- I’m new to EDI and I don’t have time to read long, boring articles. Can I ask you some questions?
- Sure.
- What does EDI stand for ?
- Electronic Data Interchange.
- Could you give me a one-sentence definition ?
- It’s the exchange of common business documents like purchase orders and invoices using a standard format. The idea is that if one trading partner has already input data into a computer system then that data can be sent and easily understood by a trading partner.
- That’s two sentences.
- Sorry.
- What do I need to “do” EDI ?
- Two software programs. A communications program to send/receive the data and a translator program to put that data where you want it.
- What do you mean by “where” I want it ?
- Simple. If you only exchange a couple of documents then you’ll just want to print them out. If you have lots of documents then you’ll want them to go directly into your internal application system.
- Are these programs expensive ?
- They can be, if you choose the wrong EDI supplier. Our communications software is free and our translator is tailored to precisely your needs. If your just getting started with one trading partner then you’re looking at less than $1,000. If you need integration to your main system then that would be a few thousand more. This is because whether we integrate to ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or accounting software like Simply Accounting or Quickbooks, or any other main system, we need to properly implement, test, and train. We handle the complete range of requirements for all sizes of companies in all industries.
- Stop bragging.
- Sorry again, but we have been installing EDI systems since 1991 and we absolutely hate it when we have to clean up an expensive mess. People are getting ripped off with six-figure EDI systems that also cost a fortune in maintenance and are very cumbersome to work with.
- Calm down. I want to pick your brains some more. How do I get a hold of you ?
- Just call us at (514) 262-9591 or send us an email: info@icefan.ca