EDI Logistics Adoption: Promoting Integration
EDI Logistics adoption becomes more and more essential today. The increasing of import and export influences the quantity of operations and the data volume. More, international and domestic regulations are being constantly developed and therefore set to supply chain companies and retailers. On the one hand, these regulations increase operational visibility and reporting, but on the other hand these leads to higher quantity of transactions. EDI Logistics adoption (solutions) is an up-to-date instrument that provides faster and easier control over logistics operations. Usually logistic companies and third parties use either EDI of web-forms methods of documents exchange. It is obvious in modern transport market conditions that EDI is more convenient and it is a very efficient step to full process automation.
The information about goods movement through the supply chain helps all parties involved (importers/exporters, retailers, customers etc.) track information, forecast delivery dates and make better planning. EDI logistics solutions are very helpful here. Complex EDI logistics transactions like Advanced ship notices (ASN) give these information to all parties. In order to take full control of goods movement and keep the latest information about this, suppliers, retailers and other parties involved in the supply process have another reason to implement EDI logistics solutions.
However, despite all visible advantages of EDI logistics integration, it still remains extremely complicated for some suppliers because of very strict retailers’ demands. The first step to ease EDI integration may be simplification of trading partner requirements. This will give a chance to small-size companies to adopt their systems to trading partner demands.
Another way to increase EDI implementation is to integrate supplier portals with EDI systems. This decision will allow sharing electronic documents with small-size companies who have low volumes of transactions. Although, there exist many EDI outsourcing parties who provide solutions for companies of any size, EDI relationships should be built on mutual understanding and beneficial cooperation.