What is EDI?
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange
of business documents between companies. EDI proves to be fast, reliable and
a cost saving business practice that can reduce your companies carbon footprint.
In EDI, information is organized according to a standard format (ASC X12)
published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). International
EDI standards are known as EDIFACT standards. Each year these standards are
reviewed and updated to accommodate new business and ensure accuracy. Versions
of these standards are published by The Data Interchange Standards Association
(DISA). Typically new versions are adopted by Hubs every few years.
The process of using EDI is very straight forward, a standard document (agreed
upon by both parties,) is translated into a specific format and sent (or received)
via a secure communication (data transport) method. The data is broken into
small segments ie: Ship To - Name and Address or Product Identifiers depending
on the type of business you are involved with. X12 covers all industries with
approximately 500 different document types.
What are the origins of EDI?
EDI has existed for over two decades in Europe and North America in industry
sectors with products or services having a short shelf life but a high unit
price. The airline industry is a classic example of this type of industry
- empty seats mean lost revenue opportunities. More recently however the profile
of EDI has been increasing, it would appear at the moment to be very much
`flavor of the month'. A number of factors, including drastically reduced
costs of computing hardware, software and telecommunications combined with
the lifting of trade barriers across Europe mean that the use of EDI is growing
exponentially. Another major factor is the increasing realization of the role
of EDI as a business enabler in increasingly competitive and dynamic markets.
Do you have training?
Yes, we offer training at our facility in Milford, CT, on-site training, and remote training. We can also customize a training class to better fit a customer's needs.
Do you set up the Mailbox for me?
Qualedi, Inc. can assist a customer in setting up their EDI mailbox with a Value Added Network (VAN) of their choice.
How do your prices and services compare with other vendors?
We offer EDI packages at affordable rates. Our products, services, and support rate amongst the best. Our packages are based on functional and needs but are also priced for the pockets of small companies as well as the largest of corporations.
What makes Qualedi a better choice?
Qualedi, Inc. 21 years of experience in the EDI industry has taught us that the customer is the most important partnership. We strive to assist customers in every way possible to help them understand, use, and implement EDI. We put the customer first and continually work to better our relationship, our products, and our expertise.
What is AS2?
Using HTTP, the dynamic protocol of the World Wide Web, AS2 essentially creates an envelope for EDI, enabling the transactions to move securely over the Internet rather than using the traditional and expensive Value Added Network (VAN).
With an encryption base, the standard underlines the essential factors of data privacy, data authentication and non-repudiation of origin and receipt, that is required to ensure the integrity of data communications via the Internet.
AS2 enables users to connect, deliver and reply to data securely and reliably, potentially saving money in network costs and adding flexibility and control on how the data is utilized or reported.
What is AS1?
AS1 (Applicability Statement 1) is the specification standard by which vendor applications communicate EDI over the Internet using SMTP.
What is FTP?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It enables you to exchange files between two computers connected to the Internet. Typically when using FTP, one of these computers is your local computer (the one on your desk), and the other computer is one specifically designed to store files for people to access through the Internet. This second computer may be located anywhere in the world.
The ability to exchange files using FTP is often built in to Internet software. So you may find yourself using FTP without knowing it, such as when your browser retrieves an eBook for you. There are also specific programs just for using FTP.
What is TCP/IP?
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) is a suite of protocols, which make up the basic framework for communication on the Internet.
The first part, TCP, helps to control how the larger data is broken down into smaller pieces or packets for transmission. TCP handles reassembling the packets at the destination end and performing error-checking to ensure all of the packets arrived properly and were reassembled in the correct sequence.
IP is used to route the packets to the appropriate destination. It is the IP protocol which manages the addressing of the packets and it is the IP protocol, which tells each router or gateway on the path how and where to forward the packet to direct it to its proper destination.
Do I have to pay for updates?
Qualedi updates are available to users who have a current maintenance contract. Qualedi Customers may access the Updates Download page of our website using their Qualedi system serial number and local zip code.
What do I do if I need a document type not found in my Qualedi system?
New document types (both X12 and EDIFACT) are available to users who have an current maintenance contract. Those users who have a current maintenance can obtain the need document type(s) by e-mailing their request, along with their Qualedi system levels to technical support.
Does Qualedi do software integration?
Qualedi, Inc.'s Professional Services department does offer consulting and integration services for our customers. Such inquiries can be made through the Qualedi Sales department.
Do you offer alternatives to using a modem for communications?
Modems leave company susceptible to connectivity failure. Many factors can effect your dial-up connects to your Value Added Network (VAN) preventing you from accessing your EDI mailbox. Factors such as modem related problems involving the modem's baud rate, parity, and initialization string. Static over phone lines can affect your success at establishing a connection and even long distance phone carriers have ended up being causes for companies to be prevented from establishing a successful connection to their EDI mailboxes. We offer a variety of Internet solutions, which do not require modem use. To find out more contact the Qualedi Sales department.