• Moving to the cloud cuts hardware and maintenance costs, improves reliability through redundant infrastructure, and delivers flexibility, scalability and resilience with better data visibility and automatic updates
• A recent survey found 65% of respondents expect cloud-based EDI to become the norm, while only 13% do not expect its popularity to grow
• Remaining on outdated on-premise systems can harm efficiency and increase long-term costs, especially when the total cost of ownership is underestimated by excluding time and personnel expenses
• Businesses still using locally-hosted software should assess whether cloud migration could improve efficiency and resilience, as migration projects do not have to be complex or disruptive

Over the past decade there has been a clear and continual shift by supply chain businesses away from hosting business-critical software locally. Whether it’s multiple department systems or just a lone software instance, the vast majority of businesses have participated in cloud migration to some extent, with Accenture calculating the adoption of cloud technologies to have grown from 82% to 95% between 2019 and 2021 alone.

When you consider the benefits of moving B2B processes to the cloud, it’s not hard to see why so many companies are doing so. From a cost perspective, moving to the cloud reduces expenses relating to hardware and maintenance. Further, while security concerns are often cited as a key reason not to move to the cloud, cloud-based solutions typically offer a redundant infrastructure, making them much more reliable than locally-hosted systems. Most compelling of all, however, is the flexibility, scalability and resilience offered by the cloud, as processes and resources can be adapted quickly and easily as needs change. What’s more, cloud-based solutions also often offer better data visibility and are typically updated automatically.

What we have found

In line with recent trends, in our recent survey we found that the vast majority of respondents (65%) expect cloud-based EDI to become the norm in the future, with only 13% of those surveyed not expecting cloud migration to become more popular.

The Future of B2B Integration Survey, 2024

What can you do?

If you are still running your systems via locally-hosted software, it’s worth considering if moving to the cloud could improve efficiency, flexibility and resilience. While sticking with your current solution may seem like the easier choice, migration projects don’t have to be difficult or disruptive, and sticking with an outdated system will cost your business dearly in the long run. When assessing your options, it’s also important to consider all related costs. Many businesses wrongly assume that on-premise solutions are more cost-effective purely because they fail to properly calculate the total cost of ownership by ignoring key factors such as time and personnel costs.

“Companies with modern technology architectures outperform their competitors with better customer service, more efficient operations, and stronger customer advocacy.”

Bain Technology Report 2023

Questions to ask yourself

• Would increased system flexibility help you in achieving strategic goals moving forward?
• How confident are you that you can retain sufficient in-house expertise to keep internal systems running smoothly as your business grows/evolves?
• Do you currently operate a redundant infrastructure or are you at risk of catastrophic data loss?
• Are you aware of what modern cloud-based B2B integration solutions can deliver?
• Could cloud migration benefit your business?

Want more information on EDI trends?

This article is based on a section from our recent report on The Future of B2B Integration, in which we share survey results as well as predictions concerning the most significant B2B integration trends. To download your free copy now, simply visit the report download page and enter your details!

Der Beitrag Is Cloud Migration the Future of B2B Integration? erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

Nowhere is this more true than with B2B integration processes. While electronic data interchange (better known as EDI) is increasingly central to supply chain success, the data exchanged by supply chain partners via EDI is often something of a black box when handled in-house. With relevant teams, such as Purchasing, unable to access data directly, bottlenecks quickly develop, undermining the benefits of automated B2B communication. 

As future-thinking businesses are starting to recognise, however, issues like this aren’t difficult to eliminate. With customer and partner expectations continuing to rise, more and more businesses are prioritising B2B data accessibility in order to streamline operations and improve decision-making. According to a recent KPMG poll, 87% of supply chain executives now see increasing data accessibility as “critically important”, with 61% identifying it as “top priority”. 

What we found

In line with KPMG’s findings, we also found in our recent survey that respondents were very confident in the ability for improved data accessibility and visibility to boost supply chain success, with 77% believing that it could have a substantial impact, and 100% believing it could boost success at least a fair amount. 

Despite this universal recognition, however, it seems many businesses still have a long way to go to reach the desired level of data transparency. When asked to grade their company’s current data accessibility/visibility, only 56% of the B2B integration professionals we asked answered “good” or “very good”, with a worryingly high 44% responding “bad” or “very bad”.

What can you do?

If data accessibility is an issue in your business, enlisting the help of an experienced external provider may well be the answer. Rather than integrating new functionalities or managing a complete system migration project yourself, by opting for an external solution, you will benefit from faster migration times and tried and tested processes. 

Questions to ask yourself

• Do all relevant teams have acceptable data accessibility currently?
• How easy is it for individuals to find data within your existing solution?
• Does your current B2B integration solution offer real-time visibility of message statuses?
• How important is it for your business to be able to make accurate predictions?

Want to see what else we found?

This article is based on a section from our recent report on The Future of B2B Integration, in which we share survey results as well as predictions concerning the most significant B2B integration trends. To download your free copy now, simply visit the report download page and enter your details!

Der Beitrag Should Data Accessibility Be a B2B Priority? erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

To provide some insight into what the next few years are likely to hold for supply chain businesses, we asked ecosio co-founders and B2B integration experts Philipp Liegl and Marco Zaplatel to give us four key predictions. Here’s what they said…

#1 – Electronic data interchange (EDI) will continue to grow in popularity

Over the past two decades EDI has seen huge change. Thanks to dramatic advances in technology, not only is message exchange automation now possible across many more B2B processes, but crucially it is also now far more accessible. Whereas EDI was once a luxury open only to those businesses with extensive internal resources and technical expertise, today all businesses can experience the benefits of automated document exchange.

This accessibility, combined with other factors, such as the recent introduction of mandatory e-invoicing across much of Europe and the increased desire for supply chain sustainability in the wake of the recent pandemic, means that EDI’s popularity is only likely to grow further in the coming years. This is also echoed by recent research by Gartner, which predicts that a whopping 80% of B2B sales interactions between suppliers and buyers will occur in digital channels by 2025.

#2 – EDI will become increasingly central to business success

Due to factors such as the globalisation of markets, an ever-increasing demand for data visibility across supply chains, and the growing dependence of revenue upon successful data automation, businesses can no longer afford to treat EDI as an afterthought. What’s more, the financial benefits offered by EDI are only set to increase as technology continues to advance and improve the efficiency and transparency of automated data exchange. IDC research, for example, suggests modernised B2B integration could offer businesses a 308% ROI – or more than £3 in benefits per £1 invested!

It’s only logical, therefore, that the future of supply chains will see more and more businesses identify EDI as a critical component of ERP systems (as future-focussed organisations already do).

#3 – EDI will continue to become a “service”

Unfortunately, EDI’s growing popularity doesn’t mean automated document exchange with partners will get easier from a technical perspective. Rather, as businesses look to extend automation across more processes, and different countries introduce different regulations, operating a successful EDI solution will become harder for in-house teams. As a result we should see more and more businesses adopting an EDI as a Service solution as part of a so-called “postmodern” ERP system, in which a core ERP system is extended with tailored cloud-based solutions from independent providers. This way, businesses can enjoy all the benefits of efficient document exchange with none of the hassle and risk. Essentially, EDI is about to transform from a technology for enterprises to a core service for enterprises… a core service, which is yielded by external service providers.

#4 – Solution flexibility and scalability will become a must

Given the rapid pace at which tech is advancing and the volatility of modern supply chains, selecting an EDI solution that can evolve to suit changing needs will be a major concern for IT decision makers over the next few years. We expect to see more caution from buyers regarding potential future functionality changes and an increase in demand for cloud-based, modular solutions, in which updates are implemented on an ongoing basis by the provider and new features are added on a regular basis.

Conclusion

While what exactly the future of supply chains will be may be difficult to predict, what is certain is that cloud-based, EDI as a Service constitutes the only logical long-term option for many businesses. When it comes to key issues such as cost efficiency, sustainability and flexibility, there is simply no alternative.

At ecosio we’re always thinking of the future and pride ourselves of being ahead of the competition both in terms of technology and approach. While the ecosio cloud-based EDI solution (our Integration Hub) and dedicated document and integration engineers ensure you experience streamlined, hassle-free EDI today, our unique, cloud-based approach is designed to support you into the future. However your situation changes, our regularly updated, modular solutions and passionate EDI experts will ensure your solution remains successful. With “Connections That Work” you will experience the full potential and benefits of EDI with minimum effort.

Want to learn more about the future of supply chains?

This article is taken from our white paper Building Connections That Work: The ecosio Approach. To download your free copy today, simply follow this link and enter your details.

For a more detailed breakdown of the future of EDI, you may find our article on this topic interesting, too.

Der Beitrag The Future of Supply Chains: Expert Insights erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

Define your B2B process automation goals

The first and most important step in any complex business project is to define your goals. Even if your goals seem obvious, detailing exactly what you would like to achieve will help you to develop a roadmap, identify ways of measuring success, and prioritise resources effectively. 

Sometimes, too, defining your specific goals will help to clarify to your team WHY you want to get to where you’re headed. Whether you’re looking to implement an e-invoicing solution or streamline communication with existing partners, agreeing on your exact goals will ensure everyone is on the same page and understands the plan and motivations.

Assess current capacity and internal resources

Once you’ve clarified your goals, the next step is to identify how able you are to achieve them with your current setup. This involves assessing both your technical capacity and the capability of your current personnel.

Technical capacity

When assessing technical capacity before a B2B process automation project, be sure to ask the following questions:

• Is our IT infrastructure able to support increased automation (e.g. via RPA, blockchain, API, EDI, etc.)?
• How well can our current systems integrate with electronic data interchange (EDI) and e-invoicing solutions?
• Would it be useful for different teams to have direct access to EDI/e-invoicing data so IT doesn’t become a bottleneck?
• Do we need redundant infrastructure?
• Are we likely to need the ability to convert messages to/from different EDI standards in the future?
• Are we likely to need the ability to send messages via different EDI protocols in the future?
• Will we need Peppol connectivity?
• Would a Web EDI solution be helpful to help automate exchanges with smaller suppliers?
• Would end-to-end visibility of EDI and e-invoicing data be helpful?

Personnel

When assessing the capacity of your existing team before starting your B2B process automation project, make sure to ask the following questions:

• Do we have sufficient technical expertise in-house?
• Would training be sufficient to upskill existing employees?
• Would our ability to operate be significantly disrupted by the absence or departure of certain individuals?
• How much time would team members be able to devote to new processes and tasks?
• Would team members be willing to adapt their roles and responsibilities if needed?
• How would pressure on internal resources be affected if B2B process automation requirements were to increase in the future?
• How will we keep track of new country-specific e-invoicing requirements?

After asking these questions you should have a clear picture of what level of automation is possible with your current system and which areas will need strengthening.

Consider outsourcing

For those businesses with limited internal resources, outsourcing is the obvious answer – particularly given the extent to which cloud computing has simplified external management of B2B process automation in recent years. 

However, even those businesses with substantial internal resources may also benefit from outsourcing certain processes such as EDI or e-invoicing to specialised providers. Not only are such providers experts in these fields, and therefore able to implement processes and technical changes faster, they also typically offer added benefits such as redundant infrastructure, direct integration into your current ERP system, and simple scalability.

And perhaps most important of all, employing an external provider to manage B2B process automation enables your team to focus on what they do best!

Establish clear roles and responsibilities

For automation to succeed, everyone in your organisation needs to know their role in the process. Clear delineation of responsibilities ensures smooth implementation and ongoing management of B2B process automation efforts.

Make sure when assigning responsibilities not to forget potential future tasks though… as this can result in a decline in efficiency and enthusiasm. 

For a detailed breakdown of the key roles in a typical EDI project, please see our dedicated blog article on this topic.

Prioritise data visibility and accessibility

Having automated processes is all well and good, but unless you have good visibility, efficiency can still suffer. No system is 100% error-free, and being able to identify an issue quickly and easily when one does arise can help ensure your system remains effective. 

For example, the best EDI and e-invoicing solutions will enable users to search across all documents using any relevant identifier, and may even allow you to view the status of sent documents in real time.

Think long term!

When it comes to B2B process automation, change is the only constant. Technologies evolve, and so will your electronic data interchange (EDI) and e-invoicing needs. 

Prioritising adaptability, scalability and sustainability is not just wise; it’s essential if you’re to be successful in the long term. Even if your EDI requirements are stable, your partner landscape is static and your internal team is committed right now, this will not always be the case. Unless your processes have been built with flexibility in mind, their efficiency will soon decline.

Don’t try to do too much too fast

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a robust B2B automation system. Start small, prioritise critical processes, and gradually expand your automation efforts to avoid errors and oversights.

For example, when onboarding EDI partners, rather than attempting to onboard all simultaneously, a more efficient approach would be to break your partners down into relevant groups (e.g. by country or value), and work through these groups one after the other.

Don’t be afraid to make big changes

Innovation often requires bold moves. While caution is wise, don’t shy away from making significant changes if they promise to improve B2B process automation. 

As EDI and e-invoicing are so central to the everyday operations of modern day businesses, many people are scared to adapt running systems for fear of disrupting them. As a result, many businesses persevere with outdated technology for far too long. But of course, the longer you put off such a project, the less efficient your current solution will become!

While implementing a major B2B process automation project can be daunting, particularly for those who haven’t done so before, the benefits can be remarkable. Plus, thanks to the emergence of fully managed B2B process automation solution providers, there’s now no longer any need to stress about disruption to existing systems or insufficient internal resources!

Summary

In conclusion, achieving success in B2B process automation requires a strategic approach. By establishing clear roles, prioritising data accessibility, and adopting a measured approach to implementation, your business can harness the full potential of EDI, e-invoicing, and other B2B automation avenues to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.

If you’re interested in learning more about how B2B process automation could transform your business, contact us to learn more about ecosio’s unique EDI solution.

Discover more about our updated product, ecosio.flow.

Der Beitrag How to Achieve B2B Process Automation Success erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

In short, an EDI dashboard is like your company’s B2B messaging cockpit, providing visibility of all automated exchanges and allowing relevant individuals to access and edit information easily. Without a good EDI dashboard, management of automated B2B communication can be complicated. With one, it’s a piece of cake!

In this article we’ll explore what makes an efficient EDI dashboard. Hopefully by the end you’ll know exactly what to look for when selecting a new solution.

Data visibility

The main job of any dashboard is to make information accessible and easily digestible. A good EDI dashboard can achieve this by providing…

1) Full transparency for all departments

Given the technical work involved in managing EDI connections, access to EDI data in companies is often limited to the IT team, or a small number of EDI specialists. But EDI data is relevant to many different teams, and providing access to relevant individuals such as those in Purchasing or Accounts can help to streamline processes and eliminate bottlenecks.

2) Full-text search functionality

In a good EDI portal finding transactions and documents should be as quick and easy as possible. Given that not everyone looking for information in your portal will necessarily be an EDI expert (especially if several teams are granted access), it’s important that your EDI dashboard has an intelligent search functionality. Rather than requiring users to manually scroll through data or enter specific message identifiers, the best EDI portals will allow users to locate relevant data quickly using any relevant keywords.

Message overview in the ecosio.monitor

3) Detailed EDI analytics

Just as the dashboard in your car displays all the key information you need in one place, so your EDI dashboard should too! When you’re exchanging high volumes of messages with partners, it’s important to be able to identify any issues quickly. A good EDI dashboard should make this possible via helpful real-time graphs and EDI analytics. When errors do occur, the error information should also be thorough, so as to facilitate swift resolution.

Example of ecosio.monitor dashboard analytics overview

Flexibility

Behind data visibility, the next most important attribute of any good EDI portal is flexibility. Although there are only so many ways to conduct EDI, every company’s EDI requirements are different. Plus requirements naturally change over time! As a result, it’s important that your EDI dashboard has sufficient flexibility to allow your EDI solution to continue to deliver no matter what your specific situation is.

Key things to look for here include…

Customisability

Ideally a good EDI portal should provide ways for individuals to tailor processes to meet their needs. For example, the ability to control notifications can be particularly useful, and help ensure you are only alerted about what’s important to you.

Extensibility

The ability to integrate your dashboard with other solutions, such as a Web EDI portal, will ensure you are able to adapt as needs evolve.

For example, in addition to being compatible with all ERP systems, ecosio’s EDI dashboard (the ecosio.monitor) can be integrated with all ecosio products, from our e-invoicing solution to our Web EDI portal.

Management tools

With any platform or software which is accessible to many individuals, being able to manage usage is important. There are two areas to consider here…

1) Management of internal teams

In order to manage internal teams efficiently, it’s extremely useful to be able to control access and edit user permissions.

Another feature that many EDI professionals find helpful is having real-time visibility of which users are active, as this can enable faster issue resolution.

2) Management of external partners

Depending on your partner and supplier landscape, it may also be helpful for your EDI dashboard to enable you to manage access and functionalities for external entities. For example, this can be a useful feature for businesses wishing to control the access of ERP partners, and for larger organisations with sub-companies.

Good support

As support is not technically a feature, it’s something that many people overlook when selecting an EDI dashboard. However, having reliable support is crucial – particularly for those businesses without substantial in-house EDI expertise.

With this in mind, it’s worth looking out for the following when considering your options…

Reachability of support

Most solutions will provide a support number and/or email address for users to contact when an issue arises. However, these methods of contacting support aren’t optimal. A much better method is being able to raise tickets within your dashboard. Not only does this allow your colleagues to see that a ticket has been raised, it also makes it easier for the expert to see the relevant information, leading to faster resolution and better transparency for all.

Example of support ticket functionality in the ecosio.monitor

Proactive EDI portal maintenance

If optimal system performance is to be maintained, updates need to be proactive rather than reactive. If maintenance is left to internal teams to handle, it’s easy for maintenance to be put off and performance to deteriorate over time.

Security

Given the significance and sensitivity of the data being exchanged via EDI, it’s important that your EDI dashboard is sufficiently secure. Features that can help bolster security include…

User authentication

Obviously, you don’t want anyone accessing your EDI data who shouldn’t be, and the easiest way to prevent this is through thorough implementing failsafes such as multi-factor authentication. Meanwhile, Single Sign-On (SSO) and editable user preference settings, including “remember me” functionality, can be used to enhance the user experience.

Secure archiving

Archiving is not only a legal requirement in many transactions, it’s also essential for maintaining data integrity. While all EDI solutions should offer archiving, a good EDI portal should make this as easy as possible by providing user-friendly management features.

The ecosio.monitor offers the ability to create custom archives

Regular updates

Regular updates are essential for long-term efficiency and will prevent a gradual decline in performance and security. As mentioned previously, it is best if technical updates are handled proactively by external experts.

Have you considered the ecosio.monitor?

Now that you’ve got a clearer idea of what a good EDI dashboard can deliver, you should be better placed to decide on a suitable solution. And luckily you don’t have to look far to find one!

If you’re searching for an EDI portal that offers impressive data visibility, flexibility, robust management tools, good support and top-notch security, you need look no further than the ecosio.monitor.

Thanks to deep integration into your existing ERP system, the ecosio.monitor offers unparalleled usability and data visibility, allowing users to view real-time message statuses and find relevant data within seconds. Plus access can be extended to and adjusted as required, ensuring EDI never becomes a bottleneck.

Find out more!

For a detailed breakdown of the ecosio.monitor’s key features and how these can benefit you, please visit our dedicated feature page.

Alternatively, if you would like to schedule a call to see first hand what our EDI portal can do and how the ecosio.monitor can be integrated with your existing systems, contact us today. We’d love to show you how our solution can help you achieve maximum efficiency with minimum effort.

Frequently asked questions

Why is an EDI dashboard important?

An EDI dashboard is essentially your very own EDI control centre. An efficient dashboard makes keeping track of EDI message traffic and identifying and eliminating errors easy. For large businesses a comprehensive, flexible dashboard is an invaluable tool in helping to streamline key B2B processes and communication.

Is changing EDI dashboards difficult?

How much work it takes to upgrade your EDI dashboard depends on several factors, including what type of EDI solution you currently have, which dashboard you want to implement, and how much EDI expertise you have in-house. While some EDI migration projects can be lengthy and complicated, if a fully managed solution (such as ecosio’s) is opted for, all technical tasks are handled quickly and efficiently by external experts, and migration becomes simple.

How important is usability in an EDI portal?

Extremely important! EDI data is typically relevant to many different teams within a business. For some individuals interacting with EDI data may be something that is only required very rarely. As a result, your EDI portal shouldn’t require detailed technical knowledge or familiarity with a unique system. Ideally, the user interface should be in line with that of your existing ERP system. Features, folders and pages should be clearly labelled, and a flexible search function is crucial.

Can I see a demo of the ecosio.monitor in action?

Yes! We would be more than happy to show you what our EDI monitor looks like and how its many unique features can benefit your business. To arrange a demo please contact us.

Discover more about our updated product, ecosio.flow.

Der Beitrag What Makes a Good EDI Dashboard? erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

Given the technical complexity involved in setting up and managing e-invoicing in-house, it’s no surprise that more and more businesses are opting for external invoicing solutions. But how do these work, and what benefits do they offer? In this article we’ll answer these questions and more, delving into the various factors shaping the current invoicing landscape and the pivotal role played by external invoicing solutions.

The shift towards e-invoicing

Since the 2014 EU Directive (2014/55/EU) in which the European Parliament unveiled its plan to make B2B e-invoicing mandatory across Europe, there has been much discussion and debate around invoicing. While few would disagree that the initiative is a logical step to reduce VAT fraud, and one that will ultimately benefit governments and businesses alike, many businesses are struggling to implement the necessary changes to their internal systems. Simultaneously, compliance deadlines are constantly being postponed and amended as governments recognise the scale of the shift they are mandating.

Regardless of specific deadlines, however, it remains true that e-invoicing is soon to become the new normal in all business transactions. The question is thus not should you transition to e-invoicing, but how best to do so.

Before we explore the two main options available to businesses, however, let’s first look briefly at the potential benefits that a successful e-invoicing solution can deliver compared to traditional methods.

The positives of e-invoicing

Time and cost savings

As opposed to PDF and paper-based invoicing, electronic invoicing is much more efficient. Not only is transmission instantaneous, the need to manually extract and input data is also completely eliminated on both sender and receiver’s side. As a result, individuals who would otherwise have been tasked with data entry can focus on more valuable tasks.

Faster transactions

Invoice payment periods typically begin from receipt of the invoice. Naturally, faster transmission will result in faster payment!

Fewer errors

As e-invoicing isn’t reliant on manual effort, the potential for human error to creep in is virtually non-existent. If the e-invoicing connection is sufficiently tested before go-live, errors should be extremely rare.

Simpler archiving

In compliance with legal mandates, businesses are obligated to retain invoices for potential tax audits, with the retention period varying by country (typically 5 to 10 years). Traditional paper invoices pose challenges for long-term storage due to susceptibility to fire/water damage. The repercussions of such incidents can be expensive, as tax authorities often resort to generous estimations. By contrast, e-invoices can be seamlessly integrated into electronic archiving systems, where backups and data mirroring can be utilised to ensure the security and accessibility of invoice data. What’s more, locating relevant records is much simpler!

Better partner relationships

Given the growing importance of e-invoicing across all industries, having an efficient and reliable e-invoicing system is something that businesses are increasingly looking for in new partners. As a result, the ability to meet partners’ EDI and e-invoicing requirements quickly and easily can provide businesses with a significant competitive advantage and improve existing relationships.

In-house vs external invoicing

When it comes to handling invoices, businesses essentially have two options: manage internally or outsource to an external provider. Which is best for you will depend largely on your internal resources.

Traditional paper/PDF invoicing involves a lot of manual tasks (e.g. extracting and inputting invoice data) and thus requires significant time investment from relevant individuals. With e-invoicing, however, thanks to the increased automation it provides, the key isn’t having a large team, but rather having people with the necessary technical expertise.

When it comes to handling e-invoicing in-house, there are two common errors that businesses make:

1. Assuming existing team members can manage the work. While your team may have been extremely efficient at traditional invoicing processes, this doesn’t mean they’ll be able to handle the complex mapping and routing tasks that are required for establishing e-invoicing connections. Moreover, when errors occur, it is important to be able to identify and correct them quickly, which again requires technical expertise.

2. Relying on one or two individuals. If you do have one or two individuals with e-invoicing expertise in the team, it may seem like there is no problem. However, being so reliant on these team members comes with significant risk. Should the individual(s) in question become sick or leave the company for some reason, you will find yourself in a very sticky situation. Further, if and when large projects come around, having limited internal expertise will result in issues.

For those businesses not confident in their capacity to manage e-invoicing internally, external invoicing solutions offer a helpful alternative. In such solutions all related tasks are handled by your provider, from the initial technical setup right through to ongoing monitoring of the connection and update installation. With this approach, internal teams are free to focus on what they do best, safe in the knowledge that connections are secure and transmissions compliant with the latest legislation.

The other key benefit of using an external provider is the flexibility it offers. Should you need to onboard multiple new partners suddenly, or expand into different geographical regions, this is no issue. Whereas changes such as these can be a serious headache to manage internally, and often end up delaying larger business projects, they can be sorted quickly with an external invoicing partner.

What to look for in an external invoicing provider

Choosing the right external invoicing provider is pivotal if you are to leverage the many benefits of e-invoicing. In order to make a successful selection, there are many things you should consider. These include…

• Expertise: A good experienced external invoicing provider should have in-depth knowledge of e-invoicing laws and regulations across various jurisdictions. This is essential if they are to ensure your solution is compliant with current legislation. Once external experts are handling your invoicing tasks for you, there’s no need to worry about compliance issues or missing deadlines.

• Technological capability: While it may be difficult for those who aren’t familiar with e-invoicing, it’s still important to investigate the technological capabilities of your future e-invoicing provider. This includes evaluating the platform’s features, scalability, and compatibility with your existing systems. Do they offer API integration? Can relevant data be easily accessed by internal teams when necessary?

• Disruption minimisation: When choosing an e-invoicing provider, consider their ability to ensure minimal disruption to your current business setup. A seamless transition is essential for maintaining operational continuity. Asking for case studies can be helpful here.

• Security: As security is paramount in e-invoicing, be sure to assess your proposed provider’s security measures to protect sensitive financial data. Do they operate a redundant infrastructure? Do they offer message archiving?

• Quality of support: While virtually every solution offers support of some description, the quality of support varies hugely from one invoicing service provider to another. With this in mind, it’s worth asking detailed questions about how your proposed provider would deal with specific issues. Do they offer each customer a dedicated support contact? If not, calling their support line (where possible) may also be a good way to check how easy it is to speak to someone.

• Flexibility: Given the pace at which regulations are changing, it’s essential that your provider is able to react quickly and implement the necessary updates. Your invoicing requirements will also naturally evolve over time, and it’s important that your chosen provider can adapt your solution quickly to suit your changing needs, so that invoicing processes never become a bottleneck.

By prioritising these three qualities when selecting an external invoicing provider, you’ll get more than a service. You’ll end up with a strategic invoicing partner that actively contributes to your long-term success.

Conclusion

With e-invoicing rapidly becoming the norm across Europe and beyond, it’s no surprise that more and more organisations are leveraging the help of external invoicing solution providers. As requirements become increasingly technical and convoluted and business partners demand more granular data from one another, handling invoicing in-house is becoming less and less viable for many businesses.

Thankfully, external invoicing solutions offer a simple answer for those businesses lacking the necessary internal expertise. Not only do such solutions allow businesses to enjoy all the benefits of e-invoicing (from cost and time savings to reduced risk and improved partner relations), they also provide extreme flexibility, ensuring that updating invoicing processes never becomes a handbrake.

Ultimately, businesses that recognise the significance of the recent shift towards automation and the potential of “as-a-service” solutions will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern invoicing requirements and position themselves as leaders in their respective industries.

Find out more

For more information on ecosio’s unique E-invoicing as a Service solution and how it could help you to make invoicing effortless, get in touch today. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses to transform their B2B integration processes and would love to help you do the same!

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Sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter and get a rundown of recent e-invoicing developments, plus useful e-invoicing assets straight to your inbox.

Der Beitrag How External Invoicing is Changing the Game erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

What is an EDI system?

An EDI system is the means by which a business exchanges electronic documents (such as orders, invoices and delivery notes) with its customers and suppliers automatically. While EDI systems can take several different forms, they can be broadly grouped into three main categories: 

1. On-premise (AKA local EDI converter) systems
2. Platform as a service (AKA “managed”) systems
3. EDI as a Service (AKA “fully managed”) solutions

As we break down in our infographic comparing these solutions, they differ significantly in terms of how much internal work is required to operate them. However, regardless of who does the work, all do largely the same job – allowing you to trade key documents with business partners quickly, easily and accurately (as minimal human intervention is required).

Why EDI systems are increasingly central to business operations

Businesses have never been so dependent on one another as they are today. Because of this, as recent supply chain issues have shown, things can easily snowball when problems arise. As a result, it’s no surprise that more and more companies are taking steps to safeguard the sustainability of their supply chains by optimising automated B2B communication processes.

While EDI has long been essential for retail and automotive supply chains, going without EDI is simply not an option for any industry today. One reason for this is the benefits automated data exchange can offer – allowing businesses to react quickly (usually in real time) and ensure message exchange remains error-free. Another key reason is the fact that it is now demanded by an ever-growing number of businesses, with large businesses in particular keen to eliminate manual processes in exchanges with smaller suppliers in order to enjoy automated connections to all partners. Likewise, governments across the world are introducing mandatory e-invoicing for both B2G and B2B exchanges – meaning businesses have no choice but to implement a solution.

What makes an efficient EDI system?

To be successful, an EDI system must…

• …Be able to cover all of your needs. Which formats do you need to be able to map to? Is onboarding partners fast a priority? Is it important that your EDI data is protected in the event of system failure? While questions like these may seem obvious, many businesses fail to conduct an appropriate assessment of what their existing EDI needs are, which often results in a sub-optimal solution.
• …Fit your internal resources/expertise. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all EDI solution, so it’s important to select one that aligns with your internal capabilities and resources. For example, if you have substantial EDI expertise and personnel in-house, local EDI converter software may be an option for mapping setup, while message transmission may be outsourced to an expert provider. Alternatively, if you don’t have internal EDI expertise and want other departments to have the ability to access EDI data, an EDI as a Service solution makes more sense.
• …Streamline crucial processes. Obviously all EDI streamlines message exchange to some extent, but some EDI systems go further than others. For example, with an EDI as a Service solution all partner onboarding (from first contact right through to go-live) is handled by external EDI experts – reducing internal effort to next to nothing. Plus such solutions also help to optimise internal processes, as specialist departments are able to search for and access EDI data directly.
• …Be flexible. EDI requirements change over time, and it’s important that your EDI system is able to adapt if it is to continue to offer maximum value. With this in mind it’s best to steer clear of any EDI contracts that include steep “price cliffs” for changes in message volume or additional capabilities.
• …Work for you! Running an EDI system shouldn’t feel like a headache. A good EDI system should be something that works for you in the background, helping you to reduce risk, lower costs, save time and generally streamline connections in a futureproof way.

How difficult is migrating to a new EDI system?

Not difficult at all… if you pick a system that meets your needs and resources that is.

Unfortunately, fear of changing a running system is one of the main reasons that businesses persist with outdated and inefficient EDI systems. However, ignoring a problem will never make it go away, and putting off a necessary migration project will only further damage your chances to gain a competitive advantage over others in your industry and delay your ability to enjoy the benefits good EDI can deliver.

While some businesses do make expensive mistakes when it comes to EDI, for those who plan their migration project properly and select the right EDI solution, migration can be a breeze. In particular, if you opt for an EDI as a Service solution (such as that offered by ecosio), everything from initial technical setup to ongoing operation is handled by your EDI provider – including partner onboardings, message monitoring and proactive error resolution. When switching to such an EDI system there is no need to worry about the migration disrupting ongoing operations, as all connections undergo rigorous testing and parallel operation before being put live.

Things to remember when selecting an EDI system

1) Preparation is key

As with any major project, planning = success. The more thorough you are when assessing your current capacity and requirements, the better placed you will be to select the right solution.

For more advice on planning your EDI project, see our dedicated blog article here.

2) Assess your internal resources

Although one of the main benefits of EDI is the fact that it streamlines previously time-consuming manual tasks, implementing and maintaining an EDI solution still requires effort. With this in mind it is important to consider both what your internal team can realistically handle and whether or not certain tasks would be better left to your provider. 

Unfortunately many businesses overestimate internal capability and end up struggling to operate the solution or having to invest in additional personnel.

3) Think ahead

As we mentioned earlier, requirements can change quickly in EDI. Significantly, too, with governments across the world introducing e-invoicing regulations, and businesses demanding more and more data from their partners, changes may be outside your control.

By factoring in potential future needs (such as a Web EDI portal or routing via new protocols/VANs) when selecting an EDI system, you will avoid the possibility of being stuck with an ill-fitting, inflexible solution a few years down the line.

Could an EDI as a Service solution benefit your business?

At ecosio we have helped hundreds of businesses to revolutionise their B2B integration processes and experience the true potential of efficient EDI. 

Our EDI as a Service solution takes all the hassle out of EDI, leaving you free to concentrate on what your business does best. From initial technical setup, partner onboarding, testing and go-live, to ongoing message monitoring and error handling, we manage everything so you don’t have to.

To find out more about our unique solution, click here. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch – we are always happy to help!

Der Beitrag A Guide to Efficient EDI Systems erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

Thankfully there’s no need for EDI errors to be a common occurrence, though. In this article we’ll explore why EDI errors happen and what you can do to safeguard your system against them.

The architecture of a typical EDI landscape

The typical modern EDI landscape has four main points (or ‘corners’, as they are often called). As shown in the diagram below, these are…

1. Your ERP system
2. Your EDI system and/or VAN
3. The EDI system of your partner and/or VAN
4. Your EDI partner’s ERP system

Although this model is the most efficient EDI landscape as far as the ease and efficiency of setting up EDI connections are concerned, the fact that multiple steps are involved means that there are several places where EDI errors can occur.

In the following section we’ll look at the five most common EDI error types and show you where each occurs on this same EDI architecture diagram.

The five most common EDI errors

1) Message content errors

What are message content errors?

Content errors happen when the EDI message in question contains missing or incorrect information. For example, a message may have the wrong item number (e.g. GTIN) or be missing a number such as the invoice recipient’s GLN (NAD+IV in case of EDIFACT).

How can I fix message content errors?

To correct content errors the exact source of the error needs to be located in the originating system (usually the ERP system) and manually updated.

How can I avoid message content errors?

Message content errors can be avoided if EDI onboarding is conducted correctly and master data is maintained properly. During EDI onboarding all potential message variants (e.g. in case of invoices) must be tested thoroughly. In addition, automated validations, which are executed as part of the document mappings, also help to prevent such errors.

Once a content error has been spotted in a message it is important to check that the issue didn’t stem from inaccurate master data, as the same error will happen again in the future if this was the cause and the master data is left unchanged.

2) Message sequence errors

What are message sequence errors?

Message sequence errors are when an EDI message is rejected because the intended target has not yet received a previous message. For example, if a buyer has not yet received an order response (ORDRSP), they may well not be able to acknowledge a despatch advice message (DESADV).

How can I fix message sequence errors?

In order to resolve this error the previous message in the workflow must be sent successfully. This may involve identifying and tackling a separate error, depending on why the previous message was not received.

How can I avoid message sequence errors?

Avoiding message sequencing errors requires your EDI solution to be set up in such a way that the system would recognise that the previous message has not yet been received and halt the transmission of further messages. Usually this can be achieved by setting up dedicated rules in the ERP system, preventing messages from being released where the necessary preceding documents have not yet been released.

3) Connection errors

What are connection errors?

Connection errors happen between your EDI provider/VAN and the EDI provider/VAN of your partner. For example, your EDI message may become stuck because an AS2 or X.400 server is not operational.

How can I fix connection errors?

Typically it isn’t possible for internal teams to resolve connection errors directly, as message exchange is normally handled by a service provider or VAN. However, good message monitoring processes will ensure you are aware of the issue as early as possible and can alert the relevant internal parties so they are informed about the connection outage. In addition your EDI service provider will have to try to restore the connection and resend any pending documents as soon as the connection is available again.

How can I avoid connection errors?

Due to the fact that EDI involves distributed systems where you are not in control of every node, you cannot fully avoid connection errors. The best way to reduce the impact of EDI connection errors is to work with an EDI service provider that offers proactive connection monitoring and error resolution. In case a connection error occurs, the EDI service provider will take all necessary steps to restore connectivity. In most cases your internal teams and business departments will not even realise that there was a connectivity hiccup.

Furthermore it helps to focus on EDI data visibility – e.g. integrating an EDI solution that utilises API. This way relevant internal teams such as procurement or sales can see when a connection issue arises as well and are proactively informed about the issue.

4) EDI routing errors

What are EDI routing errors?

EDI routing errors occur when the incorrect EDI sender/receiver configurations are present. For example, a message may become stuck due to erroneous UNB sender/receiver IDs in the case of EDIFACT.

How can I fix EDI routing errors?

Fixing an EDI routing error may require master data to be corrected and the message resent from your ERP system.

How can I avoid EDI routing errors?

An efficient EDI solution can avoid EDI routing errors by visualising the error directly in the ERP system. Consequently business users are immediately aware of the faulty configuration, can correct it and then resend the message. A proactive EDI service provider (such as ecosio) will also chase stuck messages and inform you proactively.

5) Configuration errors

What are configuration errors?

Configuration errors occur when key setups are missing in the ERP system. Without the correct logic in place, messages can become stuck, meaning potentially important information is never received. Usually this means that the necessary EDI messages are not being triggered in the ERP system, e.g. because the setup for a new Sold-to party is missing.

How can I fix configuration errors?

Fixing configuration errors will likely require master data updates. In addition it may also require technical work to ensure your EDI solution is integrated fully into your ERP system, e.g. by setting up validation routines which check for missing EDI configurations.

How can I avoid configuration errors?

In addition to maintaining good master data protocols, one good way to avoid configuration errors is to implement automated setup routines. This way business users cannot save new partner records (e.g. Bill-to or Sold-to), unless they have provided the necessary EDI configuration.

What can I do to avoid EDI errors?

In order to build a system resilient to EDI errors, there are two key steps businesses can take…

1) Ensure internal visibility of EDI traffic

If EDI errors are to be eliminated, business departments need visibility of the EDI process. Rather than EDI being a black box, with departments such as sales and procurement unable to access data, EDI traffic up to the EDI system and/or VAN of the EDI partner should ideally be visible directly in the ERP’s user interface for those who need it.

With good internal EDI data visibility, business users can easily see if something is wrong and react accordingly to prevent failure and frustration.

2) Establish reliable message monitoring processes

Whatever type of EDI solution you select, it is important to ensure that EDI traffic is supervised and overseen by experienced individuals.

For companies with extensive internal resources and EDI expertise it may be possible to do this in-house. For those businesses not in this situation, an EDI as a Service approach offers the most sensible solution. This way, not only are connections set up by your EDI provider, they are monitored and maintained by them too – leaving internal teams free to focus on more value-adding activities.

Want to eliminate EDI headaches once and for all?

EDI should be an asset, not a hassle, and the more time internal teams have to spend resolving EDI issues, the less they can devote to more value-adding activities.

At ecosio we’re well aware of just how difficult handling EDI can be for internal teams, which is why we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping businesses achieve maximum automation with minimum effort.

From initial setup right through to ongoing operation and error resolution, our EDI experts take care of all EDI tasks so you don’t have to. Plus, thanks to the modular and cloud-based nature of our solution, there’s no need to worry about the future, as your solution can easily be adapted to suit your changing needs.

Find out more about how ecosio could help you save time, save money, reduce risk and increase your competitive advantage, or get in touch today!

Der Beitrag Common EDI Errors and How to Fix Them erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

• An EDI platform handles routing and mapping of automated B2B messages, but is just one part of a full EDI solution
• Platform types differ in flexibility, reliability, and visibility, especially between on-premise setups and cloud-based solutions
• Good platforms reduce internal effort and risk by supporting ERP integration, offering real-time message tracking, and ensuring infrastructure redundancy
• Choosing EDI as a Service delivers long-term scalability and expert-managed operations, freeing internal teams to focus on core tasks

If you want to be able to exchange automated messages with your business partners you’ll need an EDI platform. Unfortunately, knowing what platform is best for you can be difficult as there are several different types to choose from.

In this article we explore exactly what an EDI platform is, how platforms differ from one another and what the best platforms can deliver.

What is an EDI platform?

While “EDI platform” is often used interchangeably with “EDI solution”, it is important to note that these terms mean different things. As the image below illustrates, an EDI solution refers to the entire mechanism of exchanging B2B messages automatically – including all relevant technologies and processes. An EDI platform, by contrast, constitutes one of the main technical elements of the solution.

An easy way to think of it is to picture a successful EDI solution as a pie with three equal slices…

1. Platform – An EDI platform provides the technical tools to achieve routing and mapping of messages. Good platforms may also offer Web EDI (which allows you to conduct automated communication with smaller suppliers) and deep ERP integration.
2. Network – An EDI network connects you to business partners via a direct connection, third-party networks or VANs (Value Added Networks) as required.
3. Service – In addition to powerful technology, experience and effort is required to plan and execute an EDI project – as well as to provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance. For businesses with minimal in-house EDI expertise, this is usually best left to an external provider.

How EDI platforms differ from one another

Flexibility

As your EDI needs are likely to change over time, having a platform that can accommodate new requirements quickly is important. However, not all EDI platforms are flexible. With on-premise systems, for example, adding the ability to exchange messages via a new protocol or standard can take time. On the other hand, such changes can be implemented quickly with cloud-based platforms. Typically, providers of cloud-based platforms will have set up thousands of EDI connections across all major formats and protocols, meaning engineers can often take advantage of existing EDI document mappings to implement changes very quickly.

At ecosio we also map via a canonical core EDI format, which further improves setup speed and flexibility.

Reliability

While it is obviously important that your EDI platform performs well before go-live, it is even more important that it remains efficient moving forward. This is something some platforms are far more able to offer than others. Crucially, for example, many platforms do not operate with a redundant infrastructure, meaning they leave users vulnerable to catastrophic data loss in the event of system failure.

Similarly, many platforms will not be updated automatically, which can lead to the erosion of efficiency over time. Even in those cases where updates are offered by the platform provider, often these will not be implemented automatically. Further, depending on the platform and provider, when updates are installed they can sometimes interrupt ongoing operations.

Data visibility

Another clear way in which EDI platforms differ is the extent of data visibility they offer users. With most platforms, visibility is limited to one side of the exchange (i.e. you can only see whether your messages have been sent or not). However, thanks to the benefits of API integration, with modern cloud-based solutions it is possible to achieve end-to-end message visibility, meaning you can see whether your partner has received a message in real time. Plus, in the case of message failure, the sender can see exactly where the failure happened, which in turn makes error resolution much faster and more efficient.

Setup, operation and maintenance

Even when two EDI platforms share the exact same technical capacity, it’s likely they will differ from one another when it comes to how much internal effort is required to set them up, operate them and maintain them. For example, with on-premise EDI platforms and platform as a service (PaaS) solutions, tasks such as testing connections, setting up mappings and monitoring message exchange are largely your responsibility. By contrast, with an EDI as a Service solution, all tasks relating to the setup, operation and maintenance of your EDI platform are handled for you by your provider.

For a detailed breakdown of how different EDI solutions compare in terms of the amount of internal effort they require, please see our infographic on this subject here.

What a good EDI platform can do for you

• Save you time – A good platform can shorten error resolution time by offering deep ERP integration and full-text search across all EDI messages. This allows delivery errors to be spotted quickly. Intelligent tooling and automated testing can also prove very helpful in making partner onboardings faster and more efficient.
• Save you money – A good EDI platform will reduce the cost of manual tasks by enabling you to get your EDI connections to a working state faster. Flexible, cloud-based platforms can also support cost-efficient growth, as new features and connection types can be added in modular fashion without prohibitive “price cliffs”.
• Reduce risk – Successful EDI platforms will utilise redundant infrastructure to ensure the highest possible level of availability. The best platform providers will also implement updates proactively and may even offer continuous monitoring so that potential message delivery errors can be found and resolved.
• Increase competitive advantage – An efficient EDI platform allows partner requirements to be met both quickly and accurately, which in turn boosts business relationships. The platforms offered by EDI as a Service solutions also allow you to stay flexible in the long-run, as your platform can be easily adapted to suit changing requirements (e.g. introducing a Web EDI platform or fulfilling country-specific e-invoice requirements).

For a statistics-supported breakdown of the benefits of EDI more generally, please see our printable infographic here.

How ecosio’s EDI platform works

At ecosio our powerful EDI platform is connected directly to your ERP system via our unique API. As a result, not only are you able to send automated messages to partners via any protocol and in any EDI format, you also benefit from access to the real-time delivery status of all incoming and outgoing EDI messages in your existing ERP user interface.

Significantly, our platform is only one element of our EDI solution, which also includes our extensive network and comprehensive service. By providing these three elements as part of a single solution, we are able to offer customers EDI as a Service.

EDI as a Service involves facilitating automated B2B communication between business partners and providing flexible and futureproof EDI services via a single fully managed connection to the cloud. By taking care of everything from the initial partner approach to ongoing operation, we enable you to experience maximum automation of document exchange processes with minimum internal effort.

The sustainable, cloud-based design of our Integration Hub, which is constantly being improved, enables us to optimise our solutions for flexibility, reliability and user experience. Meanwhile, our outstanding support and round-the-clock monitoring means you can be sure your commerce-critical data is in safe hands – leaving you to concentrate on what your business does best.

Want to learn more?

At ecosio EDI is who we are. With our unique EDI as a Service solution we’ve helped hundreds of businesses to experience the significant benefits of automated message exchange… and we can do the same for you too!

If you would like to learn more about our approach and the specifics of our EDI platform, get in touch today. We look forward to helping you turn EDI from a hurdle into a hero.

Discover more about our updated product, ecosio.flow.

Der Beitrag Choosing an EDI platform: a breakdown of your options erschien zuerst auf ecosio.

What is an EDI system?

An EDI system is the means by which a business exchanges electronic documents (such as orders, invoices and delivery notes) with its customers and suppliers automatically. While EDI systems can take several different forms, they can be broadly grouped into three main categories: 

1. On-premise (AKA local EDI converter) systems
2. Platform as a service (AKA “managed”) systems
3. EDI as a Service (AKA “fully managed”) solutions

As we break down in our infographic comparing these solutions, they differ significantly in terms of how much internal work is required to operate them. However, regardless of who does the work, all do largely the same job – allowing you to trade key documents with business partners quickly, easily and accurately (as minimal human intervention is required).

Why EDI systems are increasingly central to business operations

Businesses have never been so dependent on one another as they are today. Because of this, as recent supply chain issues have shown, things can easily snowball when problems arise. As a result, it’s no surprise that more and more companies are taking steps to safeguard the sustainability of their supply chains by optimising automated B2B communication processes.

While EDI has long been essential for retail and automotive supply chains, going without EDI is simply not an option for any industry today. One reason for this is the benefits automated data exchange can offer – allowing businesses to react quickly (usually in real time) and ensure message exchange remains error-free. Another key reason is the fact that it is now demanded by an ever-growing number of businesses, with large businesses in particular keen to eliminate manual processes in exchanges with smaller suppliers in order to enjoy automated connections to all partners. Likewise, governments across the world are introducing mandatory e-invoicing for both B2G and B2B exchanges – meaning businesses have no choice but to implement a solution.

What makes an efficient EDI system?

To be successful, an EDI system must…

• …Be able to cover all of your needs. Which formats do you need to be able to map to? Is onboarding partners fast a priority? Is it important that your EDI data is protected in the event of system failure? While questions like these may seem obvious, many businesses fail to conduct an appropriate assessment of what their existing EDI needs are, which often results in a sub-optimal solution.
• …Fit your internal resources/expertise. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all EDI solution, so it’s important to select one that aligns with your internal capabilities and resources. For example, if you have substantial EDI expertise and personnel in-house, local EDI converter software may be an option for mapping setup, while message transmission may be outsourced to an expert provider. Alternatively, if you don’t have internal EDI expertise and want other departments to have the ability to access EDI data, an EDI as a Service solution makes more sense.
• …Streamline crucial processes. Obviously all EDI streamlines message exchange to some extent, but some EDI systems go further than others. For example, with an EDI as a Service solution all partner onboarding (from first contact right through to go-live) is handled by external EDI experts – reducing internal effort to next to nothing. Plus such solutions also help to optimise internal processes, as specialist departments are able to search for and access EDI data directly.
• …Be flexible. EDI requirements change over time, and it’s important that your EDI system is able to adapt if it is to continue to offer maximum value. With this in mind it’s best to steer clear of any EDI contracts that include steep “price cliffs” for changes in message volume or additional capabilities.
• …Work for you! Running an EDI system shouldn’t feel like a headache. A good EDI system should be something that works for you in the background, helping you to reduce risk, lower costs, save time and generally streamline connections in a futureproof way.

How difficult is migrating to a new EDI system?

Not difficult at all… if you pick a system that meets your needs and resources that is.

Unfortunately, fear of changing a running system is one of the main reasons that businesses persist with outdated and inefficient EDI systems. However, ignoring a problem will never make it go away, and putting off a necessary migration project will only further damage your chances to gain a competitive advantage over others in your industry and delay your ability to enjoy the benefits good EDI can deliver.

While some businesses do make expensive mistakes when it comes to EDI, for those who plan their migration project properly and select the right EDI solution, migration can be a breeze. In particular, if you opt for an EDI as a Service solution (such as that offered by ecosio), everything from initial technical setup to ongoing operation is handled by your EDI provider – including partner onboardings, message monitoring and proactive error resolution. When switching to such an EDI system there is no need to worry about the migration disrupting ongoing operations, as all connections undergo rigorous testing and parallel operation before being put live.

Things to remember when selecting an EDI system

1) Preparation is key

As with any major project, planning = success. The more thorough you are when assessing your current capacity and requirements, the better placed you will be to select the right solution.

For more advice on planning your EDI project, see our dedicated blog article here.

2) Assess your internal resources

Although one of the main benefits of EDI is the fact that it streamlines previously time-consuming manual tasks, implementing and maintaining an EDI solution still requires effort. With this in mind it is important to consider both what your internal team can realistically handle and whether or not certain tasks would be better left to your provider. 

Unfortunately many businesses overestimate internal capability and end up struggling to operate the solution or having to invest in additional personnel.

3) Think ahead

As we mentioned earlier, requirements can change quickly in EDI. Significantly, too, with governments across the world introducing e-invoicing regulations, and businesses demanding more and more data from their partners, changes may be outside your control.

By factoring in potential future needs (such as a Web EDI portal or routing via new protocols/VANs) when selecting an EDI system, you will avoid the possibility of being stuck with an ill-fitting, inflexible solution a few years down the line.

Could an EDI as a Service solution benefit your business?

At ecosio we have helped hundreds of businesses to revolutionise their B2B integration processes and experience the true potential of efficient EDI. 

Our EDI as a Service solution takes all the hassle out of EDI, leaving you free to concentrate on what your business does best. From initial technical setup, partner onboarding, testing and go-live, to ongoing message monitoring and error handling, we manage everything so you don’t have to.

To find out more about our unique solution, click here. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch – we are always happy to help!

Der Beitrag A Guide to Efficient EDI Systems erschien zuerst auf ecosio.