EDI

EDI is the computer to computer exchange of business documents using standardized forms. The use of EDI enables companies to transmit electronic versions of documents such as purchase orders, shipping notices, and invoices to Trading Partners (other companies engaged in EDI) anywhere in the world within minutes. Today more than 50,000 companies throughout the U.S. have implemented EDI. The number of companies is predicted to quadruple within the next six years.

EDI has proved to be more efficient, more accurate and more cost-effective system than a paper-based system for managing business documents. If implemented effectively, EDI can turn your company into a virtually paperless environment.

EDI can solve many of the problems associated with paper-based information systems. Here is a look at some of the advantages of using EDI:

    1. Time Delays are greatly reduced. In a paper-based transaction system, delays occur due to the physical movement of paper documents and the need to re-key information. These delays can result in ordering delays, billing delays and payment delays. An EDI transaction system transfers information electronically quickly. This enables a firm to more accurately forecast cash flow as well as implement cost reduction programs such as a Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory system. 

    2. Errors are reduced significantly. Because the same information is keyed multiple times, paper-based systems are error-prone. With one-time keying of EDI, these errors can be largely eliminated. 

    3. Labor cost are reduced. In a paper-based system, manual processing is required for data keying, document storage and retrieval, document matching, envelope stuffing, etc. The labor costs associated with this type of manual document processing can be very expensive. 

    4. Paper and mail costs can be reduced. The cost of paper and postage that relates to a paper-based system is non-existent in the transmission of documents using EDI. 

    5. Increased business opportunities. Companies that have implemented EDI have created restrictions on the types of companies as a first choice. Companies without EDI technology will find it harder and harder to compete in their industry.

Today, with federal mandates and global competitive forces driving increased utilization of EDI, CPI is focused on helping companies adopt and adapt to EDI technology. As an active member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Accredited Standards Committee X12, CPI brings the benefit of our nationally recognized expertise to client companies.

CPI's EDI services are right for any size company...