The functionality of an EDI Translator closely mirrors the manual processes it replaces. Let's consider a scenario where your business wishes to inquire about the status of an order. The traditional process involves:
Identifying the necessary data for communication.
Retrieving the required information.
Structuring the data in a format understandable by the vendor.
Sending the request to the vendor.
An EDI translation software follows a similar sequence:
Extracting or converting data.
Generating an outbound message or translating an inbound message.
Transforming the outbound message into a standardized format, such as EDI X12.
Transmitting the message to the vendor or your ERP system.
Datasheets
TrueCommerce Order Automation Connector
Automate the conversion and integration of emailed, faxed, or printed orders from your customers into your business system. Benefits include improved connectivity and efficiency.
Selecting Your EDI Translator
Choosing between building an in-house EDI translator or selecting one from a vendor prompts critical considerations. In the early days of EDI, building in-house was common, but the costs and complexities of maintaining custom code aligned with evolving EDI standards have made this approach financially impractical.
Opting for an EDI Translator from a vendor provides a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective solution. When evaluating different EDI vendors, keep the following in mind:
Affordability Over Cheapness
Some EDI translation offerings come at a very low cost, but they often offer only basic functionality, expecting users to possess a deep understanding of EDI. Your chosen EDI Translator should not only be affordable but also enable straightforward implementation without requiring extensive EDI expertise.
Emphasis on Automation
Automation is a crucial feature to demand from your EDI Translator. The software should identify and automate repetitive steps within various EDI transaction sets, streamlining processes into an automated, timed sequence.
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