When you think of the term “do-it-yourself project,” you might think that DIY means “do everything yourself.” But what if you do not have the skills, knowledge, or resources required? You might not do everything yourself, or might try, and this might leave the success of the project in jeopardy. Health checks and integration system deployment audits often result from employee missteps that occurred at design and deployment time.
This project risk holds especially true for B2B integration projects and this is where EDI consultants can help; they have the knowledge, the skills, and the expertise to ensure the success of your B2B integration project. Reputable consultants can fill the gaps because they have "done it" often, across many organizations, utilizing best practice strategies. Read on to learn the three ways EDI consultants can help you with your DIY integration project, so it will bring value to your organization.
Technical Services
Sometimes, there is a gap between perception and reality. You might believe that your employees have the requisite technical knowledge to complete a B2B integration project, and this might not be the case. That does not mean that carrying out such a project on your own is impossible. It is attainable, as long as you have help in the gaps.
An EDI consultant can help with technical services such as data transformation, workflow development, software installation and configuration, map conversion, and software upgrade and conversions. These are vital steps in the B2B integration process, and if they are not completed correctly, your project could be at risk.
Recently a customer tackled a "small upgrade" project of the Windows operating system on the machine that housed their EDI system. This project was something they envisioned going smoothly, they never envisioned a simple upgrade taking down their entire EDI system. Read more about their story, how we were able to assist, and the 4 Ways to Avoid EDI Crisis Mode on your next project.
Training
Perhaps you do not want an EDI consultant to perform the technical services associated with B2B integration; you would rather give your employees the knowledge and skills they need to do it themselves. An EDI consultant can handle training, too.
There are two types of training: on-the-job (OJT) and classroom. OJT is ideal if you want to train one employee (or a small group). The trainer works closely with employees to teach them what they need to know, using corporate hardware and software to showcase real-life scenarios that can arise during B2B integration.
Classroom training caters to a larger group of employees. A trainer delivers lectures (which are generally pre-set, but can be customized) to students. They also learn using corporate hardware and software, going over exercises created by the trainer to prepare them for situations they will encounter during a B2B integration.
Managed Services Provider
Maybe your employees can pull off B2B integration on their own, but for maintaining the everyday of your integration environment, they do not have the time or the resources to do so. That is where an EDI consultant comes in yet again; the consultant can provide managed services to supplement your team.
Managed services allow you to keep your integration environment in-house without the burden of managing the day to day on your own. It allows you to focus on your core business and gives you peace of mind you are reaping the benefits of B2B integration.
Going the DIY route is not all or nothing. Accepting help enables you to reach your goals. To learn more about EDI consultants and how they can facilitate your B2B integration project, contact us today!
