Isn't EDI an old technology that is being replaced by new Internet technology?EDI has many components. Yes, many of them are changing with new Internet technology. The next generation of Internet EDI is evolving each year with the growth of new technology but it still is being based on EDI standards. It is best to work with professionals who can keep on top of these technological changes while you concentrate on your other business needs. Do I need EDI ?No, a good EDI professional can handle all of the technical stuff for you.
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What do I need to begin? Do I need to purchase any software to use an EDI service provider?
You don't need to purchase any software. You do need access to the Internet and an e-mail address. The software you will need is an Internet browser that complies with the HTML v4.0 standard and supports Javascript. We recommend either of these browsers:
Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.0 or later
Netscape Communicator version 4.0 or later
If you choose to have your orders made available in PDF format, you will also need Adobe's Acrobat Reader:
What operating systems can I use to access Web-based EDI systems?
Since it is internet based it can be used on Microsoft Windows, Mac, Linux, Sun Solaris, and just about any operating system.
In web-base EDI outsourced services are there any other costs involved besides the quoted fixed monthly fees?
Yes & No. Set up fees can vary depending on how elaborate or extensive your system will be and how much integration will be needed to tie it into your system or how many partners you need to map to . However, these are normally nominal fees and there are usually no other fees beyond the initial terms of the setup, usage, etc. Customer support is also included with toll-free access.
How quickly can I be up and running?
It's really a pretty simple process and can normally be set up within 24 hours or less, again depending on the initial setup and mapping.
How do I get started?
Just email us or give us a call - we will do the rest..
Can I process other documents besides POs and invoices?
Yes, see the tables below to see what document are normally set up. Others can be set up or customized as needed. For a more complete list of documents and terminology, check out our glossary
Inbound EDI Documents
810 Invoice PDF
820 Payment EFT/ Remittance Advice PDF
824 Application Advice PDF
830 Planning Schedule with Release Capability PDF
840 Request for Quotation PDF
850 Purchase Order In Box, PDF, flat-file
852 Product Activity Data PDF
855 Purchase Order Acknowledgement Detail PDF
860 Purchase Order Change Request - Buyer Initiated PDF
864 Text Message PDF
867 Product Transfer and Resale Report PDF, flat-file
875 UCS Purchase Order In Box, PDF, flat-file
880 UCS Invoice PDF
997 Functional Acknowledgement
Outbound EDI Documents
810 Invoice
855 Purchase Order Acknowledgement Detail
856 Advance Ship Notice (takes longer than one day to implement)
880 UCS Invoice
997 Functional Acknowledgement
All transactions are custom designed to the unique EDI customer’s specs. They are built in logic based on the trading partners EDI specs to validate all EDI transaction before you send it. For a trading partner that is new to us, this process is completed within a day. This insures our ability to connect you to any EDI compliant customer within a reasonable period of time.
My customers use several different EDI providers, different standards, and different communication requirements. Can you satisfy all of my customers' demands?
Yes
I trade with Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, they have a policy of not working with third party VANs. Can you connect me?
iYes. Wal-Mart offers three options for connectivity.
1. Use their free web-form solution named Orbit.
2. If you have your own EDI translator, you need to use iSoft EDI-INT AS2 or comparable Internet communication software.
3. You can elect to use us as your EDI agent/outsourcer for Wal-Mart and any other EDI customers that you have.
Call Wal-Mart's EDI hotline to get started 479-273-8888 x2 x3.
What about my broker? He also needs to receive a copy of our purchase order.
For EDI ready brokers, we make carbon copies of the orders available off the Sterling VAN. If the broker does not have EDI capabilities, he can use us to receive the CC.
Our broker has been conducting EDI for us and faxing us the orders. Why do I need your services?
The broker EDI-to-Fax system has worked as a quick fix but cannot be substituted for present and future EDI requirements of major distributors and retailers.
What do you offer that I cannot already do with my PC compatible EDI software that connects to a VAN?
Very simply, we are easier and less expensive. We are not limited to a local machine but can be accessed by multiple users in multiple locations. We also manage and support the system for you.
I'm completely new to EDI and would like to learn what some of these terms mean.
