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Step 4 - Integrating EDI with existing business systems

Work can begin on system configuration upon selection of the EDI software and network.  EDI vendors can provide invaluable assistance in the setup of their respective aspects of the EDI system.  This stage requires the most attention from assigned EDI staff members.

How much custom work an organization plans to expend largely determines how an EDI system is developed and designed.  A complex EDI system that serves multiple departments and utilizes EDI integration with corporate applications needs substantial data routing and internal programming. However, a turnkey EDI system deployed on a PC needs little else than the vendor's recommendations.

The largest development task that EDI systems generally face is EDI integration with existing corporate applications. EDI mapping is required to take data out of internal applications and transport it via EDI software. As such, developing EDI integration software can often be the largest cost of an EDI system.  Methodologies used for system prototypes are developed prior to the coding of systems and Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools enables streamlining of development.  EDI integration typically consists of three key activities:

• Analysis of data during EDI mapping
• Using EDI software to map data
• Custom interface programs and user exit development

The EDI team should inquire as to whether steps 2 and 3 have been completed by the software development company, as this can affect whether your back-office systems can be integrated without the need for additional costs.