamline business processes and reduce errors. Integration of EDI also will reduce chargebacks that can potentially cost your company significant amounts of money.
Point #2: Quality and efficiency has a cost. There are many different solutions in the market, but the least expensive option is not always the best solution. Sometimes you will sacrifice functionality when selecting a less expensive solution. The best practice is to go through a thorough evaluation of your company’s needs, so you can select a solution that will help your company grow today and will progress far into the future. The rule of thumb for a typical return on an EDI investment is usually within six to nine months. So make sure you invest in a strong EDI solution that will provide your company with a competitive advantage for years to come.
Point #3: Alerts can save money. If you are currently running an EDI solution that doesn’t flag an alert when critical information is missing, it can cost your company money, especially if data is left out of an Advanced Ship Notice (ASN). Some trading partners require specific information from their customers; if that information is missing, the partner can refuse orders or charge you more because it lacks information. Since this needless expense can add up avoid extra expenses by making sure that the alert functionality is present in your EDI solution.
EVALUATE NEEDS AND AVOID FEAR: When evaluating EDI software, take the time to really understand what the business needs and what it is you are trying to accomplish. Typically, a company’s focus is on its core business and not something technical like EDI. Overcome your fear of tech confusion and don’t hesitate to bring in a business partner that has expertise in EDI and ERP solutions. In the end you will find that you will avoid wasting valuable time and most likely, will also avoid wasting money by utilizing processes for a long-term, win-win solution.
MAPADOC EDI has created a solution that takes the tedious task of EDI and has turned it into a simple and easy process, time and time again. That is why our clients call us the “Effortless EDI”. DCSC Inc. and MAPADPOC have many distribution customers who utilize our built in integration for orders and ASNs. This seamless integration allows our mutual customers to work within one system and not have to re-key information. If you have any questions about how this works feel free to call Hellene Thurston, Map-A-Doc Senior Channel Manager at 973-758-6137 or Kirsten Austin, DCSC Inc. Business Relations Manager at 314-664-2200 ext. 113.
An EDI experience like no other!
