Webinar EDI Migration: Continuing the Conversation

Our latest webinar, EDI Migration: Everything you Need to Know, was held April 13, 2023. We received many great questions from the audience and our speakers, Joanna Dobrzyńska and Katya Kancheva, didn't get a chance to answer them all live. That’s why we’re continuing the conversation and answering the questions below.

If you didn’t get a chance to view the webinar, it’s not too late! It’s available on-demand here, and if you have additional questions that are not answered below, please feel free to reach out to our EDI expert, Joanna Dobrzyńska.

Is it possible to have direct EDI and web-EDI?

Yes, it is possible to have both a direct EDI system and a web-based EDI solution. Direct EDI involves integrating EDI communications directly into an organization's internal systems, such as their ERP software. Web-EDI, on the other hand, involves using a web-based interface to access and manage EDI transactions. Both methods offer unique advantages and can be used in conjunction to provide flexible and efficient EDI communication.

What is the cost of EDI migration?

The cost of EDI migration can vary depending on factors such as the amount of data to be migrated, the complexity of the data, the number of trading partners involved, and the chosen migration method. It is recommended to consult with EDI service providers for accurate pricing information.

What is the risk of changing EDI providers?

In general, there are a few risks associated with changing EDI providers:

• Changing EDI providers may cause a temporary disruption to your business operations, leading to delays in fulfilling orders, processing payments or other critical processes.
• During the transition, there is a risk of data loss or corruption, which can impact customer relationships, regulatory compliance, and financial performance.
• If the new EDI provider is incompatible with your existing systems, it can create integration challenges requiring additional resources, time, and costs.
• There may be contractual obligations with the existing EDI provider that could result in punitive clauses or penalties for early termination, which could impact your finances.

To mitigate the risks, it's essential to choose a reputable provider, plan the transition carefully, conduct thorough testing, and ensure that all stakeholders are informed about the changes to minimize disruptions.

EDI has been around for decades. Does modern EDI use AI at all? If yes, are there any examples?

Yes, of course. EDI uses AI technology in order to automate tasks such as data entry, document processing, and decision-making.

One example of AI technology in EDI is the use of machine learning algorithms to automatically classify and extract information from incoming documents. This can include identifying the type of document (such as an invoice or purchase order) and extracting relevant information such as the name of the supplier, the product description, and the price. By automating these processes, EDI systems can significantly reduce the amount of manual data entry required, improving efficiency, and reducing errors.

In general, the use of AI technology in EDI systems can help to streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve the speed and accuracy of information exchange between different computer systems.

About Comarch EDI

Comarch EDI is a cloud-based B2B platform that enables dynamic and reliable data exchange between you and your trading partners. Designed to help your company significantly improve its business efficiency, our product is fully compliant with the latest global standards & regulations. Allowing you to send and receive dozens of electronic message types converted to many different formats, the platform has frequently been recognized for being both a highly practical and cost-effective IT product. It can be easily integrated with your internal IT systems (Classic/Integrated EDI) or used as a Web-EDI solution. No matter which one you choose, Comarch EDI will expedite the entire trade life cycle - from placing an order, through the shipment, to the actual payment. Enhanced by blockchain, traceability, and machine learning technology, Comarch EDI guarantees that your supply chain processes will always be perfectly optimized for achieving greater business results.

About the Author

Joanna Dobrzyńska

Business Solutions Manager, Comarch EDI