EDI


Category: EDI
Category: EDI	The three letters (EDI) have new meaning in today's electronically connected world. Fundamentally, EDI is about the ability for companies to exchange electronic documents. Two of the most fundamental are the “item data file” and the “advanced shipping notice.” Others include the purchase order, invoice and payment. In the past this was a very complex technical and business system issue but today it is less about technology and more about efficiency. Some HIA members have been exchanging electronic documents in a relatively simple form for some time and have established their own policies that closely profile those established by an inter-industry group called VICS. The HIA standards committee continues to work on this topic.

Why do we need this standard and what is the Benefit?	Reduce redundant data entry cost Reduced keypunching errors. Speed Standardized data element definitions. Communicate consistently an easily Eliminate repetitive faxing. Reduce paperwork expense Confirmation of receipt. Improve timeliness and accuracy of paying of order.

Key Elements For Success	The Industry Standards Committee has reviewed the activities involved with implementing the use of standard methods of identification, packaging, shipping and communicating information about products and shipments. The items listed below should be used as a checklist. It is recommended that companies review each element to ensure that they understand how that element relates to what trading partners expect. Identify the business transactions where you're spending most time and review the Information and Transaction Flow Models. Review the standard documents that are related to these transactions. Review the elements of information contained in the documents to see that they match your system needs. Contact your trading partner to determine if they have policies, procedures or third party relationships that can simplify your tasks. Do not purchase or develop software to accomplish document transfer in a vacuum. Use the experiences of trading partners and other HIA members to help you stay on course.

Standards Policy	Chapter 8 provides sample forms which cause and result from the information and product flow. Chapter 9 identifies the EDI transaction sets that parallel the forms found in Chapter 8.

Example	Information Flow Model Transaction Flow Model

Links	Voluntary Inter-industry Commerce Standards -- www.vics.org Data Interchange Standards Association -- www.disa.org National Institute Standards and Technology -- www.nist.gov

Who to Call / Other Reference Material	HIA Email Help Desk Toll Free Help Desk: 1-800-669-2633