EDI Compatibility
Standards
Electronic
Data Interchange is a common program language two companies will use
to transmit relevant product information between themselves with little
human input into the transmission. EDI automates the process of data
transmission between companies which simplifies supply chain management,
reduces the amount of errors, preserves time and employee costs, and
optimizes company efficiency in a number of areas. Companies will typically
use private networks or XML templates to transfer the data to each trading
partner.
Retail Implications
of EDI
A
number of factors can contribute to whether or not a retail vendor or
wholesaler will take a company's product and add the product to its
inventory. For larger, national chains, one of the most crucial elements
to have is EDI capabilities. Although the initial costs of EDI are pricey,
the benefits and cost savings far outweigh the older forms of data transmission
between trading partners.
EDI Standards
There
are two primary EDI standards. ANSI ASC X12 encoding is used primarily
in North America and used worldwide. EDIFACT encoding is the only international
standard and is predominant in all areas outside of North America.
American Shipping Centers can form EDI
interface software programs with national vendors for its customers
to help market the customer's product to larger retail chains. Product
turn around times will be greatly reduced utilizing all the benefits
that EDI technology brings to the table.
Relevant Information
on EDI Technology, Development, & Integration
Wikipedia - General Overview of EDI
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): An Introduction (Xamax Consultancy
Pty Ltd)
EDI: An Introduction
(Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry)
Solutions
