What is EDI?

EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange, a widely accepted format for trading information between suppliers, customers, and vendors.  The intent of EDI is to enable electronic communications, such as purchase orders, invoices, etc., between two companies without manual entry required. 

Please visit our EDI Resource Center to learn more about EDI and shipping.

What is EDI compliance?

EDI compliance is the term used to define the process of adhering to EDI and shipping requirements, as defined by our customer’s trading partners. 

What is shipping compliance?

Shipping compliance is the term used to define the process of adhering to shipping requirements as defined by your trading partners.

For example, one customer may want you to send all shipments for them using a specific shipping carrier or carrier services, while another will want you to choose the lowest possible rate.  These shipping rules must be followed to avoid penalty fees.

Using vSync’s vShip shipping solution for Microsoft Dynamics, customers can manage these types of shipping rules (and many more) for any customer or trading partner.

Do you provide web-based EDI?

vSync provides the embedded EDI software and translation solution required for each of your EDI customers or vendors.  vSync customers have the flexibility to choose any Value Added Network (VAN) they wish to get the best possible price available on the market.  vSync provides a highly competitive Value Added Network as well for customers that wish to have a single source provider for their EDI and shipping solutions.

vSync can also assist customers that wish to bypass a VAN completely by sending all EDI transactions over the Internet.

vSync does not offer EDI solutions that are managed via an external website. Much like email, many EDI providers provide web-based VANs in which EDI transactions are received in a mailbox.  They must be printed and typed back into the business system to be used. Some EDI providers will provide you with integration to Microsoft Dynamics but at a much “lighter” level than what you will get with vSync solutions.

vSync believes EDI should be integrated to the business system.

While web-based VANs at face value are generally cheaper, your volume may determine that this type of solution is in fact much more expensive due to increased mistakes, increased penalty charges,  as well as increased manual labor and efforts. 

Before you make a purchasing decision on a VAN or another EDI solution please contact us or download our white paper for guidance on evaluating EDI solutions.

What are some examples of business rules?

There are two types of business rules associated with EDI.

EDI business rules can refer to the format of data and the structure of each individual EDI document.  Other EDI business rules are specific to the individual contracts you set up with customers. For example, customer-specific pricing, allowances, units of measure and many more.

Additionally you can have internal business rules associated with EDI trading partners. For example, I will only accept sales orders from Customer B if the amount is over $125.00 AND if they order in quantities of 25.  vSync solutions help you manage both types of  business rules automating changes so you can manage EDI orders and other documents by exception.

Do you support FTP, AS2, and in-network translation of EDI documents?

Yes.  Customers can choose any Value Added Network and have the ability to FTP EDI documents or send them over the Internet (AS2) to reduce VAN charges.  Many Value Added Networks will provide in-network translation, however vSync’s solution manages translations using Gentran or Biztalk.

Why are vSync EDI and shipping solutions only available for Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics AX?

vSync believes that EDI is more than just a format for trading data.  Our experience has shown us that EDI drives business process and work flows and that companies can maximize efficiency and operations by deploying EDI and shipping in a manner that matches how Microsoft Dynamics was designed to handle sales order and purchase order processing. 

More information on Microsoft Dynamics

When should I choose a web-based EDI solution over an integrated solution?

You need to begin to evaluate integrated EDI solutions when the volume of EDI you are processing is becoming a problem for your company – or you anticipate volume to be a problem.

Many companies do just fine using web-based (non-integrated) EDI solutions and they are often cheaper and very easy to use.

An integrated solution solution is usually preferable to efficiently control the amount of labor that comes with a higher level of EDI volume.

How does vSync sell their solutions?

vSync sells EDI and shipping solutions through Microsoft Dynamics Resellers.

This partnership ensures a holistic ERP approach for customers and that any customizations you’ve made to Microsoft Dynamics AX or Microsoft Dynamics GP will be accounted for during implementation.

If you are interested in Microsoft Dynamics solutions and need a referral for a Value Added Reseller in your area, please contact us for assistance.

What can I expect in engaging vSync in my EDI or shipping evaluation?

vSync will review an EDI or shipping survey with you to identify your specific needs and uncover hidden or unique requirements. 

vSync will also conduct a detailed demo with you, so you can see how your requirements would be managed using vSync and Microsoft Dynamics.  This is a prime opportunity for your evaluation team to ask EDI and shipping business process questions.

Should you decide to purchase vSync EDI or shipping solutions, vSync provides a documented methodology and process for your implementation.  You will be assigned an implementation manager and have visibility into all stages of your implementation.

Once implemented and certified, you will transition to our customer support team where you will receive support and updates for the length of your vSync contract.