Moving from legacy systems to modern B2B integration technology is a big step for a company. But it’s a conversation many of our clients are having now as they assess how to make themselves more agile and flexible before the “next normal” event changes everything again.
Migration raises many questions, including who will manage the B2B integration tools in the long run. That question doesn’t have to be difficult to answer, though. B2B integration managed services allow you to take advantage of cutting-edge technology while focusing on your core business.
What Do We Mean by “Managed Services”?
First, let’s explore what the term “managed services” means. There are a number of definitions out there, so clarity is essential.
Remedi defines “managed services” this way: a business owns the B2B integration solution, while Remedi operates them on the client’s behalf. Managed services looks different for each client – some clients may want Remedi to handle software maintenance and day-to-day support, while others ask us to add new trading partners and handle of mapping and testing capabilities.
Why Modernize?
There are five reasons why companies would consider modernizing their EDI systems:
- The consumerization of technology is setting new expectations for business operations – end-users expect more from their work tools
- Competing demands for cost reduction and marketplace expansion
- Business is moving into the cloud
- Business communities are becoming more complex and diverse
- Industry mandates and government regulations – industries and governments require companies to adopt transparent and efficient processes
When all of those factors come to the fore, there’s pressure on line-of-business users to lower operational costs, improve service levels, utilize the latest data standards, adhere to security best practices, and to increase the number of electronically-exchanged documents. That in turn means that the IT department faces its own challenges; team members must improve operational processes while reducing downtime, deploy the latest standards, secure networks and data, and integrate a diverse set of trading partners.
How Managed Services Can Help You Modernize
There are a number of benefits to modernization:
- High-availability business operations
- Data and network security best practices capabilities
- Lower IT operations cost
- Being able to accept trading partners’ requests
As we mentioned in the last paragraph, your IT department is under enough pressure already. They don’t need the added stress of modernizing your EDI system.
That’s where managed services come in. A managed services provider can guide you through a B2B integration modernization project to ensure that it’s successful. After the project is over, the managed services firm can handle your B2B integration software, too.
“A managed services provider can guide you through a B2B integration modernization project, then handle the software afterwards”
Why choose a managed services provider? For a start, it lowers the burden on your IT department. They’re no longer responsible for managing B2B integration services. Modernization also makes it easier to work with trading partners, can make you more compliant, and enables you to stay competitive.
Modernization is attainable when you have the right supports in place. Managed services helps you make the most out of B2B integration so you can focus on your core competencies. Are you ready to integrate?
