webMethods is a wonderful integrator. It is, IMHO, a lousy EDI translator.
We are working with Trading Networks as a transport layer. Other sectors within JNJ have also deployed webMethods as an EDI engine although we are still mulling over our options regarding a shift in translator technology. We also have a strict QA regime that most companies don't have, as we have a mix of validated and non-validated (CFR Part 21) systems to deal with. So our work estimates can be viewed as somewhat conservative. (cough) We can usually get a trading partner up and tested in development within a couple of days based on phone tag, emails and exchange of certs, etc. However, we need to repeat our testing through several different layers of webMethods integration to satisfy the CSV requirements, so a trading partner UAT can easily last a few weeks - or more if we run into problems. And if there's a failure at any level, we "drop back" to the previous level and repeat the test until it's successful. Not a pretty sight. :) Also, the tools for reportage within Trading Networks are not as robust as those that I've seen in a traditional translation tool. Neither is it very good at handling large files. We generally fling around files of a few kB in size but we have gusts to 40MB. webMethods has a lot more difficulty with those than it does with the 2K and 3K files. (To be fair, the vast majority - 95% - of our files are under 2K.) >From where I sit, if you're using webMethods because you are being forced to, then I guess the best thing to do is wish you luck. However, if you're doing it because it's AS2 compatible or for some other technology reason, I'd take a good hard look at existing EDI platforms before I plunked down the cash for webMethods. Again, this is MHO, speaking only for myself, $include STD_DISCLAIMER. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 8:04 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [EDI-L] Feedback on webMethods? Hello, We are currently evaluating webMethods software, and I am looking for feedback from experienced users. Specifically, we are considering using Trading Networks (as the gateway – both inbound and outbound), the Modeler, and the webMethods Process Runtime engine. I have been asked to provide my sense of the level of effort to set up a new customer. The business scenario would be a customer sending an inbound flat file that would be mapped into an X12 820 (used as a "canonical" format). I'm being asked for both an approximate estimate of the time required to do the setup and mapping, as well as the level of webMethods expertise required to do it. I realize there are a lot of unknowns in this scenario, but I am interested to hear what you all have experienced with this software. Thank you, [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> You can search right from your browser? It's easy and it's free. See how. http://us.click.yahoo.com/_7bhrC/NGxNAA/yQLSAA/OIFolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> ... Please use the following Message Identifiers as your subject prefix: <SALES>, <JOBS>, <LIST>, <TECH>, <MISC>, <EVENT>, <OFF-TOPIC> Job postings are welcome, but for job postings or requests for work: <JOBS> IS REQUIRED in the subject line as a prefix. Access the list online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L RSS feed is: http://rss.groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L/rss Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
