B2B Data Integration and Transformation Blog

Becoming a data-driven enterprise is no longer optional in today’s world. You cannot afford to make decisions on anything else but the most up-to-date, accurate information. There are several challenges that companies must overcome to be considered “data-driven.” Some of those obstacles come from EDI solutions.

In recent posts, we’ve discussed assessing the current state of your EDI and B2B integration capabilities, contrasted against the desired state found through business network consultation and IT alignment discussions with line of business personnel.

The first step to more closely aligning your EDI capabilities with the overarching goals and objectives of your organization is to examine your current state. Once you define your strengths and weaknesses and have a clear understanding of client requirements, the business strategy, executive expectations, perceptions of IT, and the CIO's goals, you can begin visualizing your desired future state and put together an improvement plan.

Technology is a business enabler, yet it changes so rapidly that there is frequently confusion about what kinds of technology are the best ones to implement at your firm. An example of a recent debate is whether you should continue using an EDI system or move to APIs. Moreover, blockchain technology has become a much-discussed form of payment. Should you be accepting it or not?

At the end of the year, most companies are trying to wrap up in-flight initiatives and planning for the upcoming year. During this busy time, we often help our clients (and potential clients!) with their integration strategy and project budgeting and sizing initiatives. During these high-level strategic conversations, it’s important to nail down their integration “Why” – why are they investing in EDI and data integration and what are their desired business outcomes? If you’re not familiar with the premise of “Why” among the world’s best organizations as outlined by the thought leader Simon Sinek, check out his TED Talk, How Great Leaders Inspire Action.