10 Points to consider when you’re choosing a new EDI provider

Like all business critical processes, the importance of a fully functional and robust EDI solution is paramount, however so too is an EDI provider that provides the support you need. When your business’s ability to communicate with your customers and suppliers is on the line, there is no room for error. It is therefore critical that you carefully consider not only your choice of EDI solution, but also your choice of UK EDI provider.

At TrueCommerce we have over 20 years of experience of helping companies with their EDI requirements, whether they are new to EDI or are looking to move from an existing EDI solution. Over the years we’ve built up a list of essential criteria that businesses need to consider before they select an EDI provider.

Choosing an EDI Provider Checklist

1. Does your new EDI provider have the breadth of experience to ensure your transition is as smooth and straightforward as possible?

a. We’ve got a selection of case studies to hand from a variety of companies across an array of industries, including BWG, Strong Roots and Bristan, which outline how our managed service team look after the EDI implementation and on-boarding process to ensure you get up and running quickly and easily with no disruption to your business.

2. EDI is a value-adding tool; can you be sure that your new EDI system can integrate seamlessly into your existing processes and platforms?

a. We’ve compiled a list of our most popular business system, channel and trading partner integrations. If you’re thinking of partnering with a business you need to ensure that they can meet your current and future EDI requirements. The last thing you want is an EDI provider that will hinder your growth.

3. Is the EDI cost fixed or variable?

a. To make sure you are getting the ROI you deserve, you need to be sure that there aren’t any hidden or variable EDI costs. With a transparent pricing plan you can be sure you will not encounter any unforeseen charges.

4. Whilst EDI is essential to many organisations, it is important that it does not detract from your core business. When choosing an EDI provider you need to ensure that the onboarding of new customers and suppliers and the addition of new EDI messages is easy and pain free.

a. Through our EDI managed service we manage our clients’ day-to-day EDI requirements on their behalf. Our teams of customer service and technical experts handle every step of the EDI journey, from implementation and onboarding through to ongoing support and everything in-between.

These are just a few of the items on our choosing an EDI provider checklist, you can access the full list of all the essential points that we believe businesses should consider before selecting a UK EDI supplier here.

If you’re new to EDI and are looking to get started, or already have an EDI solution in place but you’d like to learn more about how you can improve your service through TrueCommerce, please get in touch.

Contributor

Richard Gallacher is a Marketing Executive here at TrueCommerce. As a key member of the marketing team, Richard provides insightful, accessible information to help businesses improve and grow their operations. Richard is based in our Manchester office.