Considering EDI implementation with trading partners
An initial step many organizations take when considering EDI implementations is to conduct a survey of buyers or suppliers to determine the EDI capabilities and plans of the EDI target base. After the results of the surveys are compiled, some form of analysis is performed to determine which of the EDI-ready target trading partners the organization would like to pursue during the initial roll-out.
Once the target group of trading partners is determined, the organization should, on an individual trading partner basis, involve both groups of executive management. Executive management of both organizations should be in agreement to sponsor the project between the two companies. If management is communicating the critical need of the usage of EDI between the two companies, an implementation will have focus within an organization.
Management will determine what each partner is trying to obtain from the partnership, sponsor the project, and maintain the focus of the EDI implementation.
As part of the partner planning exercise, some areas which should be documented may include:
- VANs to be involved with the implementation, or if no VANs are involved, communications protocols to be employed.
- Details of optional segments and elements to be used, assuming all VICS EDI guidelines for required segments and elements are to be followed.
- Timing of EDI communications sessions. Is once a day enough or does this application have “event driven” requirements?
- Communication identifiers, passwords, and VICS EDI versions all need to be communicated and agreed upon.
Ongoing status meetings during the implementation will be very important. Maintaining a perpetual dialog is required not only to improve overall communications between the trading partners, but also to manage expectations and ensure that actions taken during the project have positive benefits for both parties.
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