Implementing additional EDI transactions
When companies first implement Industrial/Commercial EDI, they typically spend a period of time expanding processing to new trading partners, thereby gaining significant experience in the process. At some point, however, companies expand to additional information exchanges to reap benefits in additional areas.
Expansion to new transaction sets requires many of the same steps as an initial Industrial/Commercial EDI implementation. However, since a partner base and Industrial/Commercial EDI infrastructure already exist, the process is somewhat simplified. Companies should consider the following, whether expanding I/C EDI transaction sets or adding partners to existing sets:
- Review the UCC InfoCenter to see who is doing what. Access to the InfoCenter is included with the UCC’s membership.
- Review a list of current and potential trading partners and periodically contact them to find out what they are currently doing.
- Attend EC User Group conferences and seminars.
- Survey existing and potential trading partners to find out which transaction sets they can use. (Surveys should be conducted regularly since trading partners’ capabilities are constantly changing.).
To learn more about EDI and become a CEDIAP® (Certified EDI Academy Professional), please visit our course schedule page.