|
 |
|
 |
DataTrans Dispatch |
|
| October, 2006 |
Volume 3, Number 3 |
|
| In This Issue |
|
|
|
| Demo's and other links |
|
|
|
| Contact Us |
|
|
| For Your Information |
DataTrans Solutions has experience in creating EDI interfaces between many different applications and the EDI process. If you have an ERP or an
Accounting system and you need to tie the EDI process into your application, contact DataTrans for a free consulting session and recommendations on the best solution for your situation
|
|
|
WebEDI 2.0 Update
We are very excited about the next version of DataTrans’ web-based EDI system, WebEDI. DataTrans is preparing to launch the latest version of the system that has made EDI affordable and convenient for all companies. We are currently working on putting the final touches on WebEDI version 2.0, which is due to be released before year end.
This version includes some major improvements over the current WebEDI version. These improvements include a cosmetic makeover which will give WebEDI a more intuitive and familiar email-like appearance. In addition, there will be some major functional improvements and enhancements to WebEDI. Here is a brief overview of just some of the great new enhancements that will be in WebEDI 2.0:
- Greater Integration Capabilities:
The latest version of WebEDI will allow users to integrate into Peachtree and QuickBooks Pro. It will also give WebEDI users import and export capabilities using CSV file formats.
- Better Document Management:
WebEDI 2.0 creates logical associations between documents so that the user can quickly determine the status of responses of incoming documents.
- Greater Document Defaulting:
With WebEDI 2.0 you will have greater ability to default static values in web forms.
- Administration/ multi-user management:
The new version allows a WebEDI administrator to setup additional WebEDI user accounts and control the access to what capabilities users have.
- ASN auto-pack:
One of the new features in this latest version, gives the user the ability to automatically generate packs for ASN’s based on data in the WebEDI catalog. This is a real time saver for higher volume WebEDI users.
Many other features will be included in this major upgrade to the existing DataTrans WebEDI system. Best of all the base upgrade to 2.0 will not cost existing DataTrans WebEDI customers anything. There will be an extra fee associated with certain add-on capabilities, such as the integration to accounting systems. Expect to see more from DataTrans on the release of WebEDI 2.0 as we approach the release date at year end 2006. If you would like a preview of WebEDI 2.0, please contact DataTrans sales for a demo.
To find out more click here or e-mail us for a free consultation at info@datatrans-inc.com.
|
Supported ERP and Accounting Systems
Over the years DataTrans has implemented EDI to integrate with a variety of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and accounting systems. This integration process provides for a seamless integrated EDI environment for our customers.
DataTrans Hosted EDI (integrated) service gives our customers the advantage of having a technology partner that is very knowledgeable in the process of integrating into many different applications. We have preconfigured mapping models which allow for a more efficient and straight forward approach to integrating the EDI process into internal business processes and applications.
As the following diagram illustrates, there are several parties involved in the EDI exchange. This is a typical example of a retailer ordering products from a supplier. The Retailer generates PO EDI messages (X12 850) through their internal EDI system. This is sent through a data communications link to DataTrans. DataTrans will utilize its maps and translation process to convert the data to a PO that the DataTrans’ customers (Supplier in this example) can then import into their Accounting or ERP system. The reverse process occurs for outbound messages (such as Invoices) going back to the Retailer. The key advantage of EDI comes with the integration into internal applications.
Over the years, DataTrans has developed experience and expertise in integrating into a variety of Accounting, ERP or other internal systems. Some of the applications that we have integrated to include:
- QuickBooks Pro
- Peachtree
- ChemPax
- Mas 90/200
- Great Plains
- SSA/Baan
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly Microsoft Navision)
- Vantage (Epicor)
- SAP
- Exact Macola
- Southware
- E21
- DBA Software
- Insight Distribution Software
- MAARS
DataTrans has also implemented integrated EDI solutions with numerous proprietary internal systems as well. Regardless of whether the system is proprietary or an established commercial software system, this integrated link can be established with the EDI tools DataTrans has available. The only requirement is that the integrated application must have the ability to import and export files in a consistent format.
DataTrans differs from many other EDI companies in its integration philosophy in that we map to and from our customer’s internal applications requirements. Many other EDI companies map to and from a flat file that they specify. This process requires the customer to "re-map" this standard flat file to a format that their application can then import and export. This process requires "double mapping" and DataTrans believes that this results in an increase in the chance of errors and it is inconvenient to the customer. Thus, we avoid this practice.
Our Hosted EDI solutions gives our customers the convenience of a fully integrated EDI solution without the requirement of having to buy EDI software and hire IT staff to run the EDI process. Contact us for more information on Hosted EDI and our integration capabilities (800-469-0877 Select Option 1).
|
Mapping Tips
If you use Delta, you know that it is a powerful mapping and data transformation tool which will allow you to convert data from any format to any format. This flexibility and power gives the user almost endless possibilities to translate and integrate into backend systems. The capabilities of Delta include comprehensive database interaction via ODBC. You can have either your source model or target model consist of database tables. You can also interact with the database from within a standard map such as an EDI to flat file map. Of course, Delta also does an excellent job in supporting XML and other data formats in the mapping process.
We thought it would be a good idea to share some of the mapping concepts our EDI Analysts have used in our internal mapping work. This may give you ideas on how to maximize the use, and benefit from, Delta. Therefore, here are a few mapping tips we have compiled for your review.
Variable Substitutions:
Have you ever been in a situation when mapping to a high level element in your target BOM (Business Object Model), but and one or two values are not available at the time? Delta’s variable substitution can help address this issue. Basically what you do is to tell Delta the mapped value will be resolved (substituted by its real value) later in the map. For example, by assigning DTM02 = $(var_ship_date) you are telling Delta that DTM02 points to the variable var_ship_date; and that it will be resolved later in the map. At the end of the map execution, Delta will resolve the substitution, resulting in the value in var_ship_date to be stored into DTM02. A way to force the substitution to take place at a determined time instead of waiting for the map to finish, is to use the EvalSubs("var_ship_date") function. Variable substitutions only work on a parent-child situation; it will not work on sibling nodes.
Store data links as variables:
Delta gives you the ability to store all your data links used in the map in a variable at the top of the map. When using database call functions (like DBLookup), you can establish these as variables instead of the string calling the data link. This allows you to quickly change the data link variable at the beginning of the map instead of searching the map to change all the data links you used in the map. A good example is if you are using a database test environment, lets call it ‘my-dl-test’, and a production database environment called ‘my-dl-production’. By using a variable all you have to do is change the variable string to your production environment. Thus, you do not have to worry about making sure all the database functions in the map are calling the appropriate database environment.
Example:
Var_dl = ‘my-dl-test’
DBLookup(Var_dl,"TABLE","RETURN COLUMN","COND COLUMN","COND VALUE")
Overriding Default ISA and GS level values in EDI output:
Delta and Trading Partner Manager are set up to automatically generate the appropriate EDI envelop information based on the set up in Trading Partner Manager. However, some trading partners use multiple ISA and/or GS ids to trade EDI messages. Trading Partner Manager will only allow for one production and one test id to be used for a given Trading Partner. Rather than creating a new trading partner entry for each id (which could cause conflict with the control numbers sent to a particular trading partner.), the ISA and GS level values can be changed within a particular map. This is done through a simple process. Just insert a new rule and set one of the desired interchange and/or group element to the value or expression desired. The following is a list of envelope variable names available.
| Variable Name
|
Description
|
ANSI X12 Equivalent
|
EDIFACT Equivalent
|
|
_isa_auth_qual
|
Authorization Information Qualifier
|
ISA01
|
N/A
|
|
_isa_auth_id
|
Authorization Information
|
ISA02
|
UNB:0032
|
|
_isa_security_qual
|
Security Information Qualifier
|
ISA03
|
UNB:S005:0025
|
|
_isa_security_id
|
Security Information
|
ISA04
|
UNB:S005:0022
|
|
_isa_sender_qual
|
Sender Qualifier
|
ISA05
|
UNB:S002:0007
|
|
_isa_sender_id
|
Sender ID
|
ISA06
|
UNB:S002:0004
|
|
_isa_receiver_qual
|
Receiver Qualifier
|
ISA07
|
UNB:S003:0007
|
|
_isa_receiver_id
|
Receiver ID
|
ISA08
|
UNB:S003:0010
|
|
_isa_date
|
Interchange Date
|
ISA09
|
UNB:S004:0017
|
|
_isa_time
|
Interchange Time
|
ISA10
|
UNB:S004:0019
|
|
_isa_standard
|
Interchange Standards Identifier
|
ISA11
|
UNB:S001:0001
|
|
_isa_version
|
Interchange Version
|
ISA12
|
UNB:S002:0002
|
|
_isa_control
|
Interchange Control Number
|
ISA13
|
UNB:0020
|
|
_isa_ack
|
Acknowledgment Request
|
ISA14
|
UNB:0031
|
|
_isa_test
|
Test Indicator
|
ISA15
|
UNB:0035
|
|
_unb_app_ref
|
Application Reference
|
N/A
|
UNB:0026
|
|
_unb_priority
|
Processing Priority Code
|
N/A
|
UNB:0029
|
|
_unb_test
|
Test Indicator
|
N/A
|
UNB:0035
|
|
_gs_sender_qual
|
Sender Qualifier
|
N/A
|
UNG:S006:0007
|
|
_gs_sender_id
|
Sender ID
|
GS02
|
UNG:S006:0040
|
|
_gs_receiver_qual
|
Receiver Qualifier
|
N/A
|
UNG:S007:0007
|
|
_gs_receiver_id
|
Receiver ID
|
GS03
|
UNG:S007:0044
|
|
_gs_date
|
Functional Group Date
|
GS04
|
UNG:S004:0017
|
|
_gs_time
|
Functional Group Time
|
GS05
|
UNG:S004:0019
|
|
_gs_control
|
Functional Group Control Number
|
GS06
|
UNG:0048
|
|
_gs_std
|
Functional Group Standards Identifier
|
GS07
|
UNG:0051
|
|
_gs_version
|
Functional Group Version
|
GS08
|
UNG:S008:0052
|
|
_set_control
|
Transaction Set Control Number
|
ST02
|
UNH:0062
|
We hope this helps in addressing some of your EDI needs. Of course, we would also love to hear from you if you have some tips you would like to share. Good luck with your mapping.
Contact DataTrans for more information: e-mail: or call 800-469-0877 ext. 105.
|
|
|
DataTrans Solutions, Inc.
25325 Borough Park Dr. Suite 100
The Woodlands, TX 77380
|
|
