VICS EDI Detailed implementation requirements
Implementation requirements will vary from one company to another. However, based on the experience of many companies, there are a number of design and implementation elements that are essential to achieving a successful VICS EDI implementation.
Business objectives and design
Since VICS EDI is primarily a business strategy rather than a computer system, it is important that company objectives and expectations be clearly identified, and that the impact of VICS EDI on existing business policies and procedures throughout the company be determined and agreed upon. Companies with many divisions might want to consider focusing on EDI initiatives that will enable them to design one EDI system that will serve many different applications, while other companies might feel it necessary to tailor their EDI system in the direction of key trading partners. Some companies will include the development of company objectives and a VICS EDI business design as part of their cost/benefit justification study. Others will perform this basic task early in the VICS EDI implementation process.
Reviewing systems and procedures
A complete analysis of current operational systems should be performed. Processes for creating business information should be documented, and the flow of information should be identified. Internal policies and procedures affecting the use of business information should be included in the analysis. This might include the distribution of business documents, filing and matching requirements, retention rules, etc.
Using this information, the project team can determine how VICS EDI should be integrated into existing systems, and whether any current policies or procedures must be changed. The results of this review will also permit the development of a preliminary estimate of the effort required to achieve VICS EDI integration.
Identifying trading partners
In order to achieve cost savings and operating efficiencies, a company must convert a significant percentage of its transaction volumes to VICS EDI. Many companies develop a plan for using VICS EDI with a number of their buyers or suppliers during the initial implementation process. Once a list of potential trading partners has been developed, primary candidates can be identified based on such criteria as ranking by dollar and/or transaction volume, VICS EDI capabilities, readiness, etc.
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