Electronic data interchange (EDI) consultants assist business owners with creating and implementing strategies for a paperless flow of information, both internal and external to their business environment.

EDI consulting services typically act as a one-stop-shop for their clients. EDI strategies can include creation of new networks or integration into existing networks, data co-hosting, fax-to-EDI/EDI-to-fax, et cetera. When comparing EDI consulting firms or seeking EDI advice, keep the following in mind:

1. Does the EDI Consulting firm or do the EDI experts offer a wide variety of solutions?

2. Does the firm offer EDI migration services?

3. Does the EDI consulting provider offer global data synchronization or other global services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain EDI consulting services through a one-stop EDI consulting company

Besides strategies for the creation of new networks or integration into existing networks, service offerings can include risk assessment, EDI mapping, custom programming, in-house and nationwide networking and non-EDI services.

I recommend: Compare electronic data interchange service offerings at EDI Specialists and EDI Masters. Please note that both EDI consulting companies also provide clients with expert EDI mapping consultants.

Choose EDI consulting firms that offer EDI migration services

EDI migration services involve the complex transition from one EDI solution and/or EDI service provider to another EDI solution or provider. Businesses with large inventories or retail establishments typically benefit the most from these services as EDI migration can streamline trade through the creation of faster invoicing, barcode and product catalog solutions, make training of employees or staff easier and negate stress by guaranteeing EDI compliance with trading partner certifications.

I recommend: Choose Data Masons Software or Axiom Systems for all of your EDI migration needs. Data Masons Software offers the Vantage Point EDI solution for all of your EDI migrations needs. Axiom Systems specializes in a complete client solution that can meet their clients' data warehouse and reporting needs.

Hire EDI consultants that specialize in global data synchronization

Retailers, suppliers and e-commerce business owners seeking global solutions benefit greatly from global data synchronization (GDS). GDS provides business owners with a set standard of data that includes descriptions, images and certifications that match those used by their trading partners.

I recommend: Review GDS solutions offered by GXS, Inc. and Inovis, Inc. They guarantee that their clients can not only trade across geographic barriers, but can share a single language in their trade.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always consider the size of your business along with short-term and long-term business goals when reviewing the service offerings of electronic data interchange consultants. 'Enterprise solutions' typically refer to large scale or large corporate solution needs, 'PC-Based solutions' typically refer to small to medium sized business solutions and 'Web-Based solutions' typically refer to global exchanges or smaller document or data exchanges with larger companies.