So you’re here to learn how long it takes to implement EDI, well the answer isn’t that easy. Although we use the phrase “how long does it take to implement EDI?”, not all EDI implementations the same. There are various idiosyncrasies that need to be understood before implementing an EDI project.
There are typically five scenarios we commonly find when businesses enquire about EDI implementation:
Scenario 1:
A business new to EDI requiring a brand new set-up on a solution. The business only uses EDI for a few trading partners and would like to exchange orders and invoices.
Scenario 2:
The business has an existing ERP system and would like to adopt an EDI solution with the ability to integrate with their ERP and automate the exchange of EDI messages.
Scenario 3:
A business migrating from an existing EDI provider due to the poor service provided. The system has been up and running for a number of years, and they’d need all the EDI functionality currently provided including EDI message types like order, order response, ASNs, invoices, credit notes, and inventory reports.
Scenario 4:
In line with other digital transformation exercises performed across the company, they’re looking to modernise their EDI by migrating multiple trading partners to a cloud-based solution.
Scenario 5:
An organisation may need a customised EDI system tailored to its business processes or the specific requirements of its trading relationships. This customisation can encompass processes such as validation, automated palletisation, rebates, and invoice matching, among others.
Whether it be the volume of trading partners you would like to connect with, or bespoke integration into your customised solution, a provider needs to consider the complexity before offering a timescale.
Human interactions aren’t as quick as computers
After hearing this, I bet you still want to know, why can EDI take so long?! Although EDI helps to optimise data exchanges, EDI implementation is driven by people. Unfortunately, unlike API connections, these communications aren’t in real-time. It’s essential when you engage with a trading partner to gather as much information to equip your EDI provider with all the necessary tools to make implementation as smooth as possible. Usually, a trading partner will pass over a Message Implementation Guide, this includes all the information we need to establish a secure connection.
But I hear you say “don’t EDI providers do this all the time, shouldn’t it be easy?” To answer your question, it can be. To simplify the process, we use pre-configured maps to the most frequently requested trading partners, those include some of the UK’s largest retailers, for example, Tescos, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsburys just to mention a few.
To establish a connection with a trading partner, we need to configure the communication channel, whether it be VAN, AS2 or SFTP. Although many of your trading partners will likely use the same connection, each business will customise the map which will require configuration on our end. If we aren’t provided with a MIG, we may need to reverse-engineer the connection which inevitably will delay the “go-live” date of your solution.
What is the industry standard for EDI implementation?
The answer you’ve all been waiting for. Well, on average, an EDI project can take 6-18 weeks. This is dependent on the complexities as illustrated in the scenarios above. However, we often find that businesses can’t wait that long, that’s why we’ve developed a new offering to support businesses in need of a quick EDI implementation.
EDI onboarding in a matter of weeks
EDI projects range from an “easy” installation to more labour intensive projects, therefore, they cannot all be branded by the same brush, by brush we mean timescales. We see it all the time, EDI providers will offer companies with a straight-forward connection to one or two trading partners a 12 week timescale which is not feasible as the company could lose business. Whilst another provider will promise to have you up and running in two weeks. If it’s too good to believe, then you should look elsewhere. The issue that lies between these two EDI providers, is one has become comfortable with these timescales, whilst the other is overpromising and underdelivering. It’s essential to pick a provider you can trust as they will be able to offer you realistic timescales for your project requirements.
How can I set-up EDI quickly?
It shouldn’t be the case that simpler configurations are given the same timescales as labour intensive projects. Additionally, you should be able to trust that your provider will deliver the solution in the timescales provided. That’s why we’ve defined scenarios to enable rapid trading partner deployment! Essentially, if your business is looking for a quick and easy connection to facilitate additional business with a large retailer, we’ve got the service for you. With our rapid trading partner deployment, you can connect to
Whether your trading partner uses EDIFACT or Tradacoms, we can have you set-up on our EDI solution, Netix One, in as little as 3 weeks!
For customers opting for rapid deployment, you can be live with these EDI message types in three weeks:
- Orders
- Invoices
We make it easier by making the process really simple with as little interaction with trading partners as possible to speed up the process.
Using dummy data, our Installers can test the connection to ensure your solution is configured. Upon your go-live date, we’ll provide the team using your new Netix One platform a tutorial of the platform, that you can revisit any time you need.
Want to implement EDI in 3 weeks?
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