EDI Mapping Software

EDI mapping software is essential when considering integrating EDI into backend systems. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the primary business-to-business method of exchanging business documents between organizations electronically. When integrating EDI into backend systems, EDI mapping software should be used, though many companies still integrate using scripts created, for example, in PHP, which is a very expensive and time consuming process. In addition, the organization becomes beholden to the programmer who is needed to make any changes. EDI mapping software enables organizations to leverage previous investments in EDI technology at the same time as integrating data from various sources.

When using EDI mapping software, EDI data integration is simplified by enabling easy mapping between data sources and targets like XML files, CSV files, SQL and other data bases and EDI systems. This is accomplished by utilizing the intuitive graphical interface in the EDI mapping software. EDI mapping software is created to ease the pain that has often been experienced in integration environments.

In purchasing EDI mapping software it is important to know which EDI standards are supported. The EDI mapping software must support common EDI standards such as X12 and EDIFACT, at a minimum. Otherwise the effort involved with getting the EDI mapping software to function in your EDI environment will be enormous. It is better to get it readily created for these and other important environments.

In EDI mapping software, creating EDI mapping should be only drag and drop operations, without any need for scripting or programming. Also the EDI mapping software should allow you to add data processing functions to EDI maps to manipulate or filter data between source and target data models. For example, there may be a need to use the EDI mapping software to create maps that perform logical comparisons, mathematical computations, or string operations, and make other modifications to the data.

To achieve the maximum benefit of implementing an EDI mapping software solution, you should integrate the EDI business process with your existing enterprise systems. Often companies use consultants familiar with the EDI mapping software to create maps, or they contract with the EDI mapping software vendor to create the EDI mapping infrastructure. If a consultant is hired, it must be clear that they are very familiar with the EDI mapping software solution before they commence the project. Neglecting to ascertain the level of familiarity with the EDI mapping software solution may cause significant cost increases.

EDI mapping software has only been around for a relatively short portion of EDI history, but represents a significant step forward by facilitating the integration of EDI data into backend systems and converting EDI to other formats.

Selecting EDI Mapping Software can be a lengthy and complex process for a small business. EDI Mapping Software can range in price from as little as a few hundred dollars to as much as hundreds of thousands.  With such a broad range in EDI Mapping Software prices how can you choose the right EDI Mapping Software for your business?  You should start by asking some key questions that will help you narrow your list of EDI Mapping Software providers to a few that best fit your criteria.

Before selecting your EDI Mapping Software ask yourself:

Who within my organization will use the EDI Mapping Software?
With this question about EDI Mapping Software you are addressing whether someone within your organization has the technical skills to use EDI Mapping Software. If the answer is no, it may make more sense to find a vendor of EDI Mapping Software who is  prepared to do the work for you or teach you the process.

What will I integrate with my EDI Mapping Software?
This may sound obvious but it isn’t. EDI Mapping Software can be used to map one transaction or all of your EDI to your back-end system.  The less you need to integrate, the fewer features needed from your EDI Mapping Software.  Can your back-end system support flat files? These kinds of questions will steer you to a specific type of EDI Mapping Software.

Will I need to continue to use my EDI Mapping Software?
Many businesses, once integrated, will not need to make many changes to EDI Mapping Software.  In this situation, buying EDI Mapping Software may be overkill.  EDI Mapping Software employed by a third party to create the integration may make more sense. On the other hand, in-house EDI Mapping Software will come in handy if your business is growing and you anticipate further need for EDI Mapping Software in the future.

How much am I willing to spend on EDI Mapping Software?
For any business,  it’s critical to start with an EDI Mapping Software budget. EDI Mapping Software can cost many tens of thousands of dollars.  Once you have set a few important criteria for your EDI Mapping Software it’s important to set a budget.  Your EDI Mapping Software budget should cover more than the cost of the EDI Mapping Software.  Make sure you include any additional services that may be needed with your EDI Mapping Software.