EDI: fluidified data interchange, safer and cheaper

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a way of transferring documents (orders, invoices, delivery receipts…) from computer-to-computer in a standard electronic format between trading partners: this is essentially the first step towards document dematerialization in order to be able to suppress physical exchanges, and achieve a "zero-paper" target. This is essential for the performance of companies operating in real-time.

Depending on the field of activity, there multiple EDI translation tools, and as many approaches to run EDI systems within a community of business partners (direct 'point to point' EDI, using various communication channels, or via external networks, etc.).

IPLS offers an EDI translator native to IBM i: TBT EDI ; coupled with the multi-protocol communication software TBT400 (itself compatible with most of the translators EDI on the market), this is an ideal hybrid solution that will satisfy most, if not all, of the business needs.

• Reduction of storage costs: EDI costs at least three times less than paper-based processes.
• Fluidified data interchange thanks to the speed and reliability of EDI: transactions, which can produce up to 5% of erroneous data when exchanged physically, can be completed in less than an hour instead of 5 days.
• Optimization of commercial strategies: current transactions are processed in real-time, using a common trading language – EDI simplifies the integration of international partners into the company network.
• Increased efficiency: automated data exchange allows IT teams to focus on other tasks and thus increase their productivity.