5 signs it’s time to switch your EDI provider

Despite the development of other technologies, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems still play a crucial role in maintaining efficient business operations across all industry verticals. Therefore, you must have a provider you can entrust with your company’s supply chain data and that can also support you as your business needs change.

In this article, we highlight the 5 signs that it might be time to consider a new EDI partner:

When it comes to the world of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), having a provider you can rely on is crucial. EDI is all about the smooth, automated exchange of vital business documents between various systems and trading partners.

It’s technical, complex, and, let’s be honest, not something you want to manage without a strong support system in place. The need for accessible, knowledgeable, and quick-to-respond customer support can’t be overstated.

Imagine this: your supply chain is ticking along nicely until an unexpected event throws a spanner in the works. It could be anything from regional conflicts, a pandemic, extreme weather, or even a cargo ship taking an unplanned pause in the Suez Canal. These situations are tough to predict, but they demand quick action to switch trading partners or adjust operations to keep your business running smoothly.

If your EDI provider treats “urgent” as the new “whenever “, that’s a problem. Slow responses and a lack of proactivity in adapting to changes can leave your business vulnerable. You can read more on this subject here: The real cost of poor EDI support.

Navigating the costs of EDI can sometimes feel like trying to solve a mystery.

If your current EDI setup involves paying Value-Added Network (VAN) charges, you might be paying more than necessary. Many EDI providers lean on VANs to ferry messages and documents to trading partners, a method that’s not only traditional but often comes with a hefty price tag.

Here’s the kicker with VANs: you’re charged for every single transaction, and the cost hinges on the number of characters in each document. This can lead to some eye-watering invoices, especially as these charges make it notoriously difficult to predict how much you’re going to spend on your EDI solution. It’s a bit like being on a mobile phone plan where you pay by the character in your texts – it’s outdated and can get expensive quickly.

As your business grows and your VAN traffic surges, these costs can escalate, effectively penalising you for success. Then, there are the surprises lurking in the small print—minimum record lengths, envelope costs, and other hidden charges that can sneak up on you.

When it comes to EDI, transparency in pricing is critical. You need a clear view of what you’re paying for without worrying about unforeseen charges that can throw your budget off course.

At Transalis, we believe in crystal-clear transparency. With us, what you see is what you get. No hidden fees, no sudden price hikes—just straightforward, honest pricing. The quote we give you is the price you’ll pay, end of story. We want you to feel confident and in control of your EDI costs without any nasty surprises.

Downtime in your EDI system is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a potential roadblock to crucial business operations.

Whether it’s about receiving a sales order or sending out a shipping notice, every minute counts. A delayed response might not just frustrate your customers; it could directly translate into lost business opportunities. It’s essential, then, to have an EDI agreement specifying response times and safeguarding your business against fallout from downtime. This clarity helps you avoid any unnecessary SLA fines or penalties that arise due to delayed operations.

Consider your own tolerance for downtime and weigh it against the safeguards your EDI provider has in place. It’s not just about having a contingency plan; it’s about understanding the specifics of these backup processes. What role, if any, will your teams need to play during these times? Being caught off guard is not an option.

For businesses operating across the globe, the demand for round-the-clock support becomes even more critical. With different time zones in play, ensuring business continuity means having a support system that’s always on and ready to address and resolve issues no matter when they arise.

At Transalis, we pride ourselves on offering an operational EDI solution 99.9% of the time. Our track record speaks to our commitment to reliability and our understanding of just how critical uptime is to your business operations. If your current provider can’t promise you this level of service, it’s a clear sign to reconsider your options,

In today’s digital landscape, data security isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, ensuring that your EDI provider’s platform is fortified against attacks becomes crucial. Remember, you’re not just exchanging documents; you’re entrusting your provider with the lifeblood of your business operations. From invoices and purchase orders to shipment notices and financial details, the integrity of your data is paramount.

The consequences of inadequate data security in EDI systems are far-reaching and can impact your business on multiple fronts:

Choosing the right EDI setup is a critical decision that hinges on several factors: the number and diversity of your trading partners, your company’s size, your team’s EDI expertise, and your resource availability.

It’s essential to opt for an EDI provider that doesn’t box you into a one-size-fits-all solution but instead offers the flexibility to choose the setup that aligns with your specific needs. We take a look at the different options open to you:

Feeling stuck with your current EDI provider is more common than you might think, especially when your operations feel deeply intertwined with their service. The prospect of changing providers can seem daunting, possibly even disruptive. But what if we told you that switching to a more reliable, responsive, cost-effective EDI solution could be seamless and straightforward?

At Transalis, we’ve crafted our onboarding process with your peace of mind as our top priority. Recognising the importance of a smooth transition, we provide you with a dedicated implementation and onboarding team. Their mission? To take the weight off your shoulders by directly liaising with all your trading partners and managing the entire onboarding process from start to finish. This means you don’t have to worry about switching your EDI provider; we’ve got it covered.

We meticulously run a parallel setup alongside your existing provider to ensure a seamless transition. This approach allows us to onboard all trading partners and thoroughly test connections without disrupting your ongoing operations. Only when we’re confident that everything is running perfectly will we make the switch, transitioning you to Transalis’s EDI platform.

Take the first step towards a better EDI solution today. Book a meeting with our EDI onboarding specialists and discover how Transalis can transform your EDI experience by offering the support, service, and savings your business deserves.