How does EDI work? What is the process? Why do people use it? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

Recently, someone posted these questions on Quora and thought I would post my response here as well.

EDI (electronic data interchange) is a standard data structure that allows companies with differing hardware and software systems to exchange information in a common  format.  EDI is used to communicate a variety of information and is typically used in a supply chain.  It is widely adopted in retail, healthcare, automotive and even by the U.S. Department of Defense.

In my experience, no one does EDI because they want to, they do EDI because a partner in a business relationship mandates it, however it does help save time and money when it comes to communicating business information documents.  Major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot most commonly use EDI to communicate the following information: Orders to their suppliers (850), Invoices from their suppliers (810), Shipment notices from their suppliers (856). There are also a number of other documents that are used but these three are almost always required in a retail relationship.

There are many different EDI solutions in the marketplace so the process and tools you set up and use can differ but the high level processing steps are the same. Read more…

General EDI

If your EDI trading partner has asked you to transmit ASN documents, it is likely that the UCC/EAN-128 barcode label is also required. The label, usually attached to each carton or the entire pallet, allows the shipping receiver to quickly determine the contents of the carton/pallet in conjunction with the ASN paperwork.  This is done by scanning the SSCC-18 bar code at the bottom of the label.

While it seems reasonable to the trading partner that these labels are used since they speed up shipment verification at the receiving dock, they can be a pain for the supplier to generate, particularly since they contain bar codes that need to match the corresponding ASN document.

The labels are typically 4″x6″ in portrait mode and usually need to be printed on thermal paper.  Let’s look at specifications for two different trading partners, Lowe’s and The Sports Authority.

As you can see, both labels contain the same basic information, the exact layout will vary by trading partner. Additionally, some trading partners are more strict than others about tolerances regarding font size, spacing, paper type, barcode density and so on. Read more…

General EDI, Technology Corner

Here at eBridge Connections, we have been putting a lot of emphasis on web store integrations recently but the reality is that EDI is still a major reason companies need to undertake an integration project.

In an effort to realize cost savings throughout the supply chain, more customers than ever are mandating EDI as business requirement. That means that if you want to do business with companies like Walmart, Target, JC Penney, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, or any other number of retail or grocery chains, automotive companies or the healthcare industry, you need to be prepared to exchange your business documents electronically, and that usually means EDI. Read more…

EDI Integration, EDI Tips and Tricks, General EDI, eBRIDGE Blog Mike C

Good Afternoon,

Well it’s safe to say that summer has arrived! Despite the week of record-high temperatures, the developers here at eBridge still pumped out an impressive list of updates. Below are the new and updated integration connections that were deployed to the ePortal during the week of May 24, 2010:

• ChannelAdvisor XML To XML
• Dana 4010

Read more…

EDI Integration, General EDI, Integration, eCommerce Connections, eCommerce, ePortal, Integration, updates

Good Afternoon,

Even though we’re seeing monsoon-like weather  in Burlington lately, our developers haven’t been rained out! Below are the new and updated integration connections that were deployed to the ePortal during the week of May 3, 2010:

• CSK Auto Inc 4010
• Dupont DPC 4010

Read more…

General EDI, Integration, eCommerce eCommerce, edi, Integration, Trading Partners, update

Good Afternoon,

We’ve got another big round-up of connections that made it to the ePortal this week! Below are the new and updated integration connections that were deployed to the ePortal during the week of April 26th, 2010:

• Balkamp 4010
• Chrysler 2040
• Interspire WebStore

Read more…

Education, General EDI, eCommerce eCommerce, edi, Integration, Trading Partners, update

Good Afternoon,

While we’re already missing our team that headed out to Atlanta, GA today for the Microsoft Convergence 2010 Conference, our development team is still hard at work! Below are the new and updated integration connections that were deployed to the ePortal during the week of April 19th, 2010:

• Business Catalyst Webstore XML to XML
• Epson 4010
• Everything Furniture 4010
• TCMPI 4010
• Tiger Direct 4010
• Volvo Dealer Programs 3050

• ASPDotNetStorefront Connector
• Bealls 4030VICS
• Bloomingdales 4030 VICS
• Bon Ton 4010 VICS
• Cabelas 4030
• Dicks Sporting Goods 4010 VICS
• Dicks Sporting Goods 4030 VICS
• Dopaco Inc 4010
• eBags 4010
• Epson 4010
• Fred Meyer 4010
• General Maps
• GHX 4010
• GiantEagle 4010 UCS
• Home Depot Canada 4060
• Miva Merchant
  
• Nieman Marcus 4010 VICS
• PepBoys 4030
• Sephora 4010
• Sherwin Williams 4010
• Spencer Gifts 5010
• Stage Stores 4010 VICS
• Target Com 4010
• TCMPI 4010
• Tiger Direct 4010
• Walmart 5010

That wraps up another week of integration innovation! Be sure to contact us if you have any questions or need a connection we haven’t deployed yet.

Also, for anyone that is attending Convergence, be sure to visit the guys at booth #235!

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, General EDI, Integration, Integration as a Service eCommerce, edi, Integration, Trading Partners, update

Good Afternoon,

As always, I’m proud to share with you this week’s roundup of new and updated integration connections. Below are the new and updated integration connections that were deployed to the ePortal during the week of April 12th, 2010:

• Performance Food Group 4010

• AAFES 4030
• Barnett 4010
• Bloomingdales 4030 VICS
• Boscovs 4010 VICS
• Costco US 4010
• eBags 4010
• Fred Meyer 4010
• General Maps
• Hannford 5010
• Home Depot Canada 4060
• K Mart Stores 4010
• Office Depot Virtual Warehouse 4010
• Stage Stores 4010 VICS
• Tech Data 4010

That’s all we have got for you this week. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions or need a connection we haven’t deployed yet!

See you next week – same eBridge time, same eBridge Blog.

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, General EDI, Integration, Integration as a Service Integration, Trading Partners, updates

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

What is eManifest?

eManifest is the third phase of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program established by the Canada Border Services Agency. Earlier phases established guidelines for air and marine carriers to submit pre-arrival shipment information to the CBSA electronically. eManifest expands the ACI program to require both railway and highway carriers to submit electronic documentation for shipments entering Canada.

The primary motive behind the program is to ensure the right information is provided to border officials at the right time. This expedited process will help to improve the flow of low-risk shipments across the border.

How will it affect me?

If you or the companies you do business with have a sizable volume of shipments that enter Canada, you should set aside some time to familiarize yourself with eManifest. As the program is phased in (details below), companies will be required to electronically send information such as crew, ETA, and shipment contents to border officials in advance.

While this may seem like an inconvenience to some, it is really a blessing in disguise. It may take your company and partners time to adapt, but eManifest will ultimately result in a more efficient and streamlined importation process. This translates into a direct positive impact on your supply chain and overall supplier relations.

When will I be required to comply with eManifest?

Complete details on the timeline for eManifest’s implementation can be found on the CBSA’s eManifest website. Some of the important upcoming high-level dates to take note of include:

• Spring 2010 – Highway Carriers begin transmission of cargo and conveyance data
• Fall 2010 – Rail Carriers begin transmission of cargo and conveyance data
• Summer 2011 – Freight Forwarders begin transmission of secondary information
• Spring 2012 – Importers begin transmission of importer admissibility data (IAD)
• Spring 2014 – eManifest fully implemented

What about eBridge?

eBridge is actively monitoring the implementation of eManifest. We are exploring potential ways in which we can enrich our services to offer integration that interacts with this new online platform. As more information is made available, we will be sure to keep you informed.

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, EDI Tips and Tricks, Education, Events, General EDI, Integration edi, import, news, online