change the way business is done, not disrupt it.One of the most valuable ways of providing good communication and project management is to define an EDI coordinator's position. This position should be filled by an individual with strong knowledge of both the business requirements being addressed, and the technical requirements of EDI.A critical step in implementation planning is the testing process. Before users are actually committed to depending on their new EDI function, they must be comfortable that the process actually works reliably, all the time. This must be proven beyond doubt by carefully constructed testing and validation procedures. Since data is being transferred to another trading partner, it will be necessary to assure both internal and external users that correct information is being traded.In any project, it is necessary to know what the true cost of implementation will be, and it is no different with EDI implementations. Some of the costs are obvious, such as hardware and software. The unknown cost factor is training your staff. In conclusion, EDI requires a large number of choices. What are the business objectives? What tools should be used? How large is the intent? Hopefully, the one choice that will be easy to make will be the choice to take the first step with EDI. It is important to reiterate that EDI is only a tool, and if that tool is started without carefully defining objectives, it will not live up to expectations. A key point to remember is when tools are applied to the wrong process; it can complicate a business and frustrate its users. With correctly defined objectives, and a carefully considered plan of execution, it is a tool of great power. EDI will add speed and improve accuracy in any business. Works Cited2 Bridge Software Home page 22 January 2000 *http://www.edi-bridge.com/edi-bridge/Education.html*1 Compaq Corporation. Home page. 21 January 2000 *http://www.compaq.com/corporate/edi/*3 National Ins...
