If you are considering modernizing your EDI strategy, you have a number of factors to consider. Any EDI strategy you choose has to be the right fit for your firm. However, if you have never modernized your EDI strategy before, you may not know which factors you should be evaluating.
This brief guide gives you insight into what to think about when modernizing your EDI strategy: business complexity, internal skill sets, integration goals, and how well you are using your current capabilities.
Business Complexity
“Complexity” is not a dirty word. It means that your business has evolved. Maybe you are doing business with trading partners who are not located on the same continent as you, let alone in the same time zone. Perhaps you have to contend with multiple trading partner requirements.
Your EDI strategy must reflect your business’ complexity. If it does not, it will not meet your needs. You will not be able to satisfy your trading partners, which will hurt your business.
Internal Skill Sets
When you are modernizing your EDI strategy, it is crucial to consider what internal skill sets your company possesses. You are only as strong as your weakest link, and if your weakest link means that you do not have the capabilities to carry out your carefully-planned EDI strategy, what good is it?
Thoroughly evaluate what technical skills your workforce possesses. It is possible that you may need to outsource some aspects of your EDI strategy, and that is okay. After all, EDI and B2B integration is not your core competency, so it is best to leave those technologies in the hands of someone who does have that competency.
Integration Goals
What do you want to accomplish with your integration project? It is not enough to modernize your EDI strategy for the sake of it. There have to be some compelling business reasons as to why you are embarking on what will be a significant investment of time and money.
Think about what your goals are. Do you want to work with more trading partners? Is your aim to seize new opportunities in the market, or would you prefer to have deeper insight into your current transactions? An EDI strategy that takes those goals into account will be more successful because you know what you aim to achieve.
Current Capability Utilization
Maybe your IT staff have deep knowledge of B2B integration, but maybe they are so busy with other day-to-day business issues that they are just not really available to handle your integration needs. Just because you have the capability to carry out a B2B integration project does not mean they are being utilized properly.
Again, if this is an issue for you, it may make sense to outsource the implementation of your EDI strategy. Outsourcing partners have the resources to utilize all of their capabilities, which ensures your success.
“Outsourcing partners have the resources to utilize all of their capabilities, ensuring your success.”
Your EDI strategy determines the success of your B2B integration modernization project. Devote the time, care, and consideration necessary to ensure that it turns out well. Get your free B2B Integration and EDI Architecture Documentation template to begin exploring your modernization options today.
