EDI is one of the best innovations in the B2B industry, but it has a unique set of problems.
The first challenge with EDI is that it requires a lot of IT resources to function properly. These resources also need to be compatible with the EDI since many different EDI standards in the market are not always compatible with the software used in a company’s supply chain. So, you also need to think about ERP integration.
Because of these limitations, EDI can be quite expensive and thus inaccessible to small and mid-size organizations. Even though it is designed to be automated, it also needs continuous attention to track changes to data types or formats and verify the data being transferred. The EDI transfer will then be rendered useless if data is inaccurate or missing.
In conclusion, EDI on its own is not the best solution for company data-transfer concerns. It can be used to streamline document transfers, but it does not keep track of missing data, or data changes, nor inform system managers about incorrect data. Companies may find themselves transmitting incorrect information to trading partners or spending unintended time on data verification.
Therefore, although EDI is an exceptional tool for companies that want to take data transfer to the next level, it is far from perfect. Just like all the technology we use, EDI needs constant innovation towards improvement.
How Can EDI Be Enhanced?
Electronic data interchanges serve a purpose that simply cannot be done away with. So, it is not yet time to get rid of them.
Introducing collaborative supplier portals is the solution to most if not all of the challenges that come with this useful supply chain management software.
What Are Collaborative Supplier Portals?
A collaborative supplier portal is a platform where buyers and suppliers can exchange data without the restriction of a typical EDI platform.
Suppliers can use collaborative supplier portals for free, regardless of whether they have EDI. This accessibility facilitates the use of effective data transfer methods, which promotes business.
This technology is just as secure as EDI, allowing buyers and suppliers to collaborate transparently on purchase orders, supplier codes, prices, and delivery dates without incurring additional transaction costs. Collaborative supplier portals are pretty simple to set up, learn, and use. Unlike EDI, which requires extensive training for effective integration into a company's business operations. Furthermore, because it is a cloud-based system, IT resources are not required, eliminating the difficulty of finding compatible software.
How Do Collaborative Supplier Management Portals and EDI Work Together?
As we mentioned before, we do not need to do away with EDI. Collaborative supplier management portals provide a useful intermediary that mitigates the challenges experienced with standalone EDI use.
A collaborative platform works in conjunction with EDI to enable users to connect with their suppliers concerning EDI orders for better visibility. Everyone in the procurement process is then allowed to monitor updates and access pending orders. Even purchase orders that are often a challenge to expedite or delete without human intervention, are fully automated on collaborative supply chain management portals.
Benefits EDI and Collaborative Supplier Portals?
If you want EDI to take your procurement to the next level, then think about introducing collaborative supply chains as the answer. We have talked about how resource-intensive EDI can be on its own. And one of the greatest challenges this feature creates is the exorbitant cost.
So, it is safe to say that most suppliers will also not have EDI, or at least have EDI standards that are up to date. Collaborative supplier portals make your business more accessible and help you save on data transfer costs. The best thing is that all this value is added without compromising the quality, visibility, or security of the service.
In addition to increasing compatibility and saving money, a collaborative supplier portal compiles data into a single dashboard. Buyers and suppliers can conveniently track critical indicators in real-time. Supplier scorecards track information such as acknowledgment rate, inventory, delivery, and invoicing.
The use of EDI in conjunction with a collaborative vendor portal allows for the electronic communication of supplier codes, purchase orders, and invoices between systems. It also allows you to effortlessly manage, track, and communicate with your supply chain on all purchase orders, which simplifies your EDI experience while making it more effective.
Key Takeaways
- EDI is an invaluable tool for effective data transfer between trading partners, but it has its challenges.
- Collaborative supplier portals fix most of the challenges that come with EDI. EDI and collaborative supplier portals should thus be used together for the best data transmission experience.
Summary
EDI represents one of the greatest advances in e-commerce. But to get the most out of it, using it in conjunction with other technology is the way to go. Collaborative supplier portals are the best option to consider.
