What Does EDI Capable Means and why do businesses need to be EDI Capable?

EDI is defined as computer-to-computer exchange of business documents among business partners in a standard and structured format such as X12, EDIFACT, GS1, VDA, and HL7. EDI (electronic data interchange) improves efficiency, communication and accuracy of data exchanged, strengthen partnerships, and drive down costs.

What Does EDI Capability Mean?

More and more trading partners require their suppliers to have the ability to reliably exchange EDI documents because it improves efficiency. With other EDI companies, becoming EDI capable involves buying or outsourcing the following components:

• EDI software
• Mail boxing of EDI transactions
• VAN (Value Added Network) or AS2 or FTP communication as required by various partners
• A server or PC, communication devices, and peripherals
• Monitored security, backups and redundant power
• Mapping and translation software
• Additional EDI software if integration of the transactions with accounting or other back office systems is desired
• Personnel training in how to use the software and communication devices
• Development and testing of maps with each EDI trading partner for all EDI transaction types

Infocon Systems, however, wants to make the process of EDI implementation simple. At Infocon Systems, we take pride in making EDI as easy as email for our customers. Part of fulfilling that goal is in making EDI implementation simple and stress free by making the entire process turnkey. There is no software that you need to buy, install or maintain. Everything you need for EDI implementation and capability runs on Infocon Systems secure web servers, so all you need is an internet connection.

How to Become EDI Capable?

Implementing and managing an In-house system can be daunting and inefficient for any organization. It requires staffing, consultants, a steep learning curve and capital investment in hardware and translation software.

Basic requirements for an in-house EDI system:

• Software for mapping and translation
• Licensing
• Hardware (servers, backups, etc.)
• Communication services and transmission-related
• Ongoing technical
• Staff to configure and maintain EDI systems

Small and midsize companies new to EDI should be prepared for a lengthy and ongoing process with large initial operating costs and pricing to set up an in-house EDI system. Becoming EDI capable is a not an easy task for people who aren’t already familiar with it. Hiring a professional EDI service provider is the best long-term solution for mid and small businesses. An EDI service provider already has the equipment and information your business will need to succeed

The Benefits of Outsourcing EDI Capability with Infocon Systems

Infocon Systems offers everything you need to be EDI compliant and capable in most cost-effective on the market. Infocon Systems make EDI as easy as an Internet connection and an email account.

Where Infocon Systems Comes In

By outsourcing your EDI needs to Infocon Systems, our service takes care of everything in the above list. We minimize your cost and effort through:

• Automating the document flow between you and your partners
• Taking care of all set up, mapping and testing with your partners
• Free upgrades to new versions of EDI as required by your partners
• No investment in hardware
• No new staffing
• No lengthy contracts
• No annual fees
• No software to purchase or maintain
• How Long Will It Take To Implement EDI?

Implementing EDI with your customer usually takes 2 to 7 business days. Our team will implement all of the EDI transactions that your customer requires. This will not use any of your time.

Customer Care will set up your company on our secure servers, establish EDI communication with your customer, and test all of the required EDI transactions. Your customer will know you are EDI capable when we contact their EDI department at the beginning of the implementation process. Full EDI compliance will be in place after testing is finished.

Infocon Systems' specialty is outsourcing all of the components of EDI for small and mid-sized companies. All our clients need is internet access and email. We take care of everything - all of the software, VAN transmission, hardware, communications, mapping, labor and EDI expertise.

To learn more on how we can help you become EDI capable and achieve compliance with your trading partner(s), please contact our sales department @888-339-0722 or email us at sales@infoconn.com