EDI remains an important business integration requirement for many organizations as it has evolved to stay relevant.
When EDI was introduced, it was batch-oriented, provided through VANs, and focused on translation between flat files and X12 or EDIFACT-standard EDI documents.
EDI has changed in multiple ways:
- Increasingly B2B partnerships require instant response, often based on single-transaction interchanges or web services. This is particularly important in Logistics for load requests, and in Healthcare for examining eligibility checks, but instant response requirements exist in most industries. Fulfilling this need means EDI systems must have the capability to integrate applications, databases, and other data sources, whether behind a firewall or in the Cloud.
- EDI is now administered primarily through the Internet, and uses a combination of mediated and point-to-point communications based on standard protocols such as secure AS2 and FTP. This means today’s EDI solutions must support a plethora of B2B protocols while still supporting VAN connectivity.
- Today’s EDI includes support for non-EDI documents, including XML cases, spreadsheets, and custom flat files. Supporting multiple document standards is of particular importance for supply chain services, logistics, transportation, offshore partners, and companies with non-standard document requirements from suppliers and customers.
Many organizations would also like to modernize on a new cloud IT architecture, which is where Jitterbit comes in. Jitterbit’s EDI module allows companies to integrate their various systems using a standard they are used to, while also allowing for integration to newer cloud-based systems such as Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics. Breathing new life into EDI makes us feel like many of the healthcare providers still using the standard!
Additionally, using Jitterbit’s EDI integration allows organizations to skip the VAN’s that might otherwise process EDI transactions. By skipping these intermediaries, an organization can save time & money, have more flexibility, and maintain more control over their entire integration process.
How EDI Integration has transformed B2B processes (real-life examples):
If you’re not already convinced, check out 3 of our customers who are using Jitterbit for EDI integration today!
Challenge:
EDI is the foundation of data transmission for the energy trading industry and the ERCOT, however, using the standard required heavy lifting from Bounce Energy. Bounce wanted a scalable, off the shelf solution so they could grow without encountering problems resulting from their EDI integration.
Results:
Jitterbit eliminated the heavy lifting involved with EDI orders while enabling two-way EDI integration between Bounce and the State of Texas. Jitterbit also allows Bounce to create an automated fulfillment and payment business process, adding to the competitive advantage obtained through ‘set it and forget it’ integration.
Profill Holdings
Challenge:
Profill was running a manual, ad hoc fulfillment process from a single computer, creating data inaccuracies, time inefficiencies, and no scalability. The inability to handle various partner EDI formats also meant saying ‘no’ to some new business.
Results:
Jitterbit gives Profill the ability to onboard EDI-based clients that were previously avoided, while creating new efficiencies through guaranteed up to date inventory. Additionally, Jitterbit allows EDI integration management to downsize from requiring five people to just one. Now IT can focus on more strategic initiatives impacting the business.
Deposco
Challenge:
Deposco needed an easy tool to help quickly integrate new clients. Clients were using EDI to transact orders for their supply chain which needed to hook into the Deposco system. Unfortunately, Deposco was using manual coding with their integration tools, taking away from scalability.
Results:
With Jitterbit, Desposco is now able to simply and rapidly on-board new clients and offer them complete EDI integration. This allows Deposco to use integration as a sales tool, providing competitive differentiation. They have even found additional customer ‘stickiness’ when customers have connected their applications!
For more information, please check out our site on EDI Integration!
