EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) solution providers are failing on a range of issues such as customer service, price transparency and responsiveness.
This is one of the key findings from new research* by digital supply chain technology provider Transalis. The company spoke to directors and senior managers working in operations, IT and finance to gauge their insights and views on the current state of EDI provision in the UK.
New research report
Is EDI addressing the challenges of 21st-century commerce?
New research* reveals disparities between EDI user requirements and services delivered by EDI providers.
New research report
Is EDI addressing the challenges of 21st-century commerce?
New research* reveals disparities between EDI user requirements and services delivered by EDI providers.
So exactly what are EDI providers getting wrong?
The Transalis research revealed that many EDI providers are simply not keeping up with the needs of their customers and are therefore effectively restricting them from competing in an increasingly international trading environment.
Nearly all (99%) of respondents in the survey say they will be reviewing their current EDI solution ‘in the near future’, meaning five months on average. 34% cite dissatisfaction with their current supplier as the dominant reason why, 46% say they are unhappy with the time it takes for their provider to respond to issues, and 30% point to service outages. Four out of ten (41%) say their provider is not keeping up with requests to make rapid and regular updates to their EDI solution to reflect ‘on the ground’ changes in the trading network.
Further concerns centre on difficulties with integrating EDI with other systems, a lack of trading partner reach and insufficient knowledge of EDI standards. While most respondents are thinking about switching solutions, six out of ten believe they will struggle to find an EDI provider that meets their needs.
At Transalis, we don’t believe it should be like this.
Frictionless exchange
We understand that any EDI solution provider must be effective in meeting their clients’ needs in a timely manner. We recognise that in today’s connected world, systems need to work together efficiently. The exchange of data and transparency of information needs to be frictionless. That is why you need to choose a provider with an excellent track record and deep knowledge of EDI, and who understands and cares about your business.
It was for those reasons that Transalis was approached for help with EDI by the UK subsidiary of SMEG, the domestic, industrial and laboratory appliance manufacturer. SMEG receives and processes hundreds of orders each week from across its UK distribution network, including from retailers, distributors and resellers.
"Transalis have developed the technical support skills to overcome data accuracy issues."
Cerie Paton, Head of Business Systems at SMEG
Because of the extent of the network and the many different systems and protocols of trading partners, SMEG needed a fully functioning EDI solution to standardise the data being interpreted, extracted and presented to managers.
Cerie Paton, Head of Business Systems at SMEG, says: “We asked Transalis to find us a solution for automating, integrating and validating the data we were receiving. After we explained our issues and concerns, they built, tested and put live an API within ten days or so. They worked with us to understand where any issues were coming from, why any data was failing, and how mistakes could be resolved. They have the development and technical support skills to overcome data accuracy issues.”
Transparency and efficiency
We design our solutions to integrate with all leading ERP, accounting and web systems and we operate a transparent fixed-price integration model to ensure you have a full understanding of costs and timeframes before any project begins.
Reflecting the research findings, we have already heightened our focus on ensuring an outstanding and meaningful customer experience. As well as upfront price transparency, key elements include efficient migration to maintain BAU (Business As Usual), shorter lead-in times for implementation, operator training and reliable, ongoing post-sale support.
Our dedicated integration team map your in-house systems with your data sharing requirements, enabling the smooth and frictionless flow of data across multiple systems so you have complete visibility across your entire trading network.
The latest addition to our range is Transalis eDI Instant™, the first solution of its kind to offer online sign-up with immediate access to cloud-based EDI.
Find out more about the benefits of EDI.
Transalis eDI™ Solutions
Here at Transalis, we aim to make EDI simple and that includes easy to set-up and transparent pricing. Our Transalis eDI™ product bundles provide customers with substantial cost savings and ‘no surprise’ pricing.
Unlike many other EDI providers, everything, including unlimited message volumes, is encompassed in an annual subscription.
eDI Instant
As simple as 1,2,3. Buy EDI online in an instant and connect with your trading partner today
eDI Freedom
Build your own bespoke EDI solution according to your supply chain & integration needs
eDI Connect
Ideal for companies with many trading partners, high order volumes, requiring enhanced stock & sales reporting
eDI Connect+
Perfect for larger organisations requiring complete visibility across their supply chain to improve efficiencies
Talk to us today to reduce the complexity of buying and managing your EDI solution and trading network on 0845 123 3746 (calling from UK) or +44 1978 369 343 (for international callers), or via email sales@transalis.com
* Independent research commissioned by Transalis Ltd: Is EDI addressing the challenges of 21st-century commerce?
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