Achieving success with EDI is about formulating an effective strategy to manage the implementation and the growth of EDI throughout your organisation.

Often organisations view EDI as a technical IT project, without appreciating the benefits a fully integrated solution could bring to their business.

There are 4 factors to consider:

1. EDI Pre-requisites
2. EDI Considerations and Choices
3. Preparation for Implementation
4. Implementation and Support

1. EDI Pre-requisites

Software
EDI enabling software packages provide translation and communications functions.

Real benefits are achieved if your EDI software integrates seamlessly with your internal business applications, as this increases the efficiency of the process thereby reduces the errors caused when re-keying data.

If your application incorporates batch file processing, then you need to ensure that your EDI software provides the flexibility to read/write data directly from/to these files.

Alternatively, your EDI software should provide the ability to read/write directly from/to your application database without the need for costly application re-development.

Communications Hardware
This can consist of modems, communications ports, and leased line connections.

Trading Partners
Trading partners who are already exchanging/intend to exchange transactions in EDI format.

2. EDI Considerations and Choices

Software
Choose the EDI software which deals with your current business requirements, and is able to meet future objectives of your organisation.

Consider the sophistication of the translation software, auditing, integration, error recovery and security requirements.

You need to consider how the EDI enabling software will work with your computer systems and whether any modifications or enhancements are required.

Ensure that the software is updated to the latest product version. Your supplier should be keeping pace with the latest technological advances so that you can quickly take advantage of new business opportunities.

EDI Standards
Which EDI Standard are you going to use? Ensure that your EDI software provides multi-standard and message support.

Communications
Which is the best communications method for your business process? Ensure that your EDI software is flexible when it comes to communications, whether it provides TCP/IP support as well as traditional VAN (Value Added Network) connections.

Staff
Staff introduction to EDI and internal training.

Pilot Scheme
Select a pilot business area and introduce EDI into as many document processes as possible before rolling out to the rest of your trading community.

3. Preparation for Implementation

Order hardware and operating system software enhancements as necessary.

Consider Live and Test Environments
A test environment is required for two reasons: for initial process testing and for specific trading partner tests when other trading partners may be operating live exchanges.

Communications Hardware
Consider the need for extra power points for the communications equipment and phone lines, ISDN, X.25, Internet connections etc.

Network Communication Lines
If external VANs, or telecommunications services (e.g BT Dialplus) are to be used, then applications must be made to the appropriate organisations, and orders placed.

4. Implementation and Support
Assistance is usually needed when implementing a new EDI installation. Your software supplier will provide consultancy plus training courses, to help you make the best advantage of EDI.

Most users favour as much automation as possible and expect the EDI enabler to highlight problems when they occur. They can then concern themselves with the content of the documents rather than how they get from A to B.

A well-automated EDI installation will usually run unattended for long periods. Rather than have an in-house expert, software suppliers will often supply experts to handle any changes or problems that might occur.