How data integration ensures that business systems speaks the same language

How data integration ensures that business systems speaks the same language

Imagine an ideal world in which everything is interconnected and IT systems communicate flawlessly with each other. How wonderful would that be? You would have less worries, time to spare and see your organization growing steadily. Unfortunately, in the real world, everyone uses different ERP systems. In your own organization you probably also use dozens or even hundreds of applications, each of which stores data in its own way, in all kinds of formats. In such a fragmented data landscape, exchanging electronic data is a challenge. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the solution for this. You can read more about it in this blog. 

Electronic Data Interchange is part of Enterprise Data Integration. It brings data together regardless of location and format and converts it into usable information. This makes it possible for systems to communicate seamlessly with each other. Within your company, but also beyond. No more fragmented data landscape, but a solution that makes all puzzle pieces into one. And that without anyone having to worry about the technology.

EDI or die

EDI makes the exchange of data easy again. Many multinationals therefore use the slogan "EDI or die". Anyone who wants to do business with them must ensure that their systems can seamlessly exchange data (information) with theirs. Enterprises do not like having to manually make all kinds of data, which comes in in different formats, usable for their systems. This is not only time-consuming and expensive, but also increases the risk of errors. They want the process of delivery, order and payment to run as smoothly as possible (read: fully automated).

EDI increases operational efficiency. Suppose a wholesaler receives an order from a supermarket via electronic data traffic. In an industry where margins are small and products are perishable, smooth handling contributes to profitability. Because systems speak the same language internally, an order is found more quickly in the warehouse. Because the wholesaler also communicates seamlessly with the transport company, a truck is quickly available. But what if it is not possible to read an electronic message somewhere in the chain? For example due to a different file format? Then the radar would stop. In the worst case, the result is a supermarket with empty shelves.

Data integration is a success factor in logistics, retail and wholesale

In a recent survey, eight out of ten business leaders surveyed (including logistics) cite data integration as a "critical" factor for successful business operations. Retail and wholesale also emerge as the industries most satisfied with their investment in data integration. EDI also offers them opportunities for better customer insight and predictive reports. So they get more value from their data, which means competitive advantage.

ECS allows systems within and outside your organization to communicate with each other

One way in which ECS International enables reliable and secure data exchange is with the self-developed platform X4Connect. A cloud solution that meets the needs of (international) companies, which can receive and send data quickly and securely in any format. Via a web portal, the data traffic can be monitored from A to Z, which is often a requirement to be audited.

ECS is also a partner in Managed File Transfer

In addition, ECS is the "master distributor" of leading MFT suppliers in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Asia). MFT stands for Managed File Transfer. A form of data exchange that does not require translation. Data is then sent securely, encrypted from A to B. This message traffic can also be followed closely.

Integrating a fragmented data landscape may seem complicated, but because X4Connect is available "as a service" we can completely relieve you of your worries. Our experienced experts will then help you from start to finish. They support you with advice, take care of the implementation and then take care of management and maintenance.

Do you want to know more? Download our e-book 'How to smoothly overcome obstacles on the path to EDI' via the form or view our explanatory animation.