Why integrated EDI is even more important, and easier, than ever!

With mounting cost pressures, constant change and ever-increasing global uncertainty, being involved in manufacturing and distribution supply chains is a tough place to be right now. You almost need eyes in the back of your head trying to keep on top of it all!

One area that many Dynamics 365 Business Central customers are turning to for help is integrated EDI.

But let’s be honest, changing how you manage EDI can seem like a pain. All those different document types to manage, standards to work to and trading partners with which you need to communicate. Yes, the multiple emails and manual data entry waste time and create errors but it works, mostly! Is it really worth the trouble to move to an integrated solution?

With the right solution, integrated EDI doesn’t have to be painful.

With Clever EDI from Tecman, fully integrated with Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics NAV, you can be starting to take EDI orders in just a few days*!

There’s absolutely no EDI expertise required at your end as we’ll manage it all for you. And once it’s all set up, it’s a cost-effective, monthly fee per trading partner based on the number of transactions processed.

Here are just a few reasons why so many Dynamics 365 Business Central & Dynamics NAV customers start using Clever EDI from Tecman:

1. It dramatically reduces your staff costs.

There’s no need for your staff to spend all their time re-keying in orders. EDI Orders are automatically received, mapped and passed straight through to Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics NAV to create a sales order.

EDI messages such as invoices and Advance Shipment Notifications (ASNs) are created in Dynamics 365 Business Central/Dynamics NAV and automatically sent to the appropriate customer via the same process.

2. It dramatically reduces the costs of fixing the problems manual entry creates

Fed up with the rising costs of issuing credit notes and handling returns for incorrectly shipped items? Starting to worry about the implications of your On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) targets being missed?

If you get rid of the manual entry, you get rid of the errors – and the cost of fixing them. Customers are happier and staff feel proud of a job done well, what’s not to love about that?

3. Become more responsive and reliable – even in the face of constant change

With sales orders created automatically in Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics NAV, not only are they accurate but they’re available much faster – leaving you more time to pick, pack and ship accurately and on time.

4. You can officially accept orders from practically anyone.

Our huge list of existing trading partners makes connecting to new retailers, merchants, 3PLs (Third-party logistics companies) and eCommerce marketplaces a piece of cake!

From Amazon, Asda, Argos and Aldi to Waitrose, WH Smith, Wickes, Wilko, Woodies & Zonal plus a whole tonne of other trading partners in between, we’ve got you covered – both here in the UK and further afield.

And not only that, we’re continually keeping the connections up-to-date so they always work for every trading partner and the latest version of Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Our full list of trading partners is available to view here.

5. Integrated EDI is just the start of a more streamlined supply chain

Clever EDI is just one of a series of Clever Dynamics apps (FYI Clever Dynamics is Tecman’s software division) that help drive logistical efficiency from order to destination – and all working as one integrated solution with Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Focused on manufacturing and distribution, we understand a thing or two about the challenges involved in producing and delivering your products. From handheld devices in your warehouse using logic to maximise capacity and pick efficiency to integration with Shipping Agents like DPD, DHL and Royal Mail as well as your own transport – we’ve got the solutions for a smarter supply chain!

6. It’s so much easier than you might think!

It’s easy to become like “a rabbit caught in the headlights” and not know where to start with integrated EDI. Thousands of transactions are involved and almost every trading partner’s requirements and documents are slightly different from the others – despite the supposed industry standards.

But time and time again, our Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV customers are on cloud nine with the ease of implementation and ongoing reliability of Clever EDI.

7. We’re always on hand to help!

In the same way that we support your Dynamics NAV or Dynamics 365 Business Central implementation, we’re here to support you every step of the way with integrated EDI. From dealing directly with your trading partners on your behalf – both for the initial set-up and as trading requirements change – to monitoring the system is running smoothly every day, we essentially become your very own EDI department.

If you want more reliable, responsive and cost-effective order management, make the move to Clever EDI today!

* Exact timeline depends on retailer’s responsiveness.