ENTERPRISE APPLICATION INTEGRATION TOOL IMPLEMENTATION TIPS, BENEFITS FOR ALL SIZES OF BUSINESSES

An enterprise infrastructure comprises of several different structures and facilities. An enterprise relies on various components to run a separate process so as to obtain a single objective and conduct day to day business. But there needs to be an integrated system that makes sure all these different systems are working towards one goal in a streamlined manner. Enterprise architecture has three challenges: modularity, data integration, and interoperability.

  • You might think that implementing point to point integration might help resolve these issues, but that is only a viable option when the enterprise integration comprises of 2-3 systems. With the increasing components and connection, the complexity of the architecture increases, making scalability with a point to point integration difficult.
  • This is why an organization, regardless of its operating scale, are going for enterprise application integration tools. Unlike in point to point integration where separate connectors are required for different connection, in EAI, there is a standard system proffering integration, replayability, and message brokering functionality in the entire network.
  • It allows for a flexible architecture, with EAI implementation solely handling the entire communication, from sending message to data requirements. The simplified modular development and by transforming the EAI architecture, new parts can be added and removed as and when needed.
  • EAI has evolved into a more functional system with security, network administration, and adaptability, making it easy to manage the task with its centralized integration mechanism.
  • But EAI is only as successful as its implementation, where many organizations go wrong with. In today’s post, we are going to tell you some implementation tips that will help you integrate an application successfully:

STRUCTURE A DOABLE PLAN:

Your plan should be formulated keeping into consideration the tailored needs of your organization; otherwise, you might fall to the confusion surrounding the analysis. Your project should serve as a foundation on which the architecture will keep evolving as and when the need for adaption arises.

ESTABLISH A SCOPE:

Create a scope of your business that will not only identify the audience but also reduces the ambiguity and helps with better decision-making skills.

KEEP REALISTIC SCHEDULE GOALS:

Make sure that a realistic perspective scheduling perspective defines all the integration needs. Opt for a bottom-up approach that will ensure all the deliverables and the detailed steps created are adequately and appropriately followed.

KEEP COST IN MIND:

What makes up a cost of the integration projects? Labor and internal resource allocation. Create a resource allocation spreadsheet to allocate time and deliverables for each resurfacing effectively. These allocation sheets serve as an effective communication tool

DESIGN FOR YOUR BUSINESS:

You want the EAI to enhance your business operation; for this, you need to review your current business activities, understand the business needs and identify the lagging areas; then you should go ahead with an integration solution.

While these tips will undoubtedly be of help, but don’t you think it would be a smart and profitable decision to hire an EAI Consultant? Not only then will ensure that all your processes are integrated and streamlined, but having a dedicated team will free up the time, monkey and internal resource which can be judiciously invested in attaining business goals.

Data Integration Specialists EAI experts will make sure that there is proper communication between various system and application to upscale efficiency.

With the aim to simplify and automate the entire process and eliminate the complexity that comes with linking the legacy system with different database, computer system or language, DIS EAI Consultants make use of contemporary technologies such as cross-platform communication, object-oriented programming, enterprise resource plannings to ensure effective communication between different components of the enterprise.

Get in touch with DIS EIA consultants at 612-840-6753, today!

5 Benefits Of Using EDI For Your Business

In the current hyper-digital market space, it has become mandatory for businesses to keep up with the digitalization and technology upgrades. Companies who have failed to do so have suffered from the lack of customer attention and exposure. In such circumstances, one of the most popular industrial solutions being used is Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

What Is Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)?

EDI or Electronic Data Interchange is the electronic transfer of documents in a standardized format usually between business partners. It is a form of automation and has a long list of benefits.

EDI not only is a perfect replacement of paperless transaction but also is an apt solution in the time of need. It only makes sense to use EDI instead of manual processes in the modern digital world. The upcoming section discusses a few of them.

Benefits Of Electronic Data Interchange

  • The Cost Factor

It doesn’t matter whether you own a small scale business or a large scale enterprise, the cost factor is always one of the primary things you take into consideration. It’s good news for your business as EDI is a cost-effective method of data interchange.

Not only does it save the paper costs, but EDI also cuts any labor cost involved in the whole process. You can utilize the relieved resources to ensure better products/clients for your customers.

  • Enhanced User Experience

If you want to stay ahead of your competitors and make your mark in the digital world, user experience is the key.

EDI helps your company to enhance the user experience of your clients/customers to a great extent. It reduces the response time of your business which makes things easier and more convenient for you as well as your users. Enhanced user experience directly impacts your word-of-mouth marketing which increases clients and their reliability on your business.

  • Fewer Errors

As mentioned, EDI is a computer-to-computer interchange of electronic documents which is ‘done in a particular format’. EDI, as such, ensures that there are minimal errors in any official documents traded between business partners.

This not only accounts for a healthy business relationship but also shows a professional way of functioning on your part. In the case of paper documents, even a minute error causes huge delay and wastage of resources which is, now, prevented with the use of EDI.

  • Strategic Advantages

With its benefits of speed and accuracy, EDI can boost your business cycles by up to 61%! You’d have to wait for business documents for days in a row when sent via manual data entry. But the strategic benefits of EDI emphasizes its use in the modern business system by multiple folds.

EDI helps you to bring real-time visibility in your organization. It allows you to tackle any potential problems at their budding phase which brings order in your organization and accounts for less damage.

To Sum It Up

EDI has become an important part of several companies and you must start using it today! EDI consultants complement your EDI resources by offering the services of a remote coordinator for your software.

Data Integration Specialists (DIS) has years of experience in the industry and offer services such as EDI Managed Services, IBM Sterling Integrator resources, and many such others. Call at 612-840-6753 or fill in this form to contact us today!

EDI: Handling Supply Chain Management and Its Risks

The role of technology in today’s business systems has become inevitable. It doesn’t matter whether you are a small business or a large scale enterprise, technological solutions can help you to make your operations more effective.

With increasing competition in the business landscape, it only makes sense to leverage the power of technology to stay ahead of your competitors. One of the most important challenges faced by today’s businesses is Supply Chain Management.

The risks related to supply chain management or any third party involvement, for that matter, are not new in businesses. It can be the integrity of a supplier, fraudulent data interactions or any such things that can hamper your business to a great extent.

Given today’s demand for quality products and services, businesses can not afford to invest their resources in operations instead of product/service development. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) comes as a solution offering transparent communication between businesses. Before we move on to the role of EDI in supply chain management, let’s understand EDI basics.

Electronic Data Interchange: A Brief Introduction

Before simply defining EDI, it is important to understand how important it is for modern businesses. It is predicted that the healthcare EDI market will reach a whopping 5.9 billion dollars by 2025 and it is just the healthcare industry. There are more contributing sectors such as e-commerce.

There is more to EDI that what its name defines. Electronic Data Interchange helps businesses to streamline transactions and communication. It eliminates errors, document reviewing, and much more, mending business’ data interchanges and other transactions.

Businesses are prone to supply chain management risks and EDI helps in tackling them. So, what are these business risks in supply chain management?

Risks In Supply Chain Management

Be it of the healthcare industry, retail industry, financial service industry or any other industry, there are multiple risks related to supply chain and its proper maintenance. Not only there is a major risk of data infringement but risks of data tampering and faulty data entries also exist.

As the data and its complexity increase for your company, it becomes important to establish a reliable automated way of data transaction and communication. A data breach in your supply chain management can cost significantly if fallen into wrong hands. This will increase the financial risk attached to data transaction and communication between your business partners.

Also, a minor mistake in data recording/entries could be dangerous and costly. Redoing your orders and mending these tiny mistakes will only increase the overall operational costs of your business. Besides, it also becomes difficult to monitor 100% of your suppliers.

EDI solutions like IBM Sterling Integrator are an established way of data and documents interchange between businesses. They help you define processes and customize it according to your business requirements.

How Can EDI Help Your Business With Supply Chain Management?

In a survey, 72% of businesses accepted that they don’t have any setups to monitor supply chain risks and its management. EDI can help your business carry out automated and fully secure document transactions with your suppliers. This not only reduces the probability of any document errors but also helps you to closely monitor your suppliers and keep a check on any fraudulent practices.

EDI saves time and cuts from your budget. Besides, it allows you to counter any possible errors through live monitoring. EDI Software protects your data against any infringement and accounts for 100% security.

EDI keeps your data in a particular format and thus, increasing its readability. Using iPaaS, you can integrate your EDI software with any other application you use and make the most of it.

To Sum It Up

EDI can be a major tool supply in chain risk management. You can hire EDI consultant for your EDI sterling integrator or other software to ensure that you stay ahead of your competitors and make your mark in today’s overcrowded marketplace.

Data Integration Specialists (DIS) has 20+ years of providing EDI managed services for business of different sectors. Want to know more? Call at 612-840-6753 or fill this form to reach out to us today!

Understanding The Role Of EDI In Today’s Business World

The business world has become very competitive and you need to incorporate the best of technology today in order to stay ahead in the race. Businesses are evolving quickly and the need for developing effective solutions to make your business operations more efficient is emerging on a daily basis. Technological solutions like EDI automation, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and many more are becoming popular among businesses for their wide array of benefits. Electronic Data Interchange is one of the widely acclaimed solutions chosen by businesses worldwide.

A Brief On Electronic Data Interchange

Electronic Data Interchange is an electronic (between computers) exchange of formatted data (usually documents) between two or more businesses. In simpler words, EDI allows a computer-to-computer exchange of information such as business documents between two businesses which usually is done through paperwork and mails. EDI, not only makes the overall process of data interchange simpler, but also enhances the procedure efficiency majorly.

The transfer of documents is carried out by computers and without any external intervention. EDI is basically automation of document exchange (entered in a particular format) between businesses which cuts the chances of error occurrences and other such reasons for inefficiency in your business operations. There are many EDI software companies that have made electronic interchange of documents simple and error-free.

Advantages Of Using EDI For Your Business

Here are a few advantages of using EDI in your business.

  • Enhanced Efficiency – Cost and Time

EDI improves the efficiency of your business in terms of both operational cost and time. The costs of paperwork and labor involved in data interchange between businesses are definitely higher than what you might think. Besides, you have to wait for a process to be over in order to report the required documents to your business partner/s. EDI, by making the documents interchange simultaneous, saves a significant amount of time and cost.

  • Enhanced Accuracy

Every discussion on EDI is done with the use of the term “formatted document”. This means the documents sent using EDI are read in a particular format which is same at both the ends. This ensures that there are almost zero chances of error occurrences and accurate delivery of high-profile business documents.

  • Better Management

EDI allows the management to take better decisions with the use of interchanged documents without any time lag and errors in delivery or others. The major advantages of EDI are at the management level of businesses and thus, effectively boosting the overall efficiency.

There are many such advantages of using EDI software for your business. Choosing the right EDI software for your business is a bit difficult task. Be it IBM Gentran Sterling Integrator or TIE Kinetix eVision Enterprise, it doesn’t matter which EDI Software Company you use for your business, you need the help of experienced EDI consultants to make the most of your EDI Software.

Data Integration Consultants (DIS) has over 17 years of experience in providing EDI managed services for all EDI software providers. Whether you are looking for EDI Consultants for your current software or in search of new software, we can help you. Call us at 612-840-6753 or fill this form to contact us right now!

Importance Of A Successful EDI Implementation

Supply chain management is an integral process of operating a business. An increasing number of organizations are moving towards an EDI implementation to streamline their business processing, enhance efficiency, reliability, accuracy, ease the transaction process and improve overall productivity. Suppliers would be able to implement EDI solutions easily form Data Integration Specialists. DIS experts will offer a comprehensive services solution to all your ID requirements from integration, implementation to support service, ensuring healthy EDI trading partner relationship at justified consulting rates.

EDI with its utilization of standardized electronic format, helps to make transactions between trading partners, easy, but several other challenges can be solved by adequately implementing EDI in the system:

  • Visibility:

With the massive shift in the industry, being able to track the supply chain at every step has become extremely difficult. EDI provides the transparency in the inventory so that every process from availability to shipment, to billing to package status is visible to the trading partners.

  • Real-Time Transaction:

With the increasing customer expectation and the cutthroat competition to become the number one service provider, it has become vital that the transactions made are processed in real time. EDI helps in managing real-time transaction so that every process be it “under process” or stalled is immediately notified.

  • Scalability:

Although every company and trading partner have their version of EDI solution, which develops uniquely as the business expands. The requirement and rule issue can be solved by scaling the EDI program by integration EDI transaction in ERP systems and confirming that the EDI program accommodates multiple sets of rules and requirements.

Only EDI experts from Data Integration Specialities will be able to resolve these challenges with practical solutions and help streamline the processes.

 

HELPFUL TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL  EDI IMPLEMENTATION:

  • Concentrate On Necessities:

It is crucial to chalk out what is the need of the hour and which time and cost-extensive work process need to be immediately solved. It is equally important to know where your organization lies in the supply chain so that you are aware of your responsibilities.

  • Consider Expenditure In Long Run:

Before deciding upon EDI implementation, it is necessary that you know how the short term and long term cost will affect your business. An in-house EDI requires a vast investment in the start, followed by fluctuation in price with time, outsourcing EDI requires the understanding that losing control can be a concern, as well.

  • Outline A Viable Implementation Plan:

It is crucial that a practical implementation plan of EDI is adequately rolled out to reduce the probability of error. A detailed project plan will help to allocate work and resources accordingly.

If you are an e-commerce business owner and want an additional EDI service provider to scale your performance or a dedicated team to handle all your transactional requirement remotely, DIS team will help  with their efficient mapping or dispensing remote services at an affordable rate. DIS employs services experts with knowledge of OpenText, TIE Kintetix, BizTalk, IBM Gentran Sterling Integrator, etc.,  to ensure that your business’s increased demand can be fulfilled without compromising on quality and facilitating scalability.

Get in touch with one of our expert EDI consultants today!