Forrester Consulting just released a study on EDI & B2B.  It found that very few enterprises surveyed saw a maximum ROI on their existing EDI/B2B solution and were still relying on spreadsheets, text documents and multiple integration tools, demonstrating the need for an integration strategy.

The Data

The study found that:

42% of respondents are still exchanging spreadsheets and other text documents with 40 -100% of their trading trader partners.

Approximately 2/3 of businesses were exchanging EDI/B2B documents with 60% or less of their trading partners

80% of respondents indicated they plan to upgrade their B2B systems within the next year.

The Challenges

Despite the challenges posed by EDI/B2B, these organizations saw the value in investing in an integration solution, citing the need for a more streamlined approach.  The reality is integration is simply not just a choice for most organizations, but a necessity to survive in today’s global economy.  Spreadsheets and text documents can only get your business so far.  Having worked in Technical Support for years, I have seen the challenges posed by the use of multiple,  separate integration solutions.  At some point you need a strategic solution that can grow with your business.  However, this can be particularly challenging for SMBs that often lack in-house expertise.  Fears of technical hurdles, steep learning curves and escalating budgets can make any size organization feel that an Integration Strategy is simply out reach.

The Solution

The good news is that EDI Integration does not necessarily require significant investments in back-office systems, in-house expertise or the deployment of complex integration software.  eBridge offers solutions ranging from EDI webforms to full integration.  For companies new to EDI, webforms are a great first step in moving towards integration; especially if your business is low volume or seasonal. In some cases, webforms may be all your business needs.  For those looking for an all-in-one, scalable solution, ePortal is the eBridge Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.

Many businesses adopt EDI because they are mandated to by their trading partners. However a strategic, streamlined solution can offer a ROI.  If you need help forming your Integration Strategy, give us a call; we’re here to help!

Thanks,

Nazma
Team Leader, Support Services

EDI Buyers Guide, EDI Integration, Integration, Integration as a Service B2B, edi, IaaS, Integration, SaaS

Good Afternoon,

It has been another busy week here at eBridge. Below, you will find the list of new and updated integration connections that were deployed to the ePortal during the week of March 22nd:

• Baker And Taylor 3060

• Baker And Taylor 3060
• Bass Pro Shops 4010 VICS
• Best Buy 4010
• Discovery Foods White Rose 4010 UCS
• eBay Maps
• General Maps
• Hannford 5010
• Kohls 4010 VICS
• Magento
• McLane 5010 UCS
• Metro Richeleau 4010 VICS
• Miva Merchant
• MSC Industrial Supply 4010
• Norvanco Warehouse 4010
• Pubnet Canada 4010
• Pubnet US 3060
• Target Corporation 4010
• The Forzani Group LTD 5010
• Walgreens 4010
• Walmart Store Planning 5010
• Winn Dixie 4010 UCS

That wraps it up for this week. As always, be sure to contact us if you have any questions or need a connection we haven’t deployed yet!

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, Integration, Integration as a Service edi, Integration, updates

We just received notice of an important update for all Sage MAS 500 v7.3 customers. Below is the detailed description and steps to follow directly from Sage:

For Sage MAS 500 v7.3 customers who experience issues using the Credit Card application in their version 7.3 test or production environments, new hot fixes are now available to download from the Sage MAS 500 web page on Sage Software Online. Customers using the Sage MAS 500 version 7.3 credit card application should download and install the February 2010 Product Update and March 2010 hot fixes to ensure optimal operation of the software.

To download the February 2010 Product Update and March 2010 hot fixes for version 7.3:

1. Log in to Sage Software Online.

2. Click on the Support Tab.

3. Click on the Sage MAS 500 product line.

4. Scroll to the Downloads section and click on the Service Packs and Updates link.

5. Select Product Download from the dropdown list (resulting page should display version 7.3 downloads).

6. Download and apply the February 2010 Client update and Server update (see installation instructions in the Release Notes).

7. Download and apply the March 2010 hot fixes (see specific installation instructions contained in each download).

Note:  The March hot fixes are specific to Sage MAS 500 version 7.3 only and should not be installed on any other version.

Note:  Customers unable to apply the latest product update and hot fixes due to customizations or other factors should contact their Sage Business Partner or 3rd Party Provider to avoid overwriting customizations and ensure version compatibility.

We strive to keep you informed of any product updates or support concerns surrounding all of our supported accounting packages. To be sure you never miss an update, click below to subscribe:

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI - Our Customers Trading Partner Series

Choosing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) software package can be a daunting task. It usually involves a lot of research, price comparisons, and weeks of evaluation. Unfortunately, the tough decisions surrounding this shift do not stop at the time of purchase. The implementation of the new ERP system is equally important. There are numerous ways of approaching this shift; some more prominent than others. The three most talked about strategies, as defined by Houston Neal from Software Advice, are as follows:

Big Bang: Implementation happens in a single instance. All users move to the new system on a given date.

Phased Rollout: Changeover occurs in phases over an extended period of time. Users move onto new system in a series of steps.

Parallel Adoption: Both the legacy and new ERP system run at the same time. Users learn the new system while working on the old.

Software Advice has set out to compile a guide surrounding these approaches. They go into detail analyzing the advantages and and disadvantages of each. They also want to hear from you. Have you been involved in an ERP implementation? If so, take a minute to fill out their short, 4-question survey. This survey will help provide real world data to help supplement their guide and ultimately give you better quality information.

About Software Advice

Software Advice offers a free service to businesses looking to purchase software. They work with software vendors in various industries to get you accurate and up-to-date product information. In addition, they will work with you to determine your software needs and find the best fit for your organization.

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

Education, Technology Corner, eBRIDGE Blog ERP, software

We recently found out that the launch of the new Sage PFW 2010 ERP is just around the corner. The new version is packed with value-added features designed to streamline your business practices and improve efficiency. Without going into too much detail, here’s a shortlist of some new functionality found in version 2010:

• Increase your flexibility in 1099 generation by printing a single 1099 for vendors with multiple locations and/or subsidiaries while maintaining the separate vendor records you need.

• Reduce limitations by generating and printing 1099 forms for all user-selected vendors, regardless of the dollar amount spent. You can even specify a minimum value.

• Run your Inventory period-end processing more smoothly with a GAAP-compliant method of purging files using the new INTXDH Purge Utility.

• Save time and reduce errors by easily autopopulating the Return Entry screen with the information from the original invoice using the new Find Historical button.

• Stay compliant and save time by assigning a tax key on the Shipment Entry screen to indicate whether freight is taxable or nontaxable.

• Make better inventory decisions with the new Inventory Aging Report, which shows you at a glance how long items have been sitting in inventory.

• Save time and resources with the new Batch Warning System, which stops or warns you when requisitioning, finishing, or closing a batch that does not meet one or more of your defined criteria.

Wondering what Sage PFW is?

Designed especially for the small to midsized company transacting business throughout the global marketplace, Sage PFW ERP is an award-winning financial and process manufacturing solution. Sage PFW meets the complex challenges that transcontinental accounting and manufacturing present.

And for all of our current customers wondering if their eBridge integration solution will be compatible – the answer is yes.

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, Events, Integration edi, ePortal, Integration, Sage, Sage PFW, update

Good Afternoon,

Despite the St. Patty’s Day celebrations and summery weather, we’ve still been hard at work developing new integration touch points for you. Take a look at the list of new and updated integration connections for the week of March 15th below:

• Lowes Special Order 4010
• Norvanco Warehouse 4010
• Notions Marketing Corporation 5010

• Aramark 4010
• Cabelas 4030
• General Maps
• Guitar Center XML to XML
• Hannford 5010
• Home Hardware 4010
• Lowes Special Order 4010
• McLane 5010
• McLane 5010 UCS
• MSC Industrial Supply 4010
• Notions Marketing Corporation 5010
• Overwaitea Food Group 4010 VICS
• Pubnet US 3060
• Target Corporation 4010
• The Forzani Group LTD 5010
• Walgreens 4010
• Walmart 5010
• Walmart Store Planning 5010

That’s all for now. As always, be sure to contact us if you have any questions or need a connection we haven’t deployed yet!

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, General EDI, Integration, Integration as a Service Connections, edi, ePortal, Integration

Even though St. Patrick’s Day landed on a Wednesday this year, the eBridge team still celebrated with style. The Social Committee arranged a night of food, drinks, and bowling for the evening.

Despite Mikhail’s (pictured below) best efforts, his team fell short of victory.

The St. Patty’s Day eBridge Bowl-Off 2010 Champs are:

• Dubravka
• Kim (aided by non-eBridger husband Jim)
• Maryann
• Elias

The winners had an average score of 127/bowler, but apparently left their modesty at the alley – Dubravka was marching the trophy around the office this morning .

Thanks to everyone who came out!

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

Events Events, Social Committee

Formerly known as GP 11, the newly re-branded MS Dynamics GP 2010 is set to roll out this Spring with beta testing already in progress. The new version boasts a number of improvements and added functionality to the software package. We can’t list them all, but here are a few key things to look out for in GP 2010:

Navigation

• Greater customization of GP homepage
• Ability to add your own metrics
• Addition of 12 roles-based dashboards

Functionality

• Enhanced visibility of data with two-way drill-back into Excel and GP
• Additional printing of any GP forms and reports to a Word document, such as sales orders
• Added personalization of Dynamics GP Office templates

Work-flow

• Emailing of groups of documents easily from within GP with a single button click (such as purchase orders)
• New work-flow processes, including supplier and employee approvals

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled, as there will likely be many official updates and promotions from Microsoft as we approach launch. To see if there is a Microsoft-hosted launch event happening near you, visit the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Launch Site. If you’d like to learn more about how eBridge integrates with MS Dynamics GP, head to our website for further information.

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, EDI Tips and Tricks, Integration Integration, Microsoft, Microsoft Dynamics GP

At one time, it was merely a growing trend for a business to have an online presence. Fast forward to today and it has become a wide expectation for almost every business to have a website. Now that everyone has a website, users demand new features an updates to the websites to remain current.

eCommerce websites are going to face the same scrutiny and increasing expectations that websites in general have faced through their evolution. Simply having your products available for viewing and purchasing will not suffice when everyone retailer is doing it. Much the same way that brick-and-mortar stores are forced to find new ways to differentiate and attract customers, eCommerce sites will soon be pressured to follow suit and expand beyond the current gimmicks and incentives being employed.

I’ve come up with a list of 3 potential issues for the future of eCommerce and some potential (albeit creative) ways to combat them:

1) Lack of Front-line Staff

One main advantage associated with eCommerce sites is the unparalleled convenience they offer in comparison to brick-and-mortar retailers. The ability to shop from anywhere at any time of the day is clearly more than any conventional store can offer in terms of convenience. Where these sites fall short in comparison to brick-and-mortar stores however, is the added value of helpful retail staff.

In order to combat this issue, businesses should seek out ways to better serve their customers. Implementing live sales representatives beyond those that offer basic text support to help customers shop online when necessary could help on many levels. By incorporating live video and/or audio communication with customers, it will help to create a more personal and comfortable environment. Many who are still opposed to shopping online cite the familiarity of standard shopping as a reason they avoid eCommerce. This initiative would help to bridge that gap and create a more familiar environment.

While the increased costs of having such dedicated staff may be a deterrent, it can be argued that they bring unmatched value to an online shopping experience. These representatives now have the opportunity to up-sell items and combat rebuttals. Currently, eCommerce sites are only able to offer suggestions based on a user’s browsing activity and nothing more. In addition to the potential added revenue, this new sales force can also function as brand advocates through helping people gain trust and familiarity with a brand or product line.

2) Growing Social Concern

According to a Statistics Canada survey, people who use the internet on a regular or excessive basis are losing touch with their social environments in the real world. This growing concern could soon affect how individuals view shopping online, as it removes them from potential human interaction.

eCommerce sites could offer a service that allows customers to shop with friends by creating a video and voice sharing service within their store. This would enable friends near and far to browse the store and discuss items as they would during any shopping trip to a mall. Facial expressions, tones of voice, and the comfort of a friend would all serve to humanize the online shopping experience. In addition, having a friend to encourage or suggest purchases of items could also help to bolster sales. This service would only be accessible through the eCommerce site offering it, which could help deter these groups of customers from quickly migrating to competitors.

3) Mobile Browsing

Another growing trend that will surely have an impact on the future of eCommerce is the number of customers browsing the internet from a mobile device. The use of mobile phones to browse the internet has been growing rapidly, with some predicting it will eventually overtake personal computers. An article on eMarketer sheds some light on this shift. In North America, mobile browsing rose from 28% of mobile phone users in 2004, to 60% in the following year. In countries such as Japan, mobile browsing is used by nearly 100% of mobile phone owners. These statistics clearly indicate the growing need to consider the way in which customers view and interact with your online storefront.

Mobile usability should become a primary concern in designing eCommerce sites that will compete in the future online arena. Companies would be wise to consider the simplicity of their forms; given the limited data entry capabilities of touch screen phones. By collecting only necessary information at the time of purchase, it will cut down on user frustration while simultaneously encouraging the transaction to be completed due to ease of use.*

Another concern is that of browser window real estate. Displaying a large number of products per page is fine when the user is viewing the site on a 20” display. When their viewing space is reduced to a 4” screen, the rules change. The online t-shirt retailer Threadless Tees is a prime example of a site that would be difficult to browse on a mobile device in its current state. Their catalogs have an option to display 25, 100, or all of the items within a category. Threadless would be wise to offer mobile users the option to display a number closer to five or ten, to ensure each product is viewed at a reasonable resolution and pace.

In Conclusion..

These types of initiatives are what will be necessary in order to differentiate your business in the online marketplace. The current cyberbaits such as free shipping are eventually all going to be the status quo. While they currently offer an edge over competition, they will eventually be expected as soon as companies with enough resources to offer them full-time are established in the eCommerce arena.

How will you emerge from the eCommerce crowd over the next decade?

*For some useful information about improving web usability for mobile devices, check out this post by Cole Thorsen.

Kevin Martin

Assistant Marketing Professional

Webstore Integration eBridge, eCommerce

Good Afternoon,

Another busy week here at the eBridge offices. With the Spring season seemingly upon us,  the development team churned out another sizable list of updated integration connections for the ePortal during the week of March 8th, 2010:

• AAFES 4030
• Best Buy 4010
• Cabelas 4030
• eBags 4010
• Fred Meyer 4010
• General Maps
• GHX 4010
• Home Depot Canada 4060
• Magento
• McLane 5010
• MSC Industrial Supply 4010
• Overstock 4010
• Overwaitea Food Group 4010 VICS
• Pubnet US 3060
• The Forzani Group LTD 5010

That’s all for this week. Just a friendly reminder to anyone affected by DST (Daylight Savings Time), we move forward one hour this weekend!

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, Integration, Integration as a Service Connections, edi, ePortal, Integration, portal