B2B Data Integration and Transformation Blog

There are many factors that drive companies to take on a B2B integration project.  Below, I outline the major factors that our customers have told us over the past year.

ERP Implementation

A company's ERP system is the core of their business processes.   In order to utilize the investment, it only makes sense to extend its value by interfacing with internal and external systems and partners.  Maybe your company converted from an existing ERP, which will require new interfaces to the EDI or integration platform or you just implemented an ERP system and you need to start from scratch. 

In a previous blog, (It's Almost Black Friday, Do You Have Visibility?) we discussed the importance of visibility in the supply chain and the desire that we as consumers have to “know where our stuff is”.  Data visibility is one of the most common requirements I hear about when discussing B2B integration solutions with a customer.  Not only are companies required to provide visibility to their customers, but it’s increasingly becoming a requirement of line of business users within organizations. 

Two Quick Thoughts

The Issue

A popular air freshener company is moving lots of product these days by asking if we have become “Noseblind”.   Noseblindness is the phenomenon where humans become accustomed to the odors around us until we no longer recognize them, while our guests are overwhelmed by the cat’s litter box or the fish we cooked for dinner last night.     

Since none of us want to offend the sensibilities of those who visit our homes and offices, we purchase the latest plug in fragrance or aerosol freshener out of fear that others will detect the offensive odors to which we have become immune.   After all, who has the time to constantly search for things we no longer realize exist? 

In an effort to provide you with the most current product information, we wanted to pass a long a brief update for those who have GENTRAN, Sterling B2B Integrator or File Gateway installations.

The last versions of these products released by Sterling Commerce before being acquired by IBM are quickly approaching their End of Support Dates (see below).  Current versions of these products are available for download in your IBM Passport Advantage or Passport Express account if you are current on Software Subscription & Support (SS&S).

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results." --Andrew Carnegie

Teamwork is extremely important in any position; especially when IT teams can be spread out due to multiple locations, telecommuting, international teams, etc. . .  When your IT team isn’t physically all in the same location, how do you develop a strong team bond?  Your ability to build and secure your team relationships is a direct reflection on your success as a leader.   Remember these four thoughts when working on building that all important teamwork.