Wednesday, February 18, 2009

EDI for Microsoft Dynamics GP and EDI for Microsoft Dynamics SL

As a refresher, I am reposting a post I did early last year on our ePortal offering and the features and benefits that it provides for MS Dynamics GP EDI and MS Dynamics SL EDI integration. In the earlier edition it spoke mainly to EDI for MS Dynamics GP but I also want to make everyone aware that eBridge also handles EDI for MS Dynamics SL as well!

The ePortal solution from eBridge Software is a web based product that eliminates the need to manage and maintain the software that is required for EDI. With the ePortal you receive the benefits of having a translator and mapper without the headaches.

ePortal not only takes care of the software that is required for EDI but it allows removes the need for 3rd party communications. ePortal has the ability to connect to any trading partner using the method that is requested by that trading partner. All communication methods are supported, whether the trading partner requires AS2, FTP or VAN communication.

When dealing in the EDI world, communications are always followed by charges to use those forms of communication. ePortal gets rid of all transaction fees, kilo-character charges and interconnect costs while allowing clients to send unlimited transactions for a low annual fee. That annual fee not only includes transactions but it also includes unlimited data storage.

Through ePortal documents can be viewed and printed at anytime from any PC in the world that has internet and web browser access. Not only does logging into ePortal give you the ability to print documents that you receive but it allows provides web forms that allow you to manually create outbound invoices, advance ship notices and purchase orders. The web forms are provided as a back up solution in case of technical issues with MS Dynamics GP or MS Dynamics SL.

eBridge for MS Dynamics GP and MS Dynamics SL is a client application that handles the import and export of the EDI documents to and from MS Dynamics GP or MS Dynamics SL. eBridge is scheduled to monitor ePortal for new EDI documents and, when received, the documents will be transmitted via secure FTP and integrated into MS Dynamics GP or MS Dynamics SL.

The adapters for MS Dynamics GP and MS Dynamics SL follow the same business rules and logic that are included within the ERP. For example, the adapter will verify customers exist, customer balances and terms, products and pricing. Once a document has been imported into MS Dynamics GP or MS Dynamics SL a log file will be emailed stating what occurred.

The bridge will also be scheduled to monitor MS Dynamics GP or MS Dynamics SL for any new invoices or purchase order acknowledgments and send the documents to ePortal to be sent off to the trading partner.

Features Snapshot
· Unlimited transactions
· No transaction fees or kilo-character charges
· Includes all map edits and changes by the trading partner
· Hosted EDI software (document mapper and translator)
· Includes all communication methods (AS2, VAN, FTP, SFTP, ETC)
· Unlimited data storage
· Web forms for creating and sending outbound EDI documents when needed

If you would like more information on EDI integration for MS Dynamics GP or EDI integration for MS Dynamics SL please give me a call or send me an email. My contact information is included below.

Sincerely,

Jay

Account Manager

MS Dynamics GP and SL EDI, CRM, SCM and Webstore Integrations
1-800-775-6921 x269
jisaak@ebridgesoft.com
www.ebridgesoft.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Trading Partner Series: EDI Integration for Kroger

For this installment of the Trading Partner Series we will be looking at Kroger and Kroger’s EDI requirements. Kroger provides a public website that explains the requirements of Kroger in great detail. The website is appropriately called Kroger EDI. This site covers all of the stores that fall under the Kroger, Peyton’s and Fred Meyer Food Group including Quality Food Center, Food 4 Less, Fry’s and City Market.

On the left hand menu there is a link for mapping. This link will provide you with all of the Kroger implementation guides that your EDI provider will require to create the mapping that is needed for EDI integration. The great thing about our ePortal solution is that we only need to create the mappings once. After the mappings have been completed they are made available to all our customers. You will notice on the site that some of the documents are repeated and you will see UCS beside one of those repeated docs. The UCS denotes that this mapping schema is for grocery (produce, meat, etc). Make sure you choose the correct document for your situation.

Another great feature of the Kroger EDI site is the DUNS Listing. Kroger provides you with numerous spreadsheets with all of their DUNS codes for the ship-to and bill-to locations based on the documents that you are sending and receiving.

The final thing I will touch on in this edition of the Trading Partner Series is the EDI contact list for Kroger. We are constantly asked by customers and prospects who they should call at XYZ company in regards to the EDI. Kroger lays it out for you on thier site and even breaks the contacts down based on what you might be looking for. This is always a great site to have bookmarked if you deal with Kroger.

If there are any trading partners that you would like to see focused on feel free to leave a comment for me.


Jay