Getting started with EDI solutions can be a tricky process. While there are many paths you can go with, the right option for you will depend on your needs, the partners you work with, and the budget you can allocate.
Let’s explore the steps you should take when implementing EDI for your business below.
Evaluate Your Needs
Implementing EDI will require time, money, and a commitment from your entire team. That’s why it’s important to only commit to an option once you clearly understand how it will work with your current systems and trading partners. Otherwise, you may end up with a system that offers redundant features, is missing key components, or isn’t the right fit with the systems your primary partners are using.
The evaluation of needs begins with a thorough analysis of current processes and partner requirements.
Well, the first step is to look at your current processes with your main partners. By evaluating what your partners are using, you can get a better idea of what types of EDI solutions might work well for you as well. Also, look at ways that EDI could help make your current document-sharing practices more efficient and cost-effective.
Then, look at the types of EDI transactions you need to exchange with partners. Some EDI providers only support a limited number of documents and transactions, so cross-check your needs with the options available on the market.
Finally, consider the budget you are working on and the number of documents you need to exchange. Look at not just your current volume but also the potential for growth in the future, as changing systems can be a hassle.
Explore Your Options
Once you have a rough idea of your needs, it’s time to look at what’s available. A variety of EDI solutions are available in the market, each catering to different needs and requirements.
That being said, you can narrow down your list of options by eliminating solutions that aren’t a good fit. For example, unless you are a large company with a strong in-house team, you will probably want to opt for a cloud-based EDI solution instead of an on-premise option. With cloud EDI, you get a flexible, secure, and easily accessible option that will usually be cheaper and won’t require you to build and maintain an infrastructure on your own.
Another key aspect to consider is whether the EDI provider has a big presence in your industry and is used by your trading partners. This will also go in line with ensuring that the EDI solution is compliant with the data exchange regulations in your region or the industry you operate in.
Check Compatibility
If you’re going to start using your EDI solution quickly, you need to make sure it matches your current systems and processes. And in some cases, it may even make sense to implement more modern solutions for running your business, such as a modern and feature-rich ERP software.
That way, you can not only gain a new way for data exchange with your partners, but also improve every part of your workflow, including inventory management, order processing, customer support, and more.
When you choose ApparelMagic, you can easily integrate with RMS EDI and SPS Commerce, both proven and capable EDI providers with track records spanning decades and partnerships with over 400 major retailers.
Consider the Onboarding Process
The features and fit of an EDI solution will only matter if you can implement it quickly and effectively. And that often comes down to how capable and willing the provider is to guide you through the onboarding process.
You will need to set up processes, determine the right formats, migrate your data, and work with your competitors to set everything up, all of which can be very time-consuming and difficult, putting a big burden on your team. While some EDI solutions are easier to implement than others, making sure that the provider will offer the support and resources you need to make the process as painless as possible is still a big priority.
Upon narrowing the options to a few viable solutions, inquiring about the onboarding process becomes crucial in making an informed decision. Sometimes, it’s better to go with a provider that can help you get set up faster, even if that means having to compromise on some of the features.
Bottom Line
EDI solutions are becoming an integral part of doing business. And the flexibility, ease of use, and seamless integration with popular systems that modern EDI solutions can offer will make it even more accessible to small and medium businesses in the future.
But to make the most of what EDI has to offer, it’s crucial to ensure that your company uses a system of tools that help take care of inventory, accounting, purchasing, manufacturing, sales, and more. And that’s exactly what ApparelMagic, paired with RMS EDI or SPS Commerce, can offer.
EDI stands as a cornerstone in modern business operations, offering unparalleled efficiency, accuracy, and partner compatibility. Embracing EDI means not just keeping pace with current business practices but also future-proofing your operations.
Ready to transform your business with EDI? Schedule a demo with ApparelMagic today and unlock your full potential.
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