general EDI questions

[mystifying]

We have an odd situation where we want to share information (inventory, some orders, etc) with a sister company. They are a different company with their own software package, etc. Both accounting packages have EDI modules available. But I wanted to find out how much information can be shared via this method, as I have never used EDI before. Is it primarily just orders/ invoices, or can other sort of information (inventory, credits and payments, etc) be shared in this way?

 

[kscheeler]

I would start with your reseller. I would also first define what you want to share between the two systems in a perfect scenario. Then look at what EDI or custom programming could do for you. EDI can be costly when the templates have to be written for each piece that needs to be imported/exported. Also, it has to be written on both sides.

A custom solution may be best for your setup because it can be set up for just your situation and would work the way you need it to vs. having to fit your processing for EDI.

Kevin Scheeler

 

[stravis]

It is possible to use EDI import/export without templates. The import and export can be done using the universal file format used when importing and exporting without the use of Gentrans. In this scenario you do not need a translator such as Gentrans. This may mean that you sister company has be write a custom solution to import/export the file format produced by Macola.

Kevin is correct in that the first step ought to be questioning what the perfect solution would provide. Macola's EDI may be a good fit for all or part of the solution on your side and custom programming could be used for all or part of the solution based on your needs.

Scott Travis

http://www.infoSpring.net