EDI Integration

EDI Integration

EDI Integration is the process of routing EDI data into a company's ERP or accounting system. While these two systems are the most frequently used, the process is the same when EDI Integration targets other "back-end systems" like supply chain management or warehousing. In order to enable EDI integration, several steps must be taken ranging from basic project management to highly technical data analysis and mapping.

Getting Started with EDI Integration

The first critical step of EDI Integration is a plan. The EDI Integration plan must include the implementation guides for each trading partner that the EDI Integration will target. You should also ensure that your EDI Integration staff has a subject matter expert who is very familiar with the back-end system you will be using. This expert should understand the table structures that will be used in the EDI Integration. Finally, you will need EDI Integration software.

In House EDI Integration vs. Outsourced EDI Integration

There are two prevailing ways of achieving EDI Integration. Inhouse EDI Integration is the process by which your company will acquire the EDI Integration tool and then prepare all the maps that will be necessary. Outsourced EDI Integration allows your software vendor or a trusted consultant to use the acquired EDI Integration tools to perform the mapping. The right method for your company will depend on many factors, including company size, the amount of EDI Integration expertise you already have and how frequently you will modify the maps.

Choosing your EDI Integration Method

There are a few questions you should consider to help you decide the EDI Integration method for your company:

1. Do you have EDI Integration talent? 
   If the answer is no you should think long and hard before embarking down the path of in-house EDI Integration since it can be a long and very technical process.
2. How often will you update your EDI Integration?
   The more frequently you plan on changing your EDI Integration maps, the more expensive it may become to use a third-party for the work.
3. How savvy are you with your back-end system?
   If the answer is not at all, then an outsourced model may be right for you.

Regardless of the answers to the questions above, you should talk to companies that have had experience with both inhouse and outsourced EDI Integration to ensure that whatever choice you make, the vendor will be able to support and help you.