Rich, I'm sorry, but have you ever worked with an EDI translator and completed a setup a Trading Partner? If the VAN connectivity is already done, you really don't have to do anything new with the connectivity side. But once you set up your new Trading Partner setup, you will need to make sure you configure (point) to yoru communications setup for Sterling. Since you didn't advise what EDI software you are using, you will need to either review existing setups in yoru system or contact yoru software technical support - that is part of why you/customer pays the 20% yearly maintenance fee (unless the customer has opted not to pay that and then you're on your own).
Yes, if it's a new VAN, FTP or AS2 connection, you will need to both get the paperwork completed with VAN or Service provider AND the end customer. In most cases, the end customer or actual Trading Partner paperwork is handled by your sales team. Once that is completed, then yes, you exchange Specs, do any connectivity testing if new connectivity setup, do your mapping and test with the TP or Service. Gotcha's can be few or many, depending on your level of experience with the software, connectivity type, previous experience with actual testing and trading partner setup. Without knowing more about the specifics, it's very hard to identify the 'gotchas'. The end trading partner, regardless of who they are or what industry, will to establish their own business account with their VAN or Service provider. No you don't need to do anything in that aspect. Now if you are doing a direct connect with the TP, using either AS2 or FTP, there is nothing the TP needs to complete with any outside organization or company. As to how long it takes, there are way too many factors involved with that to identify here. I have completed TP implementation, complete with AS2 testing, within a few days (for a basic 850, 810 & 856 set), yet had another one with a major Pharmacy/retailer take me a year and a half for the same three EDI messages. This was because it took the trading partner weeks to return my emails or calls and when I got to testing, they would identify one error, I would correct, then identify another, repeat, all the while taking weeks again to response between tests. typically or normally it takes somewhere between several days. Also keep in mind, you are probably not going to be working just on one TP setup during this time, so your time will be spread out. Probably best to get out the documentation, review existing TP setups and if necessary call your support for your software. In most cases they are pretty easy to work with, provided you have done your homework and don't need to be helped with every step. If you have not done this before, I would strongly advise you consider getting some training on whatever EDI software you are using. Whatever the cost for the training, it is WELL worth it in terms of time and ease of setup. If you are acting as a consultant to the business, you need to tread very carefully here. The business is paying for your expertise and will usually have the expectation that you know what you are doing when you stepped in the door. Taking too long on any one part of this can bring up significant questions about your own capabilities to get the job done and you may not keep the customer for long. And has been identified by others here, it will cost the company a lot more to have an experience EDI pro come in to 'fix' things after they have been set up wrong. And because companies or staff usually talk to other staff or companies, biting off more than you can chew, so to speak will hurt you in the long run. Thanks, Ken Etter [email protected] ________________________________ From: Rich Silva <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, March 24, 2011 10:59:13 AM Subject: [EDI-L] New VAN? New 3PL? Here’s a good one… When I stepped into this I didn’t have to set up communication with the VAN, in particular, I didn’t have to set up the business relationship. Further simplifying my life was the fact that the existing “VAN” is SPS Commerce, so it’s a “service” (they hate it when they get compared to a VAN). What are the typical steps in setting up a Biz Relationship with a VAN? What are the typical “gotchas”… If the 3PL the client is using does not already have a relationship with the VAN, is there anything I (or the client) can/needs to do to broker setting up that relationship? It seems like it should be straightforward. Fill out forms, agree on cost model. Exchange Qual/IDs. Once the relationship with the VAN is setup, exchange test docs to prove communications to the VAN work and then from the VAN to the 3PL and back… I’m sure I’m over simplifying… And how long should this take? Rich Description: Wizard Clip Art SigRichard Silva Silva Software Services – United States Phone: (310) 387-8364 Email: <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] ü Please consider the environment before printing this email. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ ... 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