What is EDI?
EDI stands for “Electronic Data Interchange” and refers to the electronic exchange of standard business transactions between two companies.
Electronic transmission comprises two key functions: Firstly, EDI converts machine-encrypted data into readable documents. Secondly, transmitted business transactions are exchanged in a standardised format in which the structure and arrangement of certain information is always precisely defined.
“Rittal aims to offer customers the procurement route best suited to their needs. As such, you can choose to order by fax, letter, telephone, email, online shop or EDI.”
Optimisation of business processes
Business processes should be fast and free from errors. A high proportion of electronic data worldwide is exchanged via EDI. The automation and simplification of certain procedures can achieve huge potential savings as well as greater flexibility in communications between business partners.
With electronic data interfaces, we offer you an efficient link into our systems.
Data transmission options
Data can be transmitted via various channels depending on the technical options available.
The EDI procedure from a supplier’s viewpoint
Rittal can emulate the following message types (business transactions) for suppliers:
- Orders (ORDERS)
- Order confirmations (ORDRSP)
These types of messages are authorised individually, and it is therefore important to adhere to the preset sequence.
Formats and links
The basic requirement for electronic data exchange is the existence of a uniform message standard both at the customer’s end and at Rittal’s end - conventional EDI or EDIFACT.
Rittal supports the following formats for customer links:
- EDIFACT D96A
- XML IDOC ORDERS05
- Ansi X.12
For supplier links it offers these formats:
- EDIFACT D96A
- XML IDOC ORDERS05
Mapping
The definition and description of formats and fields and programming of the transfer of the sender format into the recipient format is known as mapping. Once a standard has been defined, mapping is negotiated between the partners.
The benefits of EDI at a glance
The following features are available when using EDI:
- No duplication of order data
- Reduce administrative work costs compared with paper documents
- Optimisation of the information exchange between companies
- Enhanced internal sales efficiency by eliminating manual record-keeping
- No data entry errors from manual inputs
- Increased planning and scheduling reliability
- Optimised monitoring of material movements
Procedure
On request, this is how we can establish EDI for your company:
If you are interested in an EDI link, please contact your customer advisor. If appropriate, we will then send you our EDI customer checklist.
Rittal will then make contact with your appointed representative for a detailed technical coordination.
The required coordination of master data will take place at a prearranged time.
Once all the technical issues have been clarified, Rittal will set up EDI access. Test orders will then be run using test data.
Once the test runs have been successfully completed, data exchange goes live at both ends.