Frictionless Business

Frictionless EDI integration with internal systems

Discover what EDI integration is, how it transforms business processes, how it can frictionlessly integrate with internal business systems.

Transalis·27 May 2021

Frictionless EDI integration with internal systems

Electronic data interchange, or EDI, is a tried and tested way to exchange business documents electronically in a standard format. It replaces the need to share paper-based documentation such as invoices, purchase orders and shipping notices which typically are manually intensive and subject to errors. But what exactly is involved in EDI integration and how can you benefit from it?

With EDI, digital data moves frictionlessly from one trading partner to another without the need for rekeying of data and the attendant risk of mistakes creeping in.

Documents are mapped using a series of EDI standards that define the location and order of information from one point to another.

Instead of taking hours, days or even weeks to arrive, data can be shared instantly, dramatically speeding up the flow of goods and payments across the supply chain.

What is EDI integration?

Electronic documents exchanged using traditional EDI are uploaded using an FTP server. With Transalis eDI™ digital documents are exchanged using latest tech APIs, SFTP or VPNs, providing more secure, automated, and efficient integration with internal and external supply chain systems. For maximum efficiency, EDI integration should be automatic and totally frictionless.

Businesses use a range of interoperable systems for supply chain management. They include across-the-board ERPs and specific packages for areas such as accounts, warehouse and order management.

As a result, when it comes to EDI integration, a new user will need to connect their chosen solution with multiple systems before they can start managing their documentation. This is a complex task that could conceivably be done in-house with the right skills but most companies find it far easier to outsource it to an EDI provider.

As well as streamlining workflow processes and creating efficiencies internally, EDI integration with existing systems can give you complete visibility across your entire global trading network. This means you can immediately identify blockages in the supply chain and sort out delays or inaccuracies in orders, invoices, shipping notes, dispatch advice, tax notifications and so on.

Making EDI integration simple

Transalis believes in making life easy for our customers.

We know that trading networks are not static. They reflect the dynamic nature of today’s business environment, with international trade increasingly prevalent, and so, you can request rapid changes to your EDI solution to reflect ‘on the ground’ changes among your partners.
Under our ‘Customer First’ policy, we operate a coherent and meaningful engagement process for all customers, dramatically reducing lead times for updates. We have specifically invested in EDI solutions that provide this very reassurance right from the outset of your EDI integration.
On average, we have reduced the time by 50% to onboard new partners to an EDI solution.
Coupled with simplicity and transparency in our pricing – including a guaranteed, fixed-cost model – we currently offer set-price EDI integrations with 42 of the most common supply chain and accounting systems.

Removing the headaches

In a recent market survey of EDI users in different sectors, many respondents told us of problems they had with their current vendors. We heard about providers failing to provide clarity on timing or costs and we were told that too many barriers are put up to moving on from legacy systems, making it difficult to switch to a more suitable provider. We understand these frustrations. It is why, under ‘Customer First’, we have invested substantially in building interoperable solutions that actually benefit you and don’t put hurdles in your way.

The transatlantic health and beauty brand SpaceNK is one of many Transalis customers to have switched to us in a frictionless way. They have maintained business-as-usual activity while achieving successful EDI integration, enjoying the transformative benefits of a new solution.

“Behind the scenes, EDI can be very complex. EDI integration is a bit niche between departments and seen as a specialist requirement. Transalis removed all the potential headaches involved in that. They had an ability to understand what we were trying to achieve and an appetite to make integration lighter, cheaper and easier for us.”

Chris Wakeham, Space NK’s Global IT Director

Software as a Service

We know that in today’s interconnected world of business, companies increasingly want to have more control of their engagement with trading partners rather than relying on an EDI provider holding all the cards.

Vendors who insist on offering heavily managed services are likely to lose out in favour of those who provide a self-serve SaaS approach. More and more customers want the ability to easily and simply configure EDI requirements on the fly. They want to avoid expensive change requests and delays in awaiting action. The answer is to incorporate more tasks and functions into SaaS platforms such as ours so EDI can be managed by the customer rather than controlled by the provider.

Our solutions already give you a complete overview of integrations and trading partners, making it easy for you to switch, adapt and change.

Once we have your say, we will bring your trading network onboard in an easy process for everyone involved:

We contact the businesses in your network
We map and test all documents relating to your EDI integration with them
We train their staff so they can start exchanging documents with you frictionlessly

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