Why I Like Web EDI

Photo appears courtesy of Randy Read.  WebEDI can be a beautiful thing. I would estimate that at least 50% of the companies that contact us are small companies who need to be EDI capable for one customer.  Some of them have long term plans for EDI and some of them are thinking of EDI as something they have to do. Regardless of why these companies choose to do EDI, the point is that WebEDI is the perfect starting point for them.

Web-based EDI applications are typically accessible to anyone with a computer and Internet connection, eliminating the need for expensive EDI software. Also, you can be reasonably certain that most Web-based systems will meet your trading partner's requirements, whatever they are.  These types of solutions have been expanded in recent years and are now tailored to today's business needs.  If you need UCC-128 bar code labels, most WebEDI solutions can generate them for you.  If you need AS2 capability, most WebEDI solutions can provide that.  Some can even integrate with your order processing system, saving you valuable time, not to mention the expense of costly data entry errors.

One of the biggest advantages of Web-based EDI is that it requires a relatively low investment which makes being EDI capable more accessible for the small business.  Cost structure for these types of solutions is varied.  Some will require a higher upfront investment and a low or even no monthly cost.  Others might ask for a small upfront investment but a higher monthly cost.  Your cost will likely depend on how many trading partners you have and what your volume is.  Generally, more bells and whistles means more money.

So if you are a small business and you are considering EDI capability, a Web-based EDI solution is likely your best bet.

Aurora Technologies/EDI Support, Inc. specializes in EDI implementation and data integration solutions.  For more information, please contact Shandra Locken, at shandra@edisupport.com or 800-404-9182 x25.