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We all know how important a few minutes can be in the transport business, let alone hours.
With cloud EDI, you can transmit business documents within your supply chain instantly and accurately. What once could have taken you a whole day can be achieved in just a few minutes.
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Transvirtual doesn’t just automate your data entry (although that’s worth celebrating), we utilise cloud EDI and API to seamlessly manage your complex integrations from larger ERP software to smaller delivery partners.
Let’s go over how cloud EDI works and exactly how you can make the most of it.
What is an Electronic Data Interchange Solution?
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) allows businesses to exchange documents between two computers with no human labour involved.
For example, although email is electronic, it requires a person to download and prepare the documents to be sent, ultimately slowing down processing and allowing for human error. Instead, EDI transactions are formatted in a standard way and go directly to an application on the receiver’s computer so that processing of the EDI document can begin immediately.
EDI has long been essential in the global transport and logistics industry, enabling efficient data exchange between shippers, carriers, and brokers. EDI compliance is crucial in maintaining positive relationships with trading partners and avoiding financial penalties.
Traditionally, transmitting EDI documents needs to happen between two EDI systems that were set up and formatted in the same way. Transmission times were anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
Introducing a third party to the communications? You needed to start from scratch and ensure all three systems were able to communicate using the same system.
Cloud EDI, on the other hand, works together with API technology, using the cloud to transmit data instantly and seamlessly. And perhaps most importantly, you can then transmit this data into systems using different formats.
In other words, two different systems can now seamlessly communicate with each other more quickly and accurately.
This real-time data transmission is revolutionising the transport industry. Many industry giants such as Amazon have incorporated cloud EDI and API into their supply chain.
Should You Incorporate a Cloud EDI Solution?
There are some serious benefits to making the switch to cloud EDI. It can enhance operational efficiency and streamline various business processes, mostly revolving around improving efficiency, accuracy, and speed. Let’s take a closer look.
1. You can be flexible
You decide when, where and how you send and receive data. You’ll find endless customisation options within the Transvirtual platform to make EDI transactions fit your workflow. And don’t forget about our stellar support team if you want a hand setting your customisations up.
2. You’ll lower your costs
Gone are the days of needing to pay expensive charges to make simple changes. Our EDI management tools mean you can do it yourself, or ask for our help (it’s what we’re here for).
3. Integrate with third parties
Cloud EDI allows shippers, carriers and brokers to exchange information quickly and accurately. Storing EDI in the cloud reduces manual tasks, cuts costs, and eliminates errors through seamless EDI integration with third-party systems such as inventory and finance tools.
Our experienced integrations staff are on hand to answer your questions.
4. Use varied file formats with ease
Tired of needing to match your files to third party systems? Now you can connect files of every kind, from basic spreadsheets through to complex XML. You choose the format, your cloud EDI does the rest.
5. Move your data quickly and accurately
With our extensive API, you’ll get the fastest and most reliable transfer of EDI data. Every time. Send data and notifications instantly, to everyone who needs to know.
How to change systems
Without tearing your hair out, of course.
Technology has delivered us all a better way to do business. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be quick or easy for you to change over to a new way of doing things.
We know that implementing a new system in your business can be time consuming and stressful. We’re here to help. With some time and consideration on your part and expert guidance from us, together we can make the switch seamless for you.
Cloud EDI ultimately puts dollars back in your pocket and time back in your week, so it’s worthwhile. Here are a few tips to smooth the process:
Define your goals: what do you really want to get out of your software?
Find the right software for your business: make sure you choose one which has the right features for your business now and into the future.
Selecting an EDI provider that offers robust integration support and can accommodate various EDI standards is crucial for ensuring efficient communication and data management across the supply chain.
Get your staff on board: they’ll be the ones using your software and can make or break the process.
Make and follow a detailed plan: implementing new software can be a long process, having a clear plan will help your team maintain momentum.
Ready to make the switch to cloud EDI?
If you’re looking to make the switch to cloud EDI solutions, then you may need to look at a new Transport Management System (TMS). Read our how-to guide for more on implementing a new TMS (and whether it’s right for you).
Otherwise, you can get in touch with our team directly for a chat about your individual needs.
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