Top 5 tips to guarantee BAU when switching EDI

However, the fear for many decision-makers is that changing providers could destabilise the technology that underpins their supply chain network and lead to failures. Many businesses worry that despite being deeply dissatisfied with their current EDI provider, transitioning to a new provider opens them up to all kinds of risks to Business as Usual (BAU) when switching EDI. And so, they keep putting it off and stick with a sub-standard service with escalating costs that will only worsen.

Read our article for more: The Real Costs of Poor EDI Support.

At Transalis, we combine deep industry expertise with a customer-first approach to ensure a smooth and frictionless transition. Our implementation and onboarding teams are dedicated to maintaining your business as usual (BAU), ensuring that there’s no impact on your supply chain or any undue increase in internal resource demands when you decide to make the move.

Here are our top five tips for a smooth transition that safeguards your supply chain integrity by guaranteeing BAU when switching EDI.

Mapping out your EDI transition strategy

An effortless transition to your new EDI provider starts with comprehensive and strategic planning. Your implementation team will develop a robust plan that outlines a precise timeline and also integrates the onboarding of your entire trading network.

At Transalis, our team is pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition. We endeavour to understand your current set-up and then implement a system to optimise your business processes. We will help map out any changes in workflow and integration points in advance. This minimises the potential for surprises and maintains continuity in your operations. Our proactive approach ensures that all resources are effectively aligned and your business can continue without interruption.

When transitioning to a new EDI provider, comprehensive testing and validation are essential. Transalis understands the importance of a smooth transition, which is why our implementation team takes on the bulk of this process. We start with detailed unit testing to scrutinise each component of the system. This is followed by integration testing, where we ensure all parts work together flawlessly.

Finally, our team conducts extensive end-to-end testing to confirm the entire system operates smoothly. This meticulous approach not only tests the system’s functionality but also ensures the accuracy of data processing and the integrity of transactions.

Preserving the integrity and continuity of your historical data is crucial. At Transalis, our implementation team meticulously map out the data migration process to ensure everything goes to plan. This plan includes comprehensive strategies for data cleaning, validation, and reconciliation to maintain data integrity.

We also implement robust backup and data protection measures to safeguard against any data loss during the transition. With these thorough preparations, you can trust that all your historical data will be accurately and securely transferred to the new system, ensuring seamless continuity for your business operations.

Effective training and comprehensive support are critical to the successful adoption of your new EDI system. Transalis ensures that everyone from your IT team to your end-users receives thorough training to minimise resistance and facilitate a smooth transition.

Our training programs are designed to empower your team with the knowledge and skills they need to operate the new system effectively. Additionally, we establish a robust support framework with clear service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure you receive timely and effective assistance whenever needed. This proactive support is essential for quickly resolving any issues, minimising disruption, and maintaining the efficiency of your operations.

Clear and consistent communication is crucial when onboarding trading partners to your new EDI system. Transalis ensures that all partners are well-informed about the upcoming switch through detailed communication that outlines plans and sets clear expectations.

We provide comprehensive guidelines and dedicated support to assist them in adjusting to the new system seamlessly. Maintaining open and transparent communication throughout the transition process is essential for preserving strong business relationships and preventing any operational disruptions.

Switching to a new EDI provider offers numerous advantages, including enhanced operational efficiency, improved compliance, and potential cost savings. By adhering to these essential tips and selecting a provider that prioritises expertise and a customer-first approach, you can guarantee a seamless transition.

With the right strategy and the right provider, the shift to a new EDI system will not only be smooth but also profoundly advantageous, setting your business up for continued success.

Is it time to switch your EDI provider? 5 signs it’s time to switch your EDI provider

Let’s discuss how we can support your business’s unique needs, drive your success forward and eliminate the risks to your BAU when switching to our EDI solutions. Call us today on 0845 123 3746 (UK callers) or +44 1978 369 343 (international callers), or book a meeting to discover how Transalis can make it easy to switch.