Electronic Data Interchange, or EDI, is one of the oldest methods of system-to-system communication still in use today. EDI relies on creation of standardised text files which are set between businesses in a specific format so that it can be automatically imported into the computer system of the receiver. One of the most well-known users of EDI is the BACS bank transfer system used for sending payments automatically.

Despite being a standard industry format, the encoded text files require specialist knowledge and expertise to create the export template to extract data in the correct format for submission. Worse still, when a partner changes the EDI data mappings for import into their system, each of their customers must reconfigure their exports to match the new import routines.

All of this manual reconfiguration comes at a cost. Businesses must either retain the services of their own EDI expert, or hire an equally expensive consultant to make the changes. Replacing internal systems also attract additional costs. A software upgrade, or a shift to a new platform requires reconfiguration of the EDI translator to ensure that EDI communications between customers and suppliers continue unhindered. Worse still, every system change takes time, which in turn costs the business money.

Clearly any solution which removes the burden of EDI management should result in time and cost savings.

Software as a Service (SaaS) EDI translators provide the obvious solution to many of these conundrums. With outsourced EDI solutions, configuration changes and data export tweaks becomes the responsibility of the service provider. Immediately the requirement for an EDI specialist is removed as is the hardware required to support an EDI translator system. IT staff are then freed to focus on the other aspects of their roles to the benefit of the business.

A SaaS EDI system, such as Celtrino’s Smart Admin provide data interfaces and translators for many industry-leading accounts systems as well as the expertise required for a successful implementation. Their abilities and services are guaranteed to reduce EDI TCO by at least 25%, giving businesses an immediate reduction in costs and allowing them to focus on their customers.