Re: Web-based EDI

[rsedc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (David Chia)]

> We expect further introductions/announcements THIS WEEK from GEIS on this....
> but a problem remains, why would I use this (as a SME).... only if the hub
> makes me do it?   It's another FAX machine approach; no integration with MY
> applications?

Many of those SME who are not yet using EDI most probably feel that
the likely EDI traffic will not be high enough to justify the
high initial costs plus the extra training required. They will
most probably avoid dealing with any company using EDI.
The EDI web server approach reduce this initial obstacle
and it also allow them to cost the EDI usage on a per job basis.
The SMEs have the choice of a) totally ignore it, b) use entirely
email based EDI systems, or c) try the EDI web server based system.

The output from the EDI web server could be a flat file in
plain text, Excel or any other formats.

> Also, why would I buy a Web-to-EDI server for inside use?  Why not map from
> the forms to my database, intermediate database, or to my applications if my
> philosophy allows that?  There may be a case for slip-streaming EDI in with
> other EDI, but it is primarily appropriate from a service perspective.

If the input process is already so strealined without human interaction,
then there might be no need for a EDI web server. However if you want
to be the hub that make it easier your subcontractors, just like what
Chrysler is exploring now, you will consider the alternatives.

If the system requires human interactions, then it can be important that
it has the same front end with many of the other packages. The EDI web
server most probably already have the interface modules to databases
and the same modules can be used to generate reports and presentations.
The web server can be a very good tool for disseminating information
inside or outside the company. Web database is only a small part
of the business for Oracle but apparently they considered web browsers
and web enabled database servers to be important part of their overall
strategy.

Technically there are areas where http is better than smtp and vice versa.

> In addition, note that telemarketing companies usually do NOT use EDI to send
> the orders through to their clients.... they generally use (guess what)
> proprietary formats designed with the client in mind.  Something about
> competitive advantage..... hummmmm.  The ideal and the real world in
> conflict.....

EDI is designed for bulk data transfer between different systems.
It is not in the charter of this group to suggest modification
to the EDI standards.



David Chia,
RMIT University