There is a strong reason why any technology that adapts cloud can perform better, faster, and stronger. It also gets cheaper, more flexible, as well comfortable. However, it is not wise to assume that anything that bills itself as a cloud EDI solution, can meet all the demands of the business as well as those of the trading partners.
EDI implementation comes along with a list of challenges and trigger points.
Let us help you through some of the common issues which the perfect cloud solution can eliminate.
There are close to 8 steps, minimum 8 challenges in the process of creating an EDI implementation. You need to build an EDI integration system with your business and trading partners. Read on to find out how the right cloud solution can support you in the smooth transition.
Gather the requirements
It is vital to ensure that the solution you are picking is already in use with at least 100 of your trading partners. This process will remove the need for all the coding work necessary to achieve the requirements.
When you have such trading partners, then your problem is almost solved. You just need to connect with them to the platform and begin your business transactions.
Understanding your ERP system
The right cloud ERP solution provider will offer standard ERP integration pipes to all the leading ERP and accounting solutions. You can eliminate the need for evaluating the intricate details of your ERP system by connecting via the EDI integration pipes.
All the intimate details regarding how the structures of your ERP system work are eliminated. Additionally, you can also ignore the way your system exports data.
Placing the triggers
This is one step you cannot avoid no matter how strong your cloud ERP solution is. It is important to set up the triggers that will push the transfer of documents at the right time to your trading partners. You need to tell your EDI solution about the kind of business events that will trigger the transmission of documents to and fro between your business partners.
However, it is recommended to look for cloud solutions that require point and click simplicity. Avoid looking for options that require writing code.
Data extraction
The right EDI cloud solution will extract the data automatically at the right time. It doesn’t require any extra inputs or triggers from you as reminders.
This is possible with an EDI cloud solution that has the standard integration pipes. It will take care while you and your staff need not worry if the trading partners receive the right data or documents.
Data mapping
Data mapping is yet another area that will cause you lesser headaches with the perfect EDI cloud solution in place. It can make your job so much simpler. Just ensure that you pick a platform that can handle XML or JSON output. Next, map it to the corresponding EDI format automatically.
With the proper system in place, you can easily eliminate yet another topic from your to-do list.
Notifications to the trading partners
If you are using the traditional EDI solution systems for a long time, then do you know how you need to send notifications? It is vital to notify the trading partners that you are transferring test documents and they need to be ready to collect them.
However, with the right EDI cloud solution, this work is removable as well. You can take the help of an API service to validate your data. There is space to do this even before sending them out to the trading partners.
The testing process
You should be able to test the system on your own time. With the right cloud platform, you can conduct the self-service test against the requirements of your trading partners. Additionally, you can also receive immediate feedback on whether the test transmission was successful or not.
Later, your staff can take over, reiterate, and conduct the test again.
The go-live date
After you complete building an EDI integration system, you need not call up your trading partner to set up a go-live date. Once the test process is successful, then you should be able to start trading with the business partners immediately.
This works automatically when your system is simply sitting on the cloud platform.
All this EDI cloud solution described so far is not theoretical. It is not a work-in-progress available 5 to 10 years down the line. This technology is already here in the present.
Final thoughts
EDI implementation is a time-consuming process. It can be very frustrating and not cost-effective if not done right. Businesses need to move away from the traditional methods of doing things. Also, imagine what happens when the requirements of your trading partners change?
Then you are pushed to make corresponding changes to your EDI integration system. You might have to get back in write the code again, make the transaction, test it, rewrite the code if necessary, and test again. There is a need to follow the same loop until you reach a successful transaction with no complaints on both ends.
Instead of this, you can simply move to a smart EDI cloud solution and save your time. Focus on eradicating that biggest list of bottlenecks by picking the right option for your business.
