Streamline your steel sourcing with EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
Purchasing steel and working with SSAB should be easy. By using EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) we can establish a seamless way of working together using digital transactions. Find more information in the EDI Handbook and please contact us if you want to know more, or wish to establish an EDI connection together with us.
What is EDI:
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents, set in a standard electronic format between business partners. EDI replaces postal mail, fax and email.
By moving from a paper-based exchange of business document to one that is electronic, businesses enjoy major benefits such as reduced cost, increased processing speed, less errors and improved relationships with business partners.
Computer to computer
While email might seem similar to EDI, the main difference is that the documents exchanged via email must be handled by people rather than computers. Having people involved in the process slows down the processing of the documents and increases risks of errors. With EDI, documents can flow straight through to the appropriate application on the receiver’s end and processing can begin immediately.
Exchange documents
The most common documents exchanged via EDI are forecasts, purchase orders, invoices and dispatch advices. However, other paperwork such as bills of ladings, customs documents, inventory documents, shipping status documents and payment documents can be transferred using EDI.
Standard format
Since computers interact using the same data language, a standard format must be used in order to make the documents readable and understandable for the computers involved. Without a standardformat, there would be a risk of each company sending documents using their company-specific format, resulting in the computer system on the receiver’s end not being able to translate the document or get the message across.
There are several EDI standards in use today, which needs to be taken into consideration when two businesses decide to exchange EDI documents. Both parts must agree on the specific EDI standardand version, to ensure that nothing gets lost in translation.
Advantages with EDI
Better data quality
Automatic process, no manual data inputs and easy to troubleshoot
Environmentally friendly
Paperless (since strictly digital), lower CO2 emissions
Improved data security
Invoices and orders are sent in a secure environment
Higher business efficiency
Employees can focus on other value adding tasks
Lower operating costs
No printing or postage and much less administration
Faster business cycle
Transactions done in a few minutes, no manual work needed
Customer handbook
In order for you as a customer to understand the requirements and the way we execute EDI connections, a handbook has been made to guide you through the process. In the handbook, you will find all necessary information and support needed during the EDI connection project.
We will of course be there and ensure a successful connection setup together with you, but the handbook is a handy tool that guides you throughout the entire project.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)