Home Depot has launched a new connection hub called Home Depot Special Order Program which will require its own new ePortal connection. Customers currently trading HD special products using Home Depot EDI will need to add a new trading partner. This is because it requires new mapping which may involve additional implementation costs. The cost will be different for every customer and is dependent on how may maps are necessary.

Home Depot sent eBridge three different implementation PDF’s with information outlining the changes that need to be made. If anyone would like a copy of the Home Depot Special Order Program EDI information, please contact your eBridge representative or email me pvanasseldonk@ebridgeconnections.com and I’ll be sure to forward the information to you. Below are the introductory paragraphs to the EDI maps that need to be changed:

856 Ship Notice/Manifest:
This Draft Standard for Trial Use contains the format and establishes the data contents of the Ship Notice/Manifest Transaction Set (856) for use within the context of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) environment. The transaction set can be used to list the contents of a shipment of goods as well as additional information relating to the shipment, such as order information, product description, physical characteristics, type of packaging, marking, carrier information, and configuration of goods within the transportation equipment. The transaction set enables the sender to describe the contents and configuration of a shipment in various levels of detail and provides an ordered flexibility to convey information. The sender of this transaction is the organization responsible for detailing and communicating the contents of a shipment, or shipments, to one or more receivers of the transaction set. The receiver of this transaction set can be any organization having an interest in the contents of a shipment or information about the contents of a shipment.
810 Invoice:
This Draft Standard for Trial Use contains the format and establishes the data contents of the Invoice Transaction Set (810) for use within the context of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) environment. The transaction set can be used to provide for customary and established business and industry practice relative to the billing for goods and services provided.
855 Purchase Order Acknowledgement:
This Draft Standard for Trial Use contains the format and establishes the data contents of the Purchase Order Acknowledgment Transaction Set (855) for use within the context of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) environment. The transaction set can be used to provide for customary and established business and industry practice relative to a seller’s acknowledgment of a buyer’s purchase order. This transaction set can also be used as notification of a vendor generated order. This usage advises a buyer that a vendor has or will ship merchandise as prearranged in their partnership.

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Just recently I came across an interesting article on B2B.com which reported that a universal integration system is the top strategy for businesses challenging with internal and supplier communication. Aberdeen Group, a research firm in Boston,  surveyed the chief supply chain officers at 158 enterprises last April and 78% of the respondents said the top business strategy for dealing with supply chain issues is improving internal cross-departmental visibility and integration.

“In short, today’s supply chain management professional is being asked to move products further and faster than ever before through all these various channels while striving to decrease logistics costs and increase profitability,” Aberdeen reports.

B2B Companies today are being asked to have exact inventory levels available at all times to ensure the retailers they are working with have access to their up to date product information. Implementing processes and technologies, like eBridge’s EDI integration, that automate the tedious day-to-day work that keeps your business running will allow you and your employees to focus on higher-level strategic tasks. An EDI integration system for B2B companies ensures an integrated flow of data that eliminates data entry. EDI is used in all major industries, such as health, retail, automotive, finance etc. and can be implemented almost immediately, depending on the type of EDI solution chosen.

This type of seamless integration is also becoming increasingly valuable and often necessary for eCommerce companies. With the eBridge eCommerce integration, customer and sales order information is automatically entered into the back-office financial system from the Ecommerce storefront. In turn, product information and order status updates are automatically entered into the Ecommerce storefront to provide customers with essential and up-to-date information. The eCommerce solution greatly increases the speed of information exchange, resulting in improved customer service efficiency and customer satisfaction.

If you believe your company would benefit from eBridge’s universal integration platform, please comment below or contact me today: pvanasseldonk@ebridgeconnections.com

Also, if you wish to view the report “Supply Chain Visibility and Collaborative Execution in Consumer Markets: Addressing Omni-channel Logistics” it is normally available for Aberdeen clients at a price of $399, but is available as a free download for a limited time only.

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Similar to the saying ‘Call Before You Dig’ we would like to remind all of our customers to ‘Call Before You Upgrade’. A lot of companies are upgrading their ERP systems or adjusting their eCommerce, EDI or CRM applications so that their company can be using the best and most intuitive software available. eBridge Connections is a firm believer in staying on top of innovative technology but when it comes to making upgrades that may affect your integration, you should always call your eBridge Integration Specialist before making any changes. This will ensure that the upgrade does not interfere with your solution because that ends up creating headaches for both us and you.

The aftermath of upgrading without letting your Integration Specialist know beforehand can vary. Sometimes nothing changes and it’s business as usual, but unfortunately, it usually ends with your integration needing some work done so that it can run properly again.

Here are the most common issues eBridge runs into when you make upgrades without letting us know:

• The integration adapters often have a version check, so while there may not be changes at the database level from version to version, upgrading can cause the solution to fail based on this alone
• An old version of Windows or SQL server may not be compatible with the adapter, however, if the ERP officially supports a particular version of Windows or SQL, this shouldn’t be an issue
• If the customer updates and we haven’t released that version of the adapter, they can be production down for several days…or weeks
• If the customer forgets or isn’t aware they have customized their ERP database in a way that required a customized adapter, this could compound the delays
• It’s possible that the integration will appear to work but some of the data fields will not map to the correct location anymore

If you have any questions about your current solution or are planning an upgrade during the new year I advise you to call your eBridge Connections representative right away. This is because if any changes need to be made to your solution, it can be scheduled ahead of time to avoid any down-time or problems with your integration. If you are not sure which representative you should contact about your integration, please email me at pvanasseldonk@ebridgeconnections.com and I will forward your inquiry to your proper specialist.

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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

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Updated Integration Connections

Good Afternoon Everyone

Its been very busy here at eBridge – during the week November 3-7, 2009, eBridge managed to update the following integration connections: 

1. Advanced Auto Parts 4010
2. All Pro 4010
3. Amazon Books 4010
4. C and S Wholesale 4010 UCS
5. CSN Stores 4010
6. Design Homes 4010 VICS
7. Find MRO 4010
8. Fingerhut 4010
9. General Maps
10. HBC 4010 VICS
11. Home Depot Canada 4060
12. Home Depot US 4060
13. Kaiser Permanente 3030
14. LLBean 4010 VICS
15. Magento
16. Maps Nexternal
17. Meijer 4050 VICS
18. Michaels 4010 VICS
19. MSCIndustrialSupply 4010
20. Sears Canada QR 4030
21. Sears Canada SMART 4030
22. Sephora 4010
23. Target Corporation 4010
24. The Forzani Group LTD 5010
25. The Sportsmans Guide Factory Direct 4010
26. The Sportsmans Guide Warehouse 4010  
27. Transworld 4010
28. Trilegiant 4010
29. Walmart 5010

Be sure to stay tuned weekly for new EDI, webstore, CRM and supply chain management integration updates and additions to the ePortal.

Have A Great Weekend

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  Films Presents…

eBridge has continued to post monthly YouTube videos in order to help share valuable business intelligence with small to mid-sized businesses regarding CRM, EDI, supply chain management and e-Commerce (web store) integration. This month’s video explains how EDI Integration works and the various stages within EDI Integration.  

Are you aware of any other key factors to consider when doing an EDI implementation?  Feel free to leave a comment.

 Enjoy the video – be sure to visit our eBridge YouTube channel for new updates on integration.

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New and Updated Integration Connections

Good Afternoon Everyone

I hope everyone had a good week. During the week of October 13^th , 2009, eBridge Software, Inc. managed to published and update the following integration connections:

1. GE 4010
2. Nissan 4010
3. OKI Bering 4010
4. SevenEleven 4010

1. Advanced Auto Parts 4010
2. Amazon Books 4010
3. Anderson Merchandisers 5010
4. Bed Bath And Beyond 4010 VICS
5. Design Homes 4010 VICS
6. Dopaco Inc 4010
7. Family Dollar Stores 4030
8. Fingerhut 4010
9. General Maps
10. Guitar Center XML to XML
11. Harveys 4010
12. Home Depot Canada 4060
13. JC Penny Catalogue 4030
14. JC Penny Retail 4030
15. Ka nd N Warehouse 4010
16. Larox
17. LLBean 4010 VICS
18. Lowes 4010
19. Mack Truck 4010
20. Nissan 4010
21. OKI Bering 4010
22. Orchard Supply Hardware 4010
23. Orscheln 4010
24. Overwaitea Food Group 4010 VICS
25. Owens Minor 4010
26. Party City 4010
27. Sears Holdings Test 4010
28. Sephora 4010
29. Source Medical 4010
30. Target Corporation 4010
31. Wakfern Food Corporation 4010

Be sure to stay tuned weekly for new EDI, webstore, CRM and supply chain management integration updates and additions to the ePortal.

Have A Great Weekend

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Web Store Integration – Essential For Online Success

With online shopping firmly entrenched as a standard method for consumers to purchase goods and services, a company’s Webstore is an essential component in achieving success and strong growth in Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce environments.

In order to achieve the maximum potential of a Web Store, it is paramount that an organization integrates with their accounting system. This would result in taking advantage of two-way, real-time information flow between the two systems. Not integrating could result in the following drawbacks (AppFinity, 2009):

1. Staff wastes a lot of time updating items, prices and on-hand quantities in your Web Store to match with your account systems inventory data.
2. Staff must re-enter orders from your Web Store into your in-house accounting system.
3. Customers can’t update their company information online such as billing, shipping address, phone and email
4. Customers can’t track the shipping status of their order

Furthermore, with the eBridge Webstore Integration Solution, organizations would not have to worry about making any changes to their Web site. By streamlining the information flow in a business’s B2C and B2B e-commerce systems, the eBridge Webstore Integration Solution provides an essential component in a company’s strategy to achieve higher productivity.

 Reference:

AppFinity.(2009). Why Do Companies Install “Connected” E-commerce Solutions?Retrieved September 29, 2009, fromhttp://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/pdf/7571/Why-Do-Companies-Install-Connected-E-commerce-Solutions.pdf

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New and Updated Integration Connections

Good Afternoon Everyone

I hope everyone had a good week. During the week October 5^th, 2009, eBridge Software, Inc. managed to published and update the following integration connections

1. Bealls 4030 VICS
2. Shoebuy Com Retail Website 4010

1. Aramark 4010
2. Bealls 4030 VICS
3. Belks 4010 VICS
4. BJs Wholesale Club 4010
5. Dicks Sporting Goods 4010 VICS
6. Discovery Foods Bozzuto 4010 UCS
7. Dopaco Inc 4010
8. Faurecia Interior Systems
9. General Maps
10. Imerys 4010
11. JC Penny Catalogue 4030
12. JC Penny Retail 4030
13. K Mart Stores 4010
14. LLBean 4010 VICS
15. Magento
16. Metro Richeleau 4010 VICS
17. National Grocers 4010 VICS
18. Pamida 4010
19. Phoenix Warehouse 4010
20. Prime Distribution 4010
21. Rona 4010
22. Sears Canada QR 4030
23. Sears Canada SMART 4030
24. ShoppersDrugMart 4010 VICS
25. Target Corporation 4010
26. Walmart 5010
27. Wegmans 4010 UCS

Be sure to stay tuned weekly for new EDI, webstore, CRM and supply chain management integration updates and additions to the ePortal.

Have A Good Thanksgiving,

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BURLINGTON, Ontario, Canada and Los Angeles, CA – October 2, 2009 – the premier Open Source eCommerce Platform and eBridge Software, a world leading provider of accounting software integration solutions announced today their partnership aimed at providing best of breed back office software integration to users of the Magento Enterprise eCommerce platform. Although the number of retailers deploying eCommerce platforms continues to grow world wide, many eCommerce platforms do not easily connect with other, and often critical operational systems. This requires many deployments to depend upon custom solutions for a wide range of needs which along with being costly, places extra strain on resources. Varien, the Magento Company, provider of www.MagentoCommerce.com. To keep up with Magento news, please visit www.magentocommerce.com/company/press-releases and www.magentocommerce.com/blog.

“Integration with backend systems is a critical part of an eCommerce platform deployment and we are committed to making the process as seamless as possible,” said Roy Rubin, CEO of Varien. “With this partnership, Magento Enterprise retailers will get immediate access to standardized integration components for the leading, best of breed third party ERP, CRM, SCM and accounting packages. Magento Enterprise’s BridgeConnect module will facilitate quick integration and with minimal hassle, allowing merchants to realize harmony between back office systems.”

The eBridge software currently supports connectors for over 35 of the world’s most popular accounting packages, including products from Microsoft, SAP, Sage and Intuit.

“Enabling e-Commerce store owners to concentrate on their businesses and not the manual entry of orders removes and enormous obstacle for them,” said Colin Brown “In addition, having integration touch points into over 35 major accounting packages will help Magento provide a solution to their client base”.

A joint informational webinar will be scheduled shortly. Please check back for more information soon. For more information about Magento, visit www.MagentoCommerce.com. To keep up with Magento news, please visit www.magentocommerce.com/company/press-releases  and www.magentocommerce.com/blog.

About eBridge

Since 1993 eBridge Software has been enabling data integration with EDI, CRM, SCM, and web store front systems for small to medium sized businesses. With thousands of customers and trading partners, and integration with over 35 accounting packages and back office software systems eBridge has emerged as the leader in providing quality integration solutions. For more information visit www.ebridgeconnections.com

About Magento

Magento is a feature-rich, professional Open Source eCommerce platform solution that offers merchants complete flexibility and control over the presentation, content, and functionality of their online channel. Magento’s intuitive administration interface features powerful marketing tools, a catalog-management engine and is SEO optimized to give merchants the power to create sites that provide an unrivaled and rich online shopping experience for their customers, tailored to their unique business needs. Designed to be completely scalable and backed by an extensive support network, Magento is the ultimate eCommerce solution.

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