FAQ

It primarily depends on how automated you want to work. Viaduct provides an easy-to-use web interface, which is very useful if you lack or have a business system that cannot handle the various business documents. The advantage of an integration with ERP is that the EDI files then automatically end up in your business system with minimal manual intervention and administrative burden.

Getting started with EDI can vary depending on the scope and both internal and external requirements and needs. If you have many trading partners (customers or suppliers) to contact and set up for communication, it generally takes more time to get everyone in place. If you choose to have an integrated solution, several tasks need to be performed by Viaduct and your ERP provider. In many cases, Viaduct already has prior knowledge of your trading partners, which usually speeds up the implementation.

The implementation of an EDI solution integrated with a business system involves several steps:

• Define business processes: Adapt your business processes to integrate with the EDI flow.
• ERP integration: Conduct tests to ensure the systems function correctly.
• Connecting trading partners: Viaduct connects your desired customers and suppliers to the solution and ensures that formats and translations are correct.
• Start production: Begin exchanging EDI documents with your trading partners.

Viaduct assists you with all the steps above so that you don’t need to be an expert in EDI. Contact us for a quick review of your specific conditions.

Absolutely! With an ERP system, you manage your company’s internal processes, but when it comes to automating the flow of orders, invoices, and delivery notifications with customers and suppliers, EDI is invaluable. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) complements ERP by sending and receiving business documents automatically – without manual entry. The result? Reduced administration, fewer errors, and faster processes. Together, ERP and EDI create a seamless chain from internal planning to external communication – saving time, reducing costs, and strengthening business relationships.

Yes, EDI is secure if implemented correctly. It typically includes security measures such as encryption, secure communication protocols, and authentication to protect sensitive business documents. By outsourcing the operation of an EDI solution, the user does not have to deal with the administration.

• Faster transactions: Reduces the time to send and receive business documents such as orders, delivery schedules, and invoices.
• Reduced costs: Decreases the need for paperwork, manual processes in business systems, and eliminates the requirement to use customer web portals.
• Fewer errors: Automated data transfer minimizes the risk of human errors.
• Improved relationship with trading partners: Creates more efficient and reliable communication between companies.

The cost of implementing EDI can vary depending on the size of the company, the chosen solution (integrated or webEDI), the number of trading partners (customers and suppliers), and the number of message flows. Contact us for a quote based on your specific needs and conditions.

A VAN (Value-Added Network) is a service that acts as an intermediary to facilitate the exchange of EDI documents between companies. VAN providers offer secure communication, storage, and forwarding of EDI messages.

EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange, a concept that enables the automated transfer of business documents between companies in an agreed digital format. This can include invoices, orders, delivery schedules, purchase orders, notifications, bills of lading, price catalogs, or other types of business documents.

EDI systems translate a company’s business documents into a standardized technical format before the documents are sent electronically to the recipient. When the recipient receives the documents, the information can be processed in other systems and in the correct format through the translation done within EDI.

In short, this allows companies to exchange information directly between their business systems without manual intervention.

EDI is a concept that includes both older and newer technologies used to transfer structured documents between companies. API (Application Programming Interface) is a more modern method for integrating applications and exchanging data in real-time. EDI is usually batch-based, while API allows for more dynamic and real-time communication.

It’s worth remembering that both EDI and API require some form of mapping for different systems to understand and interpret the content of the exchanged information.

In EDI exchanges, APIs can also be used for communication and integration between the EDI provider and business systems.

Viaduct is the reliable and trustworthy partner for all types of digital business communication, offering that extra touch of personal service and attention. Since the 1990s, we have been helping organizations improve and simplify their work with customers and suppliers, as well as automate and organize internal processes and external requirements.

With the experience we have gathered over the years, we have continuously developed our own tools, systems, and processes to provide our customers with the opportunity to achieve optimal results in the implementation and use of electronic communication, as well as related areas such as system development, business development, and project management.

EDI can handle a variety of business documents, including but not limited to:

• Orders (order and order responses)
• Delivery schedules (a type of forecast)
• Delivery notifications (when the goods are shipped)
• Bills of lading and goods labeling.
• Price catalogs (including products and prices)
• Invoices (to make or receive payments)

The most common EDI standards include:

• EDIFACT: Primarily used in Europe and internationally.
• ODETTE: Used in the automotive industry, especially in Europe.
• VDA: Used in the German automotive industry.
• ANSI X12: Most common in North America.

In addition to these classic EDI formats, there are also good opportunities to exchange business documents according to the Peppol standard, with invoices being the most frequently used. However, other message types such as orders, order responses, delivery notifications, and price catalogs are becoming increasingly common.

Then EDI is something you should look into further. The concept helps companies digitize all types of business flows and minimizes the need for emails, PDFs, and printouts. Contact us to find out if we can support your specific needs.